Category: 2024-May

Issue #4: A Neighbor’s Version of Good Neighborly Relations

May 26, 2024

I’ve tried to befriend my backyard neighbors. They know it…and I found they contemned the thought. There always seemed to be something unspoken between us I couldn’t put my finger on. They would give me a perfunctory greeting when we would meet on the community walking path. We’d have a tad of common “weather talk,” and even some political discourse provided I brought it up. How could we not, given the controversial and unpleasant times we’re living in? But touch on the “God stuff” and horse shit doesn’t touch it. You step in the fresh dog and human stuff now.

So, I thought, “Here I go asking for trouble again, getting a little too close for comfort with people who would much prefer to have nothing to do with me, especially if they hold to partisan religious convictions and practice that I have a reputation and public record for not agreeing with. But, I’m going to end the mystery and ask. Why not be open and honest? What evil is there in that? Isn’t it only fair and “neighbor friendly” with the right attitude?

So, as I was mowing my front lawn, I saw Maas and Tinie Brink walking by. I rode my tractor to the Moon River muster point at the bottom of the hill to catch up with them. To start, Maas asked me something about the size of the community cistern. I answered and proceeded to my intended question.

“Folks, we meet up with each other, we’re friendly, but somehow, I feel like we’re not being honest and genuine with each other. Am I wrong? I want to ask, Have Marilyn and I ever said or done anything wrong, anything to offend you? If so, please, tell us. Perhaps we can make it right… Is there anything and if so, what is it?”

In unison, they immediately and energetically responded, seemingly with some surprise, dare I say, even shock: “What? Oh no, not at all! Wherever did you get that idea? There’s nothing at all! Everything’s fine, no problem! Why do you think that?”

I was momentarily taken aback because I didn’t expect such a sudden and strong reaction and denial of what I felt was going on. I knew I hadn’t been open and honest with them for months and years now by not facing what I was feeling and wondering how to resolve it. It had been obvious they wanted to avoid talking personally and openly as I now was.

Tinie seemed the more persistent one, friendlily trying to get to the bottom of this matter. “Tell me, where did you get this idea?! I never thought or felt this,” or words to that effect.

So, in my many experiences with the Dutch, I found they could be no-nonsense people. Frankly, I appreciate that with them. I hate small talk; I like no-nonsense conversation. I have a brother and sister in Christ who manage our organic Harvest Haven farm and store. Martin is reputed for being direct, honest, and bold in speech. To many, it’s refreshing, while to others it’s offensive, especially if the truth hits too close to home. I’m not talking only spiritual, religious, or political matters, but all sorts of subjects.

So, I went only where I knew I should go with Maas and Tinie – the open route, not to be offensive or demeaning but plain and truthful, not hiding anything.

“Well, maybe I’m wrong, after all. It might be just ‘sensitive me’ feeling things that aren’t there. I know that Dutch Reformed people can be more direct.”

“WELL, STOP RIGHT THERE!” blurted Maas, bluntly, vehemently, and dismissively.

Another unexpected direction and timing from the Brinks. “Wait,” I thought, “did he think I was insulting or faulting him, perhaps for his religious convictions (I wasn’t)?” I wanted to explain but he adamantly would have none of it.

So, I was right? There was something amiss after all?

Maas continued, loud and clear. “LET’S GET THIS STRAIGHT RIGHT NOW, ONCE FOR ALL. I KNOW WHAT YOU’RE ALL ABOUT. I SEE YOUR BULLSHIT ON THE INTERNET AND I WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. DO YOU HEAR ME? NOTHING. YOU’RE A CULT!

“LET’S JUST BE GOOD NEIGHBORS, FRIENDLY, AND LEAVE IT AT THAT, OKAY, YOU UNDERSTAND? KEEP YOUR BULLSHIT TO YOURSELF AND WE’LL JUST GET ALONG FINE.”

Maas walked away and left Tinie a bit stymied, standing between us, seemingly wondering what was going on, looking and calling after him. I stood there saying, “Maas, come back. Let’s talk!” Again, I was taken aback.

“What?” I thought, “First, that was my exact aim – good neighborly relations. Two, immediately and without provocation, he was dramatically proving my lingering suspicion of there being something not right to be a valid one, after all, (oh, the contradiction and irony!), and three, how in Heaven or on earth were we supposed to proceed from here with a ‘friendly, neighborly, but impersonal relationship’?”

Tinie seemed to want to resolve the issue. I repeated my request for Maas to return and reason but he would have none of it. Tinie rejoined Maas, they went their way, and I was forced to go mine, sad, disappointed, disturbed, with my mission of peace unaccomplished.

The record of the conversation is not exact in words but quite accurate in spirit and substance.

Does Maas not realize what happened? It seems he couldn’t care less. I was so right. He so furiously disdained me. What had I done to him that was so wrong, so blameworthy? Or to anyone, that I wasn’t willing to resolve if possible? He certainly had no will to reconcile or understand anything.

But wait, there’s more. Within weeks, I heard “by the grapevine” that Maas was vehemently declaring his version of our event, which was quite different and contrary from mine, accusing me of evil, even crime. And so, I post this so people will hear the other side. Let Maas refute it in public discourse.

It’s often the conquerors in wars that report the histories. Napoleon was to have said that “history is a set of lies agreed upon.” He is so right. But I now declare the Truth, not agreed upon by corrupt men. They will be exposed and fall. True history will be written. The Light of all men will be manifest.

An apology would be nice. One can only hope.

You see, people, here’s what the Moon River Monocle is all about. I’m done with being silent about the gossip, slander, ugly rumors, destructive criticisms, hatred, ignorance, self-righteousness, and false accusations, not only about myself but of everyone else. I’ve avoided confrontation and conflict. That was then and this is now.

I will post more examples of specific incidents and people. My purpose is to expose the works of darkness that people seem so naturally entitled to, not giving a damn about whether those things are true or honest, paying no mind to how they hurt others. I’m relating to Moon River Estates, but it’s the same all over the world.

Let the Truth be spoken.

Victor Hafichuk

Issue #3: And What About the Horses?

May 24, 2024

Don’t get me started (or please do!) on cruelty to animals and their natural rights. Here we have the horse, an intelligent, gregarious, sensitive animal with a natural herding instinct and desire for the company of both two and four-legged kinds. And, except for being visited for a few minutes and fed once or twice a day, at Moon River “Estates” it must suffer solitary confinement pretty much 24/7 from all living things besides occasional gophers, predatory coyotes, and mountain lions.

Not that I equate animals to people in every way as some ignorant and naive do-gooder animal activists. But don’t these poor creatures deserve a fair measure of kindness and consideration? I say we have animal cruelty going on. I don’t say it’s out of deliberate cruelty, I don’t think so, but it is out of carelessness and ignorance, isn’t it?

I felt sorry for the lone horse and promised I’d speak for it. I suspect it understood and even hoped I would keep that promise.

Meanwhile, the offender is a member of good standing as a “horse owner” in a “high society” acreage community with a horse paddock. Who gives a damn about the wretched animal! Not the proud owner, that’s not who. Nor does anyone else, like me, if we don’t speak up.

I’m so sorry I didn’t see this years ago when there were still many paddock renters with horses suffering similar torment. There were once 10 paddocks, not sure how many were fully utilized, and now there are only two in use – or abuse. The rest of the once proud aspiring owners either moved out of Moon River or quit keeping horses.

When lumber values suddenly went through the roof a few years ago and word was out that residents could salvage lumber from vacated paddocks as long as they also cleaned up the garbage and scraps, some people, even those who had nothing to do with the paddocks, came, took the valuables, and “saddled” the Moon River residents with the unfinished mess.

Hugo, were you one of those? It is rumored that you were. I hope not. I’m asking. If you’re being maligned without justification, let’s clear the air and let me exonerate you. You see? This is what I mean. There’s plenty of rumoring, gossip, slander, and backstabbing in Moon River but not one tongue lifted to correct matters openly with honesty and justice. You people know who you are, or should I name names? I’m willing, even if you aren’t.

I’m addressing selfishness and hatred of neighbor (one and the same) here. Hate and threaten me for it. Show your colors God is identifying. I don’t care. Spread more lies and dump criticisms about me and others. It will only prove the justice of my cause, won’t it? Do the right, people. God now requires it of you, and of me to speak up.

I’m ashamed of myself for not paying attention and speaking up years ago, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d feel even worse. But I have learned there’s an appointed time and place for everything. Has that time come at long last?

But now, must I continue to be the community clown, social misfit, “false prophet,” “resident cult,” the “disconnected” one, because I’m just not nice, silent, docile, submissive, conformative, passive, or inoffensive. And to whom? The selfish offenders of the good, to both the irreligious and the acceptable “good and upright church-going folk” blatantly defaming me as a “bullshitter” and blaspheming Jesus Christ? I’ll deal with you too, so help me God.

I’ll declare it. The real reason I’m hated by many is because I have The Lived-Out True Biblical Faith in the True Lord Jesus Christ that others professing faith in Him just don’t have – theirs is religious hand-me-down filthy rags, but not Biblical robes of truth, reality, justice, honesty, humility, and practicality. I expose their hypocrisy. Why? Because I love The Creator of All Things and they don’t. It’s that simple. And I’m prepared to discuss this with anyone and give them the reason for the Hope that is in me.

So, now what?

Moon River Prestigious Horse Paddocks?

Give me a break!

This paddock business is all horse shit. Moon River Estates has the unenviable reputation of amateur animal husbandry, in this case, horses, and knowing very little, at the expense of the animals, the abused plots of land, and the general residents of the hamlet. In past years, well before our present administration’s term, I’ve had M.D. employees openly, though unofficially wonder, “What the hell are those people in Moon River thinking? It’s one thing after another!”

Stephen, I’m sharing this letter with the community, for 3 reasons:

One, to express what I believe needs to be done with the Moon River horse paddocks – forthwith discontinue them;

two, I’m able to express more adequately what a general meeting won’t accommodate sufficiently;

and three, many community members don’t attend the meetings and I think they ought to know some of these things. After all, it’s their business too, in every way. Know it, believe it, like it, or not.

IT IS TIME FOR THE PADDOCKS TO GO.

Now, Stephen, concerning the paddocks. Isn’t it time they were eliminated with irrefutably good reason? Who will speak up if I don’t?

In the next issue, I’ll discuss personal encounters with Moon River people who have offended and spread lies. I once ignored them but now I not only want to, but need to, speak up. People can’t be allowed to go on in their wickedness in God’s sight. He won’t have it. He’ll take no more bullshit from anyone. I’ll say who and how.

By the way, I have tried to not be too religious for the secular and profane who are well-steeped in the “heathen” spirit. I do not wish to offend, but enough is enough. You have no right to elbow God out of the picture. He’s the Creator, don’t you know?

However, it is those with fake Christian professions and credentials that are most offensive to me, and them I must address in Biblical, as well as moral and spiritual terms. Any that despises the mention of God, too bad. I won’t cater to your HEATHEN terminal stance of death and hell anymore. Done. God is in charge, not you, religious or otherwise. You’re all at fault and I’m here to say so and how. Next issue coming soon.

Victor Hafichuk

Issue #2: Straight From the Horse’s Mouth

May 16, 2024

Before continuing with the horse paddock debacle of Moon River, a reminder that the paddocks aren’t the primary focus of the Moon River Monocle. The issue is the selfishness and polite hatred of neighbors prevalent in the world.

I’ve witnessed and suffered the rotten attitudes of several who think they have the social right to do as they please, treat their offenses as though nothing happened, and that neighbors have no right to complain or differ with them.

Adding sin to sin, they think they can justify themselves by pretentious social gestures that have no substance or value, and that such conduct would compensate for their selfish behavior. It is hypocrisy.

If there are things God hates, it’s lying, injustice, slander, and hypocrisy. I will address such cases and won’t stop until justice is satisfied in Heaven and Earth by the record. Some are so used to their unacceptable and unjust way of so-called life they’re barely aware of it. I’ll make known their ways as unacceptable to both man and God. Now for…

Annette Tompkins:

Miriam or anyone else, you can pass this letter on to Annette, seeing I don’t have her public email address and I don’t appear to be welcome on her doorstep, as is widely evident. My experience with her in all of this has been an unpleasant one. She has no business making it a nasty affair, doing to others what she’s been doing. I’ve meant and done her no evil. What was I doing wrong that I should be treated rudely and hated? Was I forced to be the offender by having to speak up when no one else would?

Tell me, anyone, what wrong have I done any of you? Why was Annette upset with me? I knew why. I was doing all path users a favor, and she didn’t appreciate it. After all, she was a horse paddock possessor! How dare I? She proceeded to threaten me to not threaten her. How ironic! I threatened nobody.

I’ll tell you what happened for the record. Weeks earlier, on September 5, I had asked Annette to be considerate of her neighbors and cease letting her horse crap on the community path. As I had asked you, Miriam. Only while you made a promise to deal with your horse and made good on it, I was annoyed when Annette gave me an unexpected array of childish, outrageous arguments and excuses for why she had the right to let her horse shit on the path.

“This path wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for us horse paddock people.” Suggesting we non-horse owners were privileged by the horse owners, she was therefore allowed to do as she pleased. And that we peons (or “poop-ons”) should be thankful to occasionally step in shit, shut up, and enjoy.

But how does that work? Is it true? Is it considerate and respectful to others? Is it fair?

She continued her defense: “They (the walkers) could walk off the path around the dumps.”

Really? Let horses and Annette do as they please and the rest of the community must tolerate her crude, selfish behavior? Says who, the head of the paddock committee? Is that how she likes to be treated?

“What about the dog crap?” she countered.

“That too, Annette. Dog owners are responsible for it on the path; they need to clean up behind them. But we’re dealing with your horse crap right now; that’s the issue,” I returned.

She wouldn’t quit: “Once a horse stops to dump, it can’t move; it stays where it dumps,” she argues.

So, whose fault is that – if true? Who put the horse on the path?

“What about bikes? They’re not supposed to be on the path!” she objected.

True,  but while the path wasn’t meant for bikes, they don’t shit and leave unpleasant messes. Besides, her horse behavior was still the issue for now.

“Be considerate of your neighbors, Annette.”

“If I get off my horse to clean up after it, I can’t get back on,” she excused.

Then keep your horse off the path, which is for people, not horses that don’t need manicured paths. If their tootsies are so tender, shoe them… double, with American, not Chinese, steel! Or come back when done with your ride and clean up!

She just would not quit: “Horse manure breaks down soon, so what’s the problem?” she argued.

Horse manure has remained for months, on or beside the path. Meanwhile, do we stay off the path or follow her instructions until the stuff disappears?

“Consider your neighbors,” I insisted.

Suddenly, she becomes conveniently considerate to her one remaining paddock partner, Miriam, who was waiting patiently for us in her car behind Annette. “I gotta go. We’re holding up traffic,” she dismissively declared, and took off.

What the..? Where are common reason and decency anymore? What am I doing wrong? Will someone please tell me? After all, I’m telling you what you’re doing wrong, aren’t I? Return the favor, please. Shouldn’t my intervention for good be considered a social service and not treated as a criminal offense?

And now, as we pass one another on the road, Annette and Jay won’t so much as look at me. What? Are you two right?

What is it with people? I’m trying to be nice about it even though “taking shit” from them in more ways than one, while they expect me and everyone else to take it. Then, they resent me for not taking it, compelling me to speak up against it. Chutzpah, I’d say.

Truly, Annette, you ought to be thanking me for making you see the decent social light, but no! You’re offended. Amazing, the attitudes of the world. Selfish, hateful, privileged, and thoroughly rude. And they speak against me as though I was a selfish troublemaker.

I can take shit and have taken much, but now I’m tired of it. I’m tired of being a silent coward who sees and hears the wrong but remains silent for fear of social stigma and repercussions. What? Offenders dare to be publicly selfish and obtrusive, and I don’t dare open my mouth against community selfishness and unpleasantries?

Isn’t it time reality had a say? I think so. Isn’t this what the stuff of life and loving neighbor is supposed to be all about, after all? More on that with specific individuals, too. For now…

What about the welfare of the horses? And what is the solution to this situation, which I would categorize as a crisis when it comes right down to decency and honesty?

The next issue coming soon.

Victor Hafichuk

 

Issue #1: Taking Down the Dirty Laundry

May 11, 2024

You’ll see I’ve written a substantial document. I expect some of you’ll be interested in reading it. I doubt many of you will be able to put it down until you’ve red it all. It is important, informative, historical, interesting, challenging, annoying, enlightening, thought-provoking, revealing, useful, and anything but boring.

If somebody doesn’t speak up when evil or foolish things happen, those things will only continue and multiply until corruption overpowers. I don’t think we should allow that to happen. Do you?

Sadly, most people are reticent to speak up, being afraid, lazy, ignorant, and preoccupied with selfish interests so that inevitably, they and their neighbors suffer. In good conscience, I’m not free to let that happen. So, I speak.

Before going on, I have an important question to ask all those who think I’m “airing dirty laundry in public.” Which is preferable to you? To tell the Truth (which is clean, and anything but “dirty”) publicly, or to gossip, murmur, backbite, slander, defame, whisper, and shout out rumors, unproven matters, and lies behind their neighbors’ backs, even to their faces, which is nothing but dirty laundry? Who hangs out dirty laundry anyway?

Though I intend no evil to anyone here, I am being bold to speak the Truth. If you can’t be bothered to read this paper, then don’t. It’s your choice and your problem. Here’s an example of one who’s offended with me, as she replied to a previous letter of mine to the Moon River community:

From: KylaRLambSPN <kylarlambtutt@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 9:59 PM
To: KylaRLambSPN <kylarlambtutt@gmail.com>
Cc: Victor Hafichuk <victor@thepathoftruth.com>
Subject: Re: Moon River Community FB Page

On Jul 19, 2022, at 8:46 PM, KylaRLambSPN <kylarlambtutt@gmail.com> wrote:

“Dude… stop… no one cares. You are extremely disconnected and rude. Excuse us from you rants thank you very much. End of conversation.”

Wow! “Dude,” yet. How original, how “connected.” And “no one cares?” Who says? She? Does she know? What if only one cares, and understands?

Who is this insolent, presumptuous, dismissive quick-speak without knowledge or understanding, and who speaks to elders, both spiritual and physical, people she doesn’t know, as she pleases? Isn’t that a bit foolhardy? Speak of subjects of Proverbs, chapter 1. Your day awaits not far away, Kyla. It’s here.

I’ve never met Kyla, she’s never met me, and I don’t believe either of us cares to meet the other, though I’m willing to meet and reason for good, if possible. Perhaps, you should find another neighborhood, Kyla. I was here first and intend to continue to do it some good, if possible, for the time I have left. How about you?

On the other hand, there was this reply to my same letter from a friendly neighbor:

From: Aaron H <aaron_hashyt@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2022 5:01 PM
To: Victor Hafichuk <victor@thepathoftruth.com>
Subject: Re: Moon River Community FB Page

“Victor, 

Thanks for the read ! 

This country is full of snowflakes.. and the woke is what is wrong with this world. 

Thank you for speaking for freedoms and I appreciate  your strong voice in our community 

Aaron”

Thank you, Aaron. You are right, though you may not appreciate my identifying you as I appreciate your input and encouragement. My conscience before God is clear.

I’m naming names. It’s time “snowflakes” were melted with Antidotal heat born of the Light of Truth, and I’ve found that those appointed to melt them can do so most effectively by identifying them, and themselves, and speaking the Truth, so help me God. To be identified and neutralized, snowflakes must be brought into the Light. Watch them liquefy in the heat. It saves shuffling, and shoveling, too.

It’s evident Canada is fast being flushed down the toilet. And laws are being framed to destroy justice, condemn the innocent, and side with the guilty. Those of us who speak for justice and Truth will inevitably draw fire and pay a price. But they will also have a sure reward awaiting them that will more than compensate for their troubles. Just give it time. Light defeats darkness. Darkness has no right nor power to tell the sun what to do.

Now, on with this message in our neck of the woods to do good. I’ll begin with the horse paddocks and…

Miriam Dekker:

You and I have already talked of the horses and paddocks face-to-face. I write to you and others concerning the paddock situation as decent beings before God and neighbor, which can mutually prosper us in all things if we dare care and be fair.

If you ask by what authority I speak, it’s not by my own or anyone else’s, but God’s. This can be determined by the nature of the laws and principles I present as ordained by God since the beginning of time as delivered by messengers and by the Holy Scriptures, even at the cost of their lives.

As I speak to you, be my friend, and not my enemy. After all, I come as your friend. I’ve met you in person and you’ve earned my respect. I’d like to repay you for your willingness to be understanding and cooperative – this is not flattery to get my way; I mean it. One day, you said to me, “See, Victor, I’ve cleared away the horse manure from the path as you’ve asked.”  I much appreciated the attitude and response.

I present more information and perspective now concerning the paddocks that have occurred to me for our collective good. If you receive what I say, you’ll profit and be thankful. If not, we can be sadly disappointed. This is no threat, just the Inviolable Laws and Divine Ways expressed from above by which things work universally, some of which I’ve been fortunate and blessed to learn in my lifetime.

I come speaking somehow feeling that I’m addressing you from your past in the Netherlands and your family and past company. Whatever, no matter. You’ll know.

Stephen Harris has told me you had an agreement with him and the paddocks committee to clear Kush’s paddock free of charge. I assume it was in return for what you could salvage in lumber. Are these things true? If not, correct me – I’ll gladly acknowledge my misunderstanding.

Perhaps, yours was a more noble motive, like a favor to the community, to do it as a free-will service. Which would be an exceptional gesture. Such an example is Richard and Tracy Steeves who freely and generously mowed a community walking path. Other members have also contributed freely in various ways, such as the Grafs, Kronlunds, Dormaars, Jacobs, Brinks, Coxes, Van de Merwes, Hilliards, Rene Barendregt, Harrises, and several others. It happens! I include executive members’ spouses because, after all, they pay the price with their partners one way or the other.

On the other hand, we have those who use free contributions and voluntary services of their fellow community members but don’t lift a finger to help out, things like annually blowing out Aqua Luna sprinkler lines and maintaining the system. I was one of those taking and not giving, and now I’m ashamed of having been so selfish. I’m thankful others step in to help when needed or desired. I could name a few but I won’t; no need; everyone knows who they are.

Miriam, don’t let appearances deceive us to your detriment. It appears you took the valuable portion of the Kush paddock like the barnwood, and left the scrap for your neighbors to clean up. Stephen gave me to understand he assumed that the one they had the agreement with – he named no names, would understand it was their responsibility to clean the entire site properly for the value of materials gained. He said, “I would have thought they would have naturally understood,” (words to that effect). It didn’t happen; the good is gone and the mess remains to vex.

I’m assuming Steve didn’t think there was any need for such a stipulation. He realized he fell short of overseeing the duty without a clear understanding.

To be fair, I should ask you, “Did you not understand what was required of you as he told me?” Or did you think you could simply walk away with the good stuff and leave the scrap for the paddock people or even the rest of the MR Community to clean up without compensation? Would that be fair?

Is this how they deal with neighbors in Holland? I know they do, as they do everywhere in the world. I know the EU is down the sewer much in every way – socially, legally, economically, politically, religiously, and spiritually, with the US and Canada speeding swiftly in pursuit, if not outpacing it.

We are at the end. People, tragically, a lethal, unavoidable firestorm is hitting and hitting hard, determined from above, and it is inescapable unless we turn from our sin. Oh, yes, that dreaded word! With this MR paddock situation, it surely seems I’m proverbially “arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic” but I feel intent on addressing these social matters for whatever reason.

Call me small-minded, religious, self-righteous, petty, whatever. “For who has despised the day of small things?” declare the Scriptures – Zechariah 4:10.

No, not religion! There’s that dratted Book of Truth again; dammit! Well, there’s the problem right there, isn’t it! As Raymond Huppee said in so many words in response to my post and which I failed to retrieve before they were deleted from the MR Community FB page, “Religion is nice but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.” This fellow has also objected in the past to the Light shining.

Regardless, Stephen declared the unfinished paddock cleanup was his fault for poor supervision and declared he would take care of it.

Stephen, are you committed or will you fail again through reluctance to “rock the boat” and offend? Laws are made for good to prevent the bad and promote order and benefit. Laws are meant to be made and implemented. Otherwise, there’s no use for making laws. Ignoring laws only makes a mockery of them. Those in charge fail their neighbors when they don’t follow through. Is that what you’ve done? 

Stephen had called me about all this because just the day before, Annette Tompkins had likely complained to him that I had asked her about the mess and what was being done about it. I tried talking to Annette nicely but it seems it wasn’t taken that way.

Instead, Annette was offended with me. No need to be. Not my fault. When I inquired about dealing with the Kush paddock situation at the June 29, 2022 AGM meeting, she and Yvonne Graf assured everyone that it “was taken care of.” So, I dropped it. Was it taken care of? Obviously, not.

At long last, and the community not being informed what was happening, I inquired again in December 2023, 1½ years later. Am I impatient? And who better to ask than the one I was told was the chair of the paddock committee, Annette Tompkins? I asked and she abruptly, rudely said it was no longer her, but your, responsibility, Miriam. Not very nice about it at all.

I said, “Annette, don’t walk away from me. You needn’t be rude about this.”

Her reply was a defiant, combative comeback, “Or else what?!”

I had to walk away. Later, she would falsely accuse me of threatening her. Wasn’t she the one threatening me?

Y’all, Steve, Miriam, Annette, and others, you ought to know that complications and troubles arise at every level and turn when people don’t follow up on responsibility and justice, because afraid to rock the social boat, being selfish and not give a damn, whether the matter be considered big or small. What happened to “getting honest,” “loving your neighbor,” “playing fair,” “give and it will be given to you,” and “being considerate, helpful, thoughtful, responsible, and nice, for real”?

Miriam, Stephen called the day after Annette’s call and asked me to leave it to him. I said I was willing to do so until I believed him when he said it was all his fault. He’s partly right, but I also see how you allegedly may have got him into trouble and let the community down. 

Am I accurate here or unfair to you? Are you willing to make things right? I think you have it in you, judging by the attitude I experienced with you. I hope you prove me right.

I appreciated the way you were willing to deal with the manure on the walking path, although it was only understandable that you should do so. That was not the attitude and example Annette displayed. And seeing she was stubborn, nasty, and disrespectful about it, she’s not getting off so easily now. As one sows, one reaps, multiplied. I will relate the surprising conversation I had with her later.

Miriam, I’m asking you to address the Kush paddock mess and not expect Stephen and a group of volunteers to do it. I think it’s your responsibility according to your alleged agreement with him and others. I’m hoping he’ll understand.

If you find people who are willing to help you, fine; good for them. That’s their business and yours.

Am I “telling you what to do?” No, I’m asking you to do the right thing. There is a difference.

True, there are more important matters facing us these days, but serious troubles begin with the small ones such as these and grow from there. If we don’t learn to be trusted and responsible for smaller matters, how can we be entrusted with greater ones? So, shouldn’t I show a concern for injustice and irresponsibility in my community? Is this not every tax-paying community member’s right, duty, and business? Or is it too late in these days for that? It is late, very late, to be sure.

I’m here to teach right and wrong to the end, as an earnest, hopefully well-meaning, voluntary, conscientious contributor. The need is there and somebody needs to do it. Who else but those knowing the Truth and are willing to speak it? I speak of true and serious matters.

(Stephen, you are wrong when you say it’s not my job.)

Besides, the paddock situation is much bigger and more serious than many Moon River citizens may realize. More on this later along with a proposal to be seriously considered and implemented. It’s time the MR community dealt with it after years of incompetent management, community frustration for a small privileged minority, and financial and social losses for all. Let’s be clear, I’m not blaming the MD – we at Moon River “Estates” must own it.

But before we discuss the final solution for the paddock dilemma, I’d like to discuss an evident example of the need for that final solution. It will be in the next issue.

Victor Hafichuk