The Villages, Is the Trump white power video media BS or reality, High Schools in 55+ and more! 

Thank you Rusty for addressing the Trump golf cart parade incident. I've had to explain to my Friends who called me about what they saw on television, that there are many people living here of all races and religious backgrounds that are enjoying The Villages lifestyle in peace and happiness. They were worried that I wasn't safe here and I had to laugh and let them know that I was fine. I have made Friends with people of all different races and political expressions. It doesn't matter to me what they believe in or are for as long they don't turn to physical violence to show it. Rusty that's exactly how I saw that inciident. He was provoked to say "White Power" to answer back at the question. "Where's your white hood?" because he was probably insulted by the question. People should be allowed to parade and show support for whomever they want. I had to explain to my Friends that this was a very small incident and not an example of the majority of the people that live here. There! I've said my piece! Meanwhile I'm enjoying the lifestyle very much! 😎🌴 Going on 7 years. ❤

Conservatives, like myself, just want to conserve for the grand-kiddos the goodness of America that we’ve enjoyed. I can’t imagine, if things keep “progressing,” where America will be in 20 years.

I am for diversity but not stupidity which the woman personifies when she was talking about Black Lives Matter and insulting Trump so I am just hoping there are not many of her type.

Rusty, you are right on this clip that made national news! When I saw this, I told my wife we are never moving into the Villages. I would never want my children or grandchildren to feel unwelcomed coming to visit us in the Villages!

Rusty I'm Peter and my mom, Domenica, here in North Palm Beach. We've watched nearly all your videos. I used to be in the biz and think you're a consummate professional. Mom just sold condo and moving to villages. We drove up to take a look and Mom had a good time at Sawgrass and looking at some rentals. If you know of any better ways to get rental deals, as we want her not just buy without truly finding her dream area. You're amazing dude! Love from Pete and my beautiful 86 year old Italian mom. ❤❤

Thanks for addressing the elephant in the room and letting folks decide for themselves who they think created the confrontation. The reality is there are strong feelings on both sides of the political isle and their will always be a very small amount of loud mouthed blithering so and so’s spouting hateful rhetoric from both sides. The vast majority of retired folks are civil minded and just trying to live their senior lives in a safe and enjoyable manner and I think the Village population demonstrates this more than any other place.

THANK YOU, Rusty, for sharing what REALLY happened with the parade. There are always 2 sides to every story but sadly, the media likes to share what stirs the pot. We do not live at TV, yet so it's nice to get the inside scoop. We appreciate you "tackling" what is a really touchy subject. GOOD JOB!!

I’m glad you brought up politics. I have friends, who don’t live here, who think it’s a very political place. In the year and a half that we have been here, we haven’t found that most people even bring politics up. There are a few people that I’m aware of their opinions, but really, it’s very rarely brought up. We are here to live and enjoy life. A lot of the negative things in our world are not a part of life here. We are not naïve, but we prefer to focus on living a full life and having fun. There’s a time and place for politics. In addition, I have never heard anything racist here. We have people of different races, people who are from other countries and religions. We love them all! Life is too short! Thanks, Rusty! ❤

PS Between us (I know it's not LoL) I'm worried about being different and living in the community. 50s and hoping being who I am is totally safe there. Thanks Buddy.

I have owned a home in the villages since September 2021. I have met many wonderful people. So far, no one has brought up politics. We talk about activities and our grandkids.

Rusty, as always love your videos. Especially this one. Well done on tackling the Trump hornet nest. Your analysis that this is largely perpetrated by the national media is spot on. So many people have unfairly judged the Villages solely by what they are shown or told by the national media. With that said, I certainly would like to see more videos by you and other RU-vidrs, addressing these and other misconceptions. Instead of shying away from these controversial topics, I think it’s better to attack them head like you did in this video. Well done.

Thanks for the context around that white power incident. I saw it on the news and was surprised. Been coming to TV since 1996 when my.parents moved here. I moved down Dec 2020. One of the things I appreciate in this community is how patriotic everyone is. A welcome change from Maryland where I had lived for 30 yrs.

Good job on the Trump Parade. Our neighborhood is so diverse [racially, politically and sexually] but some people have their minds made up.

You handled a very touchy subject really well! :)

One of the reasons I enjoy living in the Villages is nobody talks politics, at least in my experience. We are here to make new friends and have fun.

What a fun video. Putting people's actions in context. What a great idea! Being Hispanic, I don't get the whole diversity thing. People in the villages treat everyone well, no matter where they are from or what color their skin is.

Great job on such a sensitive topic Rusty. I think you hit it right on the head with your take on it. Love the videos

Rusty, spot on! We visited The Villages in May 2022. Loved it, looking forward to becoming a villager in the next few years. We felt very comfortable there and didn’t experience any of the nonsense some have referred to. We’ll keep watching😊

Great work! Thanks Rusty. The Villages is a wonderful place for anyone. No matter who you are, everyone smiles back.

I’m 58 and retiring next year. I already own a place in South Carolina for my retirement but am thinking about the Villages, however, I have a 6 year old. Would he be allowed to live with me?

It's to bad TV isn't a 'true gated' community, then these residents wouldn't have been harassed by the outsiders and the lady from CT. They clearly were there to cause trouble and should have been removed or arrested for causing a disturbance. Does TV have a on sight police dept or it comes from the county off site?

Great video Rusty! Thanks for dispelling that nasty rumor, I wish people would do their own investigations when they hear outrageous things like that instead of believing it as gospel.

This is a sad reality we live in today! Friends for more than 50 years no longer on speaking terms. We need a better form of journalism! You’re brave tackling this subject Rusty! I tell my friends a quote from Mark Twain;”Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience. We are looking to live in the villages soon! I love it there!

Are you an artist? I couldn't help but notice your paintings and collection of prints! I'm a watercolor artist and would love to find a like-minded group (if I'm ever able to move down there from south GA). Great video, by the way! I don't watch ANY mainstream media...it's all a bunch of BS and propaganda! Quite frankly, I would have stepped HARD on the pedal if that woman got in the way of MY golf cart. How obnoxious she was...ugh.

I live in Martin county Fla , I think as an American tax paying law abiding citizen being patriotic and loving your country , having a parade is showing respect and pride support for the land of the free home of the brave ! She’s just a Never Trumper ! As a Floridian we don’t mind you moving here , just remember why you left your blue state in the first place !

Rusty, thanks for the unbiased explanation of the cart event and the media coverage. I plan on retiring this year and moving on down with my wife to the Friendliest Home Town. Also, your videos that explain things like bonds and taxes, are invaluable.

I don’t understand why in our free country people get in other peoples face just because they disagree with their politics.

Thank you Rusty for taking on a tough subject. When I have visited The Villages, 99% of the people have been welcoming and helpful and are living there to enjoy their retirement years not to cause confrontation.. I will be visiting The Villages again in February. Fingers crossed I will be retiring at the end of next year, and The Villages is still definitely on my short list of places to move to once I retire.

Hi Rusty, thanks for all your videos. I hope we get to see the golf cart purchase video soon. As far as politics goes, I was worried about the political climate because the media does report it as being quite one-sided. But when we came down for our Lifestyle visit in December, we talked to a lot of people and everyone was really friendly and no one talked about politics. We had heard the Daily Sun was one-sided, but I didn't find it to be very political either way, most of what they print was about activities in The Villages. We had heard the radio station plays Fox News, but they actually only play the actual news at the top of the hour, not the opinion side, and the radio station was playing good music from the 70's and 80's, nothing political. We spent a week there. Lots of wonderful people, lots of good music, food, and lots of fun. Politics did not come into play. We had a blast. Best wishes for a great 2023!

Well put Rusty ! it was interesting to see the background on those earlier pieces , before the media cut them down. And lol- we’ve been here full time 15 months already and only have 5 punches on our Mystic card . Guess we need to stop slacking and catch up with you guys 😂

Excellent job on a difficult topic Rusty, thank you. This is a topic that is both complex and very simple. I have no dog in the fight either way, so I offer the following observations: People on both sides get their news via what they consider to be "trusted" sources, and they believe that what they are being presented with is "the truth". They are all wrong. As you have shown (and as you know from your filmmaking career), minutes or even hours of footage can be edited down to an emotionally charged few second clip. Media on both sides do this on a daily basis to present the narrative they want to perpetuate, and they get caught doing it all the time. Without being shown what happened before and after, the audience has no real context, and has been robbed of "the truth". The media has become little more than a propaganda machine, promoting whichever candidate best aligns with their political/financial interests, and bashing "the other guy" at every opportunity. Just look at "The Twitter Files" that Elon Musk has released so far (more to come!) - the amount of interference, information suppression, and blatant censorship that has taken place over the last few years regarding politics, COVID-19, etc. is truly disgusting. Numerous so-called "conspiracy theories" have been proven to be 100% true, which is an extremely sad state of affairs. The media wants to keep people fighting each other, so that they don't notice what all of the politicians and money men behind the scenes are really doing - a form of the classic Roman "bread and circuses" distraction. Regarding what was shown in the brief clips (again, I do not belong to/support either of the two main political parties), my first thought is that woman is most likely suffering from some form of mental illness (TDS, perhaps?). Countless liberal white people were duped into giving many millions of dollars to BLM (Buy Large Mansions), so she may be upset at that fact as well. She is foaming at the mouth and behaving irrationally/borderline violently, simply because some retired folks like a politician that she does not. Really think about that for a minute, then consider this - if she and her foul-mouthed, antagonistic friends had not shown up, desperately trying to provoke people, would the gentleman in his golf cart have yelled "WHITE POWER!"? Of course not. Bystanders would have simply seen a common occurrence in the villages - a bunch of happy, older folks riding their golf carts around. They most likely would have met up afterwards for drinks and a meal, then went home . . . the end. This incident fueled all of the ignorant, smooth-brained trolls (none of whom have ever set foot in The Villages) who keep parroting the same tired stereotype (I'm sure you've had to deal with many of them) - "Nothing but a buncha old, white, racist Trumpers!". This has been debunked many times by people like yourself who actually live there, and can speak to the exact day-to-day occurrences there. Both short-term and long-term residents all have stated many times that no one pushes their personal political beliefs on anyone else, regardless of which side they support. The golf cart parade shown was not a voter registration rally, where they were trying to force everyone to sign up for Trump. During the St. Patrick's Day parade, do people from England scream obscenities at those in the golf carts? You see how silly all of this really is. Regarding the uninformed claims of racism, it's really quite simple. Watch the numerous videos that Jerry and Linda (The Villages Florida Newcomers on RU-vid) have done where they ask residents various questions, such as "Have you felt welcomed to The Villages", "Do you feel comfortable in The Villages", etc. Many who answer are Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Pacific Islander. All of them stated that they felt more welcomed and comfortable in The Villages than anywhere else they had ever lived. If these people had experienced even the slightest hint of racism during their initial visit(s), they would have never moved there permanently. How about that - the place that's supposedly the most racist community on earth turns out to be the least. The cognitive dissonance is off the charts with certain people regarding that fact. Sadly, there are people out there who absolutely despise the fact that there is a community where people are happy, polite, friendly, helpful, caring, giving, charitable, extremely patriotic/love America, and put the words of Martin Luther King into practice on a daily basis - everyone there is judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. Once-beautiful cities like Portland, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and many others have been turned into filthy, crumbling war zones, and groups like antifa are loving it. Thankfully, none of these groups have been able to infiltrate The Villages to spread like a disease, and I'm sure that bothers them greatly. Certain groups have stated publicly that their goal is to destroy America from the inside, so that it can be rebuilt into some kind of socialist/communist/marxist utopia. They literally have a playbook, and they are following it to the letter - one of the main pillars is to create and sustain class/race warfare - to keep us all fighting each other. Words like Democrat, Republican, Black, White, etc. are just that, words, which are designed to separate us. To all of those who state "I would never have reacted that way", you have never been in that exact situation, so you don't know for sure. I'll bet if that gentleman was interviewed just before leaving his home for the parade, he would have also stated that he would never yell "WHITE POWER!", no matter how much he was provoked. The oxygen thieves who love to call The Villages "The Bubble" may actually have a point. My sweetie and I have lived in a very different kind of bubble for decades, one full of racism, classism, violence, hatred of America/Patriotism/the Flag/Military/Law Enforcement, terrible leadership, a fatally flawed version of the justice system, drug abuse and all of the assorted crimes that brings, etc., and we can't wait to move to The Villages type of bubble. I doubt that this comment will make it past Rusty's filters, but that's o.k. If he's the only one to see it, hopefully he will get something out of it.

Journalism in America, not just the Villages is a mess. I've reached the point where I get most of my news from France24, DW, etc. I figure an accumulation of their perspectives will help. It's just sad, you know.

Great video Rusty. Regarding the High School. So do the families and people working at the villages live in their own Village? Do the families and children have access to all the amenities? That wasn't very clear.

Great Work... Florida really is a sink hole... if you watch the News. Be Well, Stay Safe, Enjoy... Live and let live. Even the Gators or Crocs???

Very well explained Rusty. My experience as a Canadian in my second winter in The Villages, is exactly as you state.

Props to the Developer for setting up the Villages Charter School for the K through 12 students. When the new school campus opens this fall in Middleton, those kids will be getting a state of the art educational facility. The floor plans for the homes to be constructed in Middleton are available on line.

Having a high school makes sense because the Villages hires plenty of people under 55. It's a great charter school and definitely helps with recruiting workers.

Thanks, again, for another great video. I cannot wait to get to the Villages. As to the Trump incident, you were very objective which is appreciated. I am very active in Republican politics here in Ohio and did a lot of work on Trump's 2016 campaign. Also part of a TEA party and we were a plaintiff against the IRS as it took us 2 years to get our tax exempt status. So I am knee deep in this stuff. I love a good debate with anyone, but always with respect and dignity. Moreover, there's a time and place to discuss politics and a time and place to NOT discuss politics. I think most people understand that.

We love the spirit of excellence that The Villages does and the Village of Middleton is continuing to do that so well. Quality needs more quality‼️We are supremely happy here! We so look forward to up your informative weekly videos and learn so much!!

"The Media" always blame the media for Florida's ignorance.

I appreciate what you’re trying to do here, but I know I’d never resort to shouting “w**** p****” no matter what someone was calling me. As a resident of only 3 months, I love it here, but I don’t love the political overtones that seem to be spread throughout many villages. Regardless of the stance, the neighborhoods should be a neutral zone. Not looking forward to the upcoming campaigning or elections, that’s for sure.

Thank you for your videos, Rusty! I agree with you 110%. I do not live in The Villages yet, but I have visited numerous times. The Villages truly is one of the most inclusive places I have ever been. Keep up the great work!

I’m both a 55+ villager and a teacher at our school. I’m always deeply impressed with the broad sense of community that permeates across all ages. There is truly a lovely community and family mindset that I’ve never seen in the numerous other states I’ve lived in over the years ❤

Yes -- the Charter School idea was/is BRILLIANT.

Thanks for the update on Mistic ice cream.

I loved the Trump parade! Yeah!

Thank you for addressing that in a rational and logical manner, Rusty. Much appreciated. 🙌

Hi Rusty, we’ve been watching you since you first decided to come down. Subscribed early and liked all your videos, including this one! Loved your video, even not knowing if you are R or D. Who cares? I am a USAF Veteran, Lackland AFB 1975. We retired here at The Villages for the Lifestyle! Over 3000+ clubs, who has time to worry about who does what! Maybe you need to UPGRADE to a StreetRod! There’s a Club for that too! I’m also a member of The Villages Photography Club, would love if you would attend as a Guest or Speaker! Would love to learn anything from you. Great people, lots of activities and very friendly!You make great videos and look forward to MORE! Thank you!

What a great show! Thank you so much for addressing that situation as well.

Thanks for answering my question Rusty.

Are these ppl residents of the Village or outside?

I’m glad I watched and listened! Yes the wrong image was projected by the media. Makes me feel better about perhaps visiting for a month this winter. I gotta check it out!

Well done, Rusty.

Thank you so much for sharing the background on this situation. I thought you did a very good job of explaining what happened and showing enough video to give us an idea of the furor of the moment. I think everyone's words can speak for himself/herself.

Wow no matter what angle you look at this from its not a shining moment for the Village’s my opinion

Wow! I do appreciate hearing the expanded context of the parade. Seeing the small clip on the national news really diminished my desire to move to the Villages. But still, a lot of poor behavior on display.

I remember when this happened and just assumed the guy was a racist and showing his true colors. I didn't think much more about it. I never really stopped to investigate what led up to him saying that and put it in to context what he said. Like a lot of people I only saw what the media wanted me to see. I am sure the guy probably regrets saying it. I know I have said many things in anger before that I shouldn't have. I just now tried to find a full or longer video of the incident and it is just about impossible to find it. You can only find snippets of the video and articles about how Trump retweeted the video. Again, what the news media wants you to believe. I am no Trump supporter and I would not have been in that parade, but I would not have been on the sidewalk shouting at the people in carts and cursing them like that foul mouthed woman was. I would have just found somewhere else to go for a bit and let them have their parade.

Can I work on my 22ft Searay220 boat in my driveway or backyard?

Rusty, thanks for putting the video into perspective. The news clips are very selective to push their narratives.

thank you for sharing.

Thanks Rusty - always love your balanced perspective and “generous” clarification. Nicely done!

I have two dogs (shitzu). Can we live in the Villages?

I don't care how the guy was "provoked" but I'm sorry it's wrong to say "white power" in any context.

Thanks for the great video Rusty. My husband and I are exploring purchasing a home in The Villages and I am heading down at the end of this month to check it out. Your videos have been a great source of information!

Hi Rusty, I liked your home inspector video. How common is it for buyers to get a home inspection on a new construction purchase? Additionally, is it true that The Villages are limiting selections/paint colors for new homes? Thanks as always! Jill

The hubby and I had rented a house through AIRBNB, in The Villages for the week between Christmas and New Years Eve. Southwest Airlines had other plans for us, and we lost that trip & money. Going forward, should we do a Lifestyle Stay or rent again through AIRBNB? Which would give us the real feel of life in The Villages? Thanks and I enjoy your videos.

I didn’t support Trump, never would, but it is so unfair how they painted the villages. It wasn’t at all fair. Just more silly beliefs you all have to deal with now

Love your videos!- Excellent!!!

Thanks Rusty, you did a great job responding to a very difficult subject, well done. On a lighter note do you recall which model Bob & Liz’s home is. It’s just beautiful 🤩

Great Video Rusty. We love it here! Hope to run into you sometime when you come back down! Thanks for your great presentation! Very well done!

An interesting video. If some people are celebrating Donald Trump's birthday, that's fine, they have that right, but I won't be there. Case closed.

Are you ok? We miss your videos.

can you give reliable statistics on how many people of color and LGBT people live there? It definitely seems to be a conservative, white community.

You performed more wardrobe changes than Beyonce in a halftime show…Cheers and Best Wishes!

Thank you for sharing Rusty.

Rusty, great meeting you at the Santa parade. Please, please do a video about your flying experience. Thank you.

I love NY.

Hi Rusty. Always enjoy your videos. 😊

Does the Village’s have small condos New ? I only need 1,000 sq. ft. , Thank you! Keep up the good work 👍🙏

Poor behavior all the way around. We were all told to respect our elders when we were young, but I am ashamed of many of my elders. I work with a man who said his mother was always pretty classy and social and kind. He is a Republican but he said Fox News has turned his sweet mother into a rage machine. Live and let live. I do think it was in poor taste to parade around with those flags, but the best thing to do is ignore it. The woman was completely out of line.

The Human infrastructure here is awesome and keeps it all running!

I like Trump and I’m black so who care who anyone likes

Thank you for your fair and accurate review! I'm not sure every village is REQUIRED to have an idiot, but most do.

😢I give you credit for taking the challenge to bring this topic up! Not sure I’ve ever seen so many people, on whatever side, blow their horns when they in reality have no true understanding of politics or Our government ..not just in the Villages by the way. As far as the “WP” comment ..personally I don’t feel like he was being sarcastic. Looked a little serious to me -I know I would never blurt that out no matter how much I was being harassed …and he was being harassed. But that’s just my take. Love your content!

Anti-Trump possessors who SCREAM such BS are laughable. Trump has a daughter, son in-law and their grandchildren are Jewish. Also that woman complaining about lack of diversity obviously didn't do her homework about the community she moved into. Do such people really go out of their way to live miserably?

Great video Rusty I enjoyed it. I really don’t talk much about politics at all but all the other stuff I really enjoyed. Hope to meet you someday.

Great video as usual!

Hi Rusty, My father in law wants to rent an apartment in the villages. I understand that there are not that many and that there may be complications in renting. Could you do a video on the apartment rentals? Thanks!

Oh Rusty.....I think your analysis is a teensy bit naive...a Pollyanna outlook is charming but an indulgence most of us cannot afford.

Another good video Rusty. BTW, me and Mr. Elf enjoyed our gift certificate to McGrady's last night and had a lovely dinner. 👍

Hey Rusty, The wife and I are moving back to Florida and are looking at the Villages. The Villages seem like a lot of fun. Its really a shame you have to make a video explaining how out of context the media has become and the media rumor mills generated about the community. But thanks for clearing this up. Hope to meet you when we come to visit.

Hi Rusty, I rarely comment on RU-vid videos so you must be special. Lol. Just for another perspective on the make up of your audience. I just turned 55 this month. I could never afford to live in the villages one my government pension. I love in Illinois and have been lucky enough to have breakfast in the Spanish village (?) a few times in the past and that's my limited exposure to The Villages.. I love my golf cart and that's what brought me to your channel by lucky circumstances. Just an everyday golf cart loving American

Bravo Rusty!

Tough subject but I think you did well. The full sequnce puts the full picture. Too much of the problem is not listening on both sides of the issue. TV dose appear to be more on the conservative side, that doesn't mean racist and no heart.

People and their politics. 😊

Great video !❤

Thanks for addressing the political issues and how they get blown out of proportion 🇺🇸

Rusty, I just don't see how what he said is defensible. When we get angry things that are part of our thought process come out. Human nature. (BTW, the woman yelling "F" Trump is also problematic.)

I'm a political moderate so take this comment for what it is worth. The major take away from this video that I have is that you are attempting to make excuses for people who are making poor choices with their words/actions. Maybe as an older white guy your opinion about this situation isn't as important as others and you aren't the best person to address this controversy. Here is a question: Do you think these political golf cart parades have a net positive or negative effect on the villages?

Sheesh, Rusty, next you're gonna tell us the loofah thing is a hoax! 😉