Dan book warning! (yes i am a long poster too, maybe we need an essay contest Barry!)

I've talked with so many over the last weeks and one thing I can say comes from these many conversations is that there is definitely a common thread, we know there is a decline, there has been for the past several years and some of us are trying to step up and help figure it out. Nothing happens overnight. Everyone has an opinion on what needs to be done in so many areas of this great club, some also have NO IDEA or even think there is any problem, some are simply afraid of what change may bring.

I appreciate the passion and urgency Jerry V. expresses, I also understand after so many conversations how some feel about his departure from the club, I for one was just discovering the club around that time and don't fully understand what went down with who back then and the politics of it all and quite frankly don't really care much about past club drama. I consider Jerry and many other club members friends, too many to mention. If my claiming Jerry as a friend costs me anyone's vote for VP, well then, so be it but that would be weird as Jerry is not running for any office. I also don't consider the board positions of the club as a popularity contest or matter of "seniority" either, I consider it an honor and a vote of confidence in the future of this club. This election should reflect where its membership hopes and desires it to go in the future. If there is one thing that is inarguable it is that we cant change the past no matter how hard we try. The leadership of the club in the recent years has led us to where we are, no matter who you support that should be a key factor in a decision of where to cast your vote.

All in all I am not making campaign statements here as much as I am trying to express the same sentiments as Barry in regard to negative campaigning and statements from the membership about the character of other members and who they do or do not support. I did not like all the name calling in the last election cycle and I wont participate in it now. We all know how we felt listening to some of the comments last time complete with name calling, threats and even doxing of folks personal information and life events that some had no idea of the circumstances surrounding them. It was completely HORRIBLE and to see some of those folks now in the rear view mirror is relieving. Our club needs positive social vibes and responsible management not name calling and character assassinations.

Some things I know for sure:

I want to be in this great club.

I want to be in a club with others that want to be here and see it thrive and survive.

I believe this club can overcome it's current issues and be better organized and run.

I believe wholly in ignoring the negative Nancy's in the club as I believe if the club is grown and run well we will thrive.

I believe everyone should feel welcome and appreciated.

I believe Barry is a positive influence and good administrator for the club who can use some help and not just have to take it all on. (Yes Barry, I too have tried the I'll just do it myself routine, it only works for a while).

I believe in asking for help and holding those who offer or accept tasks fully accountable.

Remember we cant change where we've been we can only consider where we've been in planning where we're going!

Like what I told Thunder Snow Joe, it's free to be nice and costly to be mean. Pointing out the errors we've made in the past isn't always criticism, sometimes it is a road map to the future. It's the defeatists who coined the term "It is what it is". Change is necessary to an ever changing audience.