Re: [Harp-L] SPAH 2004 - my final words

[IcemanLE@xxxxxxx]

<<In a message dated 9/1/2004 4:26:14 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
douglas.tate@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
<<<I reason reasonably  against reasonable reason.  The implied criticism 
that 
SPAH had totally failed since you left was not acceptable or accurate.>>>
Politics 101

This is the trouble with being such a Political Minded animal, Douglas. Using 
"implied" and "totally failed" are misrepresentation of the truth, but do 
serve in an attempt to discredit others in a "debate".
<<<one of the first aspects of the convention to be deleted by 
>the new
>post 2000 convention philosophy.

Not deleted... just not repeated.  This was not a policy 
decision.  Strangely enough I cannot find any reference to you suggesting 
it as a part of what we were organising at that time for the Denver 
convention.(ie, the next one)  You will remember that all our meetings were 
on the internet and we therefore have a word for word record of what was 
said. and you were present when we were discussing arrangements up until 
almost Christmas.   That wasn't a stick to beat you with, I was honestly 
surprised as I thought it would have come up when we were discussing 
arrangements for the convention.  I do, however recall that the dance floor 
was not exactly crowded.>>>>
Douglas, while I don't wish to continue the p*ssing contest, the fact that 
you persist with these parting shots (Politics 101) compels me to respond. 

If you were to make these records available, it would prove very interesting 
to those that wanted insight into how the New Philosophy worked, especially 
the "Monarchy" debate - remember the fun with that one?

The Swing Dance, using quality musicians for the concerts, having more 
musicians on site for jams - late night and impromptu days (adding acoustic bass for 
blues jams and the roving accordion player for the older generation as had 
been done in 2000), importance of working with sound crews, .... my goodness, 
the very items that were the source of criticisms about the recent 
convention...., and ways to do it without stretching the budget, as had been developed 
during the Old Philosohpy, were major parts of my discussions with you personally 
one-on-one, in letters, emails, and at meetings. 

Please don't ask for copies - I don't live to play Politics and don't keep 
the extensive files that you do. 

I resigned because your New Philosophy, turning its back on these types of 
quality and away from the old loyal members, disgusted me. 

Ooh, catharsis. It is finally off my chest. I am cured. I feel so much 
better. (My apologies to those that feel that Harp-l is not the format for personal 
issues. I will own up to this one).

But hey, this is just my opinion. I'm sure your New Philosophy will be just 
fine, as time will tell, so you don't have to post long and hard to justify 
yourself. Let the future unfold.

The Iceman

ps - And, btw, the dance floor was crowded with the older members who've 
supported SPAH since the 60's.