[TheForge] Blacksmithing and ABANA

[Andy Vida]

Phlip wrote:

> Well, I'll tell you what- at the rate they're going, the membership's going
> to be down to the people wrangling, and all the blacksmiths are going to be
> off elsewhere, pounding metal.
> 
> It'll be a shame, but that kinda thing happens to people who can't keep
> their priorities straight.

	Well, I have to say that this is all pretty amazing to me,
	but serves as something of anecdotal proof of the old saw
	about politics arising any time you put more than one person
	into a room.

	I have a hard time believeng that some of those quotes are
	genuine.  Not saying they aren't, just that it's difficult
	to imagine actual adults speaking and behaving in such a
	manner.  And some of the quotes seem to suggest the possiblility
	that criminal acts may have been committed, which would
	go a long way toward providing a motive for wanting the
	truth hidden from public scrutiny.  I am specifically referring
	to the quote of Lou Mueller regarding bids for the Ring.
	I may be wrong, but I believe bid fixing and the "wiring"
	of publicly bid contracts constitutes a form of fraud, which
	is a pretty serious no-no.  Even if it isn't a crime, it is
	definitely unethical and would merit the derision and ire of 
	the membership, at the very least.

	If there is evidence to suggest that some real hanky panky
	went on, why not turn it all over to either a state or the
	US attorney general and let them have a look at it?  I mean,
	if you want to play hard ball, then play it all the way and
	don't pussy-foot around.  Otherwise, drop it.

	Just a thought.