[TheForge] Tempest in a commode

[Ries Niemi]

I admit it- I am a member of ABANA.

The yearly dues are a good deal for the two magazine subscriptions, 
even if I got nothing else out of it.
But I also think ABANA does a lot of good things- scholarships, 
bringing demonstrators from overseas, and putting on the conferences. 
So I dont mind sending em a few bucks every year, even if I dont agree 
with everything the board does.
But then, I dont agree with everything ANYONE does.

I dont know either George Dixon, or Claire Yellin.
I dont really have an opinion either way on who is right or who is 
wrong.

But, as I tell my kids all the time, it doesnt matter who started it, 
and it doesnt matter who is "RIGHT". If you want it to stop, YOU have 
to stop it, and if you dont, you got nobody to blame but yourself.  My 
kids, who are 10 and 13, seem a little more mature than either of the 
above mentioned.

As far as ABANA politics go, there is a simple rule that applies to all 
politicians-
Did you vote?
If you didnt, you got no excuse to complain.
If you are not a member of ABANA, then what do you care what they do?
If you care enough about all this rigamarole, join, and vote somebody 
new in.
It seems as if the democratic process is working, and the members voted 
for who they wanted.
There is always a vocal minority in any group that yells "no fair", but 
cant win an election.

I have never noticed any attempts at brainwashing, censorship, or 
political correctness on the forge mailing list.
I dont believe in conspiracy theories, because I have first hand 
experience on how hard it is to keep a secret, and how people love to 
gossip.

think of the ABANA board vs George Dixon struggles as the blacksmith 
version of "american chopper"- entertainment. Dont take it to 
seriously. No crimes have been committed, just a lot of hot air being 
blown around.

And as far as burning a tape goes- how else would a blacksmith destroy 
evidence?

ries