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[Bob280]

A few years ago, my aunt came to visit me in New England and said she wanted to go see the USS Constitution (you know, the oldest US Navy ship still in service). When asked why, she told me that she was a "Plank Owner". "how could this be," I asked, "the Constitution is over 200 years old. Well, she told me that in the 20's, the Constitution was in serious trouble and was about to be decommissioned. But, that did not happen, she said. Seems that her and the other young people back then collected their dimes and sent them to Boston to save the Constitution. "And so," she said, "I sent my dimes and now I am a plank owner.

"So What," you say! Well history repeats and now another Constitution is in trouble. Yes, The WBCCI Constitution is running red from all the expenses and abuses the EC7 has rained upon it. It too faces decommissioning. Censorship, charging candidates, obstructing and corrupting the election process: the list goes on.

We must save our beloved Constitution and to do so, I ask every member to spend their dimes, nay, their quarters and call upon every member they know and can contact to do the same. Each and every member must send an e-mail or letter to WBCCI headquarters telling the leadership to STOP obstructing and interfering with the "from the floor Candidates"; to STOP running the budget in the red;  to STOP censoring the websites and tell your friends to vote for the from the floor Candidates. Ask every member you know to ask their friends to do the same. Copy me on those e-mails "bob9581@hughes.net"

We can save our Constitution just like the young people of the 20' did for the USS Constitution. We can put people in office who will work for the Club and not for themselves. We can not fail. The future of our Club is at Stake.

OH! OH! got to go, there is one lantern hanging in the bell tower of
the old church. Got to go to Concord, We're meeting at the bridge.

[Mistral Blue]

Region 9 Members take note.  If in future elections, if leadership candidates coming forward won't declare what they will, or won't do if elected.  If they won't share their beliefs as to how they will restore the WBCCI (these are after all, future international officers you are electing at region), abstain from voting.  Maybe what really needs to be done here, is for entire units to abstain from voting.  If we all want to see this club move forward, there will clearly be times when your region, and this club, will be far better off with an empty slot in your region leadership roster, than the alternative...

Abstaining from voting has the effect of electing whomever the various Nominating Committees (Unit, Region, International) put forth. Perhaps a symbolic "Vote of No Confidence" could be brought forward instead. 

From the http://www.robertsrules.com/ website:
Do abstention votes count?

Answer:
The phrase "abstention votes" is an oxymoron, an abstention being a refusal to vote. To abstain means to refrain from voting, and, as a consequence, there can be no such thing as an "abstention vote."

In the usual situation, where either a majority vote or a two-thirds vote is required, abstentions have absolutely no effect on the outcome of the vote since what is required is either a majority or two thirds of the votes cast. On the other hand, if the vote required is a majority or two thirds of the members present, or a majority or two thirds of the entire membership, an abstention will have the same effect as a "no" vote. Even in such a case, however, an abstention is not a vote. [RONR (10th ed.), p. 387, l. 7-13; p. 388, l. 3-6; p. 390, l. 13-24; see also p.66 of RONR In Brief.]

What is a vote of no confidence?

Answer:
The term "vote of no confidence" is not used or defined anywhere in RONR, and there is no mention of any motion for such a vote. However, this does not mean that an assembly cannot adopt a motion, if it wishes, expressing either its confidence or lack of confidence in any of its officers or subordinate boards or committees. Any such motion would simply be a main motion, and would have no effect other than to express the assembly's views concerning the matter. A vote of "no confidence" does not - as it would in the British Parliament - remove an officer from office.

[65GT]

From: Jerry Larson
Date: Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 5:31 PM
Subject: Re: Garvey for Int. Nominating Committee
Cc: Cindy Reed WBCCI, Tom Collier, Ralph Forrester, Jerry Collins, Carolyn Florence, Barry Heckenswiler, Norm Beu, John Garmhausen (club attorney)

In accordance with Constitution Article XIII Nominating Committee, Section 4 on page 7, the Nominating Committee has until March 1 to submit the names, along with the qualifications, of the nominees. In addition, the WBCCI H/Q sends out an annual letter to WBCCI leaders, Blue Beret Copy Deadlines reminder for each Month's Issue that states for April it is February 15, for May it is March 15, and for June it is April 15. Your submittal of March 2, 2009 for the April 2009 is beyond the necessary deadline date. In addition, the information you provided to Cindy Reed, WBCCI Corporate Manager does not list your qualifications and because of it's political and inappropriate remarks will not be printed in the Blue Beret. This type of a format is the very reason several Members complained on last year's resume, or lack of, privileges that certain individuals exercised. You have a right to how you proceed. However, the Membership majority rules and we must all abide by their rules, until changed.
 
If you do not agree with the "Rules" under which WBCCI Operates called the WBCCI Constitution and Bylaws you have the option of recommending they be changed. As these procedures were developed by the consensus of all the WBCCI Membership, your issue is with them and not the current WBCCI leadership who is also charged with complying with all Membership's requirements.
 
I encourage you to comply and support the Membership's approved processes for recommending changes to the Constitution and ByLaws and conduct yourself with respect for the Membership's approved  WBCCI Creed, especially paragraph 2. printed on page 4 of the Membership Directory and states: "To be ever mindful of what we say or print with respect to its effect on others so as to avoid disharmony and ill feelings among club members and to dedicate ourselves to the work of cementing together the members of WBCCI in bonds of good fellowship and mutual understanding."
 
Jerome (Jerry) Larson
International President
WBCCI, the Airstream RV Association
803 E. Pike Street
P.O. Box 612
Jackson Center, OH 45334

[Mistral Blue]

"In addition, the information you provided to Cindy Reed, WBCCI Corporate Manager does not list your qualifications and because of it's political and inappropriate remarks will not be printed in the Blue Beret."

I don't see it. Where does the Constitution define "political and inappropriate remarks."
Moreover, aren't elected positions political? 

Who decided your remarks were "inappropriate" and shouldn't be uttered? 
 
Perhaps we can be directed to something more substantive.
The Constitution requires that at a minimum the "names of candidates submitted for consideration shall be accompanied by a statement of such candidate qualifications and of their willingness to serve in the office." Nothing in the Constitution prohibits you from telling the membership what you will do, why, or how you will help move this club forward.
 
Here's the Article from our Constitution that Mr. Larson is referring to:

ARTICLE XIII
NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Sec. 1 The Nominating Committee shall consist of three (3) members, the Chairman of which shall be elected by
the Board of Trustees at their first meeting. The other two members shall be elected by the Delegates at
the annual Delegate's meeting.

Sec. 2 The Nominating Committee shall consider the qualifications of all candidates whose names are proposed
by the Club Membership, by the International Board of Trustees and by any member of the Nominating
Committee. The names of candidates submitted for consideration shall be accompanied by a statement of
such candidate qualifications and of their willingness to serve in the office and such statement shall be
received by the Nominating Committee by November 15 in the year preceding the election year. The
Nominating Committee shall meet at least once thereafter. (7/1/86)

Sec. 3 The Nominating Committee shall prepare a slate of officers which shall be presented to the delegates at
their annual meeting.

Sec. 4 The names, along with the qualifications, of the nominees shall be submitted to Headquarters not later than
March 1 of each year for publication in the April issue of the BLUE BERET.

Sec. 5 Additional candidates may be nominated from the floor provided written consent to serve has been given.

[65GT]

Compounded by the fact that I was in contact with Cindy last week and specifically asked if I needed to have that page there by Friday, or would Monday be okay.  I was given the green flag for Monday.

Don't anyone even think of blaming Cindy for this - she's the only saint we have in this club -- but when the BB editor says that Monday is okay...

Come on -- where do you think the IP is pulling all of these objections from?!  Everybody in!!

[Wheel Interested]

Oh yeah and if you can bring a friend to International you may receive a refund.  You know what, if you don't go to International you WILL definitely receive a refund.    Not the way to win friends and influence adversaries, is it?  I am rather speechless.  Avert your eyes, there is someone making a spectacle of themselves...   How's the campaign for new members going?  I bet perspective members are just clamoring to enter into a club that's run like this one.  Let's do a study we can call it "hindsight." and replace 2020.

Still there has to be a way not to let run away leaders change the rules and dictate, it's downright unAmerican.  Every penny given to WBCCI is a vote for leaders such as exist today.  I personally would be ashamed to ask anyone into the club.  It's no wonder they want their trails covered constantly.

Come on -- where do you think the IP is pulling all of these objections from?!  Everybody in!!

I know! I know!! I know this one Leo!!!   

[Mistral Blue]

From: Jerry Larson
Date: Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 5:31 PM
Subject: Re: Garvey for Int. Nominating Committee
Cc: Cindy Reed WBCCI, Tom Collier, Ralph Forrester, Jerry Collins, Carolyn Florence, Barry Heckenswiler, Norm Beu, John Garmhausen (club attorney)

<snip>
 
I encourage you to comply and support the Membership's approved processes for recommending changes to the Constitution and ByLaws and conduct yourself with respect for the Membership's approved  WBCCI Creed, especially paragraph 2. printed on page 4 of the Membership Directory and states: "To be ever mindful of what we say or print with respect to its effect on others so as to avoid disharmony and ill feelings among club members and to dedicate ourselves to the work of cementing together the members of WBCCI in bonds of good fellowship and mutual understanding."
 
Jerome (Jerry) Larson
International President
WBCCI, the Airstream RV Association
803 E. Pike Street
P.O. Box 612
Jackson Center, OH 45334

The above condescending paragraph does not have its roots in Wally's Creed.

What Mr. Larson is referring to is found in the Club's Code of Ethics which was incorporated in 2001, some 40 years AFTER Wally Byam died.

BTW, the Code of Ethics is NOT in the Club's Constitution, contrary to popular belief.
At best, it's an unenforceable preamble to the Constitution. ("Pretty words")

[65GT]

Hey Pat!!

Good for you -- if I thought I could make changes from the outside -- I would have been gone long ago.  As you know, it just can't work that way.  YES, be sure that one of those three $1 units will have a delegate in Madison.  You've got 4CU, which I don't think has pulled off having a Delegate at the International yet, WDCU, which had some issues last year, although I did yield a near unanimous vote (or was it unanimous?), and also think about Heart of Texas Camping Unit, which did have a Delegate in place last year -- the best dressed Delegate in the house!  Artstream, from the forums.  Michael was also a vendor in Bozeman.

So, I think you've got three units to go with -- if you don't have contacts for the, I can get them pretty quickly.

Hey Pat, what are MAL dues this year? 

Thanks for being counted!! 

[catmandu]

I have never seen so many cry babies in all my life!!  I bet after this I will see more!   

[RideAir]

Leo,

I’m not surprised nor should you be that the IP has screwed you once again! Nor is it a surprise the Region 9 Prez pulled out the big stick. One must remember this is not nor has been a thing of “you play by our rules” or you don’t play. It’s a thing, “We decided who we want in the game” (not Leo) then those we want to play with us “Must play by our rules” or we kick them out of the game (ask Bob). I know we all care about this club, Airstream trailers, Wally Byam history, etc… etc… etc…

At some point and time one must ask, “Why do I want to be in a club where the leadership really doesn’t want me here and they think I bring nothing but trouble to the club?” What “value” have you brought to them in “their” eyes? They don’t like your ideas, your views, the way you challenge them, hell man, they don’t like you “period”.

Let’s face it, in some ways the WBCCI is kind of like someone’s backside, it’s made up of a bunch of flesh/muscle (that’s the general membership) that makes up most of it, it takes a beating, gets sore if sat on for too long and could grow large if given the chance. From there you have the hole (that’s most of the IBT) of course we know nothing but a bunch of crap comes out of it. Then every now and again you’ll find hemorrhoids (that’s you, Bob and a few others) which are a pain to that one area (you know where). Like with hemorrhoids, they tried to get rid of you in a couple of ways (with Bob even surgically removing him) but like hemorrhoids, you just keep coming back. And like most with hemorrhoids, they try and deal with you in a different way each time you show up!

So, you have to ask yourself, “Do you “really” want to continue to be a pain in the *ss or just go away never to show up again?” Like a hemorrhoid, if you go away, they will always wonder when you are going to show up again and knowing when you do it will be at the absolute worst time.

I wish you luck my friend!


Paul Waddell
Region 2 VAC Guy
WDCU Past Prez

[Wheel Interested]

Cry baby hemmoroids, wonder what the non-supporters think.     Well Leo, I guess they will never accuse you of doing what you do for the glory.    Anyway for what it's worth your persistence and integrity and that of Bob's and John's and others who support and try to further change as unrewarding an effort that may be at times, have all earned my highest esteem and you have my thanks.

And now you other friends of Job that say just curse the powers that be and die, I need to have a word with you about that...

[65GT]

Gee, thanks for that Paul.  How touching, now I don't know whether to reach for a tissue, or the preparation H.

That had to be the worst analogy I've ever seen.     Thanks bud... 

[65GT]

I have never seen so many cry babies in all my life!!  I bet after this I will see more!   

Oh look!  A Region 9 IP Cronie!  All the way down from near San Antonio!

You know, you don't have to hide.  It's okay, we won't bite.

You better get used to signing with your real name though, they won't let you slide like that over at WBCCI.org/forums, under direct order of the gestapo that pulls all those strings.  It's going to be rank and file over there real soon, so get ready!

Thanks for posting Catmandu -- nice to see an opposing view for once.  Of course, there wasn't any real substance to the post, but hey, maybe next time? 

[RideAir]

Leo,

You know me, always sticking my tounge out at them. I figured at this point in time you needed a good laugh and I thought that would get one out of you. I'd hoped you would cry laughing! You just keep being a pain in their backside, after a while they will understand you are never going away. It is sad they try so hard the do everything they can to shut you up. If they used half of their energy doing a just a little of what many have been yelling for over the past few years, we would not be in the shape we are in at this point. Keep up the good fight, my friend. A new club sounds better all the time.


Paul Waddell
Region 2 VAC Guy
WDCU Past Prez

[PMcLemore]

Bill, and Leo - thanks

Good point about making sure someone is going to attend - so votes can be cast.  Man - what an operation.

What I wish is that there was a way to pay dues to the local units without funding the Officers.  That's another reason I've been sitting on my hands - it seems that paying dues is a vote in favor of club management.

But just how can reform take place when dissent and objection is not permitted?  That the officers have the ability to smackdown alternative viewpoints by using the threat of an "ethics" complaint is entirely an abuse of office.  Nothing ethical about it - just some Orwellian Newspeak for whatever it is you call suppression of your opposition.

Pat