Re: Jose Izquierdo's latest: Art Moore is an unfortunate and innocent victim
of a political mess to which he did not contribute. He deserves better. So do
nearly all the other members of the proposed slate. But if Jose thinks that
Moore's nomination was unrelated to the decision to nominate James Rassmann to
the position of Executive V.P. and that Rassman's nomination does not reek of
conflict of interest that has done the AOS great harm, then he is suffering
from invincible ignorance (which may well be the case). The mess was caused not
so much by the failure to elevate Howard Bronstein, taken by itself; rather it
is the combination of that action with the nomination of Rassmann, himself a
member of the Nominating Committee, for the postion of Executive V.P. and
presumably next in line for the presidency, and most especially given the rumors,
be they true or false, that he was the most adamant opponent of nominating
Bronstein and that he has fostered a hope that he will be able to use his
political connections to obtain a substantial grant for the AOS from a foundation.
These rumors may be false, but they are held and are being advanced by some
highly respected and prominent members of the AOS. The situation should have been
anticipated by the Nominating Committee, and it should have scrupulously
avoided any nominations that could give rise to credible charges of conflict of
interest. They failed to do so. Feelings are facts. If Jose thinks no harm is
being done, he should open his eyes and ears -- that is if he is active enough
in the AOS orchid community to be aware of what is going on. (Personally, I had
never heard of him).
I anticipate another bombastic reaction from him but have no intention
of prolonging this discussion. By now I have expressed my views sufficiently
clearly. The future will decide who is right. Will the AOS continue to be forced
to down-size and to face a threat of increasing irrelevancy or will the new
leadership be able to rescue and revive it? I hope the latter will be the
case, but a favorable outcome is facing heavy adverse odds. The failure to date of
all its efforts to obtain any substantial grants or major donations -- and it
certainly has tried hard -- do not give rise to much optimism, and the
present political mess will further handicap it. David Grove
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