There is a great deal at stake here. we do not know for sure that 2012 is lost, but it probably could be at this point. I do not know what pressures will be placed on the US delegation to change or modify their voting, but rude, nasty and threatening comments only serve to instigate a deeper split between these factions. My concern is that this selection of events might push the IOC to push for the removal of sailing from the games after 2012. Now, one of the reasons that there is so much support for the keel boat class around the world is simply the number of high profile sailors that compete in that class. The Star class does draw some of the biggest names in sailing to compete and it is the view of many MNA's, ISAF officials and others in the industry that this drives greater exposure for the sport. Paul Cayard, Dennis Conner, John Bertrand, Colin Beashel, Buddy Melges, Lowell North to name a few. Is this the correct way to decide Olympic Classes? Some think it is. At the 2007 Ronstan A-Cat Worlds there were quite a few prominent sailors from many different classes, 505's, DN Iceboats, I-14's, Maxi-cats, V40's and about 10 other classes before getting into the many multihull classes represented. There were 16 Olympic medals and over 50 World, National or continental championships competing at the event. Bring that level of competitor over to a multihull Olympic class and maybe there would be greater support. Please do not interpret this the wrong way, the Tornado class has always attracted top level sailors including the likes of Paul Elvestrom. We need to generate excitement, enthusiasm, good will and public support. we need to play cleanly and develop strong relationships to help support this fight. Can we get beyond the anger, the name calling and begin a constructive effort to get this new vote to happen?