I haven't backed down on anything. As regards a table of organization, I offered several examples as well as the information that the board of directors is already looking into the organizational structure. Publishing a table before they present their findings is likely to be wasted effort.

I have lots of question! One answer is likely to produce several more questions.

My greater goal is to better understand how USS works. Specifically I want USS to be more open and democratic in its proceedings.

I abhor monoplies. To that end I would like to see USS have to compete for its place as the leader of amateur and Olympic sailing in the U.S. I'm willing to spend a small amount of money in that pursuit. But, since that would take an act of Congress I'm not holding my breath.

In the mean time the same problems keep popping up, especially concerning Alter Cup. I'm wondering why this can't be resolved and looking for a solution.

Pete, you're just trolling in the worst internet sense of the word. You wrap yourself in the mantle of the intellectually curious while, in fact, you're the picture of complacency and inaction. You kick the antpile to see what happens, and promptly wander off when you get bored. I don't have any particular problem with that, but let's not pretend you actually give a crap, okay?

Nonsense.

On that, we agree. You're such a different person on the beach. I like that guy.

I'm not going down this road. My interest in USS is legitimate. I want to know why there is so much discontent and work towards resolving it. If you choose to believe otherwise that is your right.

What’s wrong with lettuce?



Assuming this is a legitimate question, and not an attempt at humor that I am missing...

Attention of whom, exactly, and on what topic?

Since October, we have had:

• Two MHC meetings (one of which was the "Annual Meeting" which face-to-face in Annopolis, and was attended by Jack, Gary, and a large number of other US Sailing officials and staff).
• I have sat down with Jack twice, and Liz once. This is in addition to the direct and impromptu (airport, flight, lunch, etc.) meetings in Annapolis, which also included Lee and a number of Board and HOD members.
• I have had countless email and phone discussions and meetings, one of which resulted in the MHC Alter Cup survey.
• We proposed, and the Board approved, a new Chair for the MCC (Alter Cup committee).

We will be having a MHC spring meeting (teleconference), most likely in April.

I am doing everything that I can to bridge the gaps, but I need specific input on what those gaps are. Jack has been asking the whole time as well, which tells me that he is interested in helping us.


Pete, this post was anything but specific enough to be actionable for the MHC (my comments included here):



Mike

Once an organization's character has been established it is all but impossible to change.

Pete out.

I think I see the problem here. You have an axe to grind that is so big, you can neither see nor handle facts pointing to how we are changing.

Pete, you may choose not to believe this, but I value your opinion just like any other member. However, you need to help us to help you.

Continuing to throw non-actionable, rhetorical gems like this up here will not accomplish that.

Mike

Jeez. I started out by asking if this the MHC forum. From there we arrive at ax grinding.

I guess I have my answer.

To be fair, we didn't go from Post 1 to axes without your help.

I've been trying to be as open as possible, because for every complaint, there is usually something to be fixed.

I am struggling to figure out how we can help you.

Mike

You already did. Thanks.

Having fun yet?

Yes. I learned what I needed to know.

I may be way off on this but I think Pete wants more transparency(publically available info to what's happeneing) and his and other member's opinions to count for something tangible. The survey is a great first step and it will be seen whether the opinions stated in the survey are heeded or whether the survey was just a token with no real meaning. Am I right Pete? I feel the same way and am hoping for the best.
I feel that USS has to be accountable for the past and the slate can't just be wiped clean. The respect and loyalty has to be earned and the survey is a great first step ,if it's used.

Spot on.

My job is to focus on improving things for the future of the MHC, and will try to fix as many issues as possible, but we're going forward.

There is nothing that I can do about the past, particularly if you are referring to decisions made by Gary or the Board. You need to contact them directly.

You are all welcome to join me as we move the MHC forward, but please try not to be an anchor...

Mike

Nothing has changed. If you want to know where you're going just look at the last guy that held your post.

There must be a reason that something so elementary as an organizational table is absent from USS. Their website is confusing. Imo, this is crafted to discourage involvement by the membership while pretending to meet the mandate of public service. There is an inner circle at USS which controls the organization and few outsiders are permitted in.

I feel bad for those who invested time and emotion in something that was never theirs and of which they could never have been a part.

Nothing has changed.

I find the website pretty easy to navigate. The little site-map thingy at the bottom of the home page is really handy.

There's a neat little search box at the top, too.

Not conspiracy,just an autocracy that wants to return amateur sailing to the purview of yacht clubs and ignore the rest of its mandated constituency.

Happily, the majority of catamaran sailors don't care.

Actually Pete, this discussion has brought out a lot of positive comments.