[GeoStL] Re: You catch more flies with honey, than vinegar

  • From: "Susan R. Makky" <susan@xxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: geocaching@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Fri, 30 Dec 2005 00:36:08 -0600

-
This is a complicated and unfortunate situation. I do not believe racism, 
in any form, can be stopped by tolerance lectures. Sometimes taking 
something away makes it even more appealing. Forbidden fruit is much more 
tempting than that which lies rotting on the ground.

We do, as a group, however, need to consider some of what Jim has pointed 
out. (Even if you don't like how he did it.)
As geocaching continues to grow as a hobby, a greater mixture of people 
will be participating in SLAGA sponsored events. While a lecture may be a 
bit extreme,  a written or on line statement on event/forum etiquette & 
behavior could be beneficial to all (similar to how the 
peace-sign/Christmas lights issue was addressed.)

Hey, I'm just new here. But let's not let things spiral out of control.

Susan

At 23:23 12/29/2005, you wrote:
>-
>Dear SLAGA members and geocachers who
>read this newsgroup:
>I feel great sadness to have to display this link, but
>it is necessary: http://www.slaga.org/
>
>myotis, Jim Bensman, has decided that SLAGA
>is a racist organization and created a web site
>to proclaim it to the world.  He is attempting to
>bully SLAGA members into sitting through 'tolerance'
>lectures at SLAGA events because he says he has
>been offended by the 'alleged' telling of off-color
>jokes at a SLAGA event.  This somehow makes
>SLAGA responsible for the jokes being told, and
>thus SLAGA is a racist organization.
>
>The association of his personal problem with a
>violation of SLAGA bylaws is ludicrous.  But
>because he won't take responsibility for his own
>problem, he wants else to be - originally SLAGA
>(and now me).
>
>Did he approach the people telling the jokes and
>comment that he was offended? No.  Did he take
>the opportunity to discussion the issue with me,
>as SLAGA President, at the SLAGA Christmas party
>on Dec 3? No.  Did I tell any of the jokes that
>affended him?  No.
>
>Jim pulled this same thing 2 1/2 years ago on the
>geocaching freelist newsgroup and was banned from
>posting.  (Note:  this geocaching freelist newsgroup
>is not under the control of SLAGA.) Now that we have
>new SLAGA officers elected,  Jim is trying the same
>bully tactics all over again.
>
>I even personally offered Jim a public venue to give
>him the chance to let people know who he is and what
>he is about - in a  positive way.  He figuratively spit in
>my face.  As a result, he got nothing. Now it is obvious
>that it is no longer just about racism, but censorship
>and personal attacks on me.
>
>Read the words in between the dashed lines below.  They
>are from Jim Bensman.  They are from an email he sent to
>all the SLAGA officers a few weeks ago. (the capitalization
>is his.)  Based on the web site that Jim has just created, I
>now worry about my personal safety and the safety of my
>loved ones.
>
>=====================================================
>From: "Jim Bensman" jbensman1 @ charter.net
>Sent: Monday, December 05, 2005 3:05 PM
>
>PLEASE DO NOT FORCE ME TO DO THINGS WE WILL
>ALL REGRET ...
>
>I am a professional hell raiser and I know how to go about getting
>publicity, press, filling complaints with agencies, etc.  I DO NOT
>WANT TO DO THIS. PLEASE DO NOT FORCE ME TO.
>=====================================================
>
>When I volunteered to step in at the last minute
>to be SLAGA president, my intention was  to do
>my best to improve the SLAGA organization where it
>needed improvement, so it could continue to grow
>and "enhance the geocaching experience in the local
>communities".  This is obviously a distraction, but it would
>be a shame if we lost our focus.
>
>We can't let one misguided individual spoil geocaching though
>slander and threats.  I ask you all now for your public and
>personal support.  We know SLAGA is not a racist organization.
>Truth will win, in the end.
>
>
>Paul Konopacki
>SLAGA President 2005-2006
>
>P.S.
>* The IP address for www.slaga.org is: 64.202.189.170
>* The domain is registered with: Go Daddy Software, Inc.
>* You can report abuse at: abuse@xxxxxxxxxxx
>
>
>
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