On
If my view of the
Director’s Workbook is really “a strong candidate for the most
disturbing post” to the ODV reflector I am puzzled why it took Director Norton 18 days to reach that
conclusion. Equally puzzling is his
suggestion that the simple statement of ones opinion within the confines of the
Board on ODV is an “attempt at browbeating or bullying”. If that is the case,
any and all discussion, debate or exchange of differing views would be improper.
I respectfully suggest
that hiss criticism conflates
majority rule with “groupthink.”
Once an issue has been discussed and decided by the Board, we as
representatives of ARRL are
obligated to support League policy. This is certainly true in dealing with
government officials and even more so when we are trying to persuade Congress to
adopt an ARRL recommended action. Any attempt to distinguish personal opinions
from ARRL policy is bound to be misunderstood so long as the speaker wears a Red
Badge.
Vigorous discussion and debate within the Board is necessary, but once the decision is made expressing opposition outside the board can only undermine ARRL as the national association of amateur radio and representative of its members.
73, Jay, KØQB
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“3) However, this thread
has brought out a strong candidate for the most disturbing post I've ever seen
on the ODV reflector. Vice President Bellows stretch of a clause in the
Director's Workbook to interpret communication to members as being communication
with government is at best unwarranted. His attempt at browbeating or bullying a
director into groupthink is antithetical to my sense of our
purpose.”
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His comment related to
my posting of
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“I am very
troubled that it has become necessary to circulate this memo.
Though
Director's Workbook Section 2.2 is directed at dealings with Federal Government
officials it would appear to be applicable when the actions of Board members are
intended to impact an ARRL Board action intended to change federal
law.
‘2.2
.......
"It is important for the policies of the Board to be communicated to
federal government personnel in a consistent manner, and to present a position
of unity at all times." ‘
If this is
a matter of conscience for the individuals concerned the options are to
support the majority decision or, if they feel compelled to advocate a contrary
position, resign from the Board. “
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