On Friday June 24, 2016 in ODV 29352 Director Norton questioned my June 6th ODV comments regarding board members publicly advocating positions contrary to ARRL Board decisions. His comments and my orignal post are set forth below. 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 Friday June 24, 2016 in ODV 29352 from Director Norton ----------- “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.” ----------- His comment related to my posting of June 6, 2016 in which I stated the following: ----------- “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. “ ---------