[at-l] This 'n that.....

[readyhiker@yahoo.com (Sanne aka Ready)]

I concur with Baltimore Jack's and Mara's descriptions of what 
occurred at the Gathering.  Further, I applaud BJ for his response 
to Warren's affrontery. (I'd forgotten that it was BJ who had done 
that -- and asI recollect, he hissed loudly first [got everyone's 
attention] and then fiercely sneered, "Shame!" in such an effective 
way that it is hard for me to believe that anyone had any doubts 
as to his sincerity.) Bravo.

	Per Mara (snipped)
	>> For anyone [new] it would have made me 
	extremely uncomfortable.....  I would hope ...[they'd] 
	realize that the majority of the people in that room 
	were just as uncomfortable and .... [that Warren's 
	diatribe] was not...appropriate or representative by 
	anyone but Warren.  >>

My  view on this is that it was patently obvious to e veryone present that the 
vast majority of the attendees were uncomfortable and dare I say, outraged?, 
by his behavior. There is no doubt in my mind that those present were acutely 
aware that he was NOT representing ALDA  then.  (It may however call into
question just *why* ALDA tolerates his behavior. My guess is that this situation 
will change for the future. It was no surprise to me that Warren was NOT elected 
to be on the ALDA Board of Members at Large when the elections came round. I
wonder if he got *any* votes!?)

	Mara also suggested: (snipped)
	>While ALDHA may have traditionally given Warren 
	the podium because of his historical connection with 
	ALDHA, I think that time is now past.  Let him run the 
	dance.... [etc], but only when attendance at his events
	is a choice amongst others.>

I'd take this a step further and say he shouldn't be leading the dance, either! 
He had more than a few people upset by his behavior there, too. It was 
supposed to be a *fun* event -- it felt like a militant "do it right, or else" drill 
to some. Sure, it's an "elective" thing to go to the Contra dance, but sheesh, 
one would expect that it would be a carefree and lighthearted event. I know 
if he's gonna lead another, there are many who will opt not to go to it -- 
count *me* in that group!

Well. That was my "initiation" to both the ALDA Gathering and to Warren Doyle.
A respective "thumb UP" and another "thumb DOWN - waaaaay down" 
from me. Fortunately, the good (good people, good place, good vibes, good
schedule, good planning, etc.) by far outweighed the bad. Until Mother Nature's 
Son posed the question (and I later read the overview in the ALDA Newsletter),
I'd completely forgotten about the incident (and Warren).

Ready


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