It sure is quiet around here

[Ottawa Creek Bill]

If you don't think this is upsetting, why are so many folks resigning/not renewing their memberships....

Wymore,
Since you are one of the people that post here with half truths, innuendos, that have no bases in facts, and since you are so well informed......? Why don't you tell us who those "so many folks resigning/not renewing their memberships" are. Instead of being spoon fed by malcontents and individuals (such as yourself) that don't know the facts, why don't you stand up like a man and speak for yourself?

Bill

[Lone Gunman]

Secondly, I don't approve of holding "super secret" congress meetings and not notifying territorial senators in a timely manner and then kicking them out of their position because they didn't make it.

The minutes of that meeting can be read by clicking here.  Note that of a total of 30 members on the Territorial Congress that 25 were present either in person or by proxy. (Obviously it wasn't a very well kept secret  )  Of the five who were absent: NCOWS was not aware that Mr Caldwell had been replaced so the notice was sent to the wrong address, Mr Garnatz was gravely ill, Mr Carpenter was preoccupied with conducting the FDMR 3day shoot, and both Rollins' resigned of their own volition...they were not kicked out.

[Irish Dave]

As NCOWS' Marshal, I had no intention of responding to the insulting, ranting, baseless commentary being proffered here, but that is simply no longer possible.

Regardless of what some would have you believe, the truth is this:

There exists within our organization a small, but highly vocal, faction who have become disenchanted with NCOWS primarily because it is trying to return to the path of authenticity on which the organization was founded.

As NCOWS' properly elected governing body, the Territorial Congress, voted overwhelmingly to prohibit clearly modern gamer-influenced items and accessories (shotshell slides, short-stroked rifles, the non-authentic Bisley Vaquero, modified firing pins and rifle carriers, etc.) their discontent grew.

Unable to dominate the Congress and have these non-authentic items reinstated, they have instead resorted to a "scorched earth" policy of trying to discredit, humiliate and destroy, if possible, the organization through misinformation, half-truths, and outright fabrications.

The elections have been conducted 100 percent by the book. There are no "secret" meetings, no irregularities, no subterfuge -- save that being practiced by this faction itself.  No Congress members have been "kicked out." And there have been far more false accusations and allegations than these circulated in whispers and shouts by the disgruntled.

NCOWS is a member-driven, non-profit organization -- its business is conducted in the open for all members to see if they care to attend. In the wake of threads such as this, the time for delicacy has expired.

Adolph Hitler himself is quoted as suggesting that "the people will more easily believe a big lie than a small one."

These are lies -- big and small -- and are designed to damage NCOWS to the greatest degree possible. They are advanced by members -- and former members-- mad that they are being democratically outvoted by their peers who are choosing greater authenticity over the gamer mentality and its accordant "arms race."

Apparently unwilling to simply accept these changes, or politely withdraw and find an organization that suits their interests more closely, they instead would try to poison the organization to everyone else, in a childish, mean-spirited and immature attempt at revenge.

It is sad, but it is true -- regardless of how some may attempt to "spin" the facts.

[Black River Smith]

Irish Dave,

People both inside and out of NCOWS needed to hear that from an Exec.


Thank you.

[Wild Ben Raymond]

Ornery Orr, Now see what ya started, so much fer piece & quiet.  WBR

[Dr. Bob]

Marshal Irish Dave,

Very well said!!


WW,

There was no unsuccessful Senate candidate from the 2005 election as there were only 5 candidates for the 5 seats.  As Lone Gunman showed the leagal process was followed exactly as required.

Visitors,

Non Congress members can attend the business meetings of the NCOWS Congress.  I have attended 3 of the last 4.  I have always been allowed to express my views to the Congress during the meeting, as were other visiting members.  No secrets about anything.  The meeting agenda is on the NCOWS web site before the meetings.  Also on the web site is a list of all Congress members and the option to e-mail any or ALL Congress members.  All NCOWS members get to vote for all the Senate positions.  Please visit the NOCWS web site and read the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws if you are not sure who to believe.  NCOWS is a good organization and it is run by it's members.  The current Congress is working to provide all members the kinds of activities that they are interested in.  I hope that after looking us over you will join.

[Terry Lane]

Wymore,
Since you are one of the people that post here with half truths, innuendos, that have no bases in facts, and since you are so well informed......? Why don't you tell us who those "so many folks resigning/not renewing their memberships" are. Instead of being spoon fed by malcontents and individuals (such as yourself) that don't know the facts, why don't you stand up like a man and speak for yourself?

Bill

Bill,
I'm one of those "so many folks" and Holly is another. I have also resigned my positions as newsletter editor, media representative and membership with The Blue River Regulators and I know of at least 13 other "folks" doing the same (various clubs) but would not presume to name them. That's for them to do if they wish.

As to OO, perhaps he, like Holly and myself wish to keep up with some of the news of the clubs we may shoot with from time to time. No membership requirement necessary to attend a shoot. Mine and Holly's home club is now NTR and no NCOWS membership required there, just NRA membership which is a far more important membership in my opinion. Take care.

[Irish Dave]

Terry:

I appreciate your responding in a civil way and sharing your perspective.
I would, however, disagree on one note in particular regarding your defense of OO:

And give the money to those clowns?  NO WAY!

and

Why don't you just go back over to the members area and flap your wings with the rest of the buzzards.

This doesn't sound anything like wishing to "keep up with some of the news of the clubs we may shoot with from time to time" to me.

[Wymore Wrangler]

Dave, would you care to share with us your thoughts on why we needed a unprecedented election, one that could not have been taken care of at a regular scheduled Congress meeting in a month or even by the next regular election?  An e-board member would need to be replaced immediately would be understandable, but a regular Congress member?

[Terry Lane]

Dave,
you're right. I guess I was attributing my own motivation to another. In my own defence however, I did preface with "perhaps". Take care.

[RRio]

Wymore,
Since you are one of the people that post here with half truths, innuendos, that have no bases in facts, and since you are so well informed......? Why don't you tell us who those "so many folks resigning/not renewing their memberships" are. Instead of being spoon fed by malcontents and individuals (such as yourself) that don't know the facts, why don't you stand up like a man and speak for yourself?

Bill

I'm one of 'em, when my membership expires next month.

[Grizzle Bear]

Rawhide Rio;

Okay, would you please be kind enough to tell us why?


Grizzle Bear

[Irish Dave]

No problem, Wymore.

The election was conducted because the Bylaws instruct and require us to do so.

The Bylaws Section 5.03 (as has been printed here a couple of times) indicates that an election to fill a vacancy is to be held "as soon as possible at a regular or special meeting" and that vacancies are to be filled by a vote of the Congress, not the membership.

As there was an important Congress meeting slated for the end of July, it was determined that the vacancy should be filled before that Congress meeting in order to have as much participation as possible. The Bylaws state that the Marshal may call special metings for this kind of thing and that is what was done.

The Congress members were notified of the vacancy and of the special meeting to be held at the National Shoot in Hooten. Congress members were asked for nominations and 3 were submitted. Congress members were notified of the nominations and had ample time to consider them. The Bylaws also state that Congress members must either attend Congress meetings in person or by proxy or explain to the Congress why they did not comply.

Congress members not finding a candidate they would support, could still fulfill their obligation by sending a proxy of "abstain."

Nearly all Congress members were either there in person or sent proxies. Those who did not were asked to explain their absence as required by the Bylaws.

This is all about just following the rules, Skip. No mysteries. No conspiracies. Just doing what the Bylaws require of us.

[Lone Gunman]

In light of some earlier postings it would probably be prudent of me to put on my Moderator hat for a moment and remind everyone of Marshal Halloway's main rule for using CasCity:

You agree, through your use of the Cas City Forum Hall, that you will not post any material which is false, defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, or otherwise in violation of ANY law.

[Irish Dave]

Terry:

Take care, yourself, my friend.

Sorry to see you leave us, but I extend our best wishes and hopes for continued successes to you and yours.

[Wymore Wrangler]

Dave, thanks for the your explaination, while I still disagree with it, I would submit that since similiar circumstances have occured, a general letter from you mailed to the entire membership informing them why and when a special election is happening could have prevent the uproar that has happened which has hurt NCOWS by members resigning/not renewing their memberships. 

[Irish Dave]

I understand, Skip.

Maybe a mention in the Marshal's Column of The Shootist is worth considering.

[Ottawa Creek Bill]

Bill,
I'm one of those "so many folks" and Holly is another. I have also resigned my positions as newsletter editor, media representative and membership with The Blue River Regulators and I know of at least 13 other "folks" doing the same (various clubs) but would not presume to name them. That's for them to do if they wish.

Terry,
Of the all people that post here, you're one of the few white men that I had a lot of respect for. I hope that you will reconsider resigning.

Bill

[Kayleen]

  What is the real problem? To many rules? Folks not able to comprehend what those written rules are? Not enough money being generated? Gas price to high for me to travel? This sport is to expensive for me right now? TheTonka trucks you want, not being allowed in the sandbox? We all have joined NCOWS for our own personal reasons and with that comes a bit of mature responsibility of knowing what is expected from the organization.
  Let's face it, at times we all have a problem with a rule, by-law or the congress' decision. If your representative is doing his/her job, your posse should know what is going on and what is on the agenda. Better yet get to the congress meetings and voice your dislikes.
The problem I see is that when it comes to having NCOWS stretch from ocean to ocean, those that have been in the driver's seat for a number of years are having problems accepting that. Many of the by-laws have not been enforced very well in the past. Now with new Executive personel they are doing some major house keeping. We are also seeing some personality clashing and bashing.
This may be a public board, but a certain amount of respect should be still be shown to each and everyone here and towards NCOWS.
Latter,
Kayleen

[River City John]

Dave, thanks for the your explaination, while I still disagree with it, I would submit that since similiar circumstances have occured, a general letter from you mailed to the entire membership informing them why and when a special election is happening could have prevent the uproar that has happened which has hurt NCOWS by members resigning/not renewing their memberships. 

Wymore,
That is an excellent idea!!!
We SHOULD directly poll and communicate with our membership on issues of importance to NCOWS.