I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

Elaine Krugman — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 18:21:50 GMT

Right on, Leann! I appreciate your comment about bullying on the forums, because I have been on the receiving end of that many times over the past 13 years. Thankfully, some of the worst offenders are no longer on the forums, and they have not been missed!

I especially appreciate what you said about empathy, compassion, and kindness-- traits that are becoming more and more rare in our "It's all about me!" society.

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

swimfastatlanta — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 23:34:41 GMT

It is never OK to bully anyone.....period. There is a much higher risk in suicide deaths due to bullying.

The statistics on bullying and suicide are alarming:

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people, resulting in about 4,400 deaths per year, according to the CDC. For every suicide among young people, there are at least 100 suicide attempts. Over 14 percent of high school students have considered suicide, and almost 7 percent have attempted it.
Bully victims are between 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims, according to studies by Yale University

It is unfortunate that I have to have this discussion with adults within the USMS community.

Leann Rossi,

404-643-6063

USMS Diversity & Inclusion Committee , Georgia LMSC Diversity & Inclusion Chairperson, Ansley Sharks Masters Head Coach.

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

U2842 — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 21:24:44 GMT

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

swimfastatlanta — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 17:26:25 GMT

Wow, I can't believe my reply xxxxx out the word lesbuan (lol) swimmer...wth

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

swimfastatlanta — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 17:24:48 GMT

Wow, I can't believe my reply xxxxx out the word *** swimmer...wth

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

swimfastatlanta — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 17:22:49 GMT

I am a *** swimmer, coach, LMSC Diversity & Inclusion Chair, and member of the USMS D&I commitee. First and foremost, everyone is entitled to their own concerns here and safety however it is not ok to bully anyone in this forum for their comments, concerns, or opinions. We are a swim family, a community of many backgrounds, beliefs, orientations, gender identification, religions, ages and disabilities. If you can't be supportive to your fellow swimmers than I highly suggest that you check yourself for empathy , compassion and kindness or leave. USMS has acknowledged the concerns and safety concerns that have risen from participating at Nationals in Florida and at best, you will be reimbursed if you intend not to participate. I personally will not swim at Nationals in Florida. This is my decision and yes, I too am concerned for my safety. This is not a boycott, this comes from a much deeper core of beliefs. I will not tolerate hatred towards people like myself or anyone group of persons. I wish everyone and safe and competitive time at Nationals. I will be more than happy to chat with anyone about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and our purpose as it pertains to our USMS community.

Leann Rossi 404-643-6063, USMS member, LGBTQ+ swimmer and coach.

Atlanta GA.

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

0B1E0 — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 13:57:12 GMT

Tired of this propaganda. All are welcomed in Florida. The political absurdity you are hearing is politically motivated and has nothing to do with reality- swimming is swimming and you will love Florida and it’s amazing people and fellow competitors. Don’t miss out on a great meet in Sarasota because of Simone’s politically motivated bias

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

Celestial — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 17:22:10 GMT

lol

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

Celestial — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 17:21:22 GMT

Kurt, Agreed.
I am soooooo over it.
People need to just shut up and swim.

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

028Y3 — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 17:38:27 GMT

Doubt that you will be missed.

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

Allen Stark — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 03:48:03 GMT

I have to comment on this comment. I guess it’s hard to get venues to bid on nationals particularly long course, but Kurt makes a great point August outdoors humid. At the summer nationals I believe in 2007 in the Woodlands Texas one of my teammates, very nearly passed out on the deck we had to Half carry half drag her out. Hot humid August can be dangerous.

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

073MV — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 21:12:17 GMT

Totally agree. My money will go to states that support all women’s issues, support LGBTQ community and all black issues.

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

Elaine Krugman — Sat, 10 Jun 2023 17:37:42 GMT

"Legitimate" is in the eye of the beholder.

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

Kurt Dickson — Sat, 10 Jun 2023 00:06:28 GMT

The outrage is tiresome. We had this debate about NC and bathrooms several years back. It's not like there is a huge line of potential national host suitors. The NAACP warning is a bogus political move. The entire state of Florida is safer than NY, Chicago, LA for blacks, whites, gays, or whomever. (The NAACP leader lives in Florida and feels it's not safe but continues to live there?!). Believe the left suppositions that white supremacists are the biggest threat to democracy nonsense if you wish, but the facts just don't back it up. Boycotts are dumb because they hurt the little guy and not as much, it's intended target. You certainly have the right to speak up and do what you want, but I would venture at least 50 percent of our membership would privately disagree. Certainly, there are plenty of legitimate reasons not to go to Sarasota (August, outdoors, humid) but whatever.

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

Elaine Krugman — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 16:12:05 GMT

The only part of your post I support is your comment about St. Pete-- a city very different than much of Florida.

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

033FK — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 00:58:21 GMT

Elaine, thanks for your support of my post. I went to high school in Florida. I know the culture. My position is not derived from ignorance.

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

Elaine Krugman — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 16:53:33 GMT

Nationals are in Sarasota, not St. Pete. 😉 I've been to St. Pete, and it's a great city with a great vibe. It's just too bad it's in Florida!

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

0B1E0 — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 04:11:38 GMT

You are so wrong. Don’t believe the left propaganda. Everyone is welcome in Florida !!! I am from NYC and live in St. Pete. The most diverse and loving city in the USA. Please come and see for yourself!!

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

Michael Martin — Tue, 30 May 2023 16:19:40 GMT

I stand corrected...

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

Elaine Krugman — Mon, 29 May 2023 19:32:30 GMT

The original poster prefaced his post by saying he recognized the decision to hold the meet in Sarasota was done long before...

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

JKD6X — Mon, 29 May 2023 12:53:36 GMT

I am gay and will be in Sarasota. I don't think the government of the state of Florida will learn anything from my refusal to go and I won't let what I can and cannot do be dictated by a grandstanding politician. A small amount of my spending in Florida will, unfortunately, go to the state government, but most of it is going to chain hotels, chain car rental companies, chain restaurants and I can identify in advance how those companies feel about things.

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

Michael Martin — Sun, 28 May 2023 17:51:27 GMT

I'm sure the views of the governor are not the views of USMS... I'm also pretty sure the decision to hold the meet in Sarasota was done long before the governor began his quest to appeal to the MAGA crowd.

RE: I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

Elaine Krugman — Fri, 26 May 2023 17:12:38 GMT

Good on you for speaking out! Although I am neither a racial minority or LGBTQ+, I sympathize with those who have been targeted by such ignorant hate. I agree with you.