After the furor over "the letter" I decided to look for a USMS charter or similar statement. I expected to find something that said something like USMS serves to promote adult swimming open to all (etc.).
Instead I found nothing. The FAQ is mostly about nuts and bolts of USMS and why join. The Administration pages on this site describe how USMS is run.
I could not find anywhere a general statement of USMS's purpose for being other than to give adult swimmers their own group. I couldn't find any language about non-discrimination or to promote adult swimming, etc.
Shouldn't USMS have something like that?
This thread has nothing to do with swimming as of late. I am very unimpressed by this thread and what appears to be the continuation of some offline politics.
It is my opinion this whole thread should be deleted for nothing constructive has been said nor has anything come from this thread but animosity and finger pointing!
The thread: "Does the USMS have a Charter" has certainly not stayed on topic!
tony
Thanks Tony for saying that. :)
With trepidation I wade into a topic fraught with emotion. Hopefully with more light than heat.
First, re the charter and related documents, there is well-written USMS anti-discrimination language. In today's society, those policies could be displayed and repeated as prominently as possible without any negative effect. In other words, parade anti-discrimination policy upfront. Shout it from the rooftops.
Second, re the letter, it should not have been published because it can be construed as an incitement. While approximately half the country still believes homosexuality is immoral, these days very few believe it is an unprosecuted crime. The letter compares homosexuality to thievery, an undeniably criminal activity, and states ominously that it "should not be tolerated." Unfortunately statements of this nature can be construed as calls to action. The letter goes on to accuse homosexuality of destroying lives; not just of the participants, but "of the society as a whole."
Third, re free speech, a wise, award-winning editor of a local newspaper and website, when criticized for disallowing or deleting vile opinion, said something like: "The Bill of Rights guaranteed you free speech, but not the right to publish it in my newspaper. I decide what goes in these pages."
I believe that my first post in this thread was removed in error. It was the one that pointed out the Board of Directors new policy concerning the grievance process that must be followed before litigation (relevant to makesense's question about whether the target of the letter will take legal action). I also pointed out my similar situation, as makesense did.
Why was my post deleted, and not his?
Your first post explaining your "similar situation" contained a personal attack against the person involved in the grievance process.
From the Forum Rules:
Playing the Role of a Moderator
If you're not a moderator, don't correct posters as if you are a moderator! If you have a problem with a post, use the "Report This Post" button, rather than playing moderator. More often than not, that causes more problems than it fixes. Let us handle any situation you feel needs to be moderated.
Thanks, I'm aware of that rule and was merely answering your question. And I did report your now deleted post as a personal attack.
Third, re free speech, a wise, award-winning editor of a local newspaper and website, when criticized for disallowing or deleting vile opinion, said something like: "The Bill of Rights guaranteed you free speech, but not the right to publish it in my newspaper. I decide what goes in these pages."
:applaud:
So many people confuse the right to 'free speech' which protects an individual from governmental prosecution for expressing their political views with: "I sould be able to say whatever I want, wherever I want, and suffer no consequences."
As for the article, I don't think additional rules and guidelines are really needed. I have faith that one will get chalked up to 'lessons learned' and is not likely to happen again.
There have been a number of “Off-Topic Posts” which have been deleted. Please keep your comments on topic. In this instance “Does USMS have a charter?”
Thanks you!
There have been a number of “Off-Topic Posts” which have been deleted. Please keep your comments on topic. In this instance “Does USMS have a charter?”
Thanks you!
Thank You for being our voice of reason. We would hate to think that issues dealing with slander, lies, grievances, board of directors, appeals of decisions, wouldn't be prudent in the running of USMS,which would be part of a charter.
