[Ansteorra] Provinces, a clarification

[Paul DeLisle]

Thank you, Gunthar. I appreciate someone understanding why I posted what I
did.

For the record, let me clarify a couple of things:

I am *not* denigrating this or any group, or it's people, any more than I
would denigrate an individual for recieving an award or elevation I did not
think they deserved. Such a situation would not be their fault; it would be
the faults of those who allowed it to (or made it) happen.

My post was (as the kind Lady Franchesca so gently put it) a dismayed
reaction to yet another part of the historical and cultural flavor or the
SCA being (as I saw it) eroded away; in response to the rising of more and
more problems with individuals, groups, and their responsible Leaders (or
lack thereof.) It seemed like the "easy way out."

In response to my original post, someone wrote me privately, and and
suggested that a Province was a good idea, because this person knew so many
Nobles who were *bad* leaders, played favorites, put politics into people's
private lives, etc.
Is this the case?...Every story has two sides, but I suspect that there is
some truth to what was relayed to me. But that's not a reason to "throw the
baby out with the bath water."

What *I* see is a lack of respect on both sides. If people don't respect our
Nobles, then what's the point of trying to be a *good* one?
The first three responses to my post didn't use the term Baron, Baroness, or
Noble; but the vulgar term "brass hat." How can Noblesse Oblige exist in
such an environment?

I will freely admit, I don't know the people of Mooneshadowe. But if they
are  as vibrant, avtive and tight-knit an organization as many here have
attested; then they should have a *dozen* viable candidates for the position
of Baron and/or Baroness. Candidates that would inspire others...who would
make newcomers and Old Farts alike say: "Wow, *that* must be why they are
Nobles. I want to be like them, someday."

But, instead, we have a group of hard workers, who have a good group, and
more event space on the Calendar. All good things. but there could be so
much more.
I'm so tired of "good enough."

In any case, thank you for listening/reading/whatever.

In Service (such as it is), I remain
Alden Pharamond
Tir Medoin, Ansteorra



> >My mom always said, if you have nothing nice to say, then it is better to
> >say nothing at all. And always pick your battles. This was not a battle.
> >Lady Margeurite le Chanvierre

> I'm not weighing in on either side of this discussion, I have my own
> opinions
> and whether I agree or disagree with result doesn't matter since the deed
> has been done. But I do feel that sometimes you do have to say things
> that matter even if they aren't nice. If you feel about something and feel
> either that the Province is a good idea and what Moonshadowe needs or
> is a lessening of the history of Ansteorra then the opinion should be
> stated.
> And at least with the courage to speak publically with your name attached
> instead of "taking it private" so that you can deny your opinion if it
> proves
> unpopular. I consider the first route to be more courageous and honorable.
>
> I consider someone who disagrees with me to speak it openly than to
> be able to say one thing to me and a different opinion to the next person
> down the line.
>
> Therefore I applaud both the people who have openly stated their
> disagreement
> the decision as well as the people who herald it. As long as you truly
> believe
> your opinion and feel it should be heard then I'm all for it.
>

>
> Yers,
>
> Gunthar
> (Who still drives with a Kerry/Edwards bumper sticker in Texas)