Arsenal America Elections.

This is pretty much what all of us here have been clamoring for; we're preaching to the choir, so to speak. Methinks most of those enriching themselves via Arsenal America are long past looking at these boards, Twitter, or any other constructive critics.

 

Well if you go by rumors, paid trips.

 

I would to a degree. If it was an all Arsenal supporter group summit, I can understand, but not for a road trip.

 

Agreed.

 

This is what done in secret looks like. He may not be sneaking around but the fact people are not answering questions automatically means people assume the worse. That is how it was back in '07, lot questions on how $44,000+ coming into the ArseAm account (mainly tickets for ticket payments, not membership fees) turned into huge losses. And with poor record keeping people, rightly so, started asking questions. Sadly it is 2013 and we still have questions.

 

I suppose you might see it like that. That's fine. For me, of course I considered--I used to have great respect for the position and the group. Then when I learned more, which you can only do when very much inside, I realized it was not for me, and not operating in a way that made sense to me, so I turned it down. Until that point, I did not know enough. As you clearly outlined, the most pertinent and vital information is kept under wraps.

I had been involved a little, earlier, with Mike K, whom I still have tons of respect for, and in more recent years, only within Philly. I had little or no understanding of AA internals. So, it was a club that once I saw from the inside, did not wish to join, nor lead. And as a paid member (though my recent paid membership welcomed me to 2012!), as well as someone with some inside knowledge (as opposed to folks with none--who do exist) I felt it wise to suggest improvements. I could have accepted the presidency/co-leadership to then forced change, but I decided not to go that route; partially due to wanting independent Philly.

Also, regarding cowardice,

So, cowardice is too heavy. Though I could not fathom why people were so afraid to say "I want x" or "This is a silly idea." It's a group of football supporters, not the mob.

I heard nothing, nor knew nothing, of any non-disclosure agreements. Truly. Your mention of that surprised me. (so i guess it's working?) And I don't even know how the coup happened, only that it did.

Beyond that, I'm even talking about discussion within the leadership. I can't stress enough how many private emails voiced agreement--"yeah, right on"--but when it came time to reply to group or speak up, these private messengers fell silent. Seriously, there is no need to be afraid--it's a support club, that's it.

Makes sense to me.

I just want to tell you what I can without pointing fingers. (don't know if that's possible, and if I failed, I apologize to those offended.) I just didn't want to be in that role, but I can see ways to improve the group. Those in charge are free to completely ignore my opinions.
Bottom line, though, is that I hope Nick is successful in improving the organization.

 

me neither

 

It wouldn't bother me either if he was at least providing the most basic of member services to answer a goddamm email.

 

I miss the old Rick Big Soccer days. Loved them.

 

I'll be there. JP and I will be the ones by the pool with the Cuban Rum when the kids start bitching...........

 

Rick, Josh is a kid, not kids.

 

I feel like there might be a fight there if both Rick and Josh are there.. Ha.

 

Rick will be too drunk to fight.

 

This guy might make an appearance for that.

 

Like a boss.

 

Fcukin' A. You guys and gals are still the best - true Gooners with class and perspective.

I'm thankful Rick spoke up on Facebook (I would, but I quit that site last year). I'm not sure how Charles can accomplish anything with Josh Templeton maintaining any influence over the books, but best wishes to him. I'm going to send an email as branch manager and request financial statements for the past 5 years.

I'll report back.

 

The thing people don't realize, and will never truly understand, is how many Arsenal fans got to see games because of Rick under the old ArseAm system. It had its flaws yes, but tons of people got to see games. That is gone, elections won't bring that back. But we can reorg the group and get it on the right track while having some beer (or Cuban rum) in Vegas while doing it.

 

Like maybe a national event when Arsenal comes to the US for the first time in 30+ years even if it is just the youth team? Yeah, I am still upset about the lack of support for that.