That comment from David Kilpatrick that says "I did get a reply from Charles early this morning. He offered to speak w me some time in November." I mean, really?
Respect to you for chatting with us, Adrian. Many of the people here are original or early Arsenal America members, discouraged from being closed out of an organization we've actively supported. Fans organized branches, meetups and friendly matches. Liaisons helped American Gooners make legitimate ticket purchases. The organization leaders regularly posted updates for members to read. We were glad to pay a small fee to support organizational activity we were made aware of and had a voice in. None of those processes are, nor should be, difficult or opaque. Pass the word to Josh and co.
Here's what I wrote to Charles Belle. I am giving him the benefit of the doubt and wrote in a kindly, business-focused tone:
I've moved on from the idea of working with Charles. We begged and pleaded with him to communicate, and he wouldn't even dignify our presence with a response. Someone that arrogant has no place running a supporters club.
That little guy was dubber Pretenda-Scholes. And yes, everyone was annoyed with him. That was a great trip. My favorite memory was when both of your legs cramped up and you fell over like a tree, then Jeff L. screamed "No. 14 is a Don-kay!!" Good times and lots of beers.
He may be thinking why he would want to step into this storm. The problem is that these are the responsibilities associated with the position. The questions won't go away.
I had hoped that he would jump in and get ahead of this thing. If he had come right in and started addressing the issues, i think people would have given him time. But it seems he turned up his nose at that opportunity, and i think it's now gone. In a way, i think it might be for the better. The hardcore members have become involved again and the fun is back. I think we can work with that.
Here's a link to a petition to try to get Arsenal to tour the US. I saw it on the AA facebook page. http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitio...pt&utm_medium=email&utm_source=share_petition
To his credit, Charles did provide access to the 'official' branch managers board, on which I've respectfully requested the financials and election results. Unfortunately, I've received no additional response, but if we keep knocking, they're going to have to open the doors.
You will never get the financials from Charles, because i doubt he's ever seen them. I don't think anyone other than Josh has seen them for years, and they never will. In his statement on AA.com, Charles said he was going to "close the book", on the past. That's fine with me, but what he is really doing is covering up for Josh. I think that's why he is stonewalling now. He can't participate, because he doesn't have the answers to many of the serious questions. Josh does have the answers, but he won't tell anyone, not even Charles.
Nor do I expect to, but the more branch managers we can get to echo the request for financials, the greater the groundswell we can build towards transparency.
I keep seeing Josh this and Josh that in this thread and on the Facebook discussion, and I have to keep remembering it's not me that everyone's talking about, thank the maker. I have to admit, I'm a little reluctant to go to the trouble of buying a membership just to get DC Armoury relisted on the ArseAm site, with everything going on; even more so now that the Philly Gooners seceded.
Welcome aboard Omar. You guys should look at setting up a regional meetup event towards the end of the season. I'd love to go.
Just got done reading this whole thread. Do you know what it's like to realize you've never had a single original thought? That's how I feel right now. Mind-boggling that exact phrases have been repeated for over four years with little discernible change. Plans are already in the works for Gooner Gras--in true New Orleans fashion, it won't be formal or "official," but it will be incredible and everyone will be welcome.
Yeah, it's an interesting historical record, huh. Glad you read the whole thing, i've re-read it a couple of times over the years, and i still can't believe it.