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BGonline.org Forums
CA State Champion*/LA Calcutta {long, boring}
Posted By: Phil Simborg In Response To: CA State Champion*/LA Calcutta {long, boring} (Coolrey)
Date: Thursday, 10 December 2009, at 2:08 a.m.
While I cannot speak to the incident or the individuals, there is one area, in particular, where I take issue with Ray.
Ray, you state it is wrong to boycott the calcutta, and that it is bad for backgammon. You are absolutely right. How can people be so shallow and short sighted as to hurt the efforts of the tournament director to try to make the tournament successful just because they don't like the auctioneer? Clearly, these people are not "big enough people" to put their personal dislikes aside for the good of the game. Ray, I am with you on this 100 percent.
Please tell me how their actions is any different from your refusing to take an active role in working with and supporting the USBGF simply because you don't like someone else on the board?
Never before have we had an opportunity to bring all of the leaders of the game together to cooperate to help promote and advance backgammon in the U.S., yet the No. 1 player, and one of the true leaders and potential role models of the game says he will not be a part of the leadership of this great effort because he's not happy with the choice of all of the members.
You say you want to do what is best for backgammon, and your actions over the years prove, beyond doubt, that you clearly have those intentions....you have done more than most to help promote tournaments and the game in many unselfish ways, IN SPITE of the many incidents of personal temper and ire and public and private arguments with people that many have condemned from time to time. I truly believe your energy, your backgammon skills, your creative mind, your outspoken humor and your presence could be a tremendous asset to the game if you would step up and be one of the leaders of this new organization. It is a shame to lose you, but even more of a shame to lose you for such a petty reason as your not liking everyone involved.
Where in the world is there an organization where everyone likes everyone else? Certainly, it is your right to make that decision, but I am calling you on condemning others for doing the same thing you are doing. They are wrong to boycott the calcutta or do anything that hurts the game just because they don't like someone involved, and you are just as wrong to reject a leadership position and active role in the USBGF for EXACTLY the same reason.
For the record, I can't say I am in love with everyone who is taking an active roll in the USBGF, but I respect each and every one of them for being willing to offer their time and talent to help advance the game in the U.S., and I will do my best to get along with and work with all of them whether I personally like them or not. Are there people there who probably aren't wild they would be working with me? I guarantee it, as I, like you, and not always the most lovable person on earth. But I don't hear them refusing to help advance the game and cooperate because I'm involved.
I just could not sit back and watch you condemn others for doing what you are admittedly doing yourself.
Prove me wrong...tell me you didn't realize it was the same thing and that you truly do care about what's best for the game more than you care about personal grievances and that you will support the USBGF. In particular, your efforts and knowledge and leadership in the player rating systems could be invaluable, as well as your outward, open support of the organization itself and its goals.
Phil
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