Rebreather World - View Single Post

Genesis · 9th December 2006, 17:14

Yep.

I refused to join the NACD as they only permit voting if you've passed full cave - which means you have to agree with their worldview before you can vote! That's a nice way to make sure nothing ever changes... no thanks. Never mind the raw nepotism and effective "ownership" of the organization by one person. IMHO the NACD is a membership organization in name only.

I was a member of the NSS/CDS until the fiasco with their election where virtually the entire standing slate withdrew a month before balllots were due, essentially making it a "void" election. All this was over political (and some internal business) matters that IMHO reeked of intentional obfuscation and perhaps even misuse of section funds.

I was approached with the line "if you don't like it run for the board"; they, of course, make that virtually impossible as the section refuses to use technology to allow distant board meetings and travel to High Springs is mandatory to attend the meetings - not realistic when you're a single parent of a 10 year old and the site is six hours drive time off. They don't seem to care (or notice) that there are caves in places other than High Springs....

The not-so-amusing part of this is that there are sane voices on the board of the NSS/CDS. You just never hear them. Again - politics. Debate never happens externally where people can hear and contribute to it, which is a major problem. Both organizations have "gag orders" prohibiting the decision makers from voicing their opinion and entertaining public debate.

Yet how do you make sound policy without public debate?

If your goal is to be an insular organization, then I guess it works. But theirs is much more lofty.

While the dues are not large, I want to support organizations that believe as I do, or at least which will engage in a public debate on the principlies and positions they advocate.

9th December 2006, 17:14	#12 (permalink)
Genesis Bubbless Box of Death Current Rebreather/s: Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Home Build Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sunny Florida Posts: 1,453	Re: Cave Associations Membership Poll Yep. I refused to join the NACD as they only permit voting if you've passed full cave - which means you have to agree with their worldview before you can vote! That's a nice way to make sure nothing ever changes... no thanks. Never mind the raw nepotism and effective "ownership" of the organization by one person. IMHO the NACD is a membership organization in name only. I was a member of the NSS/CDS until the fiasco with their election where virtually the entire standing slate withdrew a month before balllots were due, essentially making it a "void" election. All this was over political (and some internal business) matters that IMHO reeked of intentional obfuscation and perhaps even misuse of section funds. I was approached with the line "if you don't like it run for the board"; they, of course, make that virtually impossible as the section refuses to use technology to allow distant board meetings and travel to High Springs is mandatory to attend the meetings - not realistic when you're a single parent of a 10 year old and the site is six hours drive time off. They don't seem to care (or notice) that there are caves in places other than High Springs.... The not-so-amusing part of this is that there are sane voices on the board of the NSS/CDS. You just never hear them. Again - politics. Debate never happens externally where people can hear and contribute to it, which is a major problem. Both organizations have "gag orders" prohibiting the decision makers from voicing their opinion and entertaining public debate. Yet how do you make sound policy without public debate? If your goal is to be an insular organization, then I guess it works. But theirs is much more lofty. While the dues are not large, I want to support organizations that believe as I do, or at least which will engage in a public debate on the principlies and positions they advocate. __________________ "A venturesome minority will always be eager to get off on their own, and no obstacles should be placed in their path; let them take risks for Godsake, let them get lost, sunburnt, stranded, drowned, eaten by bears, buried alive under avalanches - that is the right and privilege of any free American." http://www.denninger.net http://www.diversunion.org/liability.htm - Fix the Diving Cert racket
(Offline)