I don’t normally find myself in the habit of being goaded into responding to posts of this nature but, because John is misrepresenting the truth, I am making an exception in this case. The efforts and reputations of good people and good organizations are not something I take lightly.
This person’s name is John Stears.
Just so the record is straight, I believe that John here is referring to me in his post when he says “your former leader” (not sure where he got that terminology). I am the one who sent him the “un-apologetic” email. I’ve pasted the full and actual content of the complete email to John below for your perusal. It was sent in response to not a single email but a spamming of inflammatory emails to the BlueRibbon Coalition and to me. And that was after a phone call to him that lasted for well over an hour listening to and trying to understand his concerns. As you can see from its content, the only accuracy to his above statements is that it was in fact intended to be “un-apologetic” and “dismissive”.
John,
With regard to the NOHVCC conference, BRC is also very involved with this effort. I already pointed the Oct. 2 mistake to NOHVCC. The actual deadline date for registration is Oct. 18. They simply have not had the time to get that corrected. The folks at NOHVCC are sincere in what they are doing with these workshops, they are open and free to the entire public and do not fit in your latest little “conspiracy theory”. They simply had a date carried over from the SD workshops that inadvertently didn’t get changed to the 18th in the document announcing the Michigan workshop.
With regard to your “conspiracy theory” and your demands for our actions, BlueRibbon Coalition is not in the habit of publicly chastising good folks who are well representing their OHV constituents. Contrary to your allegations, we do stand up and are standing up for the people we represent and will continue to do so.
I have done a lot of research into your accusations and with the situation in Michigan as a whole. I can find a lot of positive effort on the part of many of the folks you criticize (many of whom are our members). Contrary to that, not only can I not find where you are a member of BlueRibbon Coalition or have been in the last four years (as you have claimed both to me and in internet forums) but I cannot seem to find where you have been involved in any of the positive efforts. I can find however, where you incessantly criticize and at that, in every possible venue you can. All of this has led me to recognize there is a definite lack of credibility to your allegations and I question the motives behind your obstructionism.
Being an armchair critic is not effective John. As you are finding, it makes enemies and generates a loss of credibility. Attempting, at least, to be an armchair advocate would be far more valuable. I encourage you to lead, follow or get out of the way… there is much to be done and you are not helping.
Kindly also stop spamming the emails of the BlueRibbon Coalition.
Sincerely,
Greg Mumm
Executive Director, BlueRibbon Coalition
Please also note (for your information) that in addition to the plethora of emails I and others in the BRC and NOHVCC have received, below are similar inflammatory threads from this person from three other internet forums that I am aware of. I am not sure of his agenda but would certainly welcome you to decide for yourself.
http://forums.atvconnection.com/messageview.cfm/catid/24/threadid/473974/STARTPAGE/1.cfm Please note: “MichiganChapter?” went by the name of “Blackballed” in this thread
http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-200688.html Please note: “MichiganChapter?” went by the name of “The Bottom Line” in this thread
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/foru.../8969-so-who-belongs-tlca.html?highlight=tlca Please note: “MichiganChapter?” went by the name of “Kzoocruiser” in this thread.
Incidentally, for those of you who live in and around Michigan, the conferences around which John builds some of his “conspiracy theorys” are very important to be involved in.
NOVHCC has put together an excellent national workshop series sponsored by the the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) and Americans for Responsible Recreational Access (ARRA). Coordination of all workshops is by the NOHVCC. Design of the workshop sessions was a collective effort by professional trail consultants, ARRA, MIC, SVIA, American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), Blue Ribbon Coalition (BRC), United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA), and NOHVCC, with input from USFS trail managers.
These workshops have some very good content for the purpose of educating folks on how to get involved in the Travel Management Rule. This first workshop in the state of Michigan is taking place in Michigan’s UP and a second one is currently being scheduled for just after the first of the year.
If you want more information, send me an email and I will get you the details.
Greg
