Fellow Board Members, As most of you have gathered, I'm appalled at the recent turn of events and at the actions of the NC. I also have no doubt that some of you were aware of what was coming. One thing that really saddens me is that when a previous NC made a similar statement about their executive privilege some of you, that are still here, went up in arms, with the result of the resignation of that NC. ( I agreed with that action and supported you because you were right. Those powers were not given to the NC position in the Bylaws.) Now, when another NC has taken such power upon himself, you appear to support his position by your very silence. Where is your outrage now? If, on the other hand, some of you were aware of this action and endorsed it then you should have had the fortitude to do it publicly, instead of behind closed doors. If you really believed it was the right thing to do then why didn't you bring it to Board-L in the form of a motion and vote? Don't you believe you should have the courage of your convictions? To my fellow volunteers in The USGenWeb Project I can only say that, as a member of the AB, I am deeply ashamed of the recent actions. I find it incomprehensible that a group of adults is so hung up on the "me" that they are willing to risk destroying the very project that the "we" worked so hard to build. I would also like to remind the coordinators in all of the special projects that "people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones". Neither side has a spotless record. You might also keep in mind that none of us are indispensable. If I drop dead, or drop off the net, tomorrow someone will come along and take my counties and go on. That in itself is the beauty of this, the continuity. Ginger gingerh@shawneelink.com