ORTA decides what's fair and it's ORTA's newsletter to publish as they see fit? Why does this have a familiar ring?

Dave Speas to Molly Janczyk and Ann Hanning, March 17, 2007

Subject: Re: ORTA Refuses to Publish Column

Molly and Ann,

It saddens me to see two organizations who profess to work for retirees having a squabble over something like this. The Quarterly belongs to ORTA and has been for years. Did the CORE leadership not think about asking officially if they could use the article on the Internet before they voted to do so? I have written articles for many publications and it is clear that the article in a copyrighted publication does not belong to me. ORTA should let this pass, publish the article and move on as I believe both organizations are making a big mistake.

Cordial relationships are built on lines of communication on both ends. I am so tired of seeing organizations who profess to be for the retirees end up in public squabbles and all sides looking smaller for it. Our membership will probably not have to read the Quarterly as they will have read Dennis' article as it is sent out. Can't the leadership of both organizations sit down and discuss the differences before they become public?

I was taught to give the other party the opportunity to sit down and talk before public disagreements were aired. How terrible it would be if schools allowed disagreements between parents and teachers, teachers and administrators, coaches and parents, boards and administrators, and so on before the opportunity to sit down and find out there is very little wrong that cannot be taken care of in a civil manner. Working TOGETHER for retirees should be the number one goal for all the retiree organizations and open communication and thoughtful gestures toward one another are necessary for harmonious and one for all strength to be used. All parties in this issue should find a way to bury this small issue and get back to fighting the real battles.

Dave

---

From Molly Janczyk, March 17, 2007

Subject: Re: ORTA Refuses to Publish Column

Freedom of press controlled by a small band rather than asking membership what they want.

---

Ryan Holderman to Molly Janczyk, March 16, 2007

Subject: Re: ORTA Refuses to Publish Column

Dear Molly:

Just when I was beginning to think that a positive relationship with ORTA might be possible its leadership betrays that trust with this sort of action!

We have, as you so clearly stated, welcomed ORTA leaders to our CORE meetings, sought to help with several mutually beneficial initiatives, and trusted that positive change was in the offing.

It would seem that we've been mistaken after all.

Sincerely, Ryan