More endorsements in today's mail. Here are the two most interesting ones:
In his years in Chicago, Ed Ward demonstrated that he could serve the varied needs of musicians in all fields - from single engagement performers to those working full time in orchestras.
At this critical time, the AFM needs solidarity, not division. We need to work together. Ed has laid out a reasonable, workable program for the union. And he can do the job.
I strongly endorse Ed Ward for AFM President
Bill Moriarity
I'll bet this was the one that Tom was hoping not to see. Respect for Bill runs both deep and wide within the AFM, and, unlike most of Tom's other endorsers, his endorsement will be hard to spin as self-interested. So much for Bill being the VP in charge of the Player Conferences...
The other was from one of those likeable and committed new-ish local officers the AFM is blessed with on occasion:
Dear Delegate,
No... I am not running for the IEB. However, I am sure you have received numerous letters from various individuals running for the International Executive Board and International Offices. Upon reading those letters, it occurred to me that three core values have vanished over the past few years, particularly these last two years, which is what prompted me to write this letter. I wonder, what has happened to RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY & REALITY. Every two years we, as delegates, go to the convention and elect officers who are to be our leaders, yet we forget that with those positions should come respect for the office, and respect for the person holding that office. The International President, Secretary-Treasurer, International Vice Presidents, and the IEB, all deserve a lot more respect than has been shown here lately.
Every officer named above has responsibilities that are outlined in their duties. According to our Federation Bylaws, Article 3 - Officers, Section 4 (a), International President, states. "It shall be the duty .... To put these decisions into effect the International President shall issue executive orders, which shall be final and binding upon all members and Locals. Any order may enforce the BYLAWS or other laws, resolutions or rules of the AFM". So I ask you, how are our elected officers going to get anything done if we don't respect them enough to let them do their jobs?
It is true that the International Officers have many responsibilities, but Hello... what about our responsibilities as members and Local Officers? When we decided to become members of the AFM, we also agreed to abide by the bylaws of the AFM. We, the delegates, vote in the recommendations and resolutions that make up our bylaws. According to Article 10- Rights and Duties of Members, Section 2, it states, "No member shall violate any AFM law, order, direction, resolution or rule. A member found guilty of a violation under this section shall be fined by the IEB a sum of not less than $10 nor more than $10,000 or shall be expelled from the AFM". So who are we to moan & groan about what a terrible job the international officers are doing, when they are simply doing their jobs? We voted in the resolutions and recommendations, not the International Officers, it is their jobs to see that we abide by them.
So many of the letters I have gotten talk about the AFM needing change. Boy are they ever so right; we need change, but the big change needs to start with each and every one of us. We can change International Officers every two years, but until members and Local Officers initiate some change on our part, nothing will change. Folks, look at your membership, is everything hunky dory at home? I think not, my local is slowly coming round, because I am trying real hard to change the mindset of some of our members. The AFM reminds me of the problems with our educational system. Parents want the teachers and administrators to fix everything; yet today's children do not respect their teachers, they are not held responsible for their actions, and they do not listen to anyone with authority. (I know because I teach at two universities). Too many parents are not doing their jobs in teaching their kids about Respect and Responsibility which begins at home.
The Reality is this, no one is perfect, everyone is going to make some mistakes, so we need to get over ourselves and start working together. I am pretty sure that when our International President took office, he knew that no matter what he would say or do, he would not be able to please all of us all of the time, but the best that he could do is please most of us most of the time. It is his job to represent all musicians, for if you take out the word "Symphonic" as in symphonic musicians, "Freelance", as in Freelance Musicians, "Recording" as in recording musicians, "Theatre" as in theatre musicians, and "Casual/Club" as in casual club musicians, all you have left is musicians, plain and simple.
Our President has done the best job that he could do under the circumstances that were present during this term of his office. I am truly baffled at how the first two years of his office he did such an incredible job of moving the AFM forward and then this last term all sorts of things got in his way (Go Figure). 1 don't blame him for all of our problems; I blame us for not being responsible members and Local Officers, and for not respecting him in what he set out to do. Anyone who has not made some mistakes as leaders in their lifetime can throw as many stones as you can; but as far as! know, God has not returned to earth.
Bottom line folks, we can't afford to keep pointing the finger at one another. The only way for us to survive as a strong union is to unite and work together for the common good of all musicians. Remember, "United We Stand, Divided We Fall". Please join me, in re-electing Tom Lee, as President of the AFM. Enough Said!
Respectfully & fraternally,
Lovie Smith-Schenk
President, Local 65-699, AFM
Houston, TXp.s. Not all Texas think alike, especially Native Texans, for Native Texans do keep in mind the core values of Respect, Responsibility and Reality.
It's a good letter, neither negative nor divisive. But it probably won't change many minds. Few endorsements do; that's why Bill's was so damaging. Bill has a demonstrated track record of changing delegates's minds.
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