John's Open Letters Vol. 1 #19

January 22, 2002

Subject: Nothing Good Came From Vegas

Due to the lack of sufficient numbers in attendance there wasn't a General meeting held in Las Vegas. As a result nothing good came out of it. The lack of Members was pathetic.

I feel the K.W.V.A. is back to a "status quo" and we all deserve what we get as a result. Many of us can't make it for whatever reasons we have, but from the information I received since the meeting it was a big letdown to those who were there. I agree with many that the announcement in the Graybeards was poorly done. It in itself seems to have caused some confusion.

Since the resignation of two more Members of the Executive Board, and with the hand-picked replacements, little or nothing can be done to correct the wrongs many of you feel need to be addressed. Our only recourse is the next election. The will of the Members by their vote is what is needed to change the way the leadership is running the show.

The legal determination stated by Mr. Pratt about the two (2) term limitation for President is a case in point. I was informed Mr. Coon officially stated he will run again for President. How can this be after Mr. Pratt's e-mail to the contrary? We "all" are supposed to abide by the By-Laws and just rulings. Our Directors should have a voice in this for they are our representatives who have control over what goes on in the K.W.V.A.

Get your fellow Members to vote in the next election. We need fairness and sincere dedication from our leaders, not what we have now.

One of our Members said it best about the Las Vegas meeting, and I quote, "What a disaster". This was from a disconnected Member who attended his first National Meeting. He saw the "Administration" in action only to call it a "disaster". Time for a change.

There are a lot of very well qualified Members in the K.W.V.A. and I will support any candidate who has the best interests of the K.W.V.A. and its Members at heart.

Hashing over old issues that happened under previous administrations will only divide the well meaning Members who don't want to see a repeat of past mistakes.

The last National Election was decided by only 16% of our Members. One reason may be the lack of information that has been available to "all the Members". The Graybeards could use less censorship and more openness for us all. Under the present system it will not happen.

One issue that came up in Las Vegas was that Mr. Coon "can" run for a third term. Is this fantasy land? Since when can a Director declare the JA's ruling null and void so Mr. Coon can run for office again? Term limits have not been repealed. What good is the advice by the Legal Advisor if his ruling can be overturned? Again the rules are being manipulated by a few for their own satisfaction. What good are By-Laws if they are not respected by all?

The following is President Coon's message in the Nov./Dec. 2000 Graybeards, page 4. Quote: "I will guarantee the Membership, that as long as I am President, I will enforce the By-Laws in a fair and efficient manner." Unquote. Making up rulings contrary to the By-Laws and his own statement is not enforcement in a "fair and efficient manner".

I am asking you all to vote and to give serious consideration whom you select for the good of the K.W.V.A. In that regard I will be recommending candidates for office. After careful scrutiny for their dedication, sincerity, fairness and especially having total respect for the enforcement of the By-Laws, then and only then will I pass on my recommendations.

I will not be a part of any disrespect towards any Member who wishes to run for National Office.

In order for the K.W.V.A. to survive, action by the Members is necessary. We all have an interest in the K.W.V.A. and every vote is needed to bring it back to a more democratic Veterans organization.

Respectfully, John Kronenberger