Id be in that...

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Due to recent budget cuts and the rising cost of electricity, gas, and oil....... the Light at the End of the Tunnel has been turned off. We apologize for the inconvenience.

The purpose is simple. All I was doing was to point out that a supporter is dissatisfied with the performance of the current administration, and believe it should step down.

None of what I wrote is news-breaking stuff to those who read TC, but I'm not sure that those on the board are hearing the message of discontent, or if they are, it's probably not often enough.

It's not a concern to me whether I receive a response or not, but I think it is important that if there are a significant number of unhappy members, they should express their concerns.

As for the benefits of positive spin, I agree it can be useful, but in the right context. If that spin is to promote benefit for an individual over the club, then it is damaging, and I have little doubt that the current propaganda is to achieve individual aims.

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"The old believe everything, the middle-aged suspect everything, and the young know everything." Oscar Wilde

That's because.........(words removed due to new TC guidelines)

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And so while others miserably pledge themselves to the pursuit of ambition and brief power, I will be stretched out in the shade, singing.

Do those 100 members need to have voting rights? One thing that all members should do is call the club's membership number (1300 72 79 81) and make sure you are registered to vote. I did it yesterday, took 2 minutes. All you need is your membership number.

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Mens sana in corpore sano.

Bring back the laurel wreath logo!!!

I will be in this also. We need to do something.

Well, why dont you take the lead? You are connected with the USC and whoever else been trying to effect change. I believe an EGM similar to the one that triggered the spill in 2002 will flush out anyone who wants to get onyo the board and their plans / $'s

The only problem with that Mikkey/Synbad is that in 2002 even though that process flushed out the then board led by Elliott it really didn't flush out the kind of people we actually needed on the board to effect decent reform, planning and foresight - with perhaps Mathieson being the only exception.

If we did it again - can we be sure the right candidates are waiting to take over.

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"Hence you will not say that Greeks fight like heroes but that heroes fight like Greeks"?

Winston Churchill

Hey Synners, were the guy on SEN last night about 5ish asking about the club releasing the Watts report?

If it was you, you were very articulate.

I was most impressed.

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“It is a state of mind, a system of belief, a way of seeing the world, a deep faith that, because you are Carlton, you belong to something great.” - Mike Fitzpatrick articulating what Out of the Blue means.

It would be stupid of anyone to put up 100 signatures without knowing if there was anyone willing to put up their hand to contest. Imagine the press- imagine the Club accepting the petition? Imagine the cost for a questionable benefit? would there be a way that they could throw it out? An EGM without a challenge is pointless and a waste of time.

As always, it is incumbent upon passionate Carlton people to put up their hands. If they don't then I don't want them. You can't compare the current administration to a shadow of a rumour of interest. All those there now have put up their hands to do it, and in the absence of anyone better we should support them whatever their fallacies.

way back when Collins came in I remember hearing that Collin's would be around for a short time only and that a long term president was needed

at the time I remember hearing Mike Fitzpatrick's name being mentioned

is that a realistic option? would he be the right person?

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The glass is neither half full nor half empty. Rather the glass is twice as big than required.

I agree, thats why guys like Italian Blue, Synbad, Josh and anyone else with connections to these guys need to open up the communication lines with supporters, act as mediators, organise a meeting, provide us with plans so then we do have something concrete to put 100 signatures on and force change.

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Mjonc signing off at 8888

exactly!

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There's so much I could say...

I think your problem with the letter is that you didn't write it...

I believe Jack Worral may have an update...

Jack?

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“When a clown moves into a palace, he doesn't become a king. The palace turns into a circus.”
Turkish Proverb

ESP working beautifully GWS.

While driving to pick up my daughter from kindergarten, I received a call from Graham Smorgon, and spent the following 15-20 minutes in a robust discussion about some of the comments I made in my e-mail.

It's one thing to write a critical letter, but quite another to be confronted directly by the accused. Considering what I wrote was hardly complimentary, he didn't have to call, and he didn't have to be as civilised and polite in his manner.

There were two aspects of the conversation that stuck with me afterwards: his genuine interest in what I had to say, and his rationale for the administration's public actions. To call me is a courtesy to be acknowledged, but to spend the time he did discussing each point demonstrates his passion for the club. While I didn't necessarily agree with all he said, at least I had a better understanding of his motives.

The major point raised was in answer to my plea for the board to vacate all positions, and his response was salient, in that no party had presented itself as an alternative administration. This I agree with, as to have a disorganised collection of individuals is hardly going to provide the club with greater stability. While this is not the perfect answer, it seems that any potential challengers are not past the embryonic stage, especially after last week's events.

There was disagreement with the letter recently sent out, as I favoured a more dynamic message, and he a communication that didn't invite unrealistic expectations. As for the cost of the letter, it was pointed out that 'Inside Carlton' was shelved as a cost-cutting measure, and the information supplied is intended as a substitute.

The primary focus of the board at the moment is the football department, and providing the resources requested. Each year, Denis Pagan provides his 'wish list', and this year is the first time that the needs have been able to be granted.

At one point, I was asked what I could do for the club, and it's a fair question. If I'm going to take pot-shots, I have to be prepared to back them up with actions.

All-in-all, I'm grateful I had the opportunity to speak to Graham Smorgon first-hand. And while I might not agree with all he had to say, at least he had the guts to confront me, whereas most people in a similar position wouldn't have bothered.

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"The old believe everything, the middle-aged suspect everything, and the young know everything." Oscar Wilde

I have a problem with anyone who voluntarily calls themself God....

Well done Jack.......and credit to Smorgon for the call too but......we still have problems.

Jack i hope you were on hands free.
Graeme of course has a driver .....


Did you ask him if he will make the report public?
Did you ask him if people do come forward would he vacate??

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Due to recent budget cuts and the rising cost of electricity, gas, and oil....... the Light at the End of the Tunnel has been turned off. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Thanks for sharing that JW.



I found this part particularly interesting.

Of course interpretations depends on whether someone hates Pagan or doesn't, but this is a) good from the board's point of view as the football department must be given as much as possible and b) interesting because it suggests that Pagan has been working with one arm tied behind his back for four years.

Good to see Smorgon actually calling people up who have sent in intelligent letters (there are at least two now just on the various CFC forums), sure it is a result of politics and the pressures now there. But I would be much more concerned if no calls were being made.

15-20 minutes? I imagine Smorgon's hourly rate would be pretty steep, you did well there JW!

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Did you ask him why the 10th richest man in Australia is prepared to put the club he fights so hard to remain President of, and himself personally, through the public disgrace and humiliation of having to borrow money from the AFL when he could have easily provided a loan himself? (as have less well off Presidents of other clubs)