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<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Having read all the points of view and valid comments – I suggest
that the comments of PC Lonnie bear the most significance.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>I truly hope our Chief Commander reads her message. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>The Merit Mark system is “sacred”. It begins
with the recommendations of the SQUADRON COMMANDER.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>What is the United States Power Squadrons ? A compilation
of some 400 +/- Squadron Commanders throughout this great nation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Some may, some will, cheat. That demeans the value of the
Merit Mark. They will bear the error of their ways. MOST however, will be
fair, honest, valid, and dependable with the integrity that most have of us
have grown to know as responsible citizens of our Nation. I admit I am a
bit “tainted” as an ex-Infantry Officer of our Armed Forces.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>The fact that the SQUADRON COMMANDER is person who is held with “feet
to the fire” is the best person to recommend what is meaningful to
HER/HIS Squadron at this time of evolution AND is the best to recommend. Area
Monitors are a valuable asset to maintain some form of integrity in the Merit
Mark system, but, the FINAL RECOMMENDATION OF THE SQUADRON COMMANDER
should be the end result. What they view as significant is what is
significant.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Never forget, in ALL considerations, that it is the trust in
the Squadron Commander and the duty of the Squadron Commander where the responsibility
rests lies for the best of all of the recreational boating organizations.
Districts and National coordinate – it is the SQUADRON that provides the
base. So, if we cannot depend upon them to recommend, then we
cannot depend upon them…. What is the alternative ?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>So, please -- REMEMBER --- United States Power Squadrons
is an organization of 1) recreational boaters who enjoy boating (fun) 2)
recreational boaters who are willing to devote personal time/resources to
promote safe boating (fun doing that) 3) recreational boaters with
integrity (overall)…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>The Merit Mark is important. The Commander is proud to
recommend. The recipient is proud to receive. Those earned, are most
proud. Those not earned, know they are not earned. The National
population does not know of those earned vs those simply awarded out of some strange
purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>My 2¢<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Currently Commander, Patapsco River Power Squadron<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:red'>Proud to be District 5<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:red'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>J. Brian Becker<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>410 442-1230<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<div>
<div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span></b><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'> psml-bounces@usps.org
[mailto:psml-bounces@usps.org] <b>On Behalf Of </b>Lonnie<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Sunday, October 11, 2009 9:24 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> J Brian Becker<br>
<b>Cc:</b> United States Power Squadrons Mailing List<br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Psml] Merit Mark comments<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>Fellow members,</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>I am glad I didn't send my
initial reply to this discussion immediately after reading Gene's
"story". My emotions ran high and I was writing things not
addressing the process as a subject. So let me add my calm perspective as a
past commander, favoring <u>the buck stops at the commander</u>.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>The last two days of
responses have been well thought out and respectfull. I fully acknowledge the
desire to award merit marks using the same standards throughout. I
may have missed something, but I question that the member must be working
365 days out of the year. What is wrong with 83 hours in a contiguous
period, having completed a project which was important to a squadron,
district or Nat'l committee? Why is this person any less deserving of a MM than
someone who spent 15 minutes a day doing something? I know that 20 hours
of significant work for the benefit of the squadron earns a merit mark.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>My objection is paralell with
Paul's asking who knows the member better than a squadron commander. I
understand that past chief commanders are the area monitors, but in what way
does that qualify them to judge an individual whom they have never met, nor
have any real knowledge, and judge solely based on the 436 character description
which can be fabricated as well as being factual. This is where I find the
current process burdened with sheer subjective judgement. Instead of being an
area monitor, these past chief commanders can earn their merit
mark back with their squadrons and mentor there rather than trying to cull
out the cheaters who will always be cheaters.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>The several points made in
favor of area monitors and the current process also suggest to me <em>some</em>
powers-that-be don't trust squadron commanders to be straight in their submissions
(I was told that once by a Nat'l level person), or those from their squadron
committee. My reply is that if they don't trust <strong>us</strong>, then
why should I trust <strong>them</strong>, just because they are at a Nat'l
level. They are no better, or all knowing, or possess greater judgememt
abilities than the rest of the membership. Do I appreciate the work by all the
past chief commanders, absolutely, but that does not translate to superior
judgement of the general membership and their contributions. Today it is a
matter of simplification also.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>The real answer here is that
someone in Florida should be concerned with folks in Florida, and not give a
second thought about someone in Washington who gets a merit mark. There is no
question in my mind that there are MMs given or submitted by squadron
commanders on the face of the 436 charactors written who have not earned a
dimes worth of effort for anything. For me and my squadron, I don't give a darn
about that person. I am totally focused on my squadron members. The current system
will not weed out the cheaters. Furthermore, there is a great effort put forth
by the squadron merit mark person, be it by committee or by the commander,
which takes too much time to play the game of the 436 charactors making sure
the wording is just right. Those who want to cheat will still cheat, and I
don't care at my end.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>Another point is that those
of us who really enjoy doing what we do whether it is 20 hours or 500 hours a
year, would continue do it whether we received a merit mark or not.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>The proposal that "a
member is a member" is long overdue for merit mark qualifications.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>P/C Lonnie Butler</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>Bellevue Sail & Power
Squadron</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
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