An unrated veteran foil fencer. A closet epeeist, a sabreurre wannabe-- I can't really help myself; I love the sport! I expect the best from fencers, am disillusioned at the politics in fencing and of fencers behaving badly.
Being a new member of a division is not easy. I thought I knew what I was getting myself into, but underestimated the human spirit, or rather, mean-spirited humans. I am furious with the behavior of people who make accusations, jump to conclusions,snipe and point fingers at one another. I thought this was a "gentleman's sport"!
We are all aware of the mess that has befallen the USFA and the effort of the staff and many others to raise it to credibility again. Did it ever occur to you that maybe your own division, or maybe your own club is in similar disarray? Mind you, the politicians of the fencing hierarchy are mostly volunteers. There is no glory in this that I can see- maybe an illusion of power. If there is some falling down on the job, who is accountable?
OK, so there was some falling down on the job in the past in my division. Big deal, this is not the State of California. I am willing to work hard to get things going well for the sake of a great sport, but I feel very weighed down by sadness- sadness that people in my own group cannot get along. Sadness, knowing that I've lost one of my best friends over the devisiveness of this division. I feel in my heart I am no longer welcome in my home club, and this is nearly killing me. I plan to continue my term as secretary, but right now my task is joyless.
R.I.P., Spaz.
09-26-2009 07:00 PM