MCRGO news from CARE - Concerned Activists for Reform and Ethics /04_canceled

President / Chairman Shantz cancels Open Members meeting scheduled for 1/24 on January 21, 2004.

Member comments are included at the end of this document.

Hyperlinks have been included for your quick reference.

Dear MCRGO member,

MCRGO turned the corner in 2003. After experiencing a financial loss in 2002, we rebuilt our organization with a focus on saving our finances, winning in court and in the Capitol, retaining professional staff and improving member service. We accomplished all of the above in less than six months. Unfortunately, MCRGO like so many other organizations includes a handful of individuals bent on pursuing their own personal agendas, never mind what is best for gun rights. For nearly two years now this Board has attempted to work around the outrageous accusations, misleading statements and of greatest concern the interference with our legislative agenda. We've done so hoping that these same individuals would either settle in and work with the rest of us, or burn out and move on to some other lucky organization.

Regrettably, that has not happened. In fact, the attempts to publicly undermine MCRGO, Directors, staff and our underlying mission have intensified, while these same people attempt to carve out their own personal organizations, using the resources MCRGO has painstakingly put together. I was under the naive presumption that we are all focused on gun rights. The reality is that some are more interested in tearing at some person or policy, or advancing their own status and authority, than they are about the mission or organization. Never did I imagine the incredibly destructive lengths to which they would go, never mind the harm to MCRGO and therefore our cause. It has become clear this Board has waited too long to react. It is now obvious that the members so focused on advancing their personal issues have just used our focus on gun rights against us. It is time to say, Enough! and, with the blessing of the Operations Committee, legal counsel and staff, we now are.

I regret to inform you that last week we were sent a violent and threatening e-mail targeting MCRGO and our meeting scheduled for this Saturday, January 24th. Two of MCRGO's Directors were specifically targeted. Given the serious nature of this outrageous threat and the potential negative impact on our organization, I've reprinted it for your review:

----- Original Message-----
From: James Vass
Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2004 11:56 PM
To: MCGO@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [MCGO] Ohio getting CCW

Umm, Please mark Ohio stuff "OT". *Off-Topic* or "Ohio-Topic"

This really doesn't pertain to MCGO people that don't live in/work in the border counties. It's amusing to read, but not germane to the subject of the Michigan Concealed Gun Owners (MCGO).

Thank you very little.

BTW, _________ can go to hell. I'll beat the crap outta you at the MCRGO meeting on the 24th. See you there! Punk! I got my brass-knuckles and fight-strap "on" for the union goons!

But you __ doesn't scare me one Iota. In fact, I think we are on the same side! :^)

I think we are going to be beating up 'union goons' that day. Not each other. We'll see. Your brother in "arm's". ;^)

(And I'm not going to be intimidated by Buckler's and Alderton's Goon Squads. I'm 250-260 lbs, and I learned how to punch "through" necks. Basically, your "target" is about 6 inches behind where you hit (Adam's Apple). With a good hit, you basically kill them by breaking their neck.)

"All's well that end's well! And iffin' we need to "toss" a few 'union goon's body parts" out along the median of I-75 while sippin' a brew going north, I just 'shared' too much of my future plans!"

My "hatchet" is officially buried with __. (BTW, I don't control MCGO or CARE4. I'm a member just like you. I have no "pull" on either lists. I never wrote either moderator. The moderator can let you back on as far as I'm concerned. I didn't have anything to do with you being banned for this or that list.)

Maybe the moderator had a concern about the "moron" comment. Whatever. The heat of the "battle" in a flame war, I have no problems with that. No harm, no foul.

Happy New Years to All!

James

During this same period, James Vass and Rod Collins planned the recruitment of Lansing's Capitol Press Corp. to cover the targeted meeting. A portion of that thread follows:

----- Original Message-----
From: James Vass
Sent: 1/8/2004 11:15:01 PM Eastern Standard Time,
To: MCGO@yahoogroups.com

Does anyone know if "[reporter's name]" is formerly known as "[her maiden name]" of the AP? This is the contact that Ross had that was sympathetic to MCRGO.

She was at least fair to MCRGO in her reporting. Which is going a long way based on current newspaper/TV standards.

Check your local listings... Blond-haired women..._not _very_beautiful_... Kind of "plain" looking. "Bland" would come to mind.

Sorries to the women on this list. I needed to be descriptive without a photo. Meeting ____ would be like "kissing your sister", no real "pleasure" there!"

Capeche?

----- Original Message-----
From: rcoll4427
Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2004 11:25 PM
To: MCGO@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [MCGO] Michigan's gun laws get `D+' from Brady Campaign

Yes, Same lady. I had talked to her many times when I was involved with a once strong Michigan gun rights group. She used to call us anytime she was doing a gun story and was very fair. I would not be surprise if she called and never got a call back.*

Rod Collins

* Note: Both of our Legislative Directors (Senator Alan Cropsey and State Reresentative Sue Tabor) were contacted and quoted by this reporter in the article referenced by Rod Collins.

---- Original Message-----
From: James Vass
Sent: Friday, January 09, 2004 01:31 AM
To: MCGO@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [MCGO] Michigan's gun laws get `D+' from Brady Campaign

Rod [Collins],

Any chance that Mrs. [AP Reporter] would want to dish some dirt?

You don't need to get involved. But I probably could. I'm behind the scenes... and thinking beyond the 24th now.

James

----- Original Message-----
From: rcoll4427
Sent: Friday, January 09, 2004 10:18 AM
To: MCGO@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [MCGO] Michigan's gun laws get `D+' from Brady Campaign

Some notification has already been done. We will have to wait and see on the 24th.

Rod Collins

This threat of violence coupled with the active recruitment of reporters proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that an effort is underway to publicly embarrass and disparage MCRGO in the media. As you are aware, there are many in the press who would delight in smearing a successful gun rights group in the most negative possible way. Therefore, I am postponing this Saturday's meeting to protect our members and our hard fought reputation. In full compliance with the discretion afforded me within MCRGO's Bylaws, I have directed staff and legal counsel to prepare for a closed Executive Session within the next few weeks.

[Shantz violates MCRGO bylaws]

"Therefore, I am postponing this Saturday's meeting to protect our members and our hard fought reputation."

SECTION 3. OPERATIONS STANDING COMMITTEE (PA 162 of 1982, 450.2528)

Responsible for operations, bylaws, contracts, and other matters relating to the daily conduct of business for the organization, subject to the direction by and approval of the Board of Directors. Members of the committee shall consist of the Chairman of the Board of Directors as Chair, the First Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors as Vice Chair, one other Director from the Board, the Executive Director and one or more assigned staff member(s).

At the time of this cancellation, at least three Directors were not informed. Those Directors are: Gary Bengtson, Barbara Stockford, and Neva Li.

In hindsight, this Board has obviously waited too long to deal with these obstructionists. Our motives may have been commendable, but these individuals have just taken advantage of our optimistic tolerance. Last year they distributed inflammatory press releases, placed anonymous calls to Legislators while our bills were moving, created anonymous and misleading websites, mailed to MCRGO membership without authorization, publicly challenged staff credentials and deliberately disrupted operations. They even recruited members to volunteer to help with our annual meeting, who then quit at the last minute in hopes of harming the event. This year those efforts continue, but these individuals have also begun to sabotage gun shows, our membership and club affiliations by working to stop renewals.

Fortunately, our Bylaws contain provisions for dealing with such situations. As a result of these ongoing attacks on your organization, we have retained outside legal counsel. Law enforcement has been notified of the threat and the site that published it. I can assure you that we will deal with this situation quickly and forcefully. You expect no less and our Mission Statement must prevail. I will do my best to keep you informed as our effort to protect this influential organization unfolds.

Regards,

Dale Shantz,
President, MCRGO

Follow-up letters of disgust.

Brian S. Kroll [January 21, 2004] Dale, Whatever sliver of respect I ever had for you was just shredded with your post on the MCRGO message board. You conveniently took a comment by one individual directed to another individual out of context.You didn't bother to review the preceding messages leading up to it that would have added balance. There was no threat to any BOD member expressed or implied. Instead of letting "Chuckie" put thoughts in your head, try thinking on your own, it really won't hurt, and the cerebral exercise might do you well. How convenient that you post your little inaccurate contrived and distorted message where you can cower behind the 'Thought Police" you have installed to prevent an honest rebuttal that would expose you to the challenges of honest debate and force you and your minions to present facts in place of platitudes. How does it feel to be MCRGO's last President? ...But then you can prevent that from becoming reality very easily. ...RESIGN NOW! Brian S. Kroll "Goals Matter!.........Chuck Chuckie!" "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the Black Flag, and begin slitting throats" Henry Louis Mencken (1880-1956).

Jeffrey M. Colonnesi [January 22, 2004] Dear Mr. Shantz, After reading the notice you sent "postponing" the BoD meeting scheduled for January 24th, I have decided to cancel my membership. Please refund the pro-rated portion ($5.00, my membership was good till May 1, 2004), and remove any reference to and/or image of myself or my wife from MCRGOs website or literature. The e-mail you quoted was taken out of context and also altered in order to make it appear directed towards a BoD member. I have seen the entire original (as well as preceding ones that put it into context) and it was a private spat between two people, neither of whom were BoD members. No threat was made, nor was one implied. The comments regarding "union goons" were a statement that the person would defend themselves in case MRCC decided to send some muscle to prevent MCRGO members from asking the questions they wanted answered. In light of my knowledge of the original e-mails content and context; I can only view your use of this as an excuse to cancel the meeting as an attempt to throw mud at those who question MCRGOs direction, while avoiding answering the questions and allegations that have been brought up. That a pro-gun group would cancel an open meeting because one person stated they would refuse to bow to union intimidation is ridiculous. Or is it that there were plans to use "goons" to intimidate, and you were afraid of what the results might be? For me, this is the final straw in the continuing deceptions practiced by those currently controlling MCRGO. I am ashamed that anyone in a position of authority in this organization would sink to these depths. As such, I am also ashamed of this organization and refuse to support or endorse it further. As of today, January 22, 2004, I rescind my membership. I expect a refund of the remaining pro-rated portion. This afternoon I removed the MCRGO window decal I have had on my truck since it was purchased. I have checked, and pictures of my wife and I are displayed on your web page that imply that we support MCRGO. As this is no longer the case (and my wife, Elizabeth Colonnesi, is no longer a member either), I revoke any right to use my image or name, or that of my wife, in the promotion of MCRGO. Please remove our pictures and names from any and all locations on MCRGOs website within 30 calendar days. If they are not removed as of February 23, 2004 I will pursue legal action. Regards, Jeffrey M. Colonnesi member number: 2952

John R. Johnson [January 22, 2004] Dear Mr. Shantz, Regarding your stated rationale for canceling the general membership meeting based upon "threats to Directors", this is a false and manipulated charge designed to avoid answering the inevitable tough questions that would come up at the meeting by members. I have seen the entire original email in question, (as well as preceding ones that put it into context that were taken from a private email group list), and it has nothing to do with any MCRGO Director. You have also left in the private email addresses of individuals while removing the name of the recipient from this private email group list. This email was obviously a parody and a "flame war" between two individuals, no more, no less. This email has been altered to make it appear that it was sent to a Director when in fact it was referring to another individual not associated with your BoD, a one Al S____. I have seen the original emails. This is the final straw for me in the continuing deceptions practiced by the current regime. This is nothing but a ruse to avoid answering the inevitable tough questions that were to be asked at the 1/24/04 general meeting. Rather than face the membership, your regime chose the path of deceit and cowardice, as expected. I am ashamed you would sink to these depths. And I voted for you as a Director. I hereby rescind my membership with M.C.R.G.O. as of January 22, 2004. I expect a refund for my remaining dues, or $17.19. My membership began Oct. 1, 2004 thru Oct 1, 2005. I am willing to spend the money to take this to the 53rd District Small Claims Court if my dues are not refunded, knowing my refund amounts to about half of the court costs. It's about principals, however. John R. Johnson Former Member MCRGO #6205

Ken Cooper [January 27, 2004] As of today, January 27, 2004, I rescind my membership, which is paid in full to January 1, 2008. I used to promote and was proud to belong to this strong, and member-driven organization, but no longer as I am ashamed and disappointed by those leading this organization. In my opinion the failure of MCRGO began when Doc Felbeck became President/Chairman of MCRGO, and continues today as Shantz enables the momentum set forth by Perricone and his self-serving contractual incentives. I will have no part in supporting a leadership, which is not receptive to the membership and their queries. Canceling the 'open board meeting' scheduled for January 24th was unjustified, irresponsible, cowardice, and a bylaws violation, since no individual person (Shantz) can make that decision alone. "Therefore, I am postponing this Saturday's meeting to protect our members and our hard fought reputation." In the past I have protested the many bylaw violations from prior and present Directors, them doing so with impunity. The MCRGO regime of like-minded Directors would make Michael Moore feel incompetent that he couldn't have done a better job destroying MCRGO if he were on the board himself. Now that the message board has been removed 13 months after the TALK e-mail list, the only communication remaining for existing members of MCRGO will be in the form of "On Target" and I am well aware of the propaganda platform from which that functions, and the financial loss incurred as well. (https://care4mi.tripod.com/) My decision to rescind my membership has been a long time in coming, but I felt there was enough trust that this organization would find it's way back on track, and I have allowed for ample time for this current Board of Directors to comply with our bylaws and have repeatedly been let down. I have written my concerns to the Directors many times with no response. What has happened to all the people who used to have rational thoughts? I'll tell you they have had their memberships revoked or they just quit. Regards, Ken Cooper #7561 Member since 2001 P.S. A special thank you to Pat Ross for reimbursing $68.00 of my membership dues.

David DeCoster [January 28, 2004] I joined MCRGO in Sept.2003, believing it to be the premier grassroots firearms organization in the state. In the almost 5 months that have passed since then, I have witnessed the unraveling of MCRGO. I am not part of the disgruntled that so often voices displeasure and dis-satisfaction via the message boards. I instead, sit on the sidelines, reading and absorbing, trying to make sense of what I see going on. It's a bit difficult entering the war in midstream, and trying to make the determination of which side I belong on. I joined in the interest of being on the side of RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERS OF MICHIGAN. I am not seeing that path as one of primary importance to MCRGO any longer. I find there to be a great deal of validation to some of the claims made in many of the postings on the now defunct message board. One of the largest reasons I joined this group, was because of the access to the message board. Now that this has been taken away, and because it was overly censored to begin with, I have decided that I no longer wish to be a member of this group, and it's apparent mis-guided path. I therefore, respectfully ask that the remaining monies from my 3 year membership be refunded to me, so that I may look for another group that has a clear and certain path, and agenda that I can identify with and endorse. I suppose that by de-fault, I have now become one of the disgruntled mentioned above. On another point... On December 9, 2003, I sent a check to MCRGO for the sum of $ 61.00. This was for a merchandise order consisting of coffee cups, a T-shirt, some MCRGO decals and stickers, ect... Since you obviously have been unable to fulfill this order within the time frame stated on your website, I would respectfully ask that you cancel the order, locate my as yet un-cashed check, and return it to me. If I am not to be a member of this organization, then I don't imagine I'll be needing the merchandise. I would appreciate you not suggesting to me that I quit this organization. I did not... You, the organization, have failed to deliver what I expected as a member when I signed up. Deleting the message board and posting privileges was perhaps your biggest failure. Failing to follow the agenda that the membership directed their board of directors to follow, was another. Thank you very much for your attention to this matter, and I would appreciate your quick response. David DeCoster # 79781

Response from Executive Director Charles Perricone

Chuck Perricone [January 2004] Thank you for taking the time to write. Unfortunately you seem to have reached your conclusions based on whatever unsubstantiated claims someone may be making (while expecting the answers from those within MCRGO that know better to be proven, no doubt). Unfortunately, I show no record of any communication from you. In fact, I've received exactly seven e-mails from members during the last week; four of them chastising us for waiting so long to deal with the distractions. Deservedly so. I answer--in depth--anyone that takes the time to write. Had I received your e-mail, you'd have received a response. Regardless of your obvious conclusions, I'll briefly address a couple of your points. First, I don't have a vote where the operations of this organization are concerned. Losing vote after vote by a margin of 8 or 9 to 2 [those two votes were Barbara Stockford and Neva Li] can be frustrating, to be sure. But the past and current Board members you are taking your cues from would be better served to address their issues to their voting colleagues rather than the staff that serve them. And you might want to ask why that consistent margin of defeat was so lopsided. Second, the Board Chair [Dale Shantz] did make an announcement regarding the message board. He also expained why it was happening. That, too, required action on the part of the Directors; the Operations Committee to be exact. I will of course forward your e-mail to those that had the authority to make such a decision. The dozen or so members that had apparently dedicated their lives to harming this organization in any way that they could knew such a result was inevitable. Their actions were no accident; they created and posted anonymous websites. And yet, you apparently accept the content as 'fact'? These same people talked about the inevitability of the message boards having to be shut down openly. They regularly and intentionally posted any manner of messages in an attempt to force just that action....and then write people like you and plead 'foul'! The only hope these people had was to take over MCRGO. The only chance they had was to convince as many people as they could that a fire was burning where none existed. Not unexpectedly, the vast majority of MCRGO membership is smarter than that. It defies logic to think that the current leadership--most of whom actually wrote and moved the original CCW legislatiion--would do anything illegal or untoward. You are certainly free to choose when and where you hang your hat on the issues at hand, but the team that created and forced through the legislation that you claim to care about is here. And we were 'here' even when at least one of the leaders of the organization you propose to join was publicly anti-gun [Neva Li]. And then there's the other [Barbara Stockford] that after being elected to serve this organization simply dedicated her efforts to starting another while proclaiming undying devotion to the cause she was elected to serve. Two others that MCRGO terminated for cause acted the same way. The 'anti's' couldn't have done it any better. All I'd ask is that you give us a couple of weeks to show you the true activity level within MCRGO. To date, we've been so busy putting out the fires the few detractors have set we've had all we could do to maintain our very high level of activity within the Legislature and the Courts. We continue to win. We continue to develop legislation and we are one of the most sought after endorsements in Lansing. All in less than a year. Yeah, MCRGO is alive and well. And now that we're dealing with the obvious problems, you'll actually have a chance to see that. Thanks again for your inquiry. Regards, Chuck Perricone