Msg507

Secret NCCA "Trial" Violates Rules of Decency
"I still don't know what I was convicted of... they forgot to tell ME?!"
by NM Leland Fuerstman

It has just been brought to my attention, that during the recent Statesville Open, for personal reasons, a handful of politically disgraced miscreants held a "secret" meeting whereby, in typical vigilante style, they conducted a special "trial" designed specifically to blackball, censure and undermine the good efforts of one individual, NM Leland Fuerstman. The problem is, I was neither present nor did I receive any notification from them about this trial? Come to find out, in my absence, I have been found guilty and declared a "player not in good standing with the NCCA??" So, just exactly what rule did I violate as a "player" which commanded such surreptitious behavior by them? Besides, I'm not even a member of the NCCA?

Frankly, it is disturbing that they went to so much trouble to censure me for voicing my opinion when there are so many other more important problems facing the NCCA which need to be addressed? Exactly by what authority were they conducting this "kangaroo court?" As a Vietnam veteran, I was taught that, unlike communists, Americans live in a free, open and democratic society where everyone has a right to voice his opinion without fear of reprisal from the government! -- The fact is, I have violated no rule of chess nor civil law. I have only shared my opinion, as I have a right (and responsibility to 77 members) to do. Furthermore, each citizen also has the right to defend himself and face his accusers? Now, exactly of what crime have I been found guilty? Apparently, it was the reprehensible act of criticizing a dubiously elected President who continues to make a fool of himself due to his arrogance, ignorance, lack of experience and utter incompetence?! Hence, the current President has chosen to carry on with the same policy of his predecessor by singling out and punishing members who might voice a bit of criticism or offer a different point of view? Sadly, that repressive design has perpetuated for years... no wonder why so many important chess figures in the state of North Carolina never peep a sound? Maybe they just don't want to be publicly raked over the coals. --- I'm sort of used to it by now...

This is the second time that I have been put on trial in absentia? The first was at a similar "meeting" of the QCCA a few years ago. Such is NOT a common practice for any legitimate democratic organization? I mean, if they're gonna' try me, at least I should have the right to be advised that such a trial was even taking place and what I was being charged with!? --- They have never responded to any message which I have written and posted. They have never allowed me the opportunity to meet with them and debate certain issues whereby I could speak my mind, ask important questions and discuss critical issues?! Probably, because, they know that what I have to ask is embarrassing to them; and what I have to say is true and can't be denied. Furthermore, some of the good old boys simply don't want to further be exposed for previous malfeasance and wrongdoings?!

You ask, "who are they?" "They" include the current NCCA president, certain past officers and other current organizers who seem to be more interested in controlling their private chess company's interests than anything else!? (while lining their pockets with the windfall profits of scholastic events?) Not only have the Entry Fees skyrocketed to $70, (500 entries X $70 = $35K) but the accounting is generally non existent or extremely vague and certainly does not conform to the standards of reports required by 501C-3 non-profit organizations? (It is estimated that the organizer of the 2013 NC Scholastic Championship personally realized a profit of over $30,000!??) That begs the question, when was the last time that the NCCA was formally audited? The answer: 28 years ago, when I was President...

Beside the fact that I would be the longest existing member of the NCCA, achieved the Title of National Master in 1984 and have held every position within the organization, I have successfully organized and conducted the Charlotte Chess Club for the past 38 years and continue to promote great tournaments open to ALL. One might think that chess players would show me a little more respect! Unfortunately, motivated by jealousy, a select few poseurs continue to cast aspersion in my direction. The system by which these guys are operating is illegal and completely violates my rights. Any person who was involved in that meeting in Statesville should be ashamed of himself. Purposely blackballing people and secretly going behind their back to undermine their efforts goes way beyond simple bad manners? In fact, it's the worst kind of cowardly, passive aggressive, anal retentive behavior which accomplishes absolutely nothing positive. In effect, instead of encouraging members to participate in a very well designed event which is open to ALL, these great leaders have conspired to mess it up; and that is regretful? (...I am opposed to secret societies, secret oaths and secret meetings..." JFK)

The NCCA website is pitiful... Besides restricting members from posting important announcements, (such as the upcoming 2013 Charlotte City Chess Championship Aug 3-4), most of the information on the site is goofy and out of date? Other than an incomplete list of upcoming events, and a message board dominated by the opinions of a select few with hidden agendas, there are virtually no complete reports of events, images, games, players nor other entertaining articles which would make it worthwhile for anyone to observe?! And little has been done to improve that.

The President is irresponsible. How can anyone defend this guy? Someone needs to suggest to him that he get off his butt, read the constitution, (or Articles of Incorporation) and do his job in a timely manner for a change. So many things need to be corrected within the NCCA... but, I seriously doubt that anything positive will be done while this crowd is in charge. If any one of them wishes to openly debate an issue in a civil manner, I am available. But, none of them seems to have the guts to do so.

I have organized chess for over 40 years. I think I know the difference between productive people and losers by now. Contrary to the untrue, misleading claim which he has reported to others, Rudy Abate has made absolutely NO attempt to patch things up with me and the CCC and I resent his saying it. (Ask him to produce an E-mail which indicates otherwise). On the other hand, when he first became President, I actually called him on the phone offering my advice and assistance which he proudly rejected?! I even placated him by changing the name of my tournaments from Reserve Angel to Knights Templar! A few months ago, I tried to pay my NCCA membership dues, which he promptly rejected and returned. Finally, more recently, I requested that the upcoming 2013 Charlotte City Championship be posted on their "upcoming tournaments" list which was denied. Every bit of criticism which I have directed toward him is completely warranted. During our phone conversation, not only did he express an extremely defensive attitude, but he changed the subject so many times that it was difficult to keep him on track to address any particular issue? In my opinion, he simply does not possess the skills required for the position.

Furthermore, I don't owe anyone an apology. There are no terms of any documents generated by any officer or Lawyer of the NCCA which are still outstanding, including my "6 month suspension" which ended over 3 years ago. (Anyway, how can you suspend the membership of a person who has already quit??! ...how ridiculous?! Instead, why not ask me why I quit?!!)

The NCCA is in disarray and the website is proof of that. They collectively make one blunder after another. The 2013 Invitational, (which was rescued at the last moment, but conducted in a questionable manner) was all but totally neglected by the President, who after being asked about it 2 days beforehand, responded with "what Invitational??" -- Now, they are planning an "Official" Senior Championship for players over 50 years old? Apparently, none of the crack officers of the NCCA bothered to check, but the official USCF Senior age happens to be "65!" So, how can the NCCA's tournament be official? (Some think that it's because the guys who designed the event curiously fall within that age group?!) And, finally, of growing concern is the fact that they are conducting the NC Championship in some remote town just 15 miles below the Virginia line? (Because that's the town that the President lives in??) Some believe that to be a bit self serving.

If members wish to take sides and make excuses for Abate, that's their business. But, as far as I'm concerned, there is little credence in anything he says or does, because he has NO experience and only operates to suit his own personal needs instead of considering the collective concerns of all of the members? (Like, large tournaments are usually held in major, centrally located cities...). His jealousy and personal bias toward me is unfair and only serves to harm the entire NC chess community. The CCC is the largest adult chess club in 2 states; Abate should be doing everything he can to align the state organization with the 77 member, 40 year old Charlotte Chess Club! But, in fact, he has done the opposite. I make no apologies for anything I have said about him. The sooner he is replaced, the better... and, by the way, I could not care less about being the NCCA President?! I just want a qualified person to fulfill all of the responsibilities in a proper, transparent and democratic manner, period.