| "Behavior"
Versus "Opinion" By NM Leland Fuerstman Here we go again?! Newsom wants to dig up the bones of the past, therefore, I shall again accommodate him by explaining things more accurately. First, I achieved the Title of National Master in 1984; a title which Gary Newsom will certainly never achieve in his lifetime... I therefore demand that I be respectfully addressed as National Master Leland Fuerstman. After all, you don't salute the person; you salute the uniform... His continuing determination not to do that is intentionally disrespectful and demeaning to anyone who has achieved the title. Besides, he is quick to forget that my lifetime record against him is 22-5-14! (...So, he defeated me 14 times... Hey, I never said that he wasn't a good chess player!) Newsom's incorrect choice of words used to describe me indicates either a lack of formal education or an intentional determination to distort the truth. It has also given his readers the false impression that I am some kind of misfit who attempts to disturb the felicity of every venue in which I participate, which is blatantly FALSE. In almost every nasty message which he has authored, he continues to allude to my "actions and behavior" of the past? The dictionary defines "behavior" as "1 a : the manner of conducting oneself b : anything that an organism does involving action and response to stimulation..." I ask him to please be more precise when alluding to my "behavior." My behavior is perfectly normal! Unlike him, I arrive at the CCC or any other chess event properly bathed and shaven, hair combed, teeth brushed, having used mouthwash and cologne, in clean, well pressed stylish clothing with a friendly smile on my face! (Newsom often arrives looking like he slept in the back seat of his car...) I greet everyone who arrives with open arms and engage in brief conversation so as to make each member feel welcome. And, I show genuine concern for each individual's well being and personal circumstances and always "silently" attempt to help them if I am able. No one has ever questioned my "behavior." Furthermore, as Chief Tournament Director for the Charlotte Chess Club, it is my responsibility to attend to the "behavior" of 35 or so members who show up each week. And, in that regard, I can provide a few unfortunate examples of incidents which needed to be addressed... but, my personal "behavior" has never come into question. Yet, Newsom incorrectly continues to harp upon my "past behavior?" What he really means to say is that he is aggravated by my "opinion!" 1 a : a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter b : approval, esteem..." Though he would be hard pressed to provide even one example of any bad behavior, I'm sure he could allude to many examples where he may be indifferent to my "opinion!" But, please remind yourself that this is America and according to the 1st Amendment to the Constitution, I have every right to not only form an opinion, but freely share it! (hopefully without fear of reprisal; as other members of the NCCA continue to endure to this day?) As editor of the CCC website, I have published numerous messages which have covered a litany of subjects; always making sure that the information is accurate and often asking questions of the people who are involved. The continuing problem is, Newsom and his confederates have NEVER answered ANY of the questions and instead, respond with personal slurs and innuendo in order to intentionally evade the issues at hand. In fact, I doubt that anyone can provide one single example of his ever publicly responding with any friendly discourse. In fact, Newsom and Wheeless always resort to personal attacks; in the most cowardly fashion, I might add, knowing full well that I am forbidden to respond on the NCCA "Forum." (One member questioned why Wheeless was so busy Sunday morning writing nasty messages on the NCCA Forum, when he should have been in church!? or, how he seems to get away with composing messages on "company" time? -- My power bill is high enough as it is...) Now, according to the "terms of use" of the NCCA Forum, "personal attacks" are a "form of defamation of character and therefore forbidden on the forum!" Not only has the moderator of that "Forum" allowed those message to remain posted, but he has actually chimed in with his own 2 cents?! Newsom goes on to state that my "behavior" has "harmed every member of the NCCA???" How ludicrous! The NCCA, whose numbers have dwindled to approximately 80 actual paid current members, is comprised of individual players from around the state and also includes many members of the CCC! My messages are not directed toward any of them!? They are specifically addressed to "Chess Bully" Gary Newsom and a handful of other miscreants who continue to violate and bend the rules for their own personal gain. To imply that my messages harm every member demonstrates some twisted notion that in his self ordained majesty, Newsom mistakenly believes that every member owes absolute allegiance to him?? Because, he is the NCCA!? The fact is, most of them are sick and tired of his negative rhetoric. And worse, is the insane idea that if any member has even the slightest association with NMLF, they are branded as traitors and even disqualified from running for office?! What a sick puppy this guy is. If anyone needs professional help, it's Gary Newsom. Finally, I must take issue with Newsom's statement that he has "bent over backward" to make things right? On the contrary... (He can barely bend over forward without injuring himself much less backward...) The facts are, I am the one who has attempted to mend the fences, not him. (In psychological terms, that's called "projection") For years, I have offered to exchange links, which he steadfastly refused to do. (I recently posted a link to the Charlotte Chess Center) I have visited their club and even participated in tournament competition, which he has never done. I have even invited him to play at the CCC for FREE, which he has refused to do. I have attempted to rejoin the NCCA, which by committee, has been rejected. (by the way, I have documentation indicating that my so called censure expired in on February 11, 2011. Their "attorney" should be able to verify that) and, I publish the results of CCC players who participate in their events. Yet, they continue to refuse to publish my upcoming tournaments on the NCCA website. More disconcerting, is the fact that I endorsed two separate documents over the past 3 years in order to put this all to rest, which Newsom refused to sign. And, finally, the Newsom cabal has even rewritten the requirements on their ad for the upcoming NC Closed to specifically insure that I am excluded from participating? Newsom may have currently established himself as a successful major tournament director (at the expense last year of thousands of dollars of his partner's money) but his relentless desire to besmirch my name at all cost because I criticized him and voiced my opinion about the way he goes about doing business, has only served to perpetuate ill will within the entire North Carolina chess community. In fact, I don't doubt for a moment that he will go out of his way to again sabotage the upcoming Charlotte City Chess Championship scheduled for September 27. By the way, that event is open to ALL USCF members. No one is excluded. Have a nice day. I remain, NM Leland Fuerstman, STD Charlotte Chess Club |