Cronies Launch Personal Attacks; Violate Their Own Rules?! Charlotte, NC. 12-26-09: Recently, I posted a message on the CCC Message Board entitled "Greater Charlotte Championship; Not So Great After All" which described some of the problems associated with that event. The message goes on to criticize organizer NCCA President Gary Newsom for foolishly planning the event on the same day as the already publicized Asheboro tournament (which drew 33 players). And, though this troubled event was touted as "a new flagship event for North Carolina," their final report was sketchy, at best. At this point, I wish to draw the readers attention to a "curious phenomenon" which I have for some time experienced from within the NCCA inner "circle of friends." Over the past year, I have published a few  articles criticizing various organizations of our "official" chess community. In each case, I first attempted to communicate privately by phone and E-mail to the "responsible officer" in charge. After receiving inadequate answers, (or no answers at all), those articles were published. The verified information which I published raised attention to a number of sensitive issues which probably embarrassed some people. Strangely enough, not one of them has ever publicly denied anything which I published! Naturally, I would have promptly posted their response on the CCC Message Board. Unfortunately, none of them replied? - But, this time I believe I've struck a nerve! The "curious phenomenon" is, instead of addressing any of the "issues" which I raised, I have again been required to endure an unfriendly barrage of "personal attacks" which have absolutely nothing to do with the "Greater Charlotte Championship?" Look, I didn't even post a message on the NCCA Message Board?? Yet, in their typical style, they relentlessly attacked me like a pack of "wild pigs." Following the lead of their teenage adviser, they have each identified themselves by chiming in with a most childish form of diversionary rhetoric. The problem is, such "personal attacks" are strictly forbidden on the NCCA Message Board?! When one reads Official NCCA Discussion Forum Rules #6 A, B, C, D and Guidelines D, E & F, he will learn that the rules clearly forbid "abusive language, disrespect of others, causing a disturbance, purposely annoying others." It goes on to say "This is a Chess-oriented Message Board; its purpose is for chess topics only," Finally, it states "NO PERSONAL ARGUMENTS, this is a Chess Discussion Forum, NOT a forum for PERSONAL ATTACKS!!!" ..."Please respect everyone and show proper netiquette at all times..." I believe it is obvious that upon reading their unfriendly statements about me, those rules have clearly been violated. Yet, by clicking the button to access the Message Board, each member of their propaganda committee electronically endorsed the statement, "I have read and agree with the rules and disclaimers?!" As I have already suggested, "Newsom goes about his business stepping on other peoples toes, making arbitrary decisions and ignoring his own set of rules." And, that is unacceptable behavior for the President. Those messages are negative and non-productive. The entire thread should immediately be removed. You just don't have the right to pile up on one person like that; whether it be me or anyone else. Shame on all of you... From the thousands of "prohibited" words penned by my opponents on the NCCA Message Board, not a single one of them was dedicated to responding to questions about the "Greater Charlotte Championship? Newsom's statement that "one of his officers had written an answer, but decided not to post it" simply doesn't make sense?! That is the only thing which should have been posted! And, it should have come directly from NCCA President Gary Newsom, himself. (Maybe I missed it; but, has that Balance Sheet been published yet?) The First Amendment to the Constitution guarantees us the right to "free speech." Every American citizen has a right to his constitutionally protected "opinion." I am a chess journalist. I edit a website. I write articles about NC chess and our associated leaders. Having been a past President, I feel responsible to question the strategy, tactics, results, policies and vague reports of our so called chess leaders in order to make things better for future generations. I do not "personally attack" people over the internet. Nor shall I waste time responding to the collective dirty tricks committee's sophomoric blather. My crime is that I have asked too many "embarrassing" questions which some folks don't seem to be able to answer. Simply put, wrongdoers don't like to be exposed and they are generally angry at the person who exposes them! Our chess leaders should not be so hyper-sensitive to criticism. Instead, they should promptly answer everyone's questions with respect and dignity. Then, they should maturely acknowledge their errors and attempt to correct them. "If you can't stand the heat... get out of the kitchen." There are other competent members of the NC chess community who are prepared, immediately if necessary, to replace you. If you are an officer of a North Carolina chess organization, simply do your job properly and answer everyone's questions honestly. Finally, allow an "outsider" to check your work, and then, no one will have anything to complain about! Please allow me to remind everyone of something. I am the first person to complain about high entry fees, poor payouts, excessive profits by organizers, the need for a complete set of by-laws, a clearinghouse and many other issues which affect all North Carolina chess players. There are still many improvements which need to be made. (It is my understanding that after only 2 weeks, for reasons unexplained, 15 year old Joseph Biernacki is no longer the NCCA webmaster?! May I recommend 10 year old Will Campbell!? He's smart, too!; maybe he could do the job?) A creative officer might consider the idea of establishing a "new series" of NCCA tournaments which would charge an Entry Fee of $10! Directors from various cities from around the state could be paid a small fee to organize the tournaments in their home town. An annual schedule of events whereby the NCCA would guarantee any loss would create a great relationship with the organizers. And, a $10 entry fee would be something that many members have been waiting for, and considering these hard times, would surely appreciate! Those organizers can still run their regular events, but an occasional $10 event should be available as well. Anyway, according to their last financial report, the NCCA has upwards of $20,000 in their bank account. If not for a project like this, then how else should they spend their money? If you want more good ideas, just ask me! Though I have recently endured a series of the most libelous "personal attacks," I respectfully decided to wait until after Christmas to publish this response. Most of my colleagues and friends are of the opinion that regardless of who is right or wrong, they had "rather be done with the politics." And, frankly, I'm kinda' tired of it, myself. --- If Newsom wants to offer me a Draw in regard to "burying the hatchet," I would consider it. (However, it would come with conditions requiring mutual respect, a direct line of communication, the right to ask questions and a requirement to answer them). So, does that mean that everyone should cease questioning anything that goes on behind the scenes? No. Unfortunately, the current environment has caused many chessplayers to become scared to death to peep a sound for fear of reprisal? Or worse, participate in certain organizer's club activity or tournaments for fear of reprisal? The problem with the NCCA has been, for some time, the sheer lack of oversight. Someone needs to pay attention. They must become more transparent. We never discuss chess politics at CCC meetings. (Nor, do we suggest that members not play in other chess clubs or tournaments). We only dine, socialize, play chess and have fun! The CCC Website is always completely updated by the following morning! And, it always includes a synopsis of the previous evening's activities, an updated crosstable and at least one annotated game played by a Master! What other club provides that? We need more powerful minds at the CCC. I look forward to seeing new faces in 2010. You know where we are. Come join us! Happy Holidays to All, NM Leland Fuerstman Charlotte Chess Club