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Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2009 8:58:09 PM Subject: RE: MetroBears Elections Cool! I've got too much drama in my life already going on to be dragged into this.
But, funny enough, this is the only time I've ever gotten email from metrobears since joining last Pride. Glad those membership dollars were put to good work. Have to comment on what [...] just said. After joining MetroBears a month or two back AND paying for a membership, this is the most communication I've received. All I know is that SOMEBODY accepted my credit card payment and the money. Other than that, this is about as much as I know. Seems like the organization is in need of all new leadership, [...] I think a refund is in order. Sorry, I should clarify something: I DID in fact receive a message from the MetroBears chairman, 'Mike' after I sent a message asking why my membership payment wasn't acknowledged or confirmed. He invited me to their/our meeting and I'll admit, I didn't attend. However, that message only came after I sent a strong but professionally-worded note about how disappointed I was that new members do not seem to be acknowledged. If MetroBears is an official, state-registered non-profit group, (501c3), than it would be in violation to hold secret meetings, etc., but I have no confirmation if that's the case. Maybe we should all just show up at the next meeting and see what's going on. Ok I do have to agree the membership has turn out to be worthless. Only because there were not scheduled events at all, when was the last Metrobear night at dugout, what have they done, and when was their last newsletter? I havent seen one of those since last year. ============================================================================ 07/31/09 Hello Mike,
In keeping with the spirit of President Obama, Officer Crowley & Professor Gates, would you like to share a beer and share a teachable moment?
I would.
B. Crittenden Freeman =========== From: "MMSUNSET@aol.com" <MMSUNSET@aol.com> Cc: MBNYBoard@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, July 31, 2009 4:34:02 PM Subject: Re: Solid... As Barack 1. You don't drink
2. It's not my decision and the board hasn't changed its mind as I told others already
3. This is not about racism or anything to do with your race or mine
4. You have been working for NY Bear Den - great they can use the help
5. I have been putting out numerous non-bar events but I see you have been absent - FYI - they are open to all people - bears, non-bears /black or white - and I will continue to put forward 3 events per month until November or December and then restart again in January with 3+ events per month.
So no I do not wish to have a Beer with you. I think using racism to get what you want or to manipulate people or organizations is despicable.
How's Al Sharpton doing? Has he answered your letter? I think he's busy with Katherine and Joe.
Respectfully Declining
Mike
MBNY Chair ===================================== 08/01/09 Hi Mike,
Well, what can I say...
I am trying to follow the model that President Barack Obama has set for the country (and the world) with his invovlement in the situation of Gates/Crowley. That of men, who are in conflict, coming together and listening to each other (in this case, I would have been drinking water or carbonated water and it would have been your choice to have a beer
 ).Mr. Obama has reminded us that moments of conflict are "teachable moments". That is,
1. What can both sides learn from each other if we sit down and listen to each other?
2. What is it that we didn't know before that we know now?
3. What things might we do better in the future?
4. How can we create a club, neighborhood, culture, nation, world that is inclusive
and better for all and look at conflicts as "teachable moments"?
So, in that is vein I am trying once more. I've stopped all my previous activities since the last email I put to you hoping that we will resolve this conflict (as President Obama would like us to).
I believe that I am not able to send to the MBNYBoard@yahoogroups.com list. So, I will send to just a few of the ids that I am aware of and trust that you will forward as appropriate.
Again, I will hope & pray that you & I or The Board & I can meet and work towards resolution.
Keep Well.
Crit
===================================================================== ----- Forwarded Message ---- $0.45 x each member for postage $0.50 x each member for letter $0.50 x each member for address label and envelope $50 labor to put together letters and mail them
----Original Message----- Hello Mike, There is no documentation within your email on the MetroBears "Petition" Process and what it entails, other than the beforementioned mailing costs. Please clarify. What occurrs after that? To whom is there a petition? The board? The membership? Who makes a counter decision? Do you have any additional documentation that gives specifics? Please let me know. Regards B. Crittenden Freeman 908-307-0525 From: "mmsunset@aol.com" <mmsunset@aol.com> -----Original Message----- I have a copy of the by-laws - and they state " I. MEMBERSHIP A. STRUCTURE AND ELIGIBILITY The club shall consist of those who support the purpose and scope of the Club, as described here. The Board reserves the right to refuse or revoke membership to any person. If a membership application is denied, the applicant has the right to petition the Club for admission. Membership in the Club shall not be transferred by any means. This is all that I see. Is there something that I am missing? Also, please forward to me copy a minutes of said meeting that was held regarding the revocation of membership. Regards B. Crittenden Freeman ----- Forwarded Message ---- Crit, Your not entitled to the minutes of the meeting because your no longer a member. Once the petition is finalized and if you are re-instated then you can view the minutes. We the board are not obligated to provide our minutes to non-members. I will advise you soon on the total number of members and provide you with the cost breakdown for the petition which will be your expense only. Mike MBNY Chair -------- Original Message -------- To: MetroBears Board Of Directors: From B. Crittenden Freeman Re: Membership Revocation Georgie Swain fatally shot himself at on Feb 23. His friends put up a film of their “last Rap battle” on youtube.com a few days later with a RIP word description (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvQD7Jq5kFQ&feature=related). He was 16 years old. In trying to come to their closure, his parents asked for my help. They were receiving a run-a-round from the local police and the high school in their attempts to receive copies of the police report and view a high school video. After I became involved, Georgie’s Mom was able to receive a copy of the police report and the police also allowed her to view the video that was made of her deceased son. The run-around that they had been receiving ended and they are now moving further along in their closure. I put up a web-site in memoriam of Georgie (www.georgeswain.com). I share this information with you to touch on several levels. First, to share the type of man that I am and that is a “customer advocate”. Helping to remove or facilitate situations. I also assisted another friend in getting back $300.00 from an eBay seller who ripped him off and others. This changed the nature of how eBay does feedback. Second, to let you know that after much careful consideration, I reject and will not participate in a “Club Petition” process, as you have proposed. Your process is clearly one of discrimination and classism and it is disappointing & unacceptable. Gentlemen, I want you to take a step back and just breathe!!!! Look at national politics. We have the 1st African-American president who ran with a platform in which he “firmly believes that if we work together, we can resolve problems.” Plus, we also, exist in larger opposite sex culture that continually strives to gain power and money by stepping on the necks of us in the same-sex culture, creating divisions. So, in that context, the best we can do, when faced with differences & choices is: A secret closed door meeting (kangaroo kourt) A revocation of membership without: due process a true & fair conversation Discrimination through classism: petition process where exhorbitant costs involved (when there can be NO costs involved) your process of bringing needless drama and “us vs. them” to the club membership No. We can do better than that. And I choose to NOT participate in these discriminative behaviors. And certainly, I will NOT put such behaviors or emotions on the membership. And you should all be ashamed of yourselves. I expected better from Gay men. I expected better from a diverse Board that includes Gay, Latino, Black & White men. Now, I have asked of this board to: 1. Conduct its behaviors with accountability, 2. Be in tune with the membership, 3. Enact the wishes of the membership, and 4. Follow due process. While this may be a first in your experiences, this should be nothing new. I also understand that it may be a shock to find someone choosing to run for a board seat who says “CHANGE IS NEEDED”. There is no defamation. There is no lack of safety. There is no attack on character or integrity. Again, you have done, what Prop 8 supporters have done. So, this stops right now. Please be informed: I will not participate in a Club Petition. It is wrong to bring such drama to the club membership. Most especially, the Latino & Black members of the Board you should be twice ashamed for willfully participating in the discrimination of a man. I expect and you are under formal and official notification to invoke & re-instate my Metrobears membership with all stated privileges immediately. I expect the elections to carry forth with me on the ballot in a fair and democratic fashion. Let the membership decided whether they want change OR NOT! I expect that there will be NO MORE discriminations through membership revocations, due to any board member(s) fears of accountability. I expect that you will allow a fair and democratic process of voting to occur and the membership decide who they want to represent them on the Board. Above all, I expect all, current and future members of the MetroBears to be role models of the highest standards of integrity, accountability and honesty and to conduct your behaviors & membership interactions with membership focus, inclusion and non-discriminative actions. I am open to meeting with you or your chair, at any time to discuss this and look forward to working with you in an amicable fashion towards providing the best possible Club environment for its membership. I started this letter with an introduction of the assistance I gave Georgie Swain’s parents in the closure of their son’s suicide. There are more such examples I can share. All acts of service done for family or friends and with no monies received. But, under no circumstances will I ever lower my principles, values, or personal integrity for any person or situation. For me, the membership comes first, NOT the Board and accountability is something that NEVER frightens me. If there are any questions, please do feel free to contact me vie email, snail or phone at 732-545-8584. Mr. Barack Obama has taught us that we can do better! Thank you Crit ----- Forwarded Message ---- Dear Mr. Freeman,
The board decision to revoke your membership was stated in my previous email / letter. Your dues are being returned to you. You have chosen not to petition this decision but yet you still continue to demand a reversal. This board's decision is final. You were given the opportunity to petition and still have the right to do so at your expense. The accusation that no man of color holds no seat in this board is false. Al-Teron Robinson and Shawn Murray both held seats on this board for many years. The current board has Robert Thorpe an African American. The basis of ethnicity or race does not factor into the selection of board members. Your blatant defamation of our organization to pursue your own agenda was what provoked the action of this board.
Continue to defame this board or its board members and you will be held accountable with legal action. If you continue to harass our group's members and you will be held accountable with legal action.
You will cease all false accusations and derogatory remarks about this board and this organization or legal action will be pursued to fullest extent of the law.
Regards,
Michael Maddalena
MBNY Chair ================================================================================= A 1. First and foremost I would LOVE to see the MetroBears in front of a judge explaining how a. "They can't have accountability" b. Someone who runs for a board seat based on a different platform is defamation c. How their so-called petitition process is fair & objective d. How holding a secret Board meeting, revoking someone's membership without them being present, without presenting any proof to the person of the accusors and/or data, is an example of American Due Process. 2. Second, I say to the Metrobears Board "BRING IT ON!!!" 3. They won't do it because they are afraid of being held accountable for their behaviors. B 1. The Chair takes sentences and twists them to his own favor 2. Let's be clear. a. The actions of the board towards me represent Discrimination b. When I see a group of people who do a sneaky, subversive thing like a back doors meeting to eject someone from their organization AND then regorganize themselves so that the "Executive Members" of the Board are being held by people who are NOW no longer Men Of Color, OH YES, I'm gonna raise the Race Flag and raise it high. c. Do I think that their actions towards me specifically are due to RACE? NO!!! d. How do I feel about the previous Men Of Color who have participated in these behaviors? I am astonished that Latino & Black men would: i. Actively engage in a Board Election process that is contrary to the By-Laws of the organization ii. Participate in the Active Discrimination of another man iii When having these things pointed out, stand/sit idly by and say nothing. 3. I believe all of this DISHONORS the work and achivements of men like Harvey Milk to Martin Luther King, Jr. 4. The truly sad part is that the MetroBears Board will NEVER understand this, including the MOC there. ================================================================================= ----- Forwarded Message ---- B. Crittenden Freeman Dear Mr. Freeman, I received your correspondence regarding the Metrobears Club of NYC, and I have reviewed the letter and the attachments. I understand that you have a number of complaints with how Metrobears Club is operated and about the revocation of your membership. The Center hopes that the hundreds of groups that use space here are well-governed and operate fairly, but we have no authority over the internal operations of any group. When conflicts arise within groups – as they inevitably do – one or more parties may approach the Center to represent a party or to adjudicate the dispute. The Center does not take on either of those roles. Rather, we encourage the parties to make further efforts to resolve the dispute themselves, and if those efforts are unsuccessful to seek mediation. To that end, I will acknowledge to the leadership of Metrobears that we have reviewed your correspondence, and I will encourage them – as I am encouraging you – to make another effort to resolve your dispute yourselves. Sincerely, Bruce Anderson Interim Executive Director ----- Forwarded Message ---- Mr. Freeman, As we respect and have the utmost endearment for the center, The center does not constitute a governing authority. 7 Board members of MBNY agreed to terminate your membership and provided you a democratic process to override that decision. In the We are refunding your membership as a courtesy even though the year is 3/4 completed. Good luck in your other endeavors. Mike Maddalena MBNY Chair
----- Forwarded Message ---- From: "MMSUNSET@aol.com" <MMSUNSET@aol.com> To: @yahoo.com Cc: MBNYBoard@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, July 31, 2009 4:34:02 PM Subject: Re: Solid... As Barack 1. You don't drink
2. It's not my decision and the board hasn't changed its mind as I told others already
3. This is not about racism or anything to do with your race or mine
4. You have been working for NY Bear Den - great they can use the help
5. I have been putting out numerous non-bar events but I see you have been absent - FYI - they are open to all people - bears, non-bears /black or white - and I will continue to put forward 3 events per month until November or December and then restart again in January with 3+ events per month.
So no I do not wish to have a Beer with you. I think using racism to get what you want or to manipulate people or organizations is despicable.
How's Al Sharpton doing? Has he answered your letter? I think he's busy with Katherine and Joe.
Respectfully Declining
Mike
MBNY Chair
==================================================================
After President Obama hd his Beer Diplomacy with Officer Crowley and Professor Gates, I thought of doing the same with the MetroBears
Unfortunately, whereas, both Gates and Crowley were willing to let go (of whatever it was they were holding onto) and mee and resolve, the MetroBears board has not been able to. Therefore, that led to my next letter. ================================================================== August 19, 2009 Bear Clubs across America & Bear Clubs that didn’t get the 1st letter Re: Discrimination by MetroBears of NYC, This is my 2nd and final letter, and I’m asking for a BOYCOTT of the MetroBears of NYC Inc. (just don’t “show-up” or engage in any way with them) to all clubs/businesses. I felt strongly enough to send this because my “olive branch” letters have been ignored. I’ve kept my word that there would be no additional emails. Briefly, to those who are unaware, the dilemma is:
As resolution was proposed to Officer Crowley and Professor Gates, I reached out to the MetroBears Board. They have refused. The Chair stated in his last email that “… using racism to get what you want or to manipulate people or organizations is despicable…”. I disagree with that statement. So, I will simply invite, if you want…
That will eliminate and efforts by any side of manipulation or deceit. I’ve created YouTube videos representing my side and my “hard core data” (simply search on the expression SilentBoycott) plus I’ve put all of the emails between myself and the Board on my website (www.website37.com click on club into, password is talent). Considering how there is a fight in California of Marriage Equality, it is disappointing that this Bear Board would think there actions are OK. They are not. And it is a shame, they will not reconsider. Think of it this way… how many activists from Harvey Milk to Martin Luther King have endured pain & suffering and died so that we could all exist under equal treatment, fair, free and democratic voting/elections and their action be our model of behaviors? Yet this board takes a step backward!!! Attachment A What is the legal definition of discrimination? Discrimination is the unequal treatment of parties who are similarly situated. Discrimination occurs in the employment context when an employer treats one or more employees less favorably than others because of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, actual or perceived sexual orientation, age, disability, or in retaliation for a complaint made against the employer (“whistleblower”). In my case, it is “unequal treatment” and “…in retaliation for a complaint made…”. Considering how there is a fight in California of Marriage Equality, it is disappointing that this Bear Board would think there actions are OK. They are not. And it is a shame, they will not reconsider. Think of it this way… how many activists from Harvey Milk to Martin Luther King have endured pain & suffering and died so that we could all exist under equal treatment and their action be our model of behaviors? Yet this board takes a step backward!!! Hello Mike, In keeping with the spirit of President Obama, Officer Crowley & Professor Gates, would you like to share a beer and share a teachable moment? I would. B. Crittenden Freeman ----- Forwarded Message ----
So no I do not wish to have a Beer with you. I think using racism to get what you want or to manipulate people or organizations is despicable. How's Al Sharpton doing? Has he answered your letter? I think he's busy with Katherine and Joe. Respectfully Declining Mike MBNY Chair ================================================================================ From: Freeman [mailto:bcfreeman@optonline.net] Messrs Maddalena & AM1Bear, I am attaching both letters I sent to Bear clubs. There is no mention of being discrimination due to race. As mentioned before there is mention of discrimination due to “retaliation of a complaint made”. I am also attaching an email sent to Bear Clubs and again thee is no mention of “discrimination due to race”. I was asked this question VERY directly by the previous Chair Shawn Murray and I responded with no, the membership revocation was not due to race. So, I don’t think there’s anything to retract. This situation is reminiscent of what President Barack Obama went through. Even more recently, Scott Beck was calling President Obama a racist with a deep seated hatred. Total nonsense, this is. As President Obama has stated and tried to accomplish with Bi-Partisanship, we can achieve more together than apart and we can get to resolutions and accomplishments better together. So, I suggest that this focus on “race” be let go of & let’s focus on the issues. And those issues are:
I am available to attend the next meeting to discuss these if that’s good for the Board’s schedule. B. Crittenden Freeman From: MMSUNSET@aol.com [mailto:MMSUNSET@aol.com] I have read your letters to other clubs and your statements and you refer to race as part of your descrimination. When you formally retract that statement or release a statement that states that we did not discriminate against you based on race - you can come to a board meeting. The ball is in your court. ----- Forwarded Message ----
To: Bear Club Silent Boycott the MetroBears of NYC!! (This is the 2nd and last email you'll receive as I will not inundate or spam you on these issues.) An invitation to sign the petition http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/metrobears If you agree, I ask that you send this email around to your club membership for their review. The MetroBears Board of Directors commits acts of discrimination and chooses to be unaccountable. For example.
Hello. This is an unusual letter. I’ve gone through exclusion and discrimination by the bear club MetroBears of NYC and I’m asking for support in exacting a “silent boycott” until they are role models for their By-Laws and stop the abuse. So, immediately, the questions are:
What happened? I chose to run for a seat on the Board of Directors and 3 months previously, I criticized the Board for not holding another Board Member accountable (he wasn’t doing the function he volunteered for Web Server) and for letting the situation go on for almost a year. I reminded them that they are there for the community and not for themselves. I was told (at that time) “you can’t have accountability!”. Total nonsense!! I don’t know why they were afraid to confront him. However, I was not afraid and made a request that it be dealt with at the next meeting. It was and they then chose to plot to get me out of the club. What happened when I ran for a Board of Directors seat? I ran on a platform of “CHANGE”. I said to the community:
I then received an email that said (and this is a direct quote): “By order of the Board of Directors of Metrobears by a unanimous vote. We the board are revoking your membership. We the board feel your actions threaten the safety, character and well being of the club. We the board also feel that your application for board nomination and your overall actions over the past months have acted in a manner that threatens to defame and undermine the integrity of the club. By order of the bylaws we enact our legal right to revoke your membership. Your membership fee will be refunded and mailed to you.” I asked for proof (hard-core data) and was told that “since I am no longer a member, I can’t have access to their meeting minutes. Also, it turned out that they had NO truthful intention of having a CLUB vote, even though the club By-Laws state that must happen: “III. ANNUAL ELECTIONS Open or available Board positions shall be filled by the Club in elections held in the month of May of each year.” http://www.metrobears.org/metrobears.org/membears/bylaws.asp They have denied the exacting of a fair, open & democratic voting process. These behaviors are not only contrary to the Club’s By-Laws, BUT are just plain against what we stand for in There were plenty more emails, however, I’m going to refer you to the www.youtube.com video called “SilentBoycottOfBearClub”. I hope I get your support not just for my situation (and I am reinstated), but to ensure that no other man is ever treated like this Any question, please contact me on @yahoo.com or 732-545-8584. Thanks B. Crittenden Freeman ==================================================== August 19, 2009 Bear Clubs across America & Bear Clubs that didn’t get the 1st letter Re: Discrimination by MetroBears of NYC, This is my 2nd and final letter, and I’m asking for a BOYCOTT of the MetroBears of NYC Inc. (just don’t “show-up” or engage in any way with them) to all clubs/businesses. I felt strongly enough to send this because my “olive branch” letters have been ignored. I’ve kept my word that there would be no additional emails. Briefly, to those who are unaware, the dilemma is:
As resolution was proposed to Officer Crowley and Professor Gates, I reached out to the MetroBears Board. They have refused. The Chair stated in his last email that “… using racism to get what you want or to manipulate people or organizations is despicable…”. I disagree with that statement. So, I will simply invite, if you want…
That will eliminate and efforts by any side of manipulation or deceit. I’ve created YouTube videos representing my side and my “hard core data” (simply search on the expression SilentBoycott) plus I’ve put all of the emails between myself and the Board on my website (www.website37.com click on club into, password is talent). Considering how there is a fight in California of Marriage Equality, it is disappointing that this Bear Board would think there actions are OK. They are not. And it is a shame, they will not reconsider. Think of it this way… how many activists from Harvey Milk to Martin Luther King have endured pain & suffering and died so that we could all exist under equal treatment, fair, free and democratic voting/elections and their action be our model of behaviors? Yet this board takes a step backward!!! B. Crittenden Freeman 732-545-8584
Attachment A What is the legal definition of discrimination? Discrimination is the unequal treatment of parties who are similarly situated. Discrimination occurs in the employment context when an employer treats one or more employees less favorably than others because of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, actual or perceived sexual orientation, age, disability, or in retaliation for a complaint made against the employer (“whistleblower”). In my case, it is “unequal treatment” and “…in retaliation for a complaint made…”. Considering how there is a fight in California of Marriage Equality, it is disappointing that this Bear Board would think there actions are OK. They are not. And it is a shame, they will not reconsider. Think of it this way… how many activists from Harvey Milk to Martin Luther King have endured pain & suffering and died so that we could all exist under equal treatment and their action be our model of behaviors? Yet this board takes a step backward!!! B. Crittenden Freeman 732-545-8584 Hello Mike, In keeping with the spirit of President Obama, Officer Crowley & Professor Gates, would you like to share a beer and share a teachable moment? I would. B. Crittenden Freeman ----- Forwarded Message ----
So no I do not wish to have a Beer with you. I think using racism to get what you want or to manipulate people or organizations is despicable. How's Al Sharpton doing? Has he answered your letter? I think he's busy with Katherine and Joe. Respectfully Declining Mike MBNY Chair |
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