[7113] in APO-L
airing differences
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (THE MUSIC OF THE NIGHT)
Mon Nov 1 13:15:49 1993
Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1993 11:52:55 -0600
Reply-To: THE MUSIC OF THE NIGHT <Z_CLAMPFFETR@ccsvax.sfasu.edu>
From: THE MUSIC OF THE NIGHT <Z_CLAMPFFETR@ccsvax.sfasu.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list APO-L <APO-L%PURCCVM.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
Brothers,
Just thought I'd toss in my few pennies of thought towards this
thread.
Although it would be wrong to name individuals in a dispute between
brothers of a chapter, section or whatever, I think anyone should be able
to talk about and ask questions about problems that arise. The use of the
Internet and Bitnet and newsgroups for this purpose is an excellent utilization
of avaliable technology. The exchange of ideas, publicity, and just simple
interaction with brothers half a state, nation, or even world away has proved
to be an invaluable source of input about issues that concern us all as brothers
of Alpha Phi Omega.
The entire controversy about the Toast Song, wording of our rituals,
and even whether we should identify ourselves as "brothers, siblings, or
friends," are all issues that I knew, or had heard, nothing about until I
decided to read the letters as they filtered into my mail file at sometimes
a dizzying rate. This is a great resource, and we should use it to our
benefit.
Now, as far as discussing specific problems with a chapter. IMHO I
don't think it is good tact to name people in discussing these problems. We
had several problems last year with one of our pledges, and I wrote about it
to the list - got some really helpful and detailed replies, but I didn't name
tthe pledge. Everyone should be allowed to form their own opinions and form
their own attitudes about a problem or a situation. Besides, there are two
sides to everthing - someone may think you just as wrong for your point of view
or your attitude on a certain issue. As far as picking brothers to censor or
edit the list - well, I dont' think that is a good idea. We have to police
ourselves, and we need to be prudent in not discussing or slamming people.
So far, we've done a really good job about all of this. Let everyone form
their own opinions and own thoughts. We live in a great country where we
have the freedom to express those thoughts and ideas. Let's not start the
trend towards someone having to make sure we are not offensive or get too
nasty towards each other. Once something like that starts - it's difficult
to stop. And, where do you draw the lines?
Just remember, we are all brothers. We may have our differences and our
problems with the ways we act or do something, but we are also friends, bound
by our dedication of service, friendship, and the desire to demonstrate
leadership.
Peace brothers,
Todd Clampffer
Nu Sigma - Stephen F. Austin State
z_clampffetr@ccsvax.sfasu.edu
