I'm VERY concerned about a long-standing trend that's been happening with our club. Being SO dismissive of someone who has an opinion counter to what you think.

I've gone to every convention that's happened at the South Point Casino, but I haven't gone to the "traders only" room since the first year of the convention. Does that mean I'm not allowed to voice an opinion about concerns over a new rule (hypothetically speaking here) to take affect?

If a member has gone to the last 15 conventions but hasn't volunteered at one, is that member not allowed to voice a concern they see about how volunteers do their job?

This board has political discussions daily, sometimes hourly. If I didn't vote for said politician, am I not allowed to voice an opinion on the job they are doing?

If I don't have any intention to run for Club President, am I not allowed an opinion about some of the responsibilities or perks that come with the job title.

Mr. Trimble, I have a tremendous amount of respect for you. But Steve Caven, in my opinion, is 100% correct. You took a potshot at him for his plans on not attending the convention, then tried to turn a clear shot across the bow as fact. It doesn't diminish Steve's concerns about the person who will be a speaker. It goes to possible lingering effects asking him to be a speaker will have towards the overall image of the club.

If Steve fails to mention he's not going to the convention, does that change your opinion on what he had to say?

The Chip Board has gone from a place where all topics and opinions were welcomed to a place where you better not DARE speak a dissenting voice; if so, be prepared to incur the wrath of the lords of The Chip Board. It's borderline toxic at times. We can do better. Conversation with differing opinions is what makes a society happen, but if it's nothing but unhealthy conversation, then we aren't encouraging the exchange of opinions, just the opinions that will give us in the least amount of migraines.

“It's okay to disagree with the thoughts or opinions expressed by other people. That doesn't give you the right to deny any sense they might make. Nor does it give you a right to accuse someone of poorly expressing their beliefs just because you don't like what they are saying. Learn to recognize good writing when you read it, even if it means overcoming your pride and opening your mind beyond what is comfortable.” ― Ashly Lorenzana