Do I condone the reaction???? Not so much

Do I undertand the reaction??? I most definitely do.

Jim, just like ALL of our volunteers work hard at making the club and convention enjoyable for all.
It's a little hard for those that are not volunteers themselves to understand.

Jim, like myself is going thru very tough times and still manages to do what needs to get done for the club. Those that criticize work done by others, especially when they don't lift a finger to do anything positive themselves, can be demoralizing.

Mr Caven who had no intention of attending the banquet no matter who th speaker was, felt the need to criticize Jims choice, after all the work he put into securing a speaker.

The old phrase of if you don't have anything nice to say, you should keep your thoughts to yourself, comes to mind.

Was Jims reply a little harsh??? Probably so.
BUT remember he was not the one that started this.

Just pointing that out.

Best wishes.
Doug