... explain why I am ...

>> ... so dead set against larry eastman being
>> able to belong to the chip club?

.. any better than I already have, Rick, but I'll try.

>> ... he did wrong, and has or is paying the price for his crime.

True enough, as far as the court is concerned. However, the responsibility of our club board to the membership goes beyond what the civil authorities have or can do about such conduct.

>> ... but i question your motives for your attitude against larry ...

I don't have any particular "motives" or "attitude" other than trying to insure that he can't do to some other club member the same thing that he did to Howard. As I have said, I don't know him personally (as far as I know, we've never met) and, if I had some hidden agenda or vendetta against him, do you think I would publicly announce that I had bought chips from him??

>> ... if he is such a risk having him as a member, and you think the
>> lifete ban should not be lifted, so much so that you brought up the
>> old police-court reports for everyone to see ...

I mentioned the basis on which he was banned from club membership in response to your comment that:

>>>> ... his crime was liking casino chips to much

This comment, in my opinion, trivializes what he did -- after all, he pled guilty to felony theft of two very valuable chips from the home of a club member who trusted him. He then tried to sell one chip and threw the other down a hillside and lost it. Besides, the circumstances of his lifetime ban are a matter of public record -- both in the court and in the first claims inquiry report that I ever submitted (which was published in the club magazine).

>> ... why are you still dealing with him after all this happened?

As I said, I have had some eBay transactions with him. Small amounts of money involved and they have not required me to admit him to my home or otherwise protect myself.

>> ... does not make alot of sense to me anyways..perhaps you can let me know why?
>> to me this is very two faced. like saying one thing and doing another.

In my career as a criminal defense lawyer (about 12 years worth), I "did business with" a lot of people I wouldn't think of having in my home or trusting anywhere near my chips -- that includes most of my clients, a lot of witnesses, a fair smattering of other lawyers and a judge or two!!

Perhaps, like most lawyers, I am too good at compartmentalizing things, but I see this in a somewhat similar vein. I feel that I can adequately protect myself while dealing with him at arms length (that is, by mail only). That's my personal decision and I don't want it taken as an unrestricted personal endorsement.

On the other hand, I do not think it would be appropriate for the club to expose other members (many of whom would not even know that they should be wary) to his unfettered presence at club activities.

>> i might be dead wrong about alot of things ...

Who isn't at times? And maybe on this issue, it is me. But, we each have to make our own decisions ... and live with the consequences.

>> ... but your reasons dont make any sense to me
>> sinse your still dealing with him.

Perhaps this further explanation will help.

----- jim o\-S