... David Whalen has broken no club rule, has done nothing unethical and has cooperated fully with club officials in trying to resolve the brass core mess (which is more than can be said for other supposedly respected club members who have been permitted to thumb their noses at us).

To clarify your apparent misunderstanding of my limited personal relationship with David: until the brass core inquiry, I had never even met him. Other than as part of the brass core inquiry, I have had only one conversation with him (during last year's convention for about five minutes).

Unlike many other (including some very prominent) members of the club, I have never "done business" with David. I have not used his repair/restoration or brass core services. I do have four of his brothel chips, which he gave me as samples of his work.

I have no personal investment in David's club status. I have spoken in his defense only to the extent that I would for anyone who was falsely accused and/or unfairly castigated (see, for example, my comments yesterday regarding Sam Heppler, who I have never met or talked to).

I think it would be shameful for us to prohibit David's membership on the basis of conduct which was and still is not in violation of any club rule. I will not stand idly by if that takes place.

----- jim o\-S