I would like to sincerely thank everyone for their efforts thus far, and for everyone who has kept a positive attitude about things. It has made our year thus far I would say the most successful to date.I would also like to say that we're nowhere near done yet. We are about to undertake some extremely transformative things that will change the face of our group.There are those in the community that would say we have taken money and power above all else. I would like to invite those people publicly to help in this transition. Rather than use words and rhetoric to prove your points, use your actions to help us do the good that needs to be done.Volunteer, donate, and work publicly in and out of SL. The LGBT Community outside of SL is always in need of volunteers.There's been some comments made to me lately about politics and drama.I have one thing to say about this. To those of you out there taht would rather concern yourself with politics and dramatics, you're playing with yourselves. It's not on, we're not going to play. We have too much work to do, please move on because we have."- Rimpoche Kiama, Presiding Chair

The preceding statement (emphasis added by me) was made by Rimpoche Kiama, presiding chair, during a public meeting held on October 25, 2009. I believe Mr. Kiama's statement is little more than an attempt to squash disagreement and stifle the free exchange of ideas. One thing this chair seems to dislike is when "troublemakers" disagree with him. If you're on the Committee, an ambassador, or a "gold-star" contributor, you may feel you can express your ideas. It doesn't seem to work the same way when the "trouble" comes from the general membership.

In a way it's like, if you don't "toe the line" with the Committee, then don't let the door smack your butt on the way out.....if you're not with us, you're against us.....if you disagree with us, you're not a team player.

If an organization is going to make any significant change, disagreement and conflict are necessary components, and it MUST come from more than the 3-4% of people who currently lend their voices to the discussion. Furthermore, politics are necessary and drama is something you just have to live with. I had a little chuckle when Rimpoche asserted that politics and drama are unwelcome in his organization. That was a little like the pot calling the kettle silver (to be politically correct).

It's true, I have been frank and honest about my beliefs and concerns, and I have been less than tactful in some instances. In that regard, I have failed more than succeeded. However, I will continue to express my beliefs and concerns because I do care about this organization's future. That's why I've spent countless hours working in support of certain events and discussing certain issues on the forum. That's why I've donated money. If I didn't care, I would leave and never turn back. In that regard, Rimpoche, while appreciated, I do not require your recent advice telling me to continue to budget my time on what I feel is important.