Lali. Perhaps I shouldn't have said anything. It really was my decision, and the repercussions of that decision are mine to bear. It's not like I'm suffering, or anything. I still have people like you.
Hal, I am very saddened.
When you cannot even acknowledge the positive energy that people have expended on your behalf, when you cannot even
acknowledge it, then those efforts were wasted. I wasted my time, my energy, and have acquired an apparently permanent negative reputation in some quarters because I did what I thought was right for you-- and for the board. Wasted.
Although: I would do it again. I thought it was fair, and right. I would do it again.
you're not going to convince me that that hearing was appropriate, fair, or the punishment was appropriate or fair, but that's really not a similar situation to this one anyway, so it's beside the point.
I'm not sure if the hearing was appropriate. I didn't call it. It was what it was. As someone who had pledged my time in the jury pool, should my time and efforts be needed, I felt compelled to deal with this thing, this onerous, ugly thing, that had been handed to me (and others).
I will tell you it was as fair as was possible. Your "punishment" (10 days barred from the Business Forum, right?) was extremely mild. As I recall, you just went to other forums and continued to object to everything, so the goal of keeping your disruptive comments under wraps, at least briefly, was not served.
Hal, you will always be important to me. When you found out I had cancer, you were
amazing. You were supportive on the board and off, and showed me a gentle, caring, compassionate side of your nature that had me a little sw00ny over you, truth be told. You were awesome, and when I leaned on you heavily, you came back for more, with love and kindess. I will never forget that.
But I am disappointed that you forget the things I, and others, have done for
you.