[LeelandS]

Goodness gracious. It's incredible how harshly people judge your words when you're a "celebrity". I wish I could say I have a place to speak on this matter, as it seems very pressing, but I was neither at nor do I have a vested interest in the results of Waterloo, amazing regional it was.

That said, I do find the backlash at Karthik for him posting his personal views about Waterloo absolutely disgusting. First of all, if any person in all of FIRST Canada should be allowed to express frustration, I would vote Karthik. Karthik, a man who dedicates countless hours to helping build FIRST Canada as a whole, as well as being a mentor of a team who has served as inspiration for teams worldwide for years. The fact that Karthik often does not express his feelings on these things publicly is just a testament to the kind of man he is.

Secondly, Karthik is a human being, just like every single one of us, and his views are his own. There is no expectation of Karthik to be unbiased; he very proudly represents himself as a part of 1114 and if you've ever actually worked with him at competition (which is rare, considering all the work he does Emceeing), you can tell he takes the competition of our organization very seriously. So for 1114 to be brought down in the manner they were, it's natural for him to feel frustrated; every other one of us would be. And guess what? He is absolutely entitled to, A) Have those feelings and B) Express them as he sees fit. As a matter of fact, I'd bet Karthik's expressions were more well-mannered and respectful than 90% of any of our's would be.

At the end of the day, Karthik is still a great role model. Hands down. He is a dedicated, professional participant in our program. I wish I could be more like him. And I'm a mentor; most students would find Karthik an even greater inspiration. Let me tell you, this guy is what FIRST is about. Anyone who thinks otherwise doesn't know him.

I know Karthik doesn't need defending or justification for his statements. While he cares a great deal for the FIRST Community, he is steadfast in his views and I would bet the naysayers aren't getting to him at all. I am defending him because I believe Karthik has every right to what he is feeling and has no reason to be judged because he is expressing his frustration.

On an unrelated note. Karthik's decision to no longer emcee in Ontario is very heartbreaking, coming from a non-Canadian FRC Participant. He's been in the spotlight for so long now; that said, it's a great opportunity for a new emcee to step up. I look forward to seeing their work.

On an unrelated unrelated note. Rochester is a lovely non-Ontario city to emcee in. Just saying.