[Madison]

Originally Posted by MikeDubreuil

When you decide to ignore a member of the Chief Delphi community you are ignoring a problem. I don't think that ignoring problems are part of a responsible solution.

I'm unsure how this is relevant to, nor concordant with your previous posts here. Are you only suggesting that you're more comfortable when the entire community ignores a problem by banning someone than you are by ignoring that problem alone? Does that make you feel less guilty?

Really, I wish I had the time, patience, and stamina to take every misguided student under my wing and nurture them and teach them about the things I believe in. Sadly, I don't have that sort of energy available to me and I make decisions based upon the resources I have at my disposal. If that means that I ignore someone after they repeatedly demonstrate they're incompatible with my ideas, unwilling to work within a framework I believe in, or determined to be a nuisance while providing few meaningful contributions to things I find important, I'm unashamed of that.

My goal is to inspire people who have found no inspiration by my actions and my ideas. If their existing ideas run counter to my beliefs, my goal is not to change them, but to better focus my energy and my effort on those people to which it is of the greatest benefit.

I don't ignore very many people, either. I am willing to accept the consequences of ignoring the few that I do, however, and if that means that people think I'm ignoring some problem or being close-minded or some other nonsense, I'm not keen on debating that or letting it color my behavior or actions.

Silencenomore and others are people with generally valid problems with the current state of FIRST. Granted, they may not present the problems in the best way, and they hide behind anonymity, they bring valid problems.

I have read nothing posted by that individual worthy of any merit. They have rehashed existing discussions, made mindless comments about individuals I hold in high regard, and otherwise proven themselves to be an antagonist and nuisance. Anonymity is, in this instance, synonymous with cowardice -- and I'm afraid that many people are confusing that cowardice with courage.

It is un-American to see problems and ignore them.

Oh my. For what it's worth, I'm not interested in being the particularly popular definition of "american," thanks.

For example, we don't ignore the religious battles in Israel, we don't ignore oppressive dictators, and we don't ignore the minority.

We don't? That's another discussion for another time, really, but I'd be happy to expound upon exactly how incorrect these assertions are.

By ignoring the minority who have a problem with the current state of FIRST you are acting with prejudice. If we ignored the minority, FIRST would not exist.

I have for years been and continue to be one of the most vocal critics of FIRST and the people who participate in it. I don't understand the basis by which you can argue I am acting with any prejudice against those who challenge canonical FIRST paradigms. I feel like I'm running for President or something, but, uh -- well, check my voting record before making silly assumptions.

From my experience, FIRST gives students who are the unpopular minority in their school something to be proud of. That's something that is American, and definitely a responsible solution.

Was this post inspired by a need to alienate every nationality participating in FIRST or FIRST Lego League? My feeling is that the many fine Canadians, Mexicans, Brits and Brazilians who participate in this program have very little desire for their actions to be considered more "American."

I am dumbfounded by your choice to correlate shirking personal responsibility with being a red-blooded American. Really.