What would you do if FIRST was canceled?

[KarenH]

Originally Posted by Richard

Well essayed, Ken. No need to apologize for being serious -- this is serious stuff.

I think Dean's own comments, used in the 2006 FIRST Annual Report, are appropriate to quote...

Actually the statement, as printed in the report, was coauthored and signed jointly by Dean Kamen and John Abele. They did the same in the 2005 Annual Report. I think that if they choose to express the unity of their thoughts, we should honor their wishes by attributing their joint statements to both of them.

If we desire that an organization continue to be successful, we must work towards unity. Otherwise, that organization--whether FIRST, or an individual team--will be torn apart by the personal ambitions and general selfishness of its members.

As spokesman for the cause, Dean walks increasingly in the limelight. John walks in his shadow. Few people understand what John's contributions are, and whether FIRST would even exist without him.