The USCA magazine and web site are for most members the primary link to the organization and source of information, the fabric that binds the geographically disperse membership into a community. In order to maintain a sense of fairness, unity and trust the web site and magazine must be politically neutral in content, must in an even handed way disperse information and serve as the primary mechanism of communicating and implementing leadership policy.
It is well and good that these communications media provide a positive, coherent and unified view of USCA, for they are our outward face to the world at large as well as the membership. In order to serve these ends it is essential that those holding high office be scrupulous in separating official content from personal and political material, that they do not violate the integrity of their various offices in the promotion of personal agendas or purely political advantage.
Lyle Roetemeyer and Johannes Grewe have grievously violated this trust, the responsibility inherent in their offices. Front and center on the USCA web site immediately prior to an important election are interviews with a primary purpose of influencing that election, in particular promoting Lyle's candidacy and disparaging Matthew Levin, his opponent. There is an obvious and blatant purpose to create fear, uncertainty and doubt about a Levin presidency, timed to make effective response difficult. Certainly there is no problem with these interviews in and of themselves, for they convey important information and view points about critical, current topics of interest. Presented post election or in a non official venue these would be entirely appropriate, for individual speech and expression of candidate support is a fundamental and necessary part of the democratic process.
Let me emphasize my personal opposition to the tactics,
candidacy and many of the policy stands of Matt Levin, as publicly stated
elsewhere. His rabble rousing and broad
brush condemnation of current leadership does not reflect well on him or render
him a viable candidate; his inexperience and desire to step into the top office
without prior service or experience is rightly cited by those who oppose
him. But Mr. Levin is a legitimate
candidate for this high office, and his rights to fairness and even handedness
in the conduct of the campaign and election processes are fundamental to the
integrity of USCA as a whole. Many
ineffective and poorly suited men have become president of the
The Watergate break in became the defining event of the presidency and life of Richard Nixon, forever tarnished his place in history, which otherwise would have been a credible career as a politician, office holder and even statesman. The personal tragedy is that it was so unnecessary, so pointless. Nixon was in a position of overwhelming political advantage, almost certain to win the upcoming election, which he did win in spite of the rising taint of Watergate. Power had corrupted this man, obliterated his public persona, destroyed his capability for leadership.
This is the moment of truth for Lyle Roetemeyer. He needs to make a public apology to Mr. Levin and the membership as a whole, and to provide Levin with equal access to the USCA web site to present his own case for the office, so that the spirit of legality, fairness and even sportsmanship can prevail. This is not only the right thing to do, it is the wise thing to do; for in stepping up and taking responsibility Mr. Roetemeyer would demonstrate humility, leadership and wisdom. We all experience grievous failures in judgment, it is how we respond to these mistakes and right the wrongs which we have done that ultimately defines our personal integrity and stature.
The upcoming elections, and decision of a dues increase, will for better or worse chart the future course of USCA. It is important to know that beyond these two flawed candidates there can be nominations from the floor for the office of president, that there is still time for a better choice to emerge.
Jim Engel