I was a little surprised this gotten taken so harshly, but as should be
obvious, I immediately apologized for sending that offline message, For
the record, Jen and I actually know each other and not sure why she didn't
realize it was me
Mark
On Fri, Nov 3, 2023 at 8:09 AM <marytheotokos@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Reluctantly, I comment on this thread.
I have spent the last forty years cross-examining witnesses in the
courtroom. No one, including anyone on this list, can withstand scrutiny.
Sitting in judgment of others based on their conduct in life when our own
lives are filled with deep biases, errors, and misjudgments is simple
arrogance and betrays a lack of depth of character, wisdom, and humility.
So too any presumption that we know how an affected class of persons may or
may not respond to a name.
As the old saying goes, “never fish for minnows when you are standing on
the whale.” Arguments over names are mere pretext and are glosses for the
deeper and more concerning issues of the times. Changing a name changes
little.
I am reminded of the closing lines from Matthew Arnold’s “Dover Beach:”
And we are here as on a darkling plain
Swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight,
Where ignorant armies clash by night.
Mike
*From:* birdky-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <birdky-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> *On
Behalf Of *mikesindahouse
*Sent:* Friday, November 3, 2023 6:29 AM
*To:* jjamarsnyder@xxxxxxxxx
*Cc:* archilochus79@xxxxxxxxx; BirdKY listserve <birdky@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
*Subject:* [birdky] Re: KOS Response to AOS Bird Name Changes
Jennifer,
I don’t know for sure what was meant, but he’s been a pillar of the KY
birding community for pretty much forever and I think he more so meant that
KOS and the board would lose his support over the issue. I don’t think he
meant that statement to be as threatening as one could possible take it, so
I don’t believe he should be removed from birdKY.
But please folks, there are understandably a lot of big feelings over this
issue, please be respectful of one another’s opinions. Remember that what
we type can be read out of context and comes without tone, so tone is
assumed by the reader and statements easily can be misinterpreted.
My opinion is these birds names have all been changed before, and will
likely be changed again too. In related news the US military has finished
renaming all its bases that were named after confederate soldiers, so AOS
is more or less following the current trend of not continuing to honor
people who made bad choices in the eyes of history. I’m good with that,
even if some people’s names being removed didn’t deserve it. At the end of
the day, let’s just be glad the birds being renamed aren’t extinct and we
can still enjoy them, whatever they’re called.
I suspect a lot of people are tired of this thread but birdKY is
essentially a forum and this is a hot and debatable topic. It will
eventually fizzle out on its own.
Thanks,
Mike Callan
On Nov 2, 2023, at 11:51 PM, Jennifer Snyder <jjamarsnyder@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
This person should be removed from this list. I have stated my opinion but
never threatened or personally attacked anyone. I thanked the board… that
is all.
And they hide behind anonymity while threatening me with “all” the
ramifications.
Again- thank you to the board not only for your work tonight, but for
volunteering to help lead our state and birding community. I appreciate
your efforts even when they do not align with my own opinions. You are
appreciated… Thank you.
Jennifer and Jerry Snyder
Hardin County
<IMG_3285.jpg>
On Thu, Nov 2, 2023 at 22:24 Jeremy Teague <archilochus79@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
All, it was mentioned earlier that there would be a discussion about KOS
sending a letter of opposition to AOS about their bird name change proposal.
I just wanted to update everyone that the KOS board met tonight and voted
unanimously to remain neutral in this matter. The organization will not
submit a letter in support or opposition of the proposal.
While we respect all opinions and value all members, as an organization
that strongly supports diversity and inclusion, we have decided to respect
the decision of AOS in this matter.
Thanks,
Jeremy Teague
KOS President
