On Thu, 15 May 1997 18:43:52 -0700 Michael Claeys wrote:
>Mrs. Flinterman,
>
>It appears my worst fears have been realized, and my response to you has
>generated yet another round of discussion.  In retrospect I regret my
>decision to post it to the list.  I would have allowed you to quote me
>of course, but I'm sure your selected quotes would not have had the
>affect the entire message has had.
>
>I am not so concerned about Mr. Chapman's comments as I am with the
>observation of Ivan Suzman, who seems to feel very strongly that I
>treated you in an arrogant manner.  I am particularly dismayed as I have
>been communicating with Ivan since my earliest days on the job, some 15
>months ago.
>
>I assure you that I meant no disrespect, and I apologize if I came off
>as arrogant or rude.
>
>I have come to this community from the outside in that I know of no
>cases of Parkinson's in my family.  Dealing everyday with people
>suffering with the disease or caring for other who have it has taught me
>a great deal.  I have gained a tremendous respect for people who live
>with Parkinson's either in themselves or their loved ones.  I have also
>learned that those people demand to be dealt with honestly and directly
>-- there simply isn't time for any other way.  I would hope, however,
>that I never let my attempt to do the latter interfere with my clear
>expression of the former.
>
>By her example, Joan Samuelson has taught me that respect and honesty
>are integral parts of both professionalism and compassion.  If I have
>failed to show proper respect, I encourage you to contact Joan directly
>(800-850-4726) and express any concerns you may have.
>
>Again, I apologize for any impropriety in my communications, and for
>causing this lastest distracting uproar.
>Sincerely,
>Michael Claeys
>Community Outreach Coordinator
>Parkinson's Action Network
>800-850-4726

Dear Listfriends-- I hope that the apology from Michael, which I have accepted
will end the discussion of this matter here.  I did not take his remarks so
much as a personal attack, as some seem to have felt, but as a hasty response
from someone who is pretty stressed by the job at hand--and don't we PWPs
and CGs know what stress can do to us?  :-)
As I told Michael, the positive fallout has been that we are more aware of the
degree of cooperation among the various groups re: Udall, and the potential
for using this as a model for greater future cooperation, which we all know is
needed in the long run.   I'm a big fan of the folks at PAN, and glad they
are with us in the struggle to pass Udall...LET'S DO IT!

Camilla Flintermann, CG for Peter, 78/7, Oxford,Ohio
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