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Bob, I wish to second your comments to Mary, and believe you to be right in your analysis of organizational behavior. It is my observation that many of our list members have successfully distributed their efforts and energies in many ways. That in itself has distinguished this list and it's membership, and, in my opinion, is the strength of this list. At this point I'm unsure of the "benefit" of unification. The individuality of our membership and subsequent ripples was and is a powerful force on putting a face on Parkinson's. We can come together in our goals, but it is best if we take different roads. We are a passionate group, and as such we have made, as the Historian Charles Beard reports on the flea on the hub of the wagonwheel saying, " What dust doath I rise !", we have a flea on each wheel. That is good. Bernie At 03:19 PM 5/4/99 -0700, you wrote: >Mary - > >Thank you for including me in your list of PD "Independents/Mavericks." >However, while I consider both appellations very positive, I do (and have) >belonged to various PD organizations. I was a member of the Alliance, >until I resigned, have supported PAN, and am active with our AZ APDA >Chapter. > >But most important, Mary, I am an ARIZONAN, not a Texan!!!!! I was >privileged to vote for Mo Udall from the early 70s into the 90s, and have >been in touch with Senator McCain's staff, even the senator himself, a few >times during the campaign to pass the act which carries Mo's name. > >Your analysis of who, what and where we are, as a "community" of >individuals and organizations, is accurate, if not a tad upbeat. But of all >that you say, I believe, your encouragement to "newcomers" to become >involved in our cause, early on, is most important. We do need their new >enthusiasm. We need the fresh honesty and very natural naivete they can >bring to the issues that confront and confound our community, not the least >of which is organizational distrust, dislike, disengagement and, >consequently, disunity. We tried, through the Alliance, to bring to the >national organizations a unity of purpose, if not a friendship, and an >understanding and working relationship, if not an affection and a marriage. >We failed. > >Which is not to say a "next effort" will fail! (I am delighted to read >Margaret Tuchman's "let's go for it" comment.) > >Anyway, to all "newcomers," jump in wherever you can find a fit that feels >good. Bring whatever amount of time and energy you have! There are a lot >of directions for each of us to pursue: Working for the research dollar, >providing outreach, education and care locally - many avenues are open. >Find one that interests you, and go for it! > >And, ask questions, make suggestions. Never be reticent because you fear >something you say might sound "dumb." In this arena, the only "dumb" idea >is one not expressed. > > Bob Dolezal >