To all interested in this debate NOT argument.
Ralph shows himself to be the consummate politician that I have always
admired. If only he had been born in the States, Kevin, neither Bush nor
Kerry would stand a chance!
Unfortunately, capability in this area does not advance the profession one
iota, particularly if all the clever arguments and Machiavellian manoeuvres
are designed to put the perceived 'opposition' on the back foot.
For your information Ralph, Mark, Akbal and I do not communicate regularly
outwith this site and we by no means agree with each other on all points. I
do however, note that many practitioners are fed up to the teeth with
posturing by the professional bodies and wish to have some sort of control
over their own destinies, even if this means taking part in discussions with
organisations which they have previously shunned. For instance, I am not a
member of the Society and what the Society does or does not do is not my
business, except in the larger professional sense. Despite your 'seeding'
of doubt in the mind of readers, I have never suggested that the Society
should become a new organisation.
The way forward is clear. Agree with the other bodies the points where
self-interest co-incides. Put all points of disagreement on one side and
remain focussed on what can be agreed. Meet on neutral ground with a
neutral Chair and agree the points you can. Let the greater membership of
all the groups know what has been agreed and achieve consensus. Then move
on to the next points. As an experienced negotiator you know far better
than I that this process has every chance of success. You post ad infinitum
of the Society being the 'premier' body in the U.K. It would be reasonable
and welcome therefore if the Society were seen to initiate such a forum,
however, this is your choice of course.
Just as a footnote to Kevin. I quite agree that many years ago the
profession in the States sorted themselves out. I know that this was not
achieved without a degree of sacrifice and goodwill on the part of many
constituent organisations and individuals as well as vision and forethought.
They are now self governing. That is where I want to be. "A journey of 100
miles starts with a single step".
With kind regards
Bill Liggins
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ralph Graham" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, September 06, 2004 10:19 PM
Subject: Re: The Reason of Things (Ralph Graham)
> To All interested in this argument.
>
> The three participants Mark, Bill and Akbal have recently shown only too
> clearly why podiatry is regarded as it is by govt. I have tried to
> outline why certain decisions have been taken and with what proposed
> benefit. Mark thinks that some changes are "shameful", Bill castigates
> because I think the Society needs change without throwing out the baby
> with the water and wants a new organisation, and Akbal can not
> understand why anyone should want to associate with the Society.
> Like pushing jelly uphill there is no future in hoping for progress.
> If the three of you could agree on what you want let me know, clearly I
> will never come up with a method that will satisfy you. So far the total
> complaints about the SCP policies amount to 5 contributors to this
> mailbase and the SCP website.
> As of this day nothing in writing. So that I do not misjudge the
> unhappiness masked by apathy all those who have a view please email me
> at [log in to unmask] I will list them all in the journal.
>
> Kind Regards
>
> Ralph Graham
> Consultant Podiatrist
> Witham, Essex, U.K.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: A group for the academic discussion of current issues in podiatry
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Mark Russell
> Sent: 06 September 2004 17:24
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: The Reason of Things (Ralph Graham)
>
>
> Dear Ralph
>
> When I wrote 'you' I was referring in a collective sense i.e. the
> Council. Show me one document that has been circulated to the
> membership/profession or a journal article or editorial that details the
> proposed changes that Council was considering, so that the profession
> could deliberate for themselves. I certainly cannot recall any. Can you?
>
> At the risk of being repetitive, it is not the argument that is
> important; it is the process by which that argument became reality. You
> state your primary goal is unity. I fear your inability to concede this
> simple point may engender the opposite of your aim.
>
> The ability for members to use the mechanisms of an AGM is worthless.
> The next AGM is in May 2005, nine months away. It would be near
> impossible to re-establish membership conditions, even though that was
> the majority view. At the end of the day the Council had a debate and
> agreed a policy in isolation and without informing the membership or the
> wider profession, on a issue of paramount importance to our future. I'm
> terribly sorry if you find this strident, but I think your
> [collectively] actions were shameful.
>
> Yours sincerely
>
> Mark Russell
>
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