X-Message-Number: 1892
Date: 04 Mar 93 15:18:20 EST
From: MICHAEL RISKIN <>
Subject: CRYONICS: Miscellaneous

   It has been suggested to me that my recent posting to Clarissa Wells ,
which contained the phrase "come out of the closet" may have offended some
cryonicists. Although I seriously doubt it, it  does seem important
enough to warrant a reply. That is a phrase I use commonly, , in a
generic sense, when  I encourage anyone to be who they are, with courage
and pride.
   I have grown increasingly agitated at those persons who contribute
nothing more than a mouth (and a critical one at that) to Alcor. It takes
a particular brand of unmitigated chutzpah to sit back and take pot shots
at active cryonicists who not only contribute ideas, but major effort, and
financial support, while the shooter does litte else but pay dues (maybe)
and complain. I want to particularly address the situation with Keith
Henson, Carlos Mondragon, Mike Darwin, Saul Kent, Steve Bridge, and the
entire Alcor staff as examples. 
   Keith Henson..an obvious target for many reasons that have been pointed
out many times. But, I believe even Mike Darwin would ( begrudgingly
perhaps) acknowledge Keiths significant technical abilities and his many
hours of effort , whether MD agrees with it or not. In fact it is my
personal opinion that so many people are upset with Keith just for the fact
that he does possess superior talent, and is willing to work, and to many,
it seems like a tragic waste  of great potential.
   Carlos Mondragon..This man has saved our collective asses a number of
times during his administration. Even his most adamant opponents admit to
this. Ok, his personal style was pretty abrasive...and an administrative
tangle was left for Steve Bridge to unravel...But, even Saul Kent who
produced "it's time  for a change" confirms  those facts.
   Mike Darwin...What a joke..anyone who refuses to acknowledge the mans'
brilliance and priceless contributions to cryonics, for which all of us
will be the beneficiaries, need a common sense transplant. Yes , he sure
can be hard to get along with. His manipulative , fear mongering, caustic
mouth? It makes Carlos seem like " Mike Darwin Light." So what.
   Saul Kent...Twentyfive years of singular purpose. Yes, he is human.
Wanna make something of it?
  Lastly, Steve Bridge. Can you believe it that I've heard grumblings about
him already, that he isn't the man he was supposed to be? Why do we still
have these problems, and doesnt Steve know what to do about everything that
is still a problem?  No he doesnt. Thats because he only works 12 hours a
day, 7 days a week. 
  And yes, the Alcor collective staff. I have saved this for the end
because it is the most infuriating. Members, many of whom have never seen
the facility, know nothing about accounting, administration,publishing,
suspension services, facilities management, signup processing, or equipment
repair suggest that these people take pay cuts, be let go, or replaced
by volunteers. Ah yes, the infamous and elusive army of volunteers who
disappear back into the woodwork when the call to arms is sounded.
  What would cheer me up about all of this? Some sign that the individuals
who make up Alcor are ready to work as team instead of a bunch of prima
donnas. And yes, one more thing. A $1.00 personal check donation from
Clarissa Wells to prove she is ready to put her money where her mouth is.
    Michael Riskin

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