Comments Posted By A Remnant
Displaying 31 To 60 Of 96 Comments
Alaska’s Pebble Project: Stolen Emails and the Promise of Reward
Helga
Yup, it could have been! I first heard of the Pebble Project in 2005 or 06.
» Posted By A Remnant On September 17, 2011 @ 10:16 pm
George
With out researching the time line, the reference may have happened before the fall of Mr. Madoff. At that point in time Madoff was considered one of the most effective and inventive fund managers on Wall Street. And his representation of his wealth was legendary. So if the comment was made prior to the fall of his Fund and his unmasking as a ponzi king, would have been a flattering comment.
» Posted By A Remnant On September 16, 2011 @ 5:09 pm
Carl
As a lawyer. and based on your representation of the facts as you understand them, probably a very good counselor. In the role of opposing counsel, and after rereading Fr. Festers letter, I would suggest the exchange between Fr. Fester and Mark, is a discussion of facts as the two parties perceived the facts.
Fr. Fester in his role as “Chief of Staff” for +Jonah was attempting clarify the facts from the Team Jonah perspective, and the way they were acting on the decision.
Exerting that Fr. Fester wanted him to “lie” I think is a stretch. Again differing points from opposing counsel*.
* I am not an Attorney nor did I sleep at a Holiday Inn express last night!
» Posted By A Remnant On September 16, 2011 @ 5:01 pm
Just did some checking with sources in Alaska. Feeling is Pebble will ultimately win this battle based on the players in backing the development process. Pebble will have to through a grueling permitting process ( best guess is 7-10 years) and will be monitored extensively.
Second, comment was the statistics used to discuss “contamination are very, very old. There have been no contamination violations based on company error in quite a long time (10 years or more). The most recent event was due to sabotage from an “environmental group” at Fort Knox.
It could be considered illegal for Mr. Gillam out of his generosity were to provide any support to the church, that might be considered “payback” for the churches involvement in this “noble” battle.
So I guess the good Father maybe wishing and hoping for more than will ever appear. Mr Gillam is a very prominent fish in a rather small fish bowl, so he will be watched and donations tracked.
» Posted By A Remnant On September 16, 2011 @ 12:18 am
Michael Bauman says: September 15, 2011 at 1:36 pm
Find a way to preseve what is good and holy while adapting to the dominant culture. Always a massive task.
Isn’t this the battle in Orthodoxy?
» Posted By A Remnant On September 16, 2011 @ 12:06 am
Wasn’t the Synod! It was a benevolent act of his Bishop
» Posted By A Remnant On September 16, 2011 @ 12:04 am
Carl
It is unlike you to go out on the limb based on feelings. The Pebble Development project is not a simple good guy/bad guy situation. There is a ton of information available concerning the entire project. There are varied interests involved from their perspectives, all have reasons for their involvement. Please spend a little time doing research on the project, the stated and implied implications, including who owns the property involved. You might be surprised, or not, as the story goes.
» Posted By A Remnant On September 15, 2011 @ 3:24 pm
Helga
Each and every Alaskan received $1,281.00 in 2010 from the States permanent fund, money derived from oil revenues to the state. And Alaskans pay no state income tax.
» Posted By A Remnant On September 15, 2011 @ 3:15 pm
“the potential to poison an ecosystem” is one side of the argument! Lots of the current gold mines in Alaska have never poisoned anything, much less a whole ecosystem”
And current definitions created by the EPA, include dust from farming operations as a “contaminant.”
» Posted By A Remnant On September 15, 2011 @ 3:09 pm
From 105 to 50 in a New York Minute — Part I. How We Got Here
I think the Diocese of the South’s Treasurer came out in support of the NY NJ plan in his June 2011 message.
A substantive endorsement in the Diocese, I think.http://dosoca.org/files/2011%20Financials/Treasurers-Message-June-2011.pdf
» Posted By A Remnant On October 11, 2011 @ 11:28 pm
Parsing Stokoe: It’s the Same Old Tired Game Plan
Karl
You, Jesse and others have more than adequately explained, in this thread, the procedure outlined in the Sexual Misconduct Procedure. Then you wonder why someone wanders in late, tosses a bunch of allegations around and the says “What?”.
In answer to Matt Gates, the roll of the investigative committee, if appropriate is explained here
<a href=""http://oca.org/Documents/OfficialDocumentsPDF/040203ocaguidelines.pdf
Rather than troll through a couple of different blogs for the procedure, go to the source. And since you seem intimately involved in the AZ activities, could you provide how the procedures were violated, starting with the Syosset Stooges botching the first part of the procedures.
» Posted By A Remnant On September 13, 2011 @ 3:45 pm
Yup
And the proper authorities should handle the investigation, not the Syosset Stooges!
The proper authorities in Russia, the place of the allegation, should handle the investigation. On the flip side if it is an unfounded allegation the consequences of “misleading authorities” is quite stiff.
The consequence of the Sexual Misconduct case handled by the Syosset Stooges in the OCA is to smear the reputation of an Arch priest, with no consequences for “misleading authorities” on the Sexual Misconduct special investigative panel.
What would be your choice?
» Posted By A Remnant On September 10, 2011 @ 11:06 pm
George we may want to start a separate article, starting with a description of the game and ask for input.
After a short period, or the enthusiasm runs out, we make the cards
here is a link. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buzzword_bingo
I’ll take “Aporia”
» Posted By A Remnant On September 9, 2011 @ 8:06 pm
George
My comment was not intended to besmirch the Bishops. I apologize if it was taken that way!
My comment was a take off on the old corporate game of Corporate BS Bingo. Corporate BS Bingo was created to make fun of executives constant use of the current buzzwords in speeches and articles. The game makes sitting through broadcasts of boring corporate speeches entertaining.
For Stokoe “BS Bingo” we could create a list of Mark’s “buzzwords” (in this case, a list of aspersion cast by Mark against Jonah) and then have Herc create a full set of BS Bingo cards for download. When after reading the latest (lamest) diatribe on OCANews you can check off the “Buzz words.” If you can check off all the words or phrases on your card you can say “Bingo” or the other words, because once again the author has dredged up all the same old BS.
Maybe we need to start a list of words for the game,
» Posted By A Remnant On September 9, 2011 @ 5:17 pm
Not in a blue moon would you get close to that derangement!
No, never even close!
» Posted By A Remnant On September 9, 2011 @ 5:03 pm
I think the Tomos says “create” one Orthodox Church in America, not be one Orthodox Church in America.
» Posted By A Remnant On September 9, 2011 @ 4:13 pm
Yeah but. if we don’t read OCANews how are we going to fill out our Stokoe B***S*** Bingo cards?
» Posted By A Remnant On September 8, 2011 @ 4:28 pm
And a really spectacular lady, Admiral Grace Hopper!
» Posted By A Remnant On September 8, 2011 @ 1:12 pm
Somewhere I got confused about a real basic concept; If it ain’t yours don’t take it,
» Posted By A Remnant On September 8, 2011 @ 1:51 pm
Carl Kraeff says: September 7, 2011 at 5:06 pm
I also agree with Stokoe that process matters.
Process is important, only if it is the correct process, administered through the proper authority!
The concept of OCA “Best Practices” are a joke foisted upon the church by the “respected” law firm representing the interest of a previous Metropolitan. These “processes” would be considered laughable in most good organizations. And yes I have the professional credentials to make that statement.
Since the activities of the SMPAC and other MC subcommittees are outside of the Statues, even with the approval of the Synod, what is the true “governing” decision in the OCA?
» Posted By A Remnant On September 8, 2011 @ 12:07 am
In Memoriam: Archbishop +Dmitri of Dallas
Helga, while I agree, let’s not sully this thread with discussion of those two miscreants.
Let’s use this space to honor and share memories of Archbishop Dmitri.
Thanks
» Posted By A Remnant On August 29, 2011 @ 1:23 pm
As of this evening he was still here, but not doing well.
Keep him in your prayers!
» Posted By A Remnant On August 26, 2011 @ 2:37 am
The letters to the Metropolitan Council and Midwest Diocesan Council, and Mark’s response are now posted at his site!
» Posted By A Remnant On August 10, 2011 @ 4:40 pm
Mike George Verges: Requiescat in Pace
George:
We send our thought and prayers for the your wife, you, and the rest family of the family.
» Posted By A Remnant On August 10, 2011 @ 4:14 pm
The Future: An Open Letter to the Episcopal Assembly
You have articulated several of the themes in the complexity of the current situation. In each of the “themes” there are entanglements, and contributing factors that cross the boundaries of each theme and increase the complexity.
I would suggest a different answer to one of your statements. While agreeing with your premise as to the context, the conclusion demonstrates the shortsightedness of everyone involved.
First, we have an institution that is responding to a scandal. In such a mode the first move is always to change the leadership, but the second move is always to change the structure so that such a scandal cannot recur. The OCA is now at that second step. We can debate the wisdom of the steps being taken, but they need to be understood in the context of the earlier scandal.Making changes while looking in the rear-view mirror is often more damaging than not making a change. The hardest organizational temptation to resist is the rush to change structure, rules, authorities or roles to address or limit abuse based on a past transgression. Instead of charging into the “blame and change” mode organizationally the church should prayerfully consider what the true lessons from the transgressions are. Lessons learned in these circumstances often are not the publicly held view, nor are they necessarily the sole responsibility of the person scapegoated for the transgression.
Problems are usually of two general natures; first a system or organizational architecture unfit for the current use or environment. Or they represent a catastrophic failure of the organization’s adherence to existing morals, guidelines, policies and practices, which can only happen in a laissez-faire environment.
If the Church is gong to make systemic changes, the changes should be based on helping and supporting success in the mission of the church, today and in the future. Looking at the changes made in the past and the blunt method of implementing the current changes, suggests all of them are an overreaction and in the long run is not a viable operating model.
Sorry, got a little long winded here, but thanks again for your articulation of the issues.
» Posted By A Remnant On June 6, 2011 @ 10:58 pm
Mike says:
May 28, 2011 at 8:13 pmSome of y’all need to learn how to make the most elementary distinctions. Mark Stokoe’s 1) evidence-based critique of Met. Jonah (which reflects a general dissatisfaction, and disappointment, with the primate on many fronts, widely shared with lotsa informed Orthodox, powerfully grounded and rational)
Well that is a huge leap there. If you read is “indictment” of the Metropolitan, it is based on weaving whole cloth out of innuendo and speculation. Like his authoritative quotes on the SMPAC report, followed by the denial of having a copy, the opinions of Bishops in meetings which he did not attend, etc, etc. Evidence, let’s see it.
The only evidence that is real is the Metropolitan’s bad decision in inviting Bishop Mark to the OCA.
» Posted By A Remnant On May 29, 2011 @ 6:39 pm
An Open Letter to His Beatitude Metropolitan Jonah
Yup
Just us old pharts!
For those who are not historians or were not around at the time, from Wiki
In 1974, as an elder statesman of the (Republican) party, Goldwater successfully urged President Richard Nixon to resign when evidence of a cover-up in the Watergate scandal became overwhelming and impeachment was imminent.
» Posted By A Remnant On May 16, 2011 @ 6:44 pm
Chris
+Dmitri did not keep Kondratick – the Parish hired him as an administrator. (even when they knew he was deposed) Don’t know where the church rules and labor law collide.
For what that is worth in this discussion
» Posted By A Remnant On May 16, 2011 @ 4:02 am
Chris
I appreciate your response. Humility and patience with boldness leads to success for the entire enterprise. Leadership has many definitions, “lack of surprise” is not a model with which I am familiar! While we could have a great theoretical discussion on Leadership, management and the operation of organizations, and I would love to, the challenge at hand is a badly broken Church, complicated by factors, both current and historical. Unfortunately, the remedies available to most other organizations in this situation, are not available to the church e.g. acquiring leadership from outside of the organization, reorganizing, divesting non performing units, and/or significantly changing the operational people. Though Churches due have one appeal not common in other venues, prayer!
Due to the current crisis, I have delved into the history of corruption and ineptitude in the OCA, both sides of the issue. Good thing this is a church! And that most of the faithful are not embroiled in the current or historical crisis. Costs in these kinds of crisis are the loss parishioners, they vote with their pocket book then their attendance. The majority of the parishioners are only concerned with what is happening in their Parish. If Parish life is good, the parishioners are happy, problems in the Parish, well not so happy.
OCA faces the challenge of using the current leaders, all of whom have some taint of current or historical crisis, to fix themselves and the church, not impossible, but quite daunting. We are relegated to the bleacher seats to watch the drama unfold. We can comment, cuss and discuss the current events (as we think we know them) but we are not in a position to affect much.
Looks like it is time to invest in more prayer!
» Posted By A Remnant On May 14, 2011 @ 7:59 pm
«« Back To Stats PageGeo Michalopulos says:
May 14, 2011 at 4:29 amBrendan, you need to write an essay on this. very well said.
I think he just did that!
» Posted By A Remnant On May 14, 2011 @ 4:53 am
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