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Bad Guy Ian Curtis - Stolen African House Snakes

squinn said:
Should be a "fun" day for the herp society members that are staffing the table at the Indiana breeders expo if they decide to attend this one. I imagine there will be a lot of questions asked that the representatives don't want to answer today.
Click to expand...

I just got back from attending that show. The KHS was in fact there and I saw Chris there. Right when I walked by, one person behind the table with Chris (there were 3 people total) asked Chris if Ian was still going to be an officer. Whoa! Did I slow down! But, I think Chris may have recognized me from FB and he hemmed and hawed until i was past.

I didn't want to create any trouble at a reptile show as I felt that was the wrong place to do it.
 
Sarah, I am very familiar with the KHS, as I founded it with Will Bird. I strongly suggest that you attend the meeting as suggested. as you know the KHS is full of good people and perhaps Kathy Hicks, Phil Peak, or even Will Bird would be willing to mediate for both of you. That said, I have helped people out of "jams" by taking in animals. Even if it was not stated as such if they got back on their feet and wanted their animals back, I would always accommodate them. Karma....its everywhere you are going to be.
Ron Allen Founding Father of the KHS.
Click to expand...

Ron Allen, founding father of the KHS. Seems simple enough to decode what he thinks is the right thing to do.
 


Characteristics of a Cult from Michael Scherner:

"Veneration of the Leader: Excessive glorification to the point of virtual sainthood or divinity.
◾ Inerrancy of the Leader: Belief that he or she cannot be wrong.
◾ Omniscience of the Leader: Acceptance of beliefs and pronouncements on virtually all subjects, from the philosophical to the trivial.
◾ Persuasive Techniques: Methods used to recruit new followers and reinforce current beliefs.
◾ Hidden Agendas: Potential recruits and the public are not given a full disclosure of the true nature of the group’s beliefs and plans.
◾ Deceit: Recruits and followers are not told everything about the leader and the group’s inner circle, particularly flaws or potentially embarrassing events or circumstances.
◾ Financial Exploitation: Recruits and followers are persuaded to invest in the group
◾ Absolute Truth: Belief that the leader and/or group has a method of discovering final knowledge on any number of subjects.
◾ Absolute Morality: Belief that the leader and/or the group have developed a system of right and wrong thought and action applicable to members and nonmembers alike. Those who strictly follow the moral code may become and remain members, those who do not are dismissed or punished."
 
I abhor the censorship being conducted by the officers of the Kentucky Herpetological Society. The Society that I founded always welcomed the exchange of ideas (even controversial ones) from both the membership as well as the general public.

The society was founded on democratic principles. And free speech is the top of the list. That said, there is a way to remove officers detrimental to the society by the membership with out the officers approval. Impeachment IS spelled out in the bylaws. Also, at its worst Ian is a one term VP. Anyone running against him in a general election will win easily with a mere mention of this thread. While I do believe the censorship is being conducted to try to remove the Kentucky Herpetological Society from the matter entirely, it is having the opposite effect.

If the membership truly wants Ian and anyone else out, someone can make a motion from the floor according to Robert's Rules, and force a general membership vote at the next meeting following the motion. My society was always about about the members, not the officers, and ultimately the power resides with them. From the sound of things if I had a vote it would be a vote of "No Confidence" in the current leadership of the Kentucky Herpetological Society. Not just Ian, but the whole lot.
 
That said, I have been a Florida resident for nearly 10 years. The bylaws apparently have been changed. The reason I say this is there was never any provision that allowed for a President or VP, or any other elected officer to APPOINT their successors. They would have to be elected, or the positions filled by other elected officers in the line of succession.
 
Ron
I have a copy of their by-laws. Notice these sections:
Section 1. The Board can consist of the current President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Sgt At Arms, Editor, and a group of continuing members. The Board shall act in an advisory capacity and aid in the formulation of the policies of the Society.

Section 5. The Board shall appoint a person to fill any vacancy occurring among the officers, to serve out the unexpired term.

Wonder who the group of continuing members are?
 
forgot these:
Section 5. The Board shall appoint a person to fill any vacancy occurring among the officers, to serve out the unexpired term.
Section 6. The Board shaii hold at least 3 meetings per year. A majority vote of ail Board members shail be necessary to pass on any business.
Section 7. The size of the Board shali be no more than 20 members, but never less than 3
 
JohnRougeux said:
forgot these:
Section 5. The Board shall appoint a person to fill any vacancy occurring among the officers, to serve out the unexpired term.
Section 6. The Board shaii hold at least 3 meetings per year. A majority vote of ail Board members shail be necessary to pass on any business.
Section 7. The size of the Board shali be no more than 20 members, but never less than 3
Click to expand...

There has been a revision!!!

Section 8. The size of the board shall be large enough to whack all officers across the head continuously, until they force one of their own to come clean!
 
I used to have respect for Will and Phil and have their books and their contributions to the herp society, but not any longer. Not blaming them, mind you, it's the association that I'm laying blame on.
 
Not really fair Randal. The only thing they are "guilty of" is poor judgement and censorship. Their contributions to herpetology and herpetoculture are still very real.
 
We can certainly agree to disagree Ron.

Everything in everybody's life reflects on them, whether their contributions or mishaps. I said I "used" to have respect for them, but using poor judgment and censorship is something they chose to exhibit, thus, altering my overall opinion of them.
 
Ron Allen said:
Not really fair Randal. The only thing they are "guilty of" is poor judgement and censorship. Their contributions to herpetology and herpetoculture are still very real.
Click to expand...

Got it! Save a reptile, screw the innocent human victim. Adults know right from wrong. Protecting their status by making decisions unbecoming of "powers that be" is not poor judgement. It's shameful.
 
wow how sad all this is. it is like a twilight zone episode its plain to see KHS isn't a herp society at all just a clique of tough guys that TAKE snakes from girls and then cover each others @$$ just pathetic imho
is/does will bird and phil peak actually side with this ian person? am I reading that right??? and they have banned members for posting here?!?!?
wtf!?!?!?!?!?
 
KHS has turned this into a circus starring themselves and Ian. I hope that somebody comes to their senses soon and does something to salvage the credibility of that organization. If this continues they certainly shouldn't be allowed to partake in future expos.
 
thomas davis said:
wow how sad all this is. it is like a twilight zone episode its plain to see KHS isn't a herp society at all just a clique of tough guys that TAKE snakes from girls and then cover each others @$$ just pathetic imho
is/does will bird and phil peak actually side with this ian person? am I reading that right??? and they have banned members for posting here?!?!?
wtf!?!?!?!?!?
Click to expand...

No. Just passive tough guys who condone guys taking snakes from girls. What is the lesser evil? Siding or condoning?
 
hi, my apologies to the herp community. I have been following this thread every day. I cannot find the post where ian gives the name and address of his attorney. I am sure it is an oversight on my part. could someone please let me know where this information can be found?
thank you,
mike
 
Ian never provided the name, let alone the address, of the attorney. He said in a message to Sarah that he would provide it to her via certified mail.
 
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