I completely disagree with you Erie Guy. I'm not an ex-jw nor have I ever been one so any likening of what's happening here to judicial commitees is totally unrelated to the issue at hand. I can't think of a single posting group that would let slide the open solicitation for funds followed by an open admission of intended misapropriation of those funds. I just can't see that going over well with any group whether they are ex-witnesses, ex-mormons or ex-field hockey players.
I'd say Mike Pence probably is a deeply troubled person. However, that does not excuse his clear violation of the trust of people he solicited. Let's be clear on this- over $1,000 dollars appears to have been donated. And apparently it isn't going to be used for what it Mike Pence said it would be used for.
This isn't the first time that he's solicited money here. Back when the U.N. scandal broke people were going crazy notifying press, seeking further information and providing verification of facts. Mike Pence suggested they pay for a press release. I know that I personally poohpoohed the idea and quite possibly so did others since this board was already getting help for FREE from writers and other relevent professionals and interested parties.
I was definitely suspicious at the time but wrote it off to a somewhat bizarre suggestion on his part. I'm sorry I didn't see his recent thread on the same topic. I'd be interested to see who the check for his press release was/would be made out to! If he wants to get paid for his efforts then fine, whatever, but he should be forthright about it. At least if he did write up a press release and then pay himself for it (after soliciting funds here for said service)- at least then he'd have "earned" it for his skill. Though, again, i'll repeat that other professionals were doing this for FREE. But the money for the silent lambs march- that's something else!!
So, he may have problems, but he seems to have no problem trying to work this board to his financial advantage and that's not okay. It looks as if he's always angling. If I actually had donated money, I'd be requesting a refund so fast his head spin. And if I didn't get it- I'd take the battle to his internet provider and I would certainly explore whatever options were available to see that his actions do not go unaddressed. Why? Because I'm a meanie? maybe. Or, possibly I think that despite a persons problems, it doesn't give them the right to take advantage of and mislead others. Sorry, having it tough isn't a defense. Show me someone on this board who hasn't been through hell in some way or another!! I believe people should show a little compassion for the guy. BUT...first and foremost, I think he should stop taking people for a little financial ride and while he's at it, step up and give people their money back without making them ask for it. If he acts honorably, then hopefully he'll be treated honorably!
Edited by - detective on 21 August 2002 14:46:28