For over ten years the RAS has been amusing, sometimes instructive,
sometimes vexing. But until this week, it has always managed to stay
within my very fliexible bounds of propriety.

At last, though, I'm joining the majority of lurkers and will scrub the
group of authors who tell tales signifying nothing. The pathos of the
finish line safety argument has at last exceeded acceptable limits, as
pro and con quibble over a corpse.

JJ, you have a point of view that deserves a voice, but your arguments
have exceeded reason and respectability. You've based them too much on
a foundation of hasty generalization. Others, perhaps taking their cue
from you that blind commitment is as powerful a persuader as fact, are
using your ill-concieved arguments and genuine concern to advance
political agendas and launch ad hominem attacks - equally lacking in
genuine substance, I fear. And your own postion suffers - through
association as well as your lack of persuasive rigour.

I've decided to quit posting because I fear that I too may find myself
so embroiled in a meritless arguement, based solely on surmise, that I
fail to recognize when it is best to keep my mouth shut and simply bow
my head in sympathy and respect with those who have suffered loss. And
wait for a jury's opinion before I jump to judgement.

For those who think this note fails in that objective, my sincere
apologies. Take heart, though. It won't happen again.


Chris O'Callaghan

Fiveniner, Oscar Charlie
Ventus 2bx
Mid-Atlantic Soaring Association
Frederick, Maryland, USA