On Sunday, October 25, 2020 at 5:39:06 PM UTC-4, Chip Bearden wrote:
Unhappy with this discussion? (tired doesn't count) Vaguely troubled by some of the things said but worried about losing your "man" card by defending a bunch of shrill, hypersensitive harpies determined to knock down the SSA on the way to installing AOC in the White House and rolling up the U.S. as the next bastion of socialism, presaging North Korea's annexation of California? [OK, I might have gotten a little carried away].

Uncomfortable with the message that women are welcome in soaring only so long as they're attractive (I should probably have listed this last), undemanding, non-threatening, and grateful?

No need to post anything or go on record. This is America: you can BUY your way out of feeling guilty. Make a contribution to the WSPA. Cindy's post has the link (above).

Yeah, I know some of you already did in the recent past. The difference? This donation will not specifically be earmarked for the U.S. Team. That was easy: we all knew they had a good chance of getting on the medal stand in Australia (which was the case).

This would be for women who don't [yet] make the headlines. They're just ordinary people interested in soaring who enjoy the company of other soaring pilots who have faced similar challenges. And after some of the disturbing opinions expressed in this thread, I'm sure many of them would be reassured that the majority of male soaring pilots are welcoming, even if we occasionally stumble unintentionally.

Chip Bearden
JB
Chip, you got more than carried away, you fell into the trap. No need to apologize, you obviously are a good person with your own perceptions, we all have those. Go ahead and slap me down, it has been done before, we met many years ago and I always reflected on your mild gentlemanly personality.
I do not feel any differently about your love for soaring, or your advocation of what we both enjoy, I hope you feel no differently about me. My main objective has been to advance the activity of soaring, hopefully I have done a pretty good job of that. Of those whom know me will tell you that I have soaring in my best interest and not my personal agenda.
I could always take my toys and go home, but advancing and giving back seems to be my agenda at this stage of life. Hopefully after tomorrow I can say Just look at what we did, I will explain later, not on this forum, but privately.
Making assertations of sexism had no place in soaring, that agenda went out a long time ago and that is what most are saying. Many continue to bloviate and cast many views of disparity, but actually we are all on the same page. I think no less of you , I hope you feel no less of me, we just share opposite opinions. I did tow again today and the female, no, I will say lady did better than anyone. Bob