December 10, 2000
Dear ABRF members
Two months ago the Protein Analysis Research Group (PARG) project was disapproved and the group dismissed by the ABRF Executive Board (EB), disappointing and alarming many in this community. In response to membership outrage, the Executive Board presented their rationale for the summary dismissal on the electronic bulletin board on November 3, 2000. Since October the PARG and concerned individuals have tried with no success to quietly convince the EB that their harsh criticism was inappropriate and unwarranted. Apparently the EB wants to set an example with PARG. They fail to recognize that their management example will neither nurture loyalty nor inspire better volunteer research but rather generate disenchantment with research group service. After over a decade of ABRF service on a variety of committees, including the EB and the now defunct PARG, I must say loudly from experience that this PARG was not a derelict committee. While the dismissal was within the purview of the EB, the published rationale for such abrupt and harsh action remains without merit.
The attachment to this email summarizes why the EB rationale for the PARG dismissal lacks merit. This rebuttal is being made public in hopes that it will facilitate strategies for preventing similar unfortunate situations.
As the year ends, it is again time to pay dues and renew memberships. My ABRF membership dues will remain on hold while the EB studies Robert Fulghum's book "All I really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" and develops some humility and self control.
Sincerely
John W Crabb PhD
Professor and Staff
Cole Eye Institute
Lerner Research Institute
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
9500 Euclid Ave
Cleveland OH 44195
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Jan 05 2001 - 08:42:46 EST