Ostromecki Editorial

[jtryka]

I'm surprised no one's bothered to start a thread about this already, but did anyone else happen to read Walter Ostromecki's editorial in last week's Coin World? It was like 3 times as long as a normal op-ed, but they printed it in its entirety. I must admit it was pretty scatheing towards Cipoletti and the rest of the board, though unfortunately not surprising. I can't wait for the next episode in this soap opera when the ANA folks respond to him. Anyone else have any thought?

[Hoot]

Anyone else have any thought?

 

I think I'll read it tonight!

 

Hoot

[IGWT]

"Double secret probation" seems like a better solution than expulsion. I'd say more, but I'm bound by an ironclad confidentiality agreement and don't want to risk revocation of my ANA membership.

[paperchaser-migration]

Well, I don't read Coin World anymore but I've known Walt for more than 25 years and have always known him to be a straight shooter. If anyone can post a link to his editorial I'd be most appreciative. Thanks so much.

[paperchaser-migration]

Anyone know where I can find a copy?

[jtryka]

I only have a print copy since I don't have an online subscription. You can probably find a copy at a coin shop or your local library.

[paperchaser-migration]

Thanks. I've been unsuccessful so far but will keep looking.

[HaydenTubbs]

It will be interesting to see how this all turns out.

[Here]

No one in this whole deal has any backbone. ESPECIALLY the life member who resigned because of the naming of the library thing and is now back in the ANA. What a whimp!

 

 

 

Jerry

[HaydenTubbs]

Jerry we missed you when you were Gone.

[kranky]

After reading both Ostromecki's and the ANA's missives on what took place, I am more sympathetic to the board's position.

 

Ostromecki characterizes his missteps as "rookie mistakes" and there's no doubt some truth to that. But assuming the ANA's retelling is not completely fabricated, I think they are somewhat justified in taking the action they did.

 

I had always thought that a 7-0 vote to remove him had to mean something. It couldn't have been just a couple people with a personal vendetta. I won't say that I think the board had no choice but to oust him, but there appeared to be plenty of problems.

 

The most troubling thing to me is that both sides are now saying "here's the entire story that couldn't be told before", and the two stories still have plenty of discrepancies between them.

 

He could run again next time and probably win, and things would be a lot better with a fresh start.

[gmarguli]

Would anyone like to summarize what happened for those of us who do not get Coin World and are not ANA members?

[goose3]

Kranky....

 

After reading both of the "stories" I tend to side with the guy that got bammed. He went much further into details while the other guy was very vague.

 

I do know that when I get a ballot in the mail next time it won't be going in the trash can as usual. I'll be voting and there won't be an incumbent get my vote.

[kranky]

Agreed, it's not an open-and-shut case. It's just a mess.

 

Greg, I re-read the articles (in Numismatic News) written by both sides and I regret I do not know how to even summarize the details. It's quite long and convoluted. The core issue is that the ANA board booted Ostromecki for breaking the confidentiality agreement surrounding board actions, specifically the Cliff Mishler situation regarding a donation to the ANA Museum. Ostromecki did communicate with others on the subject, but denies he did anything meriting getting the boot.