Local Make-A-Wish board quits in tiff with national group

AP ^ | 10/04/04

[nypokerface]

The board of directors and the advisory board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Minnesota resigned en masse today, citing a dispute with the national organization over local autonomy.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of America and its local chapters grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Typical wishes can include trips to Disneyland, family reunions or chances to meet celebrities.

Karla Blomberg, who had been president and co-founder of the Minnesota chapter, said tensions had been growing for years and came to a head at a weekend meeting, when the 13 directors and 10 advisory board members decided the differences were irreconcilable.

``This has been so painful and so difficult,'' Blomberg said. ``It's been a major part of my life for 22 years and it's been a big part of the lives of all the 20-some people who submitted their resignations today.''

Blomberg stressed that no child's wish would be denied because of Monday's action. She said the former directors have left the organization in strong financial shape, with enough money to operate for two years. They expect the national group to name a new board for Minnesota soon.

[Old Professer]

This reminds me of when the original Mother Against Drunken Drivers was driven out after a DUI arrest.

[cripplecreek]

I think Ted Nugent took a kid on safari to Africa a few years ago. Seems that the Make a wish foundation doesn't do hunting.

[Finny]

Wow. What an interesting story. I am disturbed that the people at Make A Wish would presume to disallow a kid's wish to go hunting -- that's pretty arrogant. I'm on the side of the folks resigning.

[Finalapproach29er]

Few years ago, a kid from up here (Mn) wanted to hunt a bear up in Alaska. All hell broke loose. Must be run by Liberals.

[ShadowDancer]

This reminds me of when the original Mother Against Drunken Drivers was driven out after a DUI arrest.

How are you equating one with the other?

[Old Professer]

Internecine intrigue.

[zip]

Strictly a leftist gun control move. This is supposed to be fullfilling the individual's last wish not an attempt to force pc wishes only. Somewhere sarah brady is smirking

[hyperpoly8]

So now, if a terminally ill child has a last request to go hunting, they'll take him to the zoo? The Minnesota Chapter of Make A Wish appear to be the only sane members of the organization, and they do it without pay.

[ShadowDancer]

Let me try to be a little more plain for you.

How are you equating the actions of the woman of MADD to that of the woman in the local chapter cited here? Where is the relevance?

[ShadowDancer]

Sorry, #10 was meant for you. I'm so used to talking to myself that I apparently even type that way.

[Old Professer]

My dear. do-gooders' spoor traces every square millimeter of this bloodied planet but the one thing upon which we can always depend, those who leave the deepest trail will be the most mired in the end.

[ShadowDancer]

I've been here too long to be bothered by your attempts at poetic injustice.

My question for you is this, if you can actually answer it in a straight forward manner- How do you equate the woman of the Chapter of the Make a Wish Foundation with the woman of MADD? Keep it under 50 words and no rhyming if you please, Dr. Seuss.

[Old Professer]

Every organization must have a structure.

Every well-intentioned movement has a founder.

The inevitable consequence of organizations is growth and friction.

Growth and friction are fertile fields for ambition.

Ambition results in displacement.

Soon the founder is history while the organization grows apace or is subsumed in a newer and equally passionate movement.

What about internecine intrigue did you fail to understand?

[ShadowDancer]

Let me put it once again more plainly.

What problem do you have with the actions of the woman of the Minnesota Chapter?

[Pure Country]

His problem is communication. He doesn't know how. I laugh when people speak in drivel and then get on their high-horse because they make no sense. Taught with a teacher like that--arrogant, obnoxious reject.

[Old Professer]

My argument is not with you but with the impulse to organize and direct that seems to be ingrained in those least capable of staying the course; are you the woman of whom you speak or a personal friend or do you just want to be contentious?

[ShadowDancer]

Okay, aside from the fact that you seem to be the reason that we are all keeping our children from public educations, why do you feel she was wrong for granting this child's hunting wish and why do you think it was fine that she was censured for doing so? Really, I cannot state it more plainly than this.

[myself6]

The way I understand his comments is thus...


The once stated purpose of the organization is no longer the driving force of the organization. Now the "mission" is second to the political / ideological values of the more "eager" members. A child's wish must pass through the filter of the groups own value system or be dropped as unworthy.

The members who quit are right to be pissed. Whether or not quiting is the appropriate way to fight back seems to be a good question.

This is MY translation of his comments. I could be wrong, but if so, I like my take better. ;-)

[Old Professer]

I don't think any of those things and nothing I have posted even alludes to any such conclusion on your part; I am constitutionally opposed to compassionate collusion with coercive motives which is what all social evangelism pretends.

If, somehow, I have been unclear or ungentlemanly I hereby offer my sincere apology.