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In a previous message, Michael J. Kravit, AIA wrote:
> 
> I have sat here on the sideline reading about all the animosity directed
> toward the WKPP, and of recent, especially Jarrod Jablonski and George
> Irvine.

Hi, I have been reading all the posts on techdiver, and I haven't seen
a single one that bashes JJ. Can you give an example.

> Jarrod Jablonski is one of the most level headed, cordial, caring and
> talented individuals I have met. He is educated and experienced. He has
> not and would not hurt a fly. Literally!  Those that take pleasure
> knocking him of recent, have really missed the boat.  I am totally
> offended by this undeserved, ill conceived nonsense.  I can only assume
> that those responsible have either never met JJ, never trained with him,
> or are totally dysfunctional individuals.

I fully agree. I did my apprentice course with him and I am doing 
Full Cave, and Trimix with him in October.
I don't have any problem saying that in my Opinion, JJ is the best instructor
and the best diver I have ever met in my life.

...some stuff deleted....

> Yes, George Irvine can be tough, and is a strong personality. But, he is
> on a mission. He does not want to see divers die. He has seen what the
> various training agencies are teaching and as he puts it "is horrified". 
> The messenger is certainly not always diplomatic in his presentation, but
> then again sometimes the truth hurts.  I know George personally. I have
> spent time with him and can affirm his commitment to the State, his team
> and the cave diving public.  Let us throw out the bath water and not the
> baby.

Ok, (flame retardant drysuit on), George has got some excellent ideas, and
I have adopted some of them, however, there are certain things that are
not practical for me since we dive in a different environment.
Examples:
I have gone back to using big brass clips on much of my stuff (you guys call
these suicide clips) because with three finger mitts, I can't work the small
ones.
I butt mount my light, cause I don't use a scooter and I find it keeps my 
trim better and cause it doesn't get caught on wreckage inside of wrecks.

The issue is, George doesn't always look at the extenuating circumstances.
There are a lot of really good divers out there like Lamar and Tom, who 
butt mount their lights for various reasons (Side-mount diving, etc)

> It is time for those that take pleasure in the WKPP bashing to STOP.  Fun
> is fun, but when it gets out of hand these things become destructive. 
> There is a greater goal involved with this project than giving a bunch of
> guys access to deep caves.  We must find a way to protect the valuable
> water resources that we here in Florida value so very much.  It truly is a
> shame that many in the WKPP will no longer frequent these lists with their
> experience and expertise.  I find it sad and unbelievable that some person
> can target Jarrod Jablonski just to get his kicks.  Sure George is fair
> game, he is quite adept at defending himself, but JJ?  

Again, I haven't seen anyone attack the WKPP on this list. I have seen attacks
on George, but George is not the WKPP, he is simply a part of it. (big part)

> Those of you that have been involved with the letter writing to the state,
> the name calling, the fake e-mails and the like know who you are. You also
> need to know that this whole situation has gone well beyond tolerance. 
> Fun is fun, but when it becomes destructive it is no longer worth any of
> our time, effort or expense.  There are some recent discoveries by the
> WKPP that will be shared only with the State officials. That is a shame,
> because I believe they would be of interest to all in the cave community. 
> It is a shame that certain individuals could take this information and use
> it to hurt the WKPP and in turn, that endangers the project and the future
> of our well being here in Florida.

-- 
Regards,
Andy W. Barclay.        andy@le*.ca*
UNIX Instructor Team Leader / Queensview Branch Manager
(pgp publickey avail at ftp.learnix.ca:/pub/pgp.publickeys.pgp)

If the poor workman hates his tools, the good workman
hates poor tools. The work of the workingman is, in a
sense, defined by his tools.
   --Weinberg, p.203

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