Ever since I was a little girl, I always believe in doing the right things. I have spent my life in chess fighting to change our sport for the better. I always believe that chess deserves better and I am working hard every day to make that happen. In the past 5-6 years, that focus has taken place in the United States.
I do not believe in promoting chess in one particular area while neglecting others. That is why I promote scholastic, adult, college, internet, correspondence, military and professional chess, etc. I would like to bring respectability, credibility, integrity and popularity to our sport.
When I was in Las Vegas this past weekend, I just learned of new information that is even more disturbing that what I originally thought about US chess. In the past many decades, the USCF has basically been run by the same group of people. When they first got involved, they all had the same vision. They all wanted to do good things for this federation.
Unfortunately, in order to survive chess politics, they had to join one political chess party or another. Otherwise they cannot survive the brutal and merciless attacks and abuse by the chess politicians. After a while, people start to lose focus on why they got involved in the first place. There are simply too much hatred and animosity among the chess politicians. Instead of doing what is best for chess, they seek revenge toward their opponents. It is a never ending cycle.
That is why when I was approached by both major chess political parties to join force with them, I turned everyone down and remained independent in this election even though I have friends on both sides. I will work with everyone to make the USCF better but I do not want to contribute to this endless destructive cycle. I want no part of this kind of politics.
In the past few days, I was told of some of the most incredible lies by various chess politicians for political purpose. There is not even an ounce of truth to any of these rumors. They know that they have no chance to win this upcoming election based on their records and accomplishments. So the only way to win is to confuse the voters with outrageous lies.
First, there were offensive post cards with full of malicious lies and dishonest innuendos. Then there were internet mailings. Then a flurry of vicious rumors came. Some of the absolutely false rumors include:
– The first thing I want to do if my team and I are elected is to fire the USCF ED Bill Hall
– The first thing I want to do if my team and I are elected is to fire the USCF Scholastic Director Jerry Nash
– The first thing I want to do if my team and I are elected is to outsource the Spring’s National Scholastic events
– The first thing I want to do if my team and I are elected is to close down the USCF forums
– The first thing I want to do if my team and I are elected is to split the scholastic and adult components of the USCF
That is a lot of first that I did not even know about. It is amazing to know what kind of lies they can concoct. It is like reading the National Enquirer. There are plenty more outrageous fabrications simply to confuse the USCF members. Some even challenged how many women’s world championships I won or how many national championships my husband has won.
As I stated before, they spare nothing. They are rude and loud. They twist every fact to destroy their opponents. It is a completely dysfuctional system with no leadership. They have chased away countless good members, volunteers, sponsors and supporters because of this.
The only difference is their tactics no longer work. They can no longer silence everyone. They no longer control the news. They definitely cannot silence me. Their repeated threats to harm me and my family if I do not drop out, their legal intimidation and their daily attacks and insults will not hold me back.
I will not give up fighting for what I believe in. I will not give up fighting for chess. I am not going to sit back to allow these politicians continue to destroy US chess and the USCF. They have done this for too long.
We are not doing enough for our kids, our club and tournament players or our professional players. They are fighting about dollars and cents while throwing away one million after another in sponsorship opportunities. They do not have the best interest of the entire federation at heart.
I will continue to positively promote chess while they continue their destructive politics. I would like to thank everyone who wrote to me or came up to me to offer their support. We still have another 6 weeks before this election ends. Please be sure to vote and please tell everyone you know to vote.
This is a very important election. The future of this federation is in your hands. We can stop this destructive way and rebuild the USCF into a respected, prosperous and viable organization if we work together! I have no doubt in this. We have the momentum and we must take advantage of it to save this federation. Please feel free to show everyone this: http://www.susanpolgar.com/The2007USExecutiveBoardElection.pdf
Thank you for your support!
Keep fighting for us! We need you to protect chess. Thank you.
You’re right. I see the same few nuts on the USCF forums posting the same garbage every day. They must not have anything better to do with their lives. The funny thing is none of them is doing anything to help the USCF.
Dear GM Polgar,
The words you write are quite inspiring. I cast my vote for your team yesterday. I’m confident that you and your team will win.
Chess can be so much more in this country. Many people throughout the world might look at America as a “weak” chess country. I would disagree as we have such talents as yourself, GM Kamsky, and GM Kaidanov along with many others.
It’s your work with children, scholastic chess that impresses me and gives me hope that the next generation of Americans, there might be future WCC.
You inspire people and lead by example. You’ve proven it. You meet with CEO’s and important political figures in Washington to promote chess. The accolades could go on.
I also agree with you “to do” list when your team is elected. It’s time to take the perverbial “broom and clean house” at the USCF. From the top down.
I hope that the ballots are counted in an honest manner. You never know what the entrenched “Chess Politburo” might be planning to disregard the results. And they dare threaten and intimidate you? They deserve to be sitting in a jail cell (well, one is a convicted felon) and not on an Executive Board.
You have so many supporters, you are what this nation needs to bring our sport back into the spotlight and, hopefully, create a new “chess culture.”
With all the other duties you have (family, SPICE, simuls, etc) I can only end by saying “Thank you!”
and, as the first person said here, we need you and your team.
Having followed the intrigues of the upcoming USCF election, I am proud to say that I cast my vote for GM Polgar’s team. All of the petty politics of the chess world made me think of two quotes from two very different but great Americans…and I think these quotes highlight why Susan’s team will not only win but lead the way to a new era of chess in America. First quote:
“Few are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society. MORAL COURAGE [which is what GM Polgar is a shining example of] is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence…yet it is the one ESSENTIAL vital quality for thso who seek to change a world that yields most painfully to change.”
–Robert F. Kennedy
I’m no fan of the Kennedy’s but he was absolutely correct regarding Moral Courage.
Second quote: “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that. But the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
–Mark Twain
GM Polgar has to put up with the many lies and insults thrown at her by those now (or rather, temporarily) at the USCF. Yet, she stands FIRM in her convictions and this is a sign of MORAL COURAGE.
A society that will never change will smother itself. Every generation has one outspoken and great leader that can and does make a difference. Within our sport of chess, this person is GM Polgar.
Also, she inspires others. Every elementary, Middle and High school that she visits…she inspires and stirs the imagination of those that will one day be our leaders and there might even be a future world champ out there whose interest in chess was sparked by GM Polgar.
Think about it folks. There simply isn’t any person more qualified or talented or motivated than her.
Keep up the good work GM Polgar. Never let the petty insults of the weak minded knaves that enjoy insulting others hurt you.
America is proud of you. And I, as an American, am honored that you are here doing so much for so many.
If an overseas voice of support means anything, you and your team got it from me.
“funny”?
Susan, since you haven’t said what you are going to do, it is perhaps naturual that people speculate on what you might have planned.
It’s probably a good idea to put bold face font on the “Some of the absolutely false rumors include” part. For someone like me who glances quickly at your entries at first, I would have thought that you want to do those listed items.
Thank you Susan for your hard work in chess! There are many of us out there who GREATLY appreciate your efforts.
Has anyone checked out Brian P. Lafferty? It seems to me that the guy is another Sam Sloan, perhaps worse. Is he really a lawyer? I wouldn’t want to waste my money to hire a lawyer like this. That’s probably why he has nothing better to do than posting trash all day long.
Forget about Lafferty or Payne. They’re just two obnoxious blokes. It’s funny to hear a 1000 rated player criticizing a women’s world champion.
Go Susan! Keep up the great work! We’re behind you all the way!
Its ok but no need to use such language like fire this guy, fire that guy. You can say I will take proper action against them
Fellow USCF Members:
We are at an historic crossroads in the history of our sport in America. If you care, then we must unite and get rid of the current board members.
The difference between a chess “politician” and a chess ambassador, (and GM Polgar is a true ambassador for our sport) and what the USCF needs, is that petty politicians (like those on the soon-to-be-gone Executive Board) thinks only of the next election.
The current board does not care about chess and the next generation. GM Polgar does. Her actions prove she cares so much for the future of chess in America and the world.
A true leader, a true chess ambassador, cares deeply about the next generation! We all should and This is PRECISELY what GM Polgar has done for many, many years.
This is what GM Polgar has done at every school she has visited. She does this not because she has to…but because she wants to and loves chess.
She has a vision of what chess in American can become, she is a person of action, not of mere abstract ideas. Abstract ideas aren’t bad. However, GM Polgar has the unique ability to take ideas and put them into action. To make them a reality.
This is what American chess needs…and we need GM Polgar.
True leadership is solving problems. Susan’s team has not only a vision but a concrete plan as to how to solve the many problems that now exist within the USCF.
GM Polgar and her team are, at this point in time, “The Last…Best hope..” for chess in America.
She has proven again and again her dedication to our sport. All USCF members must pay attention to this election. Why? Because chess is more than just “a game.” It helps develop the many skills that young people need to succed in todays world.
And when I look at the FACTS, what I see is a leader (i.e. Susan) that is not concerned about surpassing all others at whatever cost. No, not at all. She has the urge to SERVE others at whatever the cost to promote chess and unite those who love our sport.
She has sacrificed and served others when she didn’t have to. Why? Because she cares. This means something to me. It means everything.
There’s an old saying that “When you teach your children, you are also teaching your children’s children.”
So, her work with scholatic chess is above and beyond anything that any other USCF board member has done.
She has a vision and concrete ideas that can work. And they will. We’ve all heard the saying “actions speak louder than words.”
Well, I challenge anyone to find a single person on the current USCF board that has acted, in good faith, to help chess more than GM Polgar? You can’t. There are none that now sit on the USCF board that have sacrificed and achieved what GM Polgar has.
Dear “Chessfan,”
It is appropriate, under the circumstances that Susan has faced to use the word “Fire” rather than “take appropriate action.
There isn’t any point in mincing words. It’s time for action and that’s that. When her team is elected and those folks either “resign” or are “fired” doesn’t matter….what matters is that they will be gone!
I’m tired of having to tip-toe around and being “politically correct” when the words all, fundamentally, mean the same thing.
Yes, I think the word “fire” is quite proper. Why? it shows that she means business and will clean up the rotten mess that has become the USCF.
Tell me one good reason why using the phrase “take appropriate action” is better than just stating what you will do? Action…that is what we need! Not someone who is concerned about what is politically correct!
This nation has become obsessed with the phrase “politically correct.” Why padden the language when it all comes down to the fact that the people she mentioned will no longer be employed by the USCF?
It’s sickening to think that we still have some whose heart “bleeds” for the “feelings” of the soon-to-be gone members of the USCF.
You can use whatever word you wish rather than “You’re fired!” It’s all the same. After they are fired or, lets see, have it your way and pampered so they’ll not have emotional stress, use the phrase “I’ll see you in my office in 150 years.”
It’s all the same. This nation is so absorbed with what words might insult some fragile, feeble minded crony sitting on the USCF Board that you’ll waste time mincing words?
It’s all the same!
Yes…if it were me, I would say don’t let the door hit you in the A**. You are FIRED!!!! Get out.
oh, but they might have PTSD or something. Poor little USCF politicians that never gave a hoot about anything to help chess. And you are worried about what words should be used to tell them they aren’t going to work for the USCF any longer????
Albert Einstein once said something that fits here like a glove, “There are two things that are infinite. The first is human ignorance. The second is the universe….and I’m not so sure about the latter.”
Of all things to worry about….I’d spend my time worrying about somehting other than the use of the word “fire” over a politically correct phrase just to…well, do what? In the end, they will be gone.
I feel that what really counts now is that if you believe in what Susan Polgar can do for USCF then just voting for her and her team is not enough. You need to go out and network with other USCF members and present the facts to them. Based on everything “truthful” or more appropriate factual I have read regarding the people involved in this election it will be a no brainer that Polgar and her team is the one to vote for if you want to see some positive changes in USCF. Ensuring that people are going to vote with knowledge is the surest way to seeing positive things begin with the USCF.
Like someone posted on another thread, during a previous election it looked as though Sam Sloan would not be elected because it was apparent that he was no good for US Chess. What happened, 10% voter turnout and look who got in. Don’t let this happen again.
too much politics, too much picturesque sceneries and too less chess!
sorry: Nothing else matters!
So close no matter how far
Couldnt be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
And nothing else matters
Never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I dont just say
And nothing else matters
Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters
Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
But I know
So close no matter how far
Couldnt be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
And nothing else matters
Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
But I know
Never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I dont just say
And nothing else matters
Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters
Never cared for what they say
Never cared for games they play
Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
And I know
So close no matter how far
Couldnt be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
No nothing else matters
(it’s all about chess!)
There is something about some of the serial posters on the USCF issues forum that reminds me of the joke from Annie Hall (or another Woody Allen movie of the same vintage) about those who can’t do, teach and those who can’t teach, teach gym. I’m thinking specifically of Brian Lafferty and Harry Payne. Get a life, guys!
Any innovation and change manager has to deal with resistance to change in a very traditional environment. The top reasons for resistance to change of the executive boards:
1. Loss of power and control.
The leading reason for any executive board resistance to change is a fear of losing power. Changes often eliminate something the EB have control of or introduce something that the EB would not have control over. The EB perceives the changes as infringements on their autonomy, and some even perceived change proposals as a personal attack on the executive board members.
2. Overload of current tasks, pressures of daily activities and limited resources.
The EB feel that the change is an additional burden. Limited resources compound the problem. The change initiative seems like extra work and resource strain at a time when the pressures of daily activities are already high. The EB is expected to continue all of their current duties in addition to the duties of implementing the change.
3. Lack of skills and experience needed to manage the change effectively.
The EB could be fearful of the new demands that would be placed on them by the change. First, the EB could be uncomfortable with their role in managing the change. Some could fear recrimination while others do not have the experience or tools to effectively manage resistance to change.
4. Fear of job loss.
The EB and USCF employees could feel that the EB change would ultimately impact their own job security.
5. Disagreement with the new way.
Some EB members disagree specifically with the change. They do not feel that the proposed solution is the best approach to fixing the problem. The EB who did not play a role or provide input in the election planning and campaign phases tend to resist the solution.
6. Skepticism about the need for change.
The EB may not be convinced of the need for change. They may not see the issues driving the change, or they do not identify the same problems as new candidates.
Recognize that there will always be someone who finds difficulty in making the change. There are all sorts of human fears related it, like fear of unknown, suspicion, or simply conservatism. To manage change one needs to work with the initial supporters in order to gain more support, communicate, educate, confront skepticism, and talk about benefits of change. The status-quo remains until benefits outweigh change risks. If you want to win you need to talk about benefits to everyone, and forget what was done wrong in the past.
Before this election, I had believed the USCF to be in a sad state of affairs. Now I understand that things are far, far worse than I could have imagined. I fear the ship has taken on too much water, and that even the most skilled of captains cannot take her to land. I pray that Susan and her recommended crew can prove me wrong. She’s already taken many cheap shots across the bow just for wanting to help. One can only imagine what these political ‘pirates’ have in store after she is elected. (I believe Susan’s election to be a forgone conclusion).
Susan,
Is Hungarian chess politics as bad as US chess politics?
Keep up the good work.
“forget what was done in the past…”
This phrase is quite lame and sad. “Forget….” Should we forget the Holocaust also? Oh, I’m sure that you’ll say “no…don’t forge that.” What about Staltin’s purges that left about 20 million dead. Should humanity “forget what was done in the past?”
These are, I admit, extreme analogies. My point, though, is quite simple: The past cannot be “forgotten.” An individual might choose to “forget” what a person or group has done but we, that is, “te people,” collectively, cannot nor will not forget the past.
It will not happen. Just because some CHOOSE to ignore history and use it to pave the way toward a brighter future, It’s easier to just say “forget it.”
Ok. Say we all awoke in the morning with amnesia. This would not change the fact that the USCF board is a disgrase to this nation and our sport. I’m sick to death of people defending the criminals and cowards sitting on that board.
Where are they right now? Why don’t they agree to an open debate?
They are nothing but intellectully inferior and unqualified to represent a sport that is the very definition of logic, rationality, and other related adjectives.
It’s time to shut up and vote. GM Polgar’s team will win and there will be a new USCF. No human being is perfect. But, GM Polgar has done more for chess in her dreams at night than the thugs that sit on the current board.
It’s time for every heart that “bleeds” for the current board to recognize one fact: You (i.e. the current Board) will soon be out of a job.
Every lover of sloan and the rest of the Exective Board can vote as they wish. But, you will lose.
It’s already a foregone conclusion.
It’s time to plan for the future.
If anyone out there loves the current Board members so much, then put up the money and just rent a condo and move in with each other. This way, you will each be able to express your “feelings” and have a good time.
And the true leaders of our sport will do their job.
I’ve lost to Paul twice in rated play (circa 1990? at Dick Verber’s club), at a time when I was a much stronger player than I am now. I can personally attest to his playing strength. One can use Google to confirm that he was one of the top juniors in the US in the early 1980’s.
But isn’t Paul’s prior claim to have won multiple national titles in South Vietnam incorrect, however? And wouldn’t it set an appropriate precedent for Paul to clarify the record and walk this claim back?
Some claim to have won international Swisses, to have been a “rated master,” to have “won the World Championship of Chinese Chess in Beijing, China, in 1988.” One does not want to reduce oneself to that level.
Accuracy matters, especially when it’s inconvenient for it to matter.
Bill Brock
2007 Absolute Champion of Evanston, IL
http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?200705124311-10152763
2006 Absolute Champion, Insurance Providers’ Union
http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?200606178231-10152763
2005 North American Rapid Champion
http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?200507308831-10152763
2005 Vice-Champion, RCGP
http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?200506269701-10152763
2001, Equal Third Place, Solar System Open
http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?200110284710-10152763
Winner of Strongest Three-Round Mini-Tour Event of July 26, 1998
http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?199807266800-10152763
…and numerous other major titles… 😉
What is the story with Harry Payne? Couldn’t find a rating or games on the USCF issues forum? Is he a chess player or just a guy with too much time on his hands? He describes himself as a hunter. Of what? Cute little animals? Is that his real name or a pseudonym for the “pain” he inflicts on his prey? Yuck.
Posted by Eric Moskow
I just hads an email sent to me and then read sam sloan repreenting that he knows me for 25 years, let me clarify I met him 25 years ago, he tells me. I have not spoken to him since except a call he made to me. As I recall was surprised to recieve it, let me be 100 percent clear susan and paul are the only interfaces with the uscf that I will respond to, furthermore no one else will make a deal with me for me and around me. Anyone that represents a connection to me other than them for political purposes is either wishing or lying. periods the end. Furtermore I have no ill will towardsd mr sloan but his representation that he coulds make a deal with me is just one mans conjecture, this fat man is clearly in suans corner. thanks. on anither note big 3 day training with kaidanov this week coming to be followeds by my first im attempt in july. eric
I’m voting for those who I believe will look at every question posed and ask “what is best for chess?” In that respect I am going with Polgar, Truong, Bauer and Berry.
Polgar is a respected name, not only in the chess world but outside of chess too, and that could prove invaluable, I have watched Truong in action at many tournaments and I like his work ethic, Bauer’s reponses to questions have been impressive and the guy sounds like he knows what he is doing and I met Jim Berry in Stillwater back in February and he does everything he does because he loves chess.
Definite “no” votes put me in the “anyone but Sloan and Goodall” categories (Goodall added because of his comments on the bombings in London, and I am still a Brit after all).
I would also not vote for Lux, Korenman or Schultz. I met Lux at the Chicago Open, and although he seemed like a nice guy, he didn’t impress me too much when it came to just talking to him about chess. The only thing I know about Korenman is that he has did a lot of good stuff down in Kansas but nobody has heard of anything good from his new haunts in Chicago. Schultz has had his shot and I just think we need a fresh perspective.
That only leaves Jones who would be a respectable 5th vote for me if there was one.
Chris Bird
I’ve worked with Mikhail Korenman: I like him very much & have great respect for his talents and his integrity.
In his first year in Illinois, Mikhail simply didn’t have the same level of support that he had in Kansas.