Art

Politics of Politics

Broth·er·hood

Pronunciation: \ˈbrə-thər-ˌhu̇d\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English brotherhede, brotherhod, alteration of brotherrede, from Old English brōthorrǣden, from brōthor + rǣden condition — more at kindred

Date: 14th century

1 : the quality or state of being brothers
2 : fellowship, alliance
3 : an association (as a labor union or monastic society) for a particular purpose
4 : the whole body of persons engaged in a business or profession

As much as one or two of these numbers might appeal to us for whatever reasons, we must accept the definition in all of it's entirety. Unfortunately after tonight's joint meeting of the local Houston S.A.M & H.O.A.M assembly, I believe people have clearly forgotten about the true meaning of "Brotherhood" We use the word often, it comes up in letters and bylaws. Sometimes we use the term loosely at award banquets. But when do we show it? Sadly, most often we have to prove our alliances to the term "Brotherhood" in hours of need. Tonight I saw that hour and I undoubtedly witnessed the club(s) I love turn their backs blindly on a solution to stop a travesty in Texas history. Nay saying was unleashed before the gates had even been unlocked. So let me be clear to the people that might not have had a chance to be present in tonight's meetings. Well at least the long and short of it.

1. Our beloved T.A.O.M convention is without a Bid for 2012. For reasons that would take pages to explain it has been left to the Houston assembly's to grasp the reins of this pony and take charge.

2. This would be the first time in the history of the club in 66yrs the convention would NOT take place.

3. Scott Hollingsworth (of Houston Texas, past T.A.O.M president) on his own accord has made and set forth a well executed plan to put the proper steps in motion to prevent this TRAGEDY from taking place.

4. Scott's plan would be at 0% risk (or cost) to all the assembly's of Houston and is every bit as affordable as every other convention we have had. While Scott has the details, I can tell you what I know.

Negotiations have been set in place with Carnival Cruise Lines (Fun Ships) in arranging our annual T.A.O.M convention at SEA! That's right, all lectures and shows will be held in a professional, beautiful theater with full lighting and sound. Walk around magic in restaurants and lobby ways. What an opportunity to bring the entire family out for an amazingly affordable vacation. What a fantastic chance to get the feel of what it's like being a "Cruise Ship" entertainer........ Not to mention the joy of spreading our art to the lives of so many of the general public.

Simply put folks it's like this.

There are many variables that will need time to be worked out. We will as a "Brotherhood" cross that path when we get there. But we absolutely need to get there first. Every vote against this decision is one vote to NOT have the T.A.O.M convention. All the arguments you think you may have as "why" or "what if's" are only small problems that working TOGETHER we will find solutions for. It wasn't long ago our faith as a club was tested, we did what we do best, We concurred! We came and brought the rain, not to mention one of the most profitable conventions in years!

My name is Alex Rangel and I vote YES to keeping History ALIVE. I will not hide behind some paper ballet. I urge all of you to do the same. Do not let the misinformed naysayers keep us from making the right choice.........