Bob, I pondered on the questions asked as well as your answers. The various forms your answers took raised further questions which led me to ask for the clarification. I would not have done so if I could have figured out the bottom line from what was there in print. The form or manner of communication one chooses to use plays largely in the grasp, the depth of understanding for those on the receiving end of said communication. Should you wish to be clearly understood, communicate with clarity. If you prefer to leave questions.... well, you know what to do.
I would appreciate it if you could simply answer the following question. A simple "yes" or "no" will do.
Did the former mayor of Thompsonville personally (phone, personal letter, email, fax, face-to-face) tell you the story that you shared with us?
Thanks
Grandma Nettie:
Bob is off to a constituency meeting and therefore not readily available. Let me clarify the sources and verification:
1) We had the story from three other sources including other journalists;
2) There was a direct face to face meeting to verify and clarify the story and thus did meet the Mayor of Thompsonville and a former 3ABN Director at the same time;
3) The original document from 3ABN Atty D. Michael Riva to the Mayor stating there would be consequences (unspecified in the letter) for their pursuit of the tax case against 3ABN is safely in the hands of a journalist at this time;
4) 3ABN ran full page adds in the local newspaper to try and convince other churches to join them in their case against the Illinois DOR.
Now, Grandma Nettie, is that sufficient or do you need further clarification to pass along?
By the way, I hear a mutual friend has threatened full scale war if we pursue an inquiry into professional conduct? Tell the mutual friend that the inquiry will proceed. If there is No Basis, nothing to worry about. But, since communication is conditional, options are a bit limited.
You must make it clear to our friend conditions on communications are unacceptable. I do not negotiate terms for any communication. Particularly, revelation of sources. In fact, I am not known to negotiate much of anything.
Gailon Arthur Joy