[MR] Wanna see my impression of Hamlet's dad?

[Sharon Buczko]

> Atlantia, your institutes of recognition are corrupt.  (Pardon me
> for saying out loud what everyone whispers; I told you I was going
> to state the obvious.)  Wannabe marshals, rapierists, and A&S
> enthusiasts all know that their ambitions are doomed if the
> wrong person takes a dislike to them.  (There are others better
> qualified than I to talk about crown tournies.)  And toadying
> works.

Of course it's corrupt. It's run by human beings who sometimes let their emotions get in the way of their better judgement, and mistakes can be made.
Speaking as somebody who has pissed off some of the wrong people and survived, i can say with certainty that substance will eventually be recognized. Yes, knowing the right people can speed it because they see it first-hand rather than having to wait for letters and the gossip network, and upsetting the wrong people can slow it down (emotions getting in the way of better judgement and all) but people who deserve it will eventually get theirs. In the meantime people who don't may get theirs too, but they will not get the corresponding respect and ultimately wish they had not gotten it so soon. Some earn the respect afterwards, some don't. I can't say anything about Beatrice specifically given that I don't know her that well but even if I did I don't feel this is an appropriate forum to bash specific people.

> But remind me again why I should aspire to be associated with even one >reprehensible hypocrite?
>
Because the way we survive is by accepting other people's right to exist, even the reprehensible hypocrites. If there was a reprehensible hypocrite at work, would you quit your job? What about the non-reprehensible hypocrites, the ones who have high goals for themselves and fail to live up to them? Being in an order with someone you dislike ultimately amounts to working with them. You don't have to go out to dinner with them or call them just to talk.


> It could be something great.  Maybe it once was.
> But it's only as good as the people who embody it.

  I agree with that statement. IMO, that's why I hope that good people like you won't throw up their hands and quit. I'm sorry that your dissillusionment has gotten to the point that you felt the need to send this missive. I wish you luck in the future and hope that you can find a place where you can be happy.
I advised you in the past against letting other people control your fun, but I understand it is a difficult thing to put into practice. I know I haven't done that perfectly in the past. As your friend and someone who has been familiar with the situation I'm willing to listen if you want to talk about it more.


Regards,

Lady Constanza de Talavera