[MR] RE census conclusions

[Beau Meredith]

Sir Richard,   
You have entirely missed my point. There was no intention to single out any one person as the culprit for declining numbers. And when addressing the short falls of the society as a whole there is no need to become defensive about the virtue of the SCA. If we can not take a hard look at ourselves and what we as a group can do to grow the SCA then we should all just call it a day and go home. I too am a 30 year vet. And the issue was not about whether to bow or not, the issue is it is YOUR CHOICE to do so or not. If I did not believe in the concept of the SCA I would not be trying to find solutions to an obviously difficult problem with no quick fixes or easy answers. By offering an honest critic I open myself to the slings and arrows of the populace and I'm a big boy I can take it. But let me reiterate to you and all those who seems to not get the point,my comments are not about any one person or any one incident, those who personalize this issue should
 do a little self examination. There are indeed many humble servants of the relm who where the belt and hold peerages this is a given and goes without saying. Surely not everyone will become a Knight,laurel, pelican or crown,that also is not the issue. The numbers show us where we have room for improvement and we should make every effort to rise to that challenge. I have the privilege of traveling to many kingdoms a year and seeing how the SCA is played from place to place and have the opportunity to talk with many newcomers and long time vets. This has given some insight into where we are going wrong as a group.=You are correct that the vast majority get it right. But when there is room for improvement and someone mentions it, it should be considered.
Beau