wrote in message
...
Kasparov is in a dangerous position at the moment. One of the factors
that gives him the freedom to oppose the regime is the attention of
the international chess community to the former world champion. It
should be a no-brainer for the USCF; loudly announce support for his
attempts to maintain democracy in Russia.

While I agree at a personal level with Jerry Spinrad about the importance of
Kasparov's public stance in support of democratic practice in Russia - I
would first like to see USCF support democracy in chess in this country by
allowing USCF members to actually comment on 'chess governance'.

Should it fail to do that then it is likely to be dismissed has
hypocritical.

Secondly, I would then like to see USCF, via advocacy for Kasparov if it
deems it prospective, to then advocate for democracy in Fide.

Should both the above be attained, then by all means let us support
democracy in the wider sphere of national politics.

Even if the cause was not important of itself (I feel it definitely
is), this is a rare opportunity for the USCF to be part of positive
publicity about chess; a chess player is acting like a true hero. Let
us celebrate that fact while we give him what little support we are
able to provide.

I very much like this sentiment. Would that USCF's support be credible. At a
personal level I agree completely.

Phil Innes

Jerry Spinrad (who still has not been able to get onto the USC orum)