General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThis message was self-deleted by its author
This message was self-deleted by its author (jodymarie aimee) on Fri Jan 19, 2018, 02:08 PM. When the original post in a discussion thread is self-deleted, the entire discussion thread is automatically locked so new replies cannot be posted.
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Moostache
(11,171 posts)Get your story and situation into the zeitgeist. Give interviews and your story to the closest newspaper investigatory journalist you can find. Be open, candid and on the record. Don't allow fear and intimidation to cower you or muffle your voice. If nothing else, contact the ACLU and see if they can offer assistance or suggestions for you. This is the moment that we should all be starting or fanning the flames of needed conversations.
Sexual politics, gender politics, race politics, economic politics, cultural politics....we must expend the discussions and bring light to injustice and segregation, bigotry, intimidation and hate. It is not enough for us to be morally repulsed by the current state of our politics, country and government...we need to say "this is NOT normal, this is NOT acceptable and this is NOT going to be silenced again."
Good luck and know that while you may feel alone, there are millions out here that would not feel that you should be isolated because of your beliefs and that you must not be silenced for them either.
nolabear
(43,850 posts)If she’s confident she’s in the right then go to the press. Although she needs to be careful and well supported and sure she can take what might come. A good support system is vital.
Mr.Bill
(24,906 posts)Shine a light on them and they will scatter and run.
mountain grammy
(29,016 posts)
OldHippieChick
(2,434 posts)Contact the newspaper. Give a call to the ACLU. Even if they can't take your case, they may have some ideas. Continue calling, emailing and texting supervisors of the Y. Call all your friends and have them contact the venal Prince. Contact all available local, state and national representatives. Keep hollering until someone says Uncle and hopefully so will Prince.
guillaumeb
(42,649 posts)Are there any disability rights advocacy groups in your area?
Another thought would be the ACLU. This sounds like a clear case of politically motivated silencing. Especially if you can link to the R's Facebook page.
Best wishes for a good outcome.
world wide wally
(21,836 posts)Apparently they just can't take a discouraging word about their man in Wahsington
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)Do raise a stink about it. You should not have to kowtow to this Prince asshole. I'd alert the local news investigative team. First, there is nothing in the contract. Second, this jerk is manipulative. He should not be allowed to get away with it.
SharonClark
(10,497 posts)Stay strong.
phylny
(8,818 posts)YMCA organization. I may be able to help. Not guaranteeing.
ETA, this morning, someone told my husband a racist joke. I wonder if THAT person is going to get kicked out. He was disgusted and said so.
jrthin
(5,222 posts)And I am here to tell you, there may be a C in the name, but that's far as it goes. The Y is just another a ugly corporation.
Alpeduez21
(2,048 posts)This sounds like discrimination. I am not a lawyer, though.
Stevens Point Area YMCA 1000 Division St, Stevens Point, WI 54481
(715) 342-2980
Michael Prince, Membership/Youth Sports Director, Ext. 331
mprince@spymca.org
mr_lebowski
(33,643 posts)This asshat ... if he's suddenly inundated by calls or email from people telling him he should consider going and eating a fat bag of d*cks (well ... that's what I want to say, lol), he's probably going to know who 'started it' and make our DU friends life here even more miserable.
So probably nobody should use that email unless our OP is asking us to start us up a campaign ... which I don't sense they are ...
jberryhill
(62,444 posts)What happened five years ago? The 90 day suspension? The alleged comment? Or are you saying that the same kind of thing happened five years ago?
procon
(15,805 posts)There have a governing board. Contact them, that too is online at the YMCA, Stevens Point, WI. website. There should also be a Code of Conduct for you to red.
The point is, this guy can't just make up his own set of rules. He's trying to bully you, so keep in mind that the YMCA is huge organization, and not his private domain, if it isn't covered in writing in the existing rules, then he can't make it. The website listed "Michael Prince, Membership/Youth Sports Director, he's not at the top of the food chain, so contact the All the Board of Directors and let them know that this guy is retaliating and acting like a petty tyrant.
You have all the power. Find the rules, and since this is a common 1st Amendment issue, I'll be very surprised if you find any prohibitions against people having private discussions (as opposed to public proselytizing). Print out everything and take them with to your meeting. Ask the man to point out which YMCA rules your 1st Amendment rights are in conflict with, or .
Blue_true
(31,261 posts)Seems like politics is being played on you to suppress your freedom of speech.
bluestarone
(22,138 posts)have witness"s and if legal have recordings of your meetings. Other people that witnessed these behaviors, you need documentation. GOOD LUCK!!!!
WhiskeyGrinder
(26,932 posts)
TheBlackAdder
(29,981 posts)You need to probably do the following:
1) Read the Code of Conduct, print it and take screen caps just in case there are updates.
2) Contact the ACLU and ask for advice. Amass as much documentation as possible. Try to show that this is a political hatchet job. Collect as much information on Prince and the other members, to show that they are trying to purify that Y location with only like-minded Republicans.
3) Do NOT contact the media unless you know that will not violate any charter or rules of the Y and ACLU OKs it. Many news stations have these Problem Solvers that go and try to help people in need. If you know anybody in local TV media, that could help.
4) Reach out to the state or national organizations, but wait until you make sure #2 is well met.
I am not a lawyer, but you do not want to overreact where it could come back and hurt your chances to resolve this.
REMEMBER: Any actions that you do, outside the guidance of the ACLU, might impact any lawsuit or settlement.
.
dlk
(13,245 posts)If so, you might have recourse through them. Women, especially older women, are often targets of merciless bullies. Don't give up! You are a paying customer deserve better service for your membership fees! You may also want to write letters to your local newspapers outlining your poor treatment. Good luck!
left-of-center2012
(34,195 posts)I can see why some places may not want politics discussed.
I suspect a YMCA gets a wide variety of folks and the place may want to be nonpartisan.
You say you have "a wide following".
Just exclude the YMCA from the places where you feel the need to express yourself politically,
and avail yourself of the exercise opportunities.
Imagine how disruptive it would be for you if someone always was singing the praises of Trump.
A place like the Y needs to be comfortable for everyone.
As for:
"I cried for a abit this weekend. I have PTSD and this has sent me back to a bad place of fear and anxiety. An abusive man controlling my daily life. Taking away the best part of my day."
Have you considered asking your doctor about some antidepressant medications?
I join others here in wishing you well,
but you may need step back and reassess your options.
pnwmom
(110,255 posts)So she doesn't have to "imagine" how it would feel to be in the opposite position. She knows.
skydive forever
(512 posts)Ii would get tapes of the other members saying things about Obama and Clinton before I did anything. Then it's a clear case of discrimination. When your on the treadmill just lay your phone down with it recording.
left-of-center2012
(34,195 posts)okie dokie smokie
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)Isn't the YMCA associated with religion in some way? Maybe not.
Whether the Y forbids political talk, it's possible that each location can have rule specific to that location, within reason.
As an activist, it's hard not to talk politics...and talking about what's going on in the country right now is on everyone's lips. But if HE has validly created a rule forbidding it, you gotta go by the rule. It's a membership entity. You don't have a legal right to go there or not to obey the rules there.
Maybe contact the main YMCA and see what they say about willy nilly rules, and that you are being unfairly singled out.
What exactly did you say, and to whom did you say it? Who else heard you? Did you go on and on about it? In other words, was it one comment, or did you go on for a while?
I can understand having the rule, if it's a valid rule. I think that many people going to a fitness place want to get away from life's problems, relax, de-stress, get healthy, and want to be free of political and religious and other stressful or emotional topics. Apparently other customers have complained. I'd try not to talk politics at all there, if I were you...and if someone else says something about it, I'd tell them, "I've been admonished not to talk about politics...there's a no-politics rule here, so excuse me if I don't respond to what you just said."
nini
(16,827 posts)I wouldn't step back in there even if they got rid of him.
mcar
(46,023 posts)I love my local Y, but see people in Trumpyt-shirts all the time. Even that is stressful.
I second those who say contact the media. Get on Facebook, Yelp, Twitter. Maybe you know someone who knows someone who is a lawyer and can advise.
SeaDoo77
(540 posts)They don't like "your" politics. Everyone else is ok.
This is bull.
Sam McGee
(347 posts)Surely you can find an attorney who will sue them for mental distress, discrimination, violation of your First Amendment rights. Start with your closest ACLU chapter.
If you can't find the ACLU chapter close to you, call them at 212-549-2500
And call your local TV station. Remember -- when they put the cameras on you, cry.
Eliot Rosewater
(34,285 posts)It sounds like the individual making the decision is the problem.
EXPOSE him and his minions anyway you can!
Liberty Belle
(9,706 posts)If your membership is not reinstated ASAP. This may violate the First Amendment as well as your contractual agreement.
You could also talk to any progressive activist groups about holding a protest rally in front of the Y as a backdrop for a press conference you should hold with the ACLU or your legal counsel (after reading your contract and code of conduct).
Maybe launch an online petition at ipetition or MoveOn asking people to 1) send a letter to the Y asking them to change this policy and 2) boycott the Y until it does. If enough people ask for refunds on membership this might change.
withoutapaddle
(263 posts)I'm so sorry you had to go through this! Do you have someone willing to write to your local paper for you? I know PTSD very well...I live it every day and a lot of people look at you differently when you tell them you have it. I've gotten to where I don't tell anyone. Actually, I don't interact with people much except here (recently).
Try to keep your head up and remember that you are true to yourself and no one has a right to bully you like this! 
McCamy Taylor
(19,240 posts)
Lifelong Protester
(8,421 posts)(they were in the capitol as observers during the Walker-Union dust-up). And I wanted to do this 
Make yourself their worst nightmare! They want to act like women "of a certain age" are invisible. Show them they are wrong.
peacebuzzard
(5,869 posts)It is awful for you to have to deal with him. After this situation calms down (and I hope they reconsider the 90 day ban). My take on the situation would be to invest in a great set of ear buds and a music player of some sort. Just tune out everyone so you can have some peace to resume your physical therapy. I wish you all the strength and courage to face this situation. The bottom line is, you need to get back to theadmill therapy ASAP since that is what is healing you. I hope your advisor is with you to face this jerk during the tête-à-tête. Keep us posted, dear.
whathehell
(30,460 posts)and brother of Betsey DeVoss, is he? 
LakeArenal
(29,949 posts)Don't know where you are, but Kammer in Portage and Wright in Montello are nice progressives.. Good luck
Heartstrings
(7,349 posts)I suggest you contact James Klein for your initial consult or phone call. He's a kick ass women's advocate and if he can't help you, he'll point you in the direction of someone who can!
James Klein
1001 Union Street
Stevens Point, WI
(715) 341-3323
Good luck and keep us posted.....you have my email!
Jim Lane
(11,175 posts)First, you can probably forget the First Amendment case. As you pointed out, the YMCA is privately owned. If a private health club wants to post a picture of Trump in the lobby and require all members to give the Nazi salute upon entering, that's not a First Amendment violation because there's no government action.
Other possible grounds for legal redress are: breach of contract (but the incident from five years ago cuts against you here, because the YMCA can argue that this ban on politics, at least your brand of politics, was an implicit term of the contract); any agreement the YMCA may have made with the local government, if it got a zoning variance or the like; and any applicable Wisconsin state law.
None of those seem all that promising to me. (This is just a gut reaction. I'm not licensed in Wisconsin and obviously don't know the particulars.)
What seems more likely to succeed is a bit of genteel blackmail. You and your state rep can refrain from going to the media -- for now. At the meeting, you point out that the YMCA has two choices: quietly re-admit you, or stick to its guns and get publicly lambasted. Your personal circumstances plus the involvement of an elected official make it likely that the story would get covered. The YMCA would come out looking very bad, even if the upshot is that its right to exclude you is upheld.
A key point of the blackmail strategy, however, is that once you go public, you have no more leverage. At that point the YMCA might decide that the best way to protect its public image is to stick to its guns. If, instead, you're re-admitted at that point, it looks as if the YMCA is admitting that it made a mistake.
When you push people, they push back. You're better off holding the publicity blast in reserve. There's a saying in chess, variously attributed to grandmasters Savielly Tartakower or Aron Nimzowitsch, that the threat is more powerful than its execution.
I do, however, agree with the posts that suggest pursuing the issue within the YMCA. Even if this yoyo Prince is quite willing to take the PR hit in order to get rid of you, his higher-ups in Stevens Point, and at the national organization if it has control over the local facilities, may have different priorities.
Good luck!
jodymarie aimee
(3,975 posts)My Rep and Alder and I have a meeting with the Y President and Prince and his buddy Friday 10AM. Like I said, last time I stood up for myself and got lambasted by the Y. So, I expect the same. They have all the power. I am so tempted to ask why there is not a sign in the bldg. NO POLITCAL CONVERSATION ALLOWED HERE.
Or I could walk in and tell them I have turned R !!!
LakeArenal
(29,949 posts)Be you. Look them straight in the eye. Chances are the are too chicken shit to look you in the eye. Let them talk first. When they pause ask them if there is any more they have to say. Make sure they spit all their venom before you speak. When it’s your turn, hold your spine up look them in the eye and say your truth. Try not to let them see you cry. In a real world emotion wouldn’t be a negative thing, but with jackasses like them they see weakness. If you do cry, let it flow. If you need to blow your nose blow it loud and hard while looking them in the face. Don’t let them think you are weak and afraid. Be fierce but calm and rational.
This meeting is going to last less than an hour. Keep that in mind. They’ll want to be done with you as much as you with them. You act like you’re willing to stay for hours if necessary (it won’t be). One hour. You can channel your inner DU support for one hour.
If they try to talk over you sit quietly and when they stop calmly remind them they were talking over you.
American rights are on your side and so are we. You go girl.
jodymarie aimee
(3,975 posts)the last time Prince turned his chair away from me and did NOT look at me for the entire 1.5 hrs. The couple I took along commented on this as soon as we left the room. It was so very very blatant. And he will spit venom. I am 4 ft 11 inches and 91 pounds. If he says folks are afraid of me he is gonna look like a jackass again.
My Dad was a Catholic priest, I will sprinkle myself with holy water and yes yes yes hold my head very high. My Rep once told me I was the bravest person she ever met. But, you see that was when I was fighting for others. It is harder for me to do it for me.
So I will be back here Friday with update.
LakeArenal
(29,949 posts)
Heartstrings
(7,349 posts)We are all behind you....let your inner wolf come out as needed to counter intimidation. You're going to walk out of that room, head held high, saying "boom, just like that!"
"Never the less she persisted"
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)You have nothing to win here and everything to lose.
But if you disregard that advice, make sure that all the other regulars concur with the details of your fued with Mr. Prince. Remember we often see things the way we wish.
Good luck. I hope you find happiness.
Crunchy Frog
(28,275 posts)That means that you have the legal right to record any conversation that you are a party to, without informing anyone else, or getting their permission.
You should definitely do this so that you have ironclad documentation.
jodymarie aimee
(3,975 posts)Some new developments: Brook Knutson comes to the Y each day. She is also a good DEM.
This is from Brook, she has been emailing back and forth all day...it appears she got a talking to from Prince Thursday and he talked about ME. She got no punishment...It does confirm he is still holding a grudge from last time. How professional is this to use me as a threat to another lady whose politics he does not agree with? He also called another member to tell her he HAD to suspend me, and she shouldn't tell anyone?????
BROOK:
Well Jodi, You give Katrina my phone number, or E mail address. If they want to have some more info about what he said to me. I'm sure it might help to back him off a little. Because, it stinks of conspiracy against all of us progressives down there. It's VERY SUSPICIOUS that he talked to me on Thursday, then kicked you out on Monday. it's like a gang rape. I'm very uncomfortable about ALL OF THIS!!! 715-***-**** is my cell phone no#. Big sob story about how how you made him the bad guy. Like I was gonna feel sorry for him or something. I'm still trying to figure out why!!?? So, I believe it's a vendetta.
Yeah, In that short time I talked to him, he must've told me FIVE TIMES
how little Jodi Lied , Lied Lied. It was kinda weird. I THOUGHT. Ain't
that suspicious??
It sounds like HE is lying to me. Because, He had to Nail SOMEONE to the Wall . AND IT WAS YOU AGAIN!!!, He talked in circles to me. Like he was my boss or something. He knows your life was threatened by Jim. I told him. Jim knew he was gonna die and would've killed you, knowing no jail time. I've been afraid to go work out there. It's extremely out of control.
freemay20
(243 posts)Telephone
Domestic: 1-800-872-9622
Mail
YMCA of the USA
101 N Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
E-mail
fulfillment@ymca.net
I have called and emailed. Be sure to let them know the person that has done this, Michael Prince and the location (Stevens Point, WI). They should ask but supply this info if they don't.
jodymarie aimee
(3,975 posts)all the Ys are separate entities, privately owned. My Rep and Alder said not to do anything until we see what they present in our Friday meeting. I don't need any more misery from them. I do want to be reinstated and get an apology. Prince will scream slander again.
Lulu KC
(8,891 posts)It is not privately owned if it is really part of the YMCA, and I don't think the YMCA would allow an unrelated location to use its name. YMCA.net
I don't know how this would affect the situation, but it is a tax-exempt organization with a mission that it must follow to keep its IRS 501(c)3 status. There is a board somewhere, and they are actually in charge of governance.
Lulu KC
(8,891 posts)It is from the spymca.org. It's not dated, and sometimes these things are not updated regularly, but will give you some clues to who is actually, legally in power. This guy who is being mean to you reports to these people.
Board of Directors
Fritz Schierl, Past Chairperson
Jeff Hohn, Board Chairperson
Brian Formella, 1st Vice Chairperson
Scott Glinski, 2nd Vice Chairperson
Justin Anderson
Mary Berard
Gretchen Beyer
Erik Carlson
John Eckendorf
Craig Gerlach
Joe M. Kinsella Jr.
Sue Koehl
Dan Mahoney
Ben Martinsen
Lynette Voss
Gerald M. O’Brien, Board Emeritus
Dr. George May, Board Emeritus
John Roberts, Board Emeritus (In Memoriam)
jodymarie aimee
(3,975 posts)And as I said after the first incident years ago, I wrote every one of them...THIS is what Prince holds against me. I quoted him verbatim. He said I slandered him. I said I quoted you. He said you weren't supposed to tell anyone. I exposed him.
I fought back and was punished. My Rep and Alder said not to do anything until our meeting Friday to see what they present. I want to be reinstated. With no auto and no $$$, the Y is next door and my best resource for working out.
He is ONE shitty shitty guy. But, if they back him up, they do. Poor disabled folks don't live like most of you..our world is not as big as yours.....Please don't make it harder for me.
Lulu KC
(8,891 posts)Still, this is wrong, illegal, and infuriating. Best wishes to you from my little world.
Kaleva
(40,352 posts)David Morgan is the Executive Director/CEO of the Stevens Point YMCA.
List of Staff
https://www.spymca.org/staff/
jodymarie aimee
(3,975 posts)Morgan...... who invited Prince and his buddy. Morgan called them HIS TEAM in his email.
Kaleva
(40,352 posts)This Michael Prince looks to be low on the staff totem pole with a number of people higher up and this Michael appears to have the support of these higher ups.
If I was you, I'd take my lumps, apologize (even if you have your fingers crossed) and ask for reinstatement. The benefits you get from the YMCA far outweigh any political battle.
I myself refrain from any discussion of politics at family gatherings or out in the public. There's a certain time and place for politics and that's where I keep it.
Demsrule86
(71,542 posts)jodymarie aimee
(3,975 posts)not BEFORE....our papers are all right wing...endorsed Walker, etc....
Demsrule86
(71,542 posts)And contact the national Y...they don't want this publicity...if meeting with them doesn't work. We will all call national...put out a facebook and twitter 'chain' too.