Actually, after really going over the article with a fine-toothed comb, including all the links, I think there may have been a few innocent casualties.

For one thing, Nancy Neale doesn't deserve to be trashed to that extent.

Jeff S.

I think you're being overprotective. You may disagree with Justin's opinions of this person, but they're his opinions and he is entitled to express them. Giving him the benefit of the doubt that these are his honest opinions, I don't think he was out of line.

I chuckled at most of it.

Mostly I'm referring to his suggestion that Nancy Neale may not be qualified to put together a convention, and that she was chosen as the coordinator only because she is the national chair's wife.

Although Geoff Neale nominated her, the rest of the LNC shares responibility for electing her. She's organized five state conventions and is a long-time LP member and activist.

I'm also not aware of any other applicants who were turned away, certainly none who were thought more qualified; but there may be a story there that I'm not aware of.

I don't see that calling into question Mrs. Neale's qualifications as a coordinator is directly relevant to the issue at hand. Someone could be an excellent coordinator and still totally misunderstand the implications of having Neal Boortz speak at the convention. On the other hand, someone may understand those implications perfectly and be a somewhat inept organizer.

Nancy Neale's qualifications are not the issue.
There are other's who are equally qualified that do not bring automatic questions of improprieties.
If there are any cost savings, they are likely offset by the invisable cost of lost credibility.
It can only be dumb or deceitful.
Either way it's not a plus.

I think you're all missing the point. Nancy Neale's credibility is called into question because of the ghastly choice of Neal Boortz to speak at the convention. One has to question the merits of a coordinator who would make such a choice. That's why it is the growing perception that Nancy Neale is ill-suited for her job that leads to charges of nepotism, and not the other way around.

I'm not sure that's fair. Unless I've been lied to, the choice of Boortz was made before he took his present stands on the war and civil liberties. And, he is the most prominent libertarian in Atlanta, and has spoken at national conventions twice before.

Whatever the exact nature of the agreement to hire Mr. Boortz, (for his third consecutive LP National Convention appearance), it did indeed transpire in late 2001.

Nor does Nancy Neale have any final authority over whether Boortz stays on the speakers' roster or not.

Any power she has is purely contingent on LNC approval, just as her initial selection to be the convention's coordinator was finally the responsibility of the LNC.