It is time for a response from the "horses-mouth", so to speak. I have read all of the postings on the n.g. discussion forum pertaining to the Creede Branch. I chose to interject my thoughts here, at Al's comments. This will allow me the opportunity to address Al's thinking first. I've known you for nearly thirty years and you know I am the Executive Director of the foundation in ownership of the Creede Branch. What I don't understand old friend is why you didn't call me personally to voice this opinion. The portion regarding all the tools of this business that we lack is not disputed. I would love to have a PR department/specialist, lots of equipment, both m-o-w and an operational train, and a big fat bank-book. In the perfect world, we should not have pursued this venture without these things. But time and money were not on our side. If we hadn't scraped it together to consummate the purchase, the branch, in all likelihood, would have been scrapped. I'm sorry if the manner we have approached this venture doesn't meet the expectations of several of you. But why find fault with dedicated, loyal people, that give it their all and then some in an all out effort to preserve what, I believe, we all care deeply about. Most everything you and Bo, whom I also consider a friend, is quite valid and we are not disputed. What I really took offense to was the reference to Matt Cutter's gramatical style. Matt and his father Rich are unquestionably the hardest working and most genuinely dedicated volunteers our foundation has been blessed with. They have unselfishly given their time, week after week, month after month, by furnishing their motor-home, food, tools, a truck and trailer, fuel, and the motor-car for the railroad. They have worked right along side of me, many times while I try to catch my breath, and cleared 19 of our 21.6 miles of right-of-way. They have done all these things without a nickel of repayment. Seriously, to knock a less than perfect style of writing, when you won't lend a hand or donate a dime, (give us a break!). No one disputes our need for qualified personel and large financial backing. If we can't afford these things at the moment, should we just quit, fold our tent, and walk away? So in conclusion, maybe the Cutters and I should apologize for having the audasity to work 14 to 16 hours a day, often seven days a week for no compensation. How easy it is to sit in our beautiful homes and find fault. How difficult it is to actually lend a much needed hand.
