This writer was injured in a fire April 14, 2003.  Ordinarily, a personal matter would not have been posted in this publication.  Readers, however, do need to be aware of the grossly inept, shamefully indifferent, and wasteful performance of the Central Texas Chapter of the American Red Cross.  -- As well as the glaring fact there is no safety net any longer in our country.  The following series of correspondence with National Headquarters is self-explanatory, and will hopefully provide useful insight.  Any response to the last letter sent to National Headquarters will be posted in its entirety.

Tim Chorney, Publisher
Liberty In Peril

Marsha J. Evans
President & CEO
American Red Cross
National Headquarters
2025 E. Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006

December 26, 2003

Re:  Complaint-American Red Cross Of Central Texas

Dear Ms. Evans:

Respectfully, be advised there are serious problems with outrageous waste and mismanagement at the Central Texas Chapter.  Worse, its egregious inability to effectively, efficiently, and properly provide services to survivors is glaringly pitiful.  Indeed, this sad excuse for a "charitable" organization has been a virtual nightmare to deal with.  The issue is not entitlement, however, but false, repeated, phony promises that never materialized.  -- And waste.  Enormous waste.

This writer is a burn survivor, injured in an April 14, 2003 fire that also severely damaged a Pace Arrow motorhome with only 36,000 original miles on it.  … Precisely, why I wished to rebuild if possible, through charitable assistance.  Otherwise, there was absolutely no way this writer could have made repairs in a timely fashion.  -- And, more importantly, without further deterioration of health.

Hospitalized in San Antonio, the Red Cross, there, provided clothing but no further housing assistance, stating it was up to the Central Texas Chapter to do so.  Upon release from the Brooke Burn Center, this survivor returned to a home no longer livable.  With extremely limited resources, assistance was sought from local churches to no avail.  -- A floor to sleep on, and a rest room to keep the burns clean.  … Until bearings could be regained and a decision made as what to do next.

A friend offered temporary refuge during a call made seeking access to his pastor.  When immediately contacted the next day, Central Texas Red Cross officials stated they would send an official out to investigate circumstances and see what could be done.  From day one, starting with Sue Gain and every other official spoken to, this writer was repeatedly assured the Red Cross could provide disaster relief including building materials, -- and labor through a volunteer third party.

… After all, what good are building materials if no one is available to assist installing them?  Day, after day, after day passed for five weeks, however, with virtually no action taken by the Red Cross.  -- Despite daily phone calls from this writer to check on progress.  During that time and remarkably, Central Texas Chapter officials assured this burn survivor everything was being done to find labor assistance.  Everything.

A church group from St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Marble Falls, secured and recommended by the Central Texas Chapter, falsely and repeatedly assured both Red Cross officials and this writer they would provide labor assistance, carpeting, foam rubber cushions, blankets, and curtains.  -- Only to stall for many weeks and ultimately renege.

Daily phone calls to church member R.V. Turney, the individual supposedly "coordinating" the church effort, went to no avail.  Turney either cynically lied regarding his "efforts", shut off his cell phone, or left on his residential phone answering machine at times when he had instructed this writer to call to check on progress.  Central Texas Chapter officials in Austin were repeatedly informed of his glaring inaction and possibility of malfeasance.  Number one concern was that Red Cross funds and materials not be wasted or misappropriated by this church member or others.

Worse, Turney refused for weeks to return a key to the Pace Arrow that had been given him to facilitate inspection by church officials and the Red Cross shortly after the fire.  … Only after an exceptionally pointed letter was sent to the pastor, -- with copies to the Red Cross and Llano County Sheriff, did he finally take action and see to it the key was returned, -- through his pastor.

… After his pastor, Rev. Hampton, who had repeatedly ignored several earlier phone calls by this writer requesting he take immediate action, did absolutely nothing.  -- This, after, the Central Texas Chapter itself refused to take any responsibility, having been glaringly unsuccessful obtaining return of the key from Turney after minimal, half-hearted effort.  In fact, they ludicrously tried to lay responsibility for the fiasco on their client, this writer.

Again, after release from the hospital, five weeks wastefully passed with absolutely no progress made on reconstruction, or even arrangements for reconstruction, as repeatedly promised by the Central Texas Chapter.  Red Cross officials, increasingly frustrated with their inability to secure labor assistance, quickly changed their tune and turned on this burn survivor, laying responsibility for putting together a work crew on this writer, personally.  … Despite the fact I had no regular access to a phone, had long overstayed my welcome at a friend's residence, and still had nagging untreated medical problems.  Sadly, these egregiously self-serving dolts couldn't have cared less.

Further pressured and grossly ineffective, Red Cross officials in Austin then promised alternative lodging until minimal repairs could be performed on the motorhome, -- but cynically and craftily laid responsibility for finding housing on this survivor.  … Who still had no regular access to a phone.  After additional time passed, I was finally able to find lodging myself at the Packsaddle Motel in Kingsland.  … Only after, did Red Cross officials disingenuously acknowledge they had done exactly the same type of business with this motel earlier, -- for other survivors.

Apparently, these grossly incompetent officials not only expected this writer to put together a work crew, but also independently secure lodging.  … Despite no access to a phone and lingering, untreated medical problems as a result of the burns as well as other unrelated health issues.

These outrageously self-serving officials even had the gall to ask what this writer was personally doing to perform repairs, knowing full well I had spent hours working with two friends to unload whatever was destroyed and salvageable after the fire.  … Despite bleeding from burn tissue as a result of the effort.  -- And no transportation, building materials, or even cleaning supplies promised by these very same outrageously inept officials.

As strongly asserted earlier in this letter, the Central Texas Chapter in Austin falsely promised assistance initially, then dragged its feet for some five weeks before doing anything.  Did little more the next five, -- despite wasting a considerable sum subsequently paying for lodging at the Packsaddle Motel.

Waste, that would have more than replaced the motorhome.  … Certainly, would have been far easier on this writer who continues to suffer from serious problems with both hands, fatigue, and other untreated arthritic problems.

Worse, the Red Cross reneged after completion of less than half the repairs.  … After initially promising to put together a work crew and minimal building materials sufficient to complete them.  Had I known then what I know now, certainly would have sold the Pace Arrow and used whatever little resources available to purchase a 40-year-old pickup and camper offered for sale by the owner of the Exxon where I've been parked since the beginning of the year.

The Pace Arrow, however, only had 36,000 miles on it and could have been fully restored with minimal construction materials, -- but a considerable amount of volunteer labor.  … Labor, again, that had initially and repeatedly been falsely promised by the Red Cross.

With repairs considerably less than half done, this writer received the boot from the motel by the Red Cross.  … Grossly incompetent officials had grown tired of constant pressure by this survivor to fulfill promises they had repeatedly and falsely made.

Not only did I summarily receive the boot from the motel, Red Cross officials reneged on an earlier promise to provide a ride back to the motorhome.  -- Transportation that was absolutely necessary due to a considerable amount of personal belongings stored in the motel room.  These very same self-serving officials also reneged on a promise to provide sheets that could be used to cover the windows in the still unlivable burned-out motorhome.

Carpeting had not even been ripped out of the Pace Arrow at the time.  Sadly, the motorhome was far less than livable.  Still reeked of smoke.  Red Cross official Don Barlow and fellow church member James, however, graciously continued to provide labor assistance for a short interval.  The work, however, was indeed quite understandably too much for both men who have work of their own and families to consider.

Worse, all construction materials originally allocated by the Red Cross were never delivered to the motorhome, -- despite the best efforts of this writer.  Consequently, uncovered burned and smoke-damaged areas of the Pace Arrow had to be sanded, stained, and varnished.  … By a burn survivor incapable of completing such repairs in a reasonable time and without further deterioration of health.

What should have taken two weeks of concerted effort by this writer has already taken nearly six months.  -- And counting.  Worse, with no funds, I've had no hookups and could not afford enough gasoline to run the air conditioning this summer.  Consequently, was exposed to heat and solvent stink for over four months.  Again, contributing further to deterioration of health.

When finally able to arrange transportation to pick up materials earlier allocated by the Red Cross, however, this writer found the account had subsequently been closed.  … Who'd 'a 'thunk' it, no?  Precisely, why it was so absolutely necessary to pick up the materials earlier.  Yet, no assistance could be obtained.

… Would have gladly traded the new air conditioner for the badly-needed additional materials, however.  -- The old air conditioner likely still worked, but was needlessly replaced by the Red Cross simply because a new grill and knobs could not be obtained.

Amusingly, this was done after the Austin Chapter had supposedly washed its hands of this case.  -- These outrageously self-serving officials knew full-well this entire fiasco was going to be eventually published, and were apparently trying to placate and/or appease this writer.

Light fixtures and two desperately needed ceiling vents were also provided, -- again, after the Red Cross had supposedly washed its hands of this case.

Regarding building materials allocated, original quoted prices were not honored.  Substitutions were made, resulting in additional cost.   Wastefully, only three pieces of trim were provided.  … Why provide any, when an additional 25 or 30 were required?  Trim material had not even been requested in the estimate.

Could not cook for nearly three months since I had no propane.  Deliveries of gas are not made to motorhomes, and there was no way to move the Pace Arrow until repairs are completed, an inspection sticker obtained, and finally capable of doing something with a flat.  -- Despite an air compressor and working generator, I've not been able to properly hold the air chuck on a difficult to access tire valve, -- due to problems with my hands.  … Comically, it's amusingly hard to remove the cap off a toothpaste tube, -- or even type.

Couldn't obtain transportation of a wood stove until recently.  Now, at least have the ability to cook and heat.  Bottom line, madam?  There is dire need for greater assistance to people with health problems in the community.  Assistance that is grossly unavailable, and difficult to obtain.

Sadly, one has to fight every step of the way for any assistance.  Can only wonder how those with far greater problems survive.  When finally able to re-start my publication and despite normally targeting corrupt and abusive government officials, certainly intend to report this story in its entirety.  Have consequently spent considerable time speaking to disabled residents in this area.

Universally, the number one problem they have is the exceptional arrogance and outrageously patronizing behavior of those in supposedly "charitable" organizations that are allegedly designed to offer assistance.  Rather, these officials, mostly volunteers, serve only themselves, -- not those faced with disabilities or problems caused by injuries.

Can certainly attest to this by recent personal experience.  … Bluntly and pointedly, if one doesn't fight like hell, one gets little, if any, assistance.  Precisely, why disabled survivors in this area simply give up, -- rather than put up with the outrageous abuse of authority by nearly universal self-serving hypocritical officials glaringly unfit for their positions.

Outrageously, one Red Cross volunteer (Don Barlow) pointlessly chose to initially argue with this writer rather than provide badly-needed assistance.  Although knowing absolutely nothing of weeks of non-action by other officials, arrogantly proceeded to falsely claim this writer had allegedly "threatened" the "women" at headquarters in Austin.

Prior to the heated confrontation, had seriously considered politely telling the Red Cross where to figuratively put its phony non-forthcoming "assistance."  The decision was consequently and directly made during and because of the confrontation, however, to continue tolerating the intolerable, and aggressively and pointedly expose this outrageously incompetent and self-serving group for what it is after publication re-start.  Subsequently, immediately called the Central Texas Chapter to inquire about false allegations made by this individual, -- only to find they had no substance.

Learned later they sadly originated with a second official, (Julie Lewis), who had personal problems with the one involved in the confrontation.  (This second official was the one who had come out to Lone Grove to speak with this writer shortly after I was discharged from the Brooke Burn Center.)  While the behavior was grossly unprofessional, at least this writer eventually understood the reason for it.  … And will protect the identities of both when this story is finally published.

Worse, the arrogance of grossly uncaring Red Cross officials is exacerbated by their continuous insistence that injured survivors do physical labor they are medically incapable of.  -- Again, who the hell are they serving other than themselves?  Do they really think the injured would ask for help they didn't need, -- and put up with the outrageous bull that always accompanies such requests?

Although not having access to a phone for nearly six weeks after the fire, again, the Red Cross indeed outrageously required this recovering injured writer to put together a work crew, -- after initially promising to do so itself.  Would you believe nearly every church in this area, with the exception of Anchor of Hope, Marble Falls, (Barlow's church), was subsequently called by this writer?

Not one would offer any assistance. Not one.  Nor did I receive any return phone calls from those that were left a message on their answering machines.

Respectfully, have emphatically suggested to Barlow's pastor there is dire need for area churches to find a way to work together to solve this problem.  Tragically, the level of assistance available is sadly and seriously lacking.  … Apparently, only enough to phonily and falsely assuage guilt.

To support the illusion and resulting delusion of something being done when in fact little to nothing of substance is really occurring.  … To his credit, however, three of his fine church members provided some badly-needed assistance.  Sadly, needed far more.

Finally, there is an absolutely glaring need to inform national headquarters specifically of the outrageously incompetent and particularly boorish behavior of several Central Texas Chapter officials.  -- Grossly inept personnel who are mindlessly and needlessly severely devastating the image of the Red Cross.

Toping the list: Roger Ins.  When Central Texas Chapter official Toni Silva was at her wit's end, she called in dear Mr. Ins to do her dirty work.  Ins claimed to be a high Texas Red Cross officer.  Regardless, this outrageously incompetent "leader" has the finesse and public relations skills of a refuse container.  -- Not fit to be dog catcher, never mind an upper management "official."

Our exceptionally "pleasant" exchange was remarkably circular, but extraordinarily entertaining.  Sadly, this amusingly inept dolt is quite gifted as a hatchet man, however.  In fact, certainly would not be surprised to learn he might have done extremely well in the corporate world, or government, prior to his "service" at your "charitable" organization.  … What may work extremely well in commercial or governmental circles, -- or even at this publication, however, is often destructive and devastating in a "charity" supposedly dedicated to serving the needs of disaster survivors.

Sadly, his glaring lack of compassion, communication skills, and true caring for those he supposedly "serves" is quite remarkable.  Regardless of whether or not he is, in fact, a paid Red Cross official or volunteer, he's doing severe damage to your "charity's" image.  … Along with waste and the rest of this fiasco, certainly, one glaring reason why my readers will be strongly urged to carefully decide whether or not they should reconsider donations to the Central Texas Chapter.

Interestingly, Mr. Ins, when informed of my intentions to publish this entire sad story, lamely assured this writer I would only embarrass myself.  So what?  If true, couldn't care less.  … Let the chips fall where they may.  The only important issue is that the Central Texas Red Cross be thoroughly exposed for the grossly incompetent, boorish, and uncaring dolts they truly are. And, of course, the waste.

As alluded earlier, Toni Silva, is grossly incompetent.  To be exceptionally kind, has seriously debilitating deficiencies in management style.  For weeks, accomplished virtually nothing in my case, yet defended her outrageous ineptness with meaningless hollow platitudes, thoroughly devoid of substance.  Amusingly, she changed her tune repeatedly when strongly pressured by this writer to honor false promises made earlier by her, and other, Central Texas Chapter officials.  … The tap dancing was magnificent, -- truly something to behold.

When an already pared down building materials list was to be limited even further, comically, she did not have the courage to tell this writer directly.  Instead, cowardly sent another Red Cross volunteer, Worth Blankerton with some hand-scrawled paperwork to do her dirty work.  To his credit, however, Blankerton appears to be a truly caring volunteer, but is apparently severely restricted by his handlers higher up in the food chain.

Interestingly, Worth had assured this grateful burn survivor he was going to take on my case, personally.  Solve the problems I was continuously having with Sue Gain, Betty Hendricks, Silva and all the others.  Remarkably, promised to creatively put together a work crew, including him and several family members of his, living in this area.  … Make it a family project and part of a reunion.

Apparently, his idea was squelched by Silva or someone else equally "enlightened."  Sadly, Silva cowardly "manages" in the box, -- and rigidly by the book.  … Was amusingly severely shaken when informed I planned to publish this entire story.  … Certainly rattled her cage.  Comically, went ballistic.  -- Another indication of her unfitness for office.

Worst of all?  Her deliberate stifling of creativity and problem solving by her underlings.  She apparently is responsible for nixing Blankerton's creative solution to finding a work crew.  Sadly, neither she, or Ins, is fit for office.  Again, both are doing severe damage to your "charity's" image.

Communication in the Central Texas Chapter office is glaringly lacking.  Survivors seldom deal with the same official more than once or twice.  Calls are not returned.  With rare exception, phone numbers where officials can be conveniently reached when outside the office, are seldom released.  … And, they are outside the office an enormous amount of time.

Convenient contact is supposedly restricted due to Red Cross rules.  Makes it extremely difficult, however, to remain in touch with any given official.  Most glaring example?  Barlow would not provide his cell phone number when I was staying at the Packsaddle Motel due to instructions he had received from Austin.

Never knew, therefore, when he was coming until shortly before his arrival.  -- Would call an hour before coming, or the evening before.  Worse, Central Texas Red Cross officials seldom passed on messages I had asked them to forward to Barlow and other officials I needed to speak with.

This entire fiasco is, again, not an issue of entitlement, but rather a matter of false promises never honored.  -- False promises that dearly cost this writer in terms of health further compromised, and healing delayed.  … Despite the waste of an enormous amount of money by inept and truly uncaring officials.  -- Money donated by exceptionally generous people who rightfully expect far more responsibility and accountability in terms of how it is spent.  And how disaster survivors are treated.  Sadly, in an outrageously condescending and patronizing manner.

Unless and until things change in the Central Texas Chapter, my publication will strongly urge its readers to reconsider donations.  Sadly, your "charity", specifically the Central Texas Chapter, apparently serves primarily itself and needs to be thoroughly investigated by National Headquarters.

Ironically but not surprisingly, Central Texas Chapter officials refused to provide contact information for your office, and instructed this writer to no longer call their toll-free number.  … What are they afraid of?  If everything is truly on the up and up, why should scrutiny be a problem?  Why provide an air conditioner, roof vents, and lights, -- after closing my case?  What about the waste?

… Hopefully, Austin is merely a local anomaly.  If not, the relevance and effectiveness of the Red Cross is, indeed, sadly and sorely in question. This entire fiasco is, again, not an issue of entitlement, but rather a matter of false promises never honored.  False promises leading to enormous waste and needless further deterioration of health.

If the Red Cross can only provide extremely limited immediate services, so be it.  … Just make sure a policy is indeed in effect that ensures no false promises are made by officials, -- that deliberately and needlessly lead to outrageous waste, loss, and further deterioration of health of survivors supposedly served.

Sincerely,
 

Tim Chorney, Publisher
Liberty In Peril
Formerly, The Llano Ledger
P.O. Box 997
Buchanan Dam, Texas 78609

Cc: American Red Cross Of Central Texas

American Red Cross
National Headquarters
2025 E Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 2006

January 27, 2004

Mr. Tim Chorney
Box 997
Buchanan Dam, Texas 78609

Dear Mr. Chorney:

Thank you for taking time to share your concerns regarding the quality of assistance you received from employees and volunteers at the Central Texas Chapter.  Marsha J. Evans, President and CEO of the American REd Cross, has asked me to review the entire situtation and provide those findings in a timely manner to her office and, more importantly, to you.

In addition to the details included in your letter, my inquiries included telephone conversations with chapter workers as well as an evaluation of the documents pertaining to your case.

As you correctly stated, each Red Cross chapter across this country is responsible for assisting families impacted by disasters -- large and small -- occurring within their area of jurisdiction, as mandated by our Congressional Charter.  Last year the American Red Cross responded to more than 70,000 disasters, most of them "silent", single-family disasters.  Red Cross emergency assistance is focused primarily on supporting basic human needs.  These needs may include clothing, food and temporary shelter, as well as mental health intervention, essential replacement medications and hygienic care items.  The final determination regarding assistance is based upon verification of disaster-caused needs.

After a thorough review of all pertinent data related to the assistance you received from the American Red Cross, I find that the Central Texas Chapter responded in an appropriate and responsible manner.  In fact, the chapter went well beyond the normally expected standards for assistance.  The record indicates our Red Cross workers provided you with clothing, lodging, an air conditioner and referrals to other organizations for assistance with regard to your travel trailer.

Furthermore, workers form the Red Cross and other organizations attempted to work with you out of genuine concern for your situation and at a time that was truly difficult for you.  We regret that the extent of our assistance has not been acceptable to you.  I hope in time your health and your perception of all who have assisted you will improve.

Sincerely,
 

Terry J. Sicilia
Executive Vice President
Programs and Services

Terry J. Sicilia
Executive Vice President
Programs & Services
American Red Cross
National Headquarters
2025 E. Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 2006

Re:  January 27, 2004 Correspondence

January 31, 2004

Dear Ms. Sicilia:

From the substance of your recent letter and sadly, it is clear the Central Texas Chapter is not a local anomaly.  Rather, the problem is systemic, indeed, top-down, -- originating at the highest level of the American Red Cross.

First, you neglected to carefully read my earlier correspondence of December 26, 2003, and apparently as you falsely claim, -- "all pertinent data related to the assistance" and Central Texas Chapter "documents."  … Had you done so, you certainly would have understood the vehicle involved in the fire was a motorhome, not a "travel trailer."

… Significance?  Had it been a "travel trailer", no attempt at repair would have been made.  Certainly, would not have been worth the effort and expense.  Which brings us to the second issue raised by your letter: You missed the point.  -- Intentionally or not.

The focus of my 12-26-03 letter of complaint was not entitlement or magnitude of assistance.  Rather, it was waste, and of equal importance, false promises made by Central Texas Chapter officials.  -- Promises that led this burn survivor to mistakenly decide to rebuild the Pace Arrow.  … Promises of labor assistance and building materials intended to improve the condition of the motorhome to livable status never honored or delivered by the Central Texas Chapter, -- as falsely, cowardly, and disingenuously ignored in your letter of January 27, 2004.

Indeed, would you kindly disclose what "referrals to other organizations for assistance with regard to your travel trailer" were supposedly made by the Central Texas Chapter?  Other, than St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Marble Falls and another religious group supposedly from Williamson County?  -- Both of which neglected to provide any assistance in regard to the Pace Arrow.  … Equally pointedly, how useful are worthless irresponsible referrals with no substance?  Why waste a burn survivor's time?  Certainly, not a flattering reflection on the Red Cross, is it?

Better yet, why not provide copies of all "documents pertaining to your[my] case?"  Indeed, the "record?"  Would certainly publish all such material so my readers could decide for themselves.  -- If all such "documentation" or as you say, the "record", is truly on the up and up, not altered or manufactured before or after the fact by Central Texas Chapter officials to cover their collective gluteus maximi, you should have no objections, should you?

… Or doesn't your "charity" truly operate openly?  Clearly, this burn survivor, your agency's former client, has no objections or privacy concerns in regard to full disclosure.  Why should you or your colleagues?

Clearly, deliberately or otherwise, you have indeed bought and been sold a phony bill of goods by the Central Texas Chapter in regard to their "genuine concern" and efficacy of their "efforts."  Backed by equally phony "telephone conversations" and apparently false documentation, the "record", by Central Texas Chapter "officials."

Amusingly, you mentioned not only did Red Cross workers, but "other organizations attempted to work with you out of genuine concern for your situation and at a time that was truly difficult for you."  Is that right?  Again, what "other organizations?"

To what end?  Exactly, what did they supposedly provide? If indeed supposedly on the "record", the "record" is false.  In fact, when the Central Texas Chapter could find no labor assistance for rebuilding, Red Cross official Don Barlow and fellow church member James generously provided minimal building assistance.

… For an exceptionally short period of time.  For good reason, since both men had families and work of their own.  Inexplicably, however, without delivery of all building materials approved by the Central Texas Chapter.  Another Barlow church member graciously and generously provided curtains.  Repeated attempts by this burn survivor to secure curtain rods, however, went to no avail.

Wake up, Ms. Sicilia.  You've been had by Central Texas Chapter officials.  … Or, are you merely cowardly protecting the tarnished image of the Red Cross at the expense of the truth?

… Other than a ride back to the Brooke Burn Center by a Burnet agency and a box of food provided six weeks after the fire by St. Andrew Presbyterian Church , this writer received no additional assistance from any Central Texas Chapter "referral" after the fire.  None.  Again, what other "organizations" supposedly provided assistance?  Kindly, list them, please.  There were none.

Even the gallon of paint delivered with the food was paid for by this burn survivor.  In fact, dear Mr. Turney received several dollars for his time and trouble, -- since he conveniently neglected to make change.  … To refresh your memory, Mr. Turney was indeed the St. Andrew church official who refused for weeks to return a key to the motorhome, -- entrusted to him to facilitate inspection by church and Red Cross officials.  … Until pressured by a letter to the Llano County Sheriff.

Sadly and amusingly, the last two sentences of your letter perfectly illustrate the condescendingly patronizing attitude of the Red Cross:  "We regret that the extent of our assistance has not been acceptable to you.  I hope in time your health and your perception of all who have assisted you will improve."

First, the greatest time of "difficulty" was not shortly after the fire as alluded to earlier in your letter.  It occurred months subsequent to the Red Cross pull-out, -- after not delivering on repeated promises to provide labor assistance and materials for a motorhome that would not have been rebuilt had false promises not been made.  Again, an issue of false promises, not entitlement.  -- Conveniently, cowardly, and self-servingly ignored by you and other officials to this day.

Second, my health has not improved.  In fact, it has grown worse, -- certainly at least partially due to the unhealthy conditions exposed to during months of rebuilding without promised assistance. … More importantly and humorously…kindly excuse me, if I find your concern for my health strikingly disingenuous and amusing.

Third, a change in my "perception of all who have [supposedly] assisted" would require a re-write of recent history, -- a false, phony alteration of reality, Ms. Sicilia.  That's not going to happen.  In fact, when my health and circumstances improve to the point where I can return to publication, will fully publish all correspondence, including yours, -- which sadly reads more like a canned press release than a genuine response to my earlier letter of December 26, 2003.

Certainly, intend to expose your organization for what it truly is.  Will strongly urge readers not to dump money down a rat hole that sadly serves primarily itself and is outrageously inept.  … Money needlessly wasted on a motel room due to an egregious lack of action by the Central Texas Chapter, an air conditioner highly likely not requiring replacement, building materials needlessly substituted at higher cost.  Considerable money spent, -- after this writer received the boot.  … In a painfully obvious effort to disingenuously appease and forestall disclosure.  The list can go on, -- and will at the time of publication.  Thanks for the additional fodder.  Deeply grateful.

Sincerely,
 

Tim Chorney, Publisher
Liberty In Peril
Formerly, The Llano Ledger
P.O. Box 997
Buchanan Dam, Texas 78609

Cc:
1) Marsha J. Evans, President & CEO
2) Central Texas Chapter
3) Don Barlow
4) Liberty In Peril

February 13, 2004

Mr. Tim Chorney
Box 997
Buchanan Dam, Texas 78609

Dear Mr. Chorney:

This will acknowledge receipt of your Janary 31st letter.  I am sorry the level of assistance you received from the American Red Cross was not acceptable to you.

I wish you well in your recovery and hope that in time, you will see some value in the assistance that was extended to you during your time of need.

Sincerely,
 

Terry Sicilia
Executive Vice President
Programs and Services

Terry J. Sicilia
Executive Vice President
Programs & Services
American Red Cross
National Headquarters
2025 E. Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 2006

Re:  February 13, 2004 Correspondence

February 23, 2004

Dear Ms. Sicilia:

Amusingly, but unsurprisingly, your recent correspondence is again glaringly unresponsive and condescendingly patronizing.  Worse, as earlier, you have deftly, comically, and deliberately missed the point.  -- If you can't dazzle 'em with brilliance, baffle 'em with BS, right?

Joking aside, your cowardly failure to provide requested client case notes for publication, -- or as you say, "the record", highly suggests they are indeed inaccurate and incomplete.  Apparently, the Red Cross does not operate transparently, in a truly open fashion.  Too bad.  Both issues, however, will be of exceptional interest to my readers, -- and their pocketbooks.

Again, when health and circumstances improve to the point where publication can resume, all Red Cross correspondence will be published in its entirety.  At that time, you will be given the opportunity to fully respond, without editing, to a highly unflattering exposé of Red Cross waste, outrageous incompetence, and gross mismanagement.

Sincere, genuine thanks for the additional fodder.  Absolutely, golden.  Be sure to send some more.  After all, glaringly unresponsive correspondence is highly demonstrative and truly indicative of a systemic top-down mismanagement problem at your organization.  -- An organization, apparently quite incapable of policing itself.

Sincerely,
 
 

Tim Chorney, Publisher
Liberty In Peril
Formerly, The Llano Ledger
P.O. Box 997
Buchanan Dam, Texas 78609

Cc:
1) Marsha J. Evans, President & CEO
2) Central Texas Chapter
3) Don Barlow
4) Liberty In Peril

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Tim Chorney, Publisher
P.O. Box 997
Buchanan Dam, Tx. 78609