ALERT - HUGE NEWS ON THE HORIZON - "FROM THE TOP"

I have been tickling this a bit in previous posts. Something big will be discussed soon. You will hear it here.

This could be bigger than the decade long SCTP deal.

Usually I get this from the guys in the trenches. This is different. Big thanks!

I report. You decide.
Merlo out

 

Merlo, No offense and we appreciate your reporting, but this sounds almost like listening to an unnamed woman talking head on MSNBC. She spends 90% of her show saying what she can to get you to hang around through the commercial to hear the BIG NEWS. She may do it for the whole hour.
Its kinda hard to "decide" anything based on the "report" in your post.
If there is something to report, please report it. If you aren't sure, just say so.
Cheers, Jake

 

Jakearoo
If I was not sure I would say so.

I will take your word on that. I don't watch MSNBC.

I report. You decide.
Merlo out

 

Merlo, If you don't watch what the enemy is doing, you don't know what you are up against. I think they teach soldiers to watch more than just their own troops.

 

Sure of what???

 

CHRISTMAS IN AUGUST. Be still, my heart.

 

Asking the Blackbird is like the kids in the back seat on a road trip.

ARE we there yet?

Are WE there yet?

Are we there YET?

Patience Grasshopper

 

DON'T MAKE ME COME BACK THERE!!!

 

Ninety Nine bottles of beer on the wall, C'mon there Jake, sing along, Ninety Nine bottles of beer...…..

 

Bro! You're SCHMOKIN'.

 

Merlo has a pretty good track record, in fact I can't think of anytime he has been wrong about something no matter how far out there he seems at times. I'll trust him.

 

Oh heck,

Merlo PROBABLY heard from the Talking Head that there were 16,000 campers at the Grand this year but holding back the final report until all campsites are full and accounted for.


And the Membership for the ATA will be reported to be almost 70,000 after the GRAND will PROBABLY be reported from Mr. Gipson.

 

Are they building a topless pole dancing saloon at the Cardinal Center?

 

Funny you mention this. My buddies and I talk often of turning a vendor space in building three into a bar with a twin peaks feel. We figure it would print money 3 weeks a year.

 

Brad, I don't not trust Merlo. I just don't like "teasers." I miss reporters who report and news that is news. Something getting harder and harder to find in our era of talking heads and 24 hour news channels driven by ratings.

 

Do you think merlo might have reported just the news? Anything else might have been speculation? "Something big will be discussed soon"

No one tease Jake! Stop the bullying!

 

Jake, You must be pretty upset by, CNN, NBC, CBS MSNBC, and the rest of the fake news stations. Did you notice I did not mention FOX. They even let the lib's give rebuttal on the station. Roger C.

 

I'm guessing Cardinal Center is Expanding The Trapline.

 

My hope would be that Jack will have a bigger building for the OHIO Trapshooting Hall of Fame museum. The original has so many artifacts and offerings, they will be in need of a larger home very soon.

Everyone enjoys history, no matter what the form.

 

Mr. Fishburn could add more Trap fields, Skeet Fields, Bunker fields and even expand the OHOF. None of those would be that big of a deal for him. Look at all the other improvements. curtains, this Gentleman has made.

My WAG is the news doesn't have a lot to do with building anything.

 

Perhaps this has to do with the plans for the new clubhouse. How about this, the CEB becomes the new OSTA HOF and an announcement of construction for a combination new clubhouse / larger CEB.

I think this is very plausible too.

 

WOW, big isn't the word for it .... WPT ... (YAC) ...

 

This is fun! Around here, Christmas comes every day.

 

I want to give more information. It is a developing issue. The biggest take on this (and it is huger) is that it may be as much about what does not happen.

 

So we'll finally have the dates for the Championship Series????

 

Maybe no Gift for the outgoing President?

 

Finally have the dates, you better pay better attention its done and in the books, you missed it ... WPT ... (YAC) ...

 

DEDPAIR, Check out Merlo's new thread. I think a clue is in it. If you are there try and find out the answer for us.

 

It's starting to feel like "HUGE NEWS ON THE HORIZON - 'FROM THE TOP' " is a loquacious euphemism for "you don't have the need to know."

 

Like the Zen Master said....

We'll See

 

What I really wanted to say was, "ARE WE THERE YET?" But I figured you'd just give me a ration of (you know what).

 

Anybody seen that rascally Horizon?

 

^^^^
LOL.

 

Mr. Fishburn has made two trips to Sparta with offers of help.

I don't think he'll make the trip a third time. The bridge is now burned and the road is closed!

 

"That is bigger than huge. It is the continuing saga of the corrupt tolerated by the weak. Evil triumphs when a few good men stand idle." - Harryone

Even the greatest Doctors in the world know that cancer can win. The ATA has cancer....and the cancer will win.

The time for honesty and integrity is now. Trapshooting will still be around when the ATA is just a miniscule footnote in history.

There are men of good character and stout heart who walks these halls. As we have witnessed, warriors of unmeasurable courage have answered our Nation's call. Those warriors, and warriors like them, are here.

In reality, eagles don't soar in flocks. Only a few will come forward, and they will be hampered by prior commitments to family, church, work and time. But they will come.

This is the beginning of something great, and the end of something sick and corrupt.

Whether we like it or not, the future is our responsibility, and indeed, our duty.

Respectfully,

The Phantom

 

Boy, Mr. Fishburn several years ago, offers for FREE a 5 acre parcel deeded over to the Trapshooting Hall of Fame along with an additional BIG sum to get the building off the ground using his own construction company. Did Bradford and company even listen ? Hell NO.

Now he attempts to come to aid the ATA and as usual, the Talking Parrot and his GANG know better and send him back home.

If I were Jack Fishburn I would continue having the BEST place to shoot on earth, and say to the ATA, "YOU got what you deserve".

 

My advice to the boys at the CC was save your breath and don't bother going. Make Gibson and the EC come to you, see what their offer was. What would Trump do? When your the big dog act like it. Nothing good for the CC in the ATA coming to the CC. They made the mess let them clean it up, but Jack believes the best in someone I guess. Maybe next time they will listen to me when I tell them not to trust a word coming out of any ATA officials mouth.

 

With all due respect, who is "The Top?"

 

That's what I thought.

 

Only Merlo knows and he'll tell us when it's convenient for us to know, I guess.

He (the Top) may have Hung Himself (ya right) in that NY jail last weekend though.

 

Fair enough. But like Grandpa used to say, "There's a fine line between Bullshit and entertainment."

 

Very, Very fine. A good rumor always contains a bit a truth that history tells you it is believable and possible. Merlo is just about always right in the long run. With what I know to be true I can draw a line and know just where the bull shit line is and who is spreading it.

 

"I can draw a line and know just where the bull shit line is and who is spreading it."

Me too
Just follow the Blue line on the map

 

Brad,

Well said! On the other hand, there are huge differences between reporting, rumor mongering, and outright gossiping. If clear distinctions aren't drawn, people can be easily led astray. Maybe it's just me, but there seems to be a whole lot of talk going around these days about "The Top." Oddly enough, you are the one and only person with knowledge enough and balls enough to come right on out and tell the TRUTH. I might be wrong, but where I'm from, if it ain't the truth, it's bullshit.

These are very difficult times from people who genuinely love gun related sports. They are particularly difficult for people who are deeply invested in an organization that is, on an almost daily basis, proving itself to be corrupt. When a trust is broken, some men take it real tough.

Navajo Code Talking was cool...back in World War II. Times are different. Being treated like we don't have "The Need to Know" isn't a very good way to treat adult men. It feels like the "Rank and File" must feel when they are ignored and abandoned by the EC. Nobody here needs a "Top Secret Crypto Clearance" to have access to information about Trapshooting. I mean, really, this shit ain't rocket surgery. It probably isn't necessary for a Play Journalist to be worried about protecting his sources.

Now, I love a good tease as much as the next guy. This is a great place for a little light hearted grab-ass with you buds, but there just isn't any information here that has to be guarded like Ft. Knox.

Trapshooting needs real leadership. There are a lot of really big "Ifs" floating around. Chances are extremely good that the viability of the "Old Guard" is going to take some major gas in the not to distant future.

A man with impeccable credentials in the Trapshooting world will have to come forward. As it stands, the ATA is so unbelievably top heavy that there is no wonder it is dying under its own weight. The sport needs one good man who has the knowledge and the balls to save something worth saving. I hope you get my meaning.

Hats off to Merlo. This is a big boat and there's room enough for everybody. Now just isn't a very good time for gossipy innuendo. As we all know, innuendo happens when you bend over.

Respectfully,
The Phantom

 

I know a lot of name shooters from the past and present who say one thing to me but fail to step to the plate and go on the record. I had this discussion with Leo many times. Many, many all american's know what is going on but for various reasons don't want to go on the record. Mostly gun company deals, giving lessons, ect.

Sometimes I can't come right out and say everything I know because of the need to protect my sources. Sometimes I tell what I know when it is in MY best interest to let everyone in on what is going on. Sometimes I hope by "hinting" at something I can get the others who know it to say it first.

I didn't know for sure that the EC wouldn't bring Jack's offer up for a vote, but I was 99.5% sure. I know that the powers that be have way to much invested in SPARTA both financially and emotionally to let a good deal for trap shooting to stand in their way. Oh in case you miss the hint I have ZERO respect for the EC and the delegates.

Right now I'd day Merlo does as good a job passing along info as anyone. Once in a Blue Moon he even knows something before I do. Merlo does?did? have someone at the top but I have no idea who. Merlo's info is usually 100% golden after I check it out if I didn't know it beforehand.

 

Brad,

With respect, thank you.

The Phantom

 

I do not know for sure,but after several conversations with a now deceased graph maker he liked to go back and forth rather than declare being faithful to either side (ATA or Membership) ... I was told quite a few things that were supposed to be limited to him and I and our discussion and never mentioned, I to this day have not and will not say what they were because I gave my word ... This person was not the only higher up who must of had a guilty conscience and apparently needed to tell or talk to someone about some things because it was eating them up inside ... I have talked to a few past Delegates and none of them said they would say anything about some of the goings on within the confines of the ATA, almost like they were part of some brotherhood of thieves and corruption ... I am as surprised as anyone would be, why I was the person they felt they could talk to because I voice my opinion without reservation, detest thieves, and liars like you would never believe ... You always hear, what goes around , comes around but it sure is taking its sweet ass time about it ... I got to go piss on some body's grave so I can relax and get some sleep tonight ... WPT ... (YAC) ...

 

Think I'll check in with CNN to see if I can get the real story.

 

I have to admit the powers to be at the ATA turning down the CC was HUGE news. Merlo got it right!

 

The only way they will have the Grand at CC will be when the State of Illinois wants to use their Horse Barn for storage, and close the place down.

What didn't you get about this being a BACK-UP plan ?

Simply someone on the EC looking forward for a change, and not keeping his head in the sand.

 

1,978 at what was supposed to be the "grand"



The National Championships for Sporting Clays, coming up in San Antonio and which supposedly has a LOT less members, has 1,720 pre registered.

Only 258 less shooters than the "grand"? I hope that fantastic direction keeps going just the way it is

 

FLASH, I have no problems with the ATA association. I have a major problem with the people that have put the association in the predicament that it is now in. they removed all direction the members could offer. They ignored the members when they answered the poll, saying do not move to Ill. They did not reveal that the state would own the $2.5 million building called the hall of fame building. There was insider trading on the building in Sparta, entire EC had to know about it. They have lost the trust of not only the membership, but of all of the shooting community. The trust will never be regained by them. Sad that so few can ruin it for so many. Roger C.

 

Jakearoo,

I don't know about you, buddy, but I'm starting to feel like somebody is leading all of us lonely ol' country bumpkins on a wild goose chase.

Kinda reminds me of that time I fell off the back of Uncle Billy's turnip truck.

 

When the people in charge do not have a clue as to how honest men run a business this is what results. Grabbing at straws, because their not capable of grasping what the problems are. If the problems are pointed out to them, they ignore the help. Secrecy is their defense against rational actions.
And the down hill slide picks up a little more speed. I wonder if any of them are driving Edsels? Roger C.

 

How many of the EC are left from the pull 2012 days?

 

They are all still hanging around. The problems are not just one group. The EC is a five year project, by the time you reach the top you are programed to follow the leader. If you want the rewards get in line. Roger C.

 

Brad M asked How many of the EC are left from the Pull 2012 days...…...

I was preparing a thread on that topic. You may want to find the list of people on the Real Property Committee. At least one of the ringleaders is said to still be there. And guess who gives a thumbs up or down on a move to the Cardinal Center.

Please check for yourselves.

I report. You decide.
Merlo out

 

That's better. Like my Uncle Bob used to say, "Put the decoys out in the open water so the damn geese can see 'em."

Keep up the good work. There is nothing to hide.

Respectfully,

The Phantom

 

1. Mr. 2012 PULL LLC himself Mr. Rob Taylor.

​

2. Executive Director Gipson who claimed he searched for the ATA office property.

​

3. Every ATA President Elect who named Mr. Taylor to the Real Property Advisory Committee and every Executive Committee member who voted in favor of his appointment.

I would also name the entire Board of Directors as confirmation was also needed from them, however, I don't ever recall Delegates voting on committee selections made by the incoming ATA President. If the minutes are correct, they will be number 4.

Now, if Executive Director Gipson found the property at 1105 E. Broadway, Sparta, IL, how did Mr. Taylor and his accomplices purchase the property before the ATA Association leadership found out about it? Didn't E.D. Gipson inform the E.C. he found the ideal office property, or did he mention it to Rob 2012 PULL LLC Taylor first? There remain many questions our Delegates should be asking . . . . but then again, none appears to care enough to protect our organization.

The ATA could have purchased the property for $75,000 instead of $100,000, and saved all that rent money they paid the 2012 PULL LLC gang as well as the 3 months additional rent payments to the end of the contract even though they owned the property. Couldn't Mr. Taylor have declined accepting this amount since he already sold the property to the ATA?

​

Now, don't anyone think this was a conflict of interest or a violation of the ATA policy on this subject that every ATA officer signs annually, because you would be wrong. Not one officer found his concealment of the fact that he organized and approved all decisions by the LLC and knew full well of all details about the ATA lease and purchase to be a violation or event a sneaky underhanded move.

The failure of ATA officers year after year to address this matter leaves the door wide open for other leaders in the future to violate the "conflict of interest policy." If its one of their own . . . no violation. If its one of the membership . . . the wrath of discipline will be dealt. Reminds me of our government.

I hope a few readers will now understand why some of us post this information. Those who have contributed to this subject and provided documentation seem to care a heck more about our ATA than those we elect. Delegates need to pay more attention and ask questions. That goes for every E.C. member as well. Before every vote the question should be asked "does anyone have an interest or potential conflict with this decision?" Anyone found to have lied or concealed their involvement should receive a lifetime suspension.

HB

 

HistoryBuff:
Who sits on the Real Property Advisory Committee now? Is there a job description?

Thanks
Ron Burdick

 

HB, The scarier part of the post was the 5 year appointment to the property board. It will expire in 2020. He may at this time be looking for land to move the association to. If so can we expect the same kind of underhanded actions as we seen on the building. I'm concerned about the $19,000,000.00. that could be hijacked.
He does not have a stellar record of real estate purchases for the association. The entire EC knew of the other deal and did nothing. this time a lot more money is at risk. We must be very observant of their actions. Roger C.

 

This huge news on the Horizion, when will it come to Fruition?


GB.....................................DLS

 

Mr. Burdick,

The Real Property Advisory Committee is made up of all Past Presidents. The outgoing President is appointed to this committee by the incoming President, and is to serve for 5 years.

You can find this information on the ATA webpage in every annual Executive Committee minutes. A list of all the Committees and the names of appointees nominated by the President elect. Committees are near the end of the minutes.

The August 2019 minutes have not been approved and posted yet but Ex-Officio President Dean would be the new member of the committee replacing the last President from his Zone, Terry Roush.

So the member of the current RPA Committee should be:

Rob Taylor - Southwestern Zone, serving out his last year
Wayne Morris - Eastern Zone, fourth year
John Burke - Central Zone, third year
Jim Jones - Western Zone, second year
Terry Dean - Southern Zone, first year

The duties of the Real Property Advisory Committee is contained in the By-Laws which is also on the ATA webpage.

​

In my opinion, it was the Real Property Advisory Committee serving during the 2012 Target Year who rubber-stamped the lease of the office property. There first duty should be to insure that no ATA official has a potential conflict of interest. Had the Committee just asked each E. C. member if they had any affiliation with the new owner, 2012 PULL LLC, perhaps Mr. Taylor might have admitted his involvement. If he did not and it was found out later that he incorporated 2012 PULL LLC and purposely kept his name off all documents, it might just be enough that the ATA Officers would consider a lifetime expulsion.

​

He has to be laughing at all the people who failed to do their job of investigating. He knew they wouldn't. But, he never expected members of this forum would investigate his involvement and provide documents proving his stake in the purchase, lease and sale of 1105 East Broadway, Sparta, IL.

Sadly, all the Executive Committees during and after his term, not only have any interest, the continued to appoint him to the Real Property Advisory Committee.

HB

 

HAS ANYBODY SEEN THAT WASCALLY HORIZON?

 

HB,

As you and I have discussed there has NEVER been any mention of a LLC under the name of 2012 PULL LLC.....

ONLY LLC that has ever been mentioned in the OFFICIAL minutes throughout this whole thing has been PULL LLC, leaving off the 2012 which at first lead several of us on a wild goose chase when we went searching to see who actually was the owner of PULL LLC.

That being said, I know for a fact that there was a request sent into Gipson to ask for the minutes to be corrected to the correct name of 2012 PULL LLC and as of today, it was NEVER corrected, yet all minutes with PULL LLC have been approved by the EC and BOD...

Someone is blowing smoke, and makes us even more suspicious of anything they do any more. It happened back in 2012 and who is to say it isn't still happening ?

It is MEMBERS money they are playing with, but with the exception of a very few members, nobody seems to care any longer.

I know of one poster on here who ran for delegate, and got beat out by 6 votes and it was proven that there were over 20 illegal votes cast. At that time John Norris put the President of that state in charge of investigation, and we all can guess where all that went. The presiding Delegate remained in office, and the man who wanted to right things in that state got the shaft (without grease either)..Again, the Fox guarding the Hen House.

 

Legal action is what it will take to stop these people, once the case is presented they can make restitution or go to and stay in Jail .... The problem is somebody has to get it started and then people have to back it up and push them to the limits ... WPT ... (YAC) ...

 

The inspector general in any state can bring charges. The assoc. does business in all states. The question is how do the members get the information, as to how the people in charge, are not obeying the bylaws of the association. May be a petition in every state shoot program would be the place to start? Maybe it could be started with a fraud complaint? I think the building deal qualifies. Roger C.

 

The IAG supposedly did an investigation, they are probably as corrupt as the bunch of them so it goes no place .. WPT ... (YAC) ...

 

From what I gathered, that Inspector General report went nowhere. I could be wrong, and if so, I will stand corrected.

 

Maybe DEDPAIR can tell us how Skip's investigation is going on the matter. I am sure the PA shooters would be interested in his conclusion.

 

I spoke with Illinois Inspector Pasquale Esposito June 2016, and had more communication thru fall that year. It may be misleading to say this has been swept under the rug. I believe there are a few varying opinions on this and other items in the AG office.

The paper trail is still on various desks.

I report. You decide.
Merlo out

 

H.B.
Is the property committee a paid position? Do they get travel expenses or any other type of restitution? Either above the table or below? I'm sure many members would like to know. Roger C.

 

Thanks Merlo !

3 years, and they still haven't decided what to do...Wow

 

Did you file a formal complaint?

 

I was investigating the complaint(s) that were filed. I regret one of my informers is no longer with us.

The wheels of justice turn slowly.

I report. You decide.
Merlo out

 

Mr. Esposito is one of approximately 60 Assistant Attorney Generals. He makes a little over 60K per year, chicken feed by Chicago standards. Who filed the complaints? How are the complaints written? Who is Mr. Esposito's supervisor? This is all a matter of the public record, but your research would be helpful.

 

Thanks for the help.