Water Works Scandal -- Letters to the Editor

Finally, after three and a half months, a fan has the courage to write and criticize Silver State News Editor Mark S. "Bear" Daniels...

Hi John!:

The first thing I'd like to say to you is how PROUD I am of you for writing in to Silver State News to take a stand against this online newspaper's position and what you feel is negative conduct on my part. As strange as that sounds, it is stated truly!

Furthermore, you had the GUTS (!!!) to put your name to your comments. We agree to disagree on this matter of course, but damn! You are one helluva man that a lot of others aren't tonight, for being the first in 3 1/2 months to write me anything -- anything whatsoever -- that favored RARA.

The other thing I'd like to say is this: "Brevity/Schmevity!" Read on and you'll figure that one out for yourself! <G>

That said, my responses are in red between your comments in blue:

A Letter to the Editor:

There is a saying in life and business ... "You are so load that anything of value you have to say is lost" And what a shame.

"You are so 'load'..." I think you meant 'loud,' so that's what I'm going with.

"Lost" only on some, but not on others...as evidence by the varying responses. That's your slant, your spin, which seems one-sided and fails to represent the mix of feedback SSNS has been receiving through a variety of sources. However, in all fairness, even my friends criticize my lack of brevity and if you "love brevity," you're seriously going to hate this response! <G>

I have read with some interest your reports/editorials; even your self-reference as a 'combat Journalist.' I can not say that I am, overall, impressed. You have honestly said you are no friend of the Reno Air Races. I accept that and respect the disclosure.

That's not exactly correct...I am no friend of the current leadership of the Reno Air Racing Association. As for the Reno Air Races, I'm hell-bent intent on seeing that any attempt to steal and move the races away from the People and City of Reno is brought to a dead stop. Those races belong to the people of Reno, they have a 40-year history in Reno and Reno is where they belong.

What I can not understand is your desire to be regarded and respected as a creditable or professional Journalist.

Again, you are mistaken, but that is perfectly understandable.

"Combat Journalism" ignores whether anyone respects this online newspaper or not. SSNS intends to report in a different style than mainstream Journalism and are prepared to take flak if our ethics are found questionable by the same "mainstream Journalists."

SSNS is tired of "pretty-haired reporters" dishing out pabulum to the masses and we intend to dish out a whole new product -- truth. SSNS is also tired of the "Press Conference Rag,"made famous in the recent movie "Chicago," which was an indictment and criticism of the Press for having the reputation and actually believing everything they are told by slick Attorneys, Corporate spin-meisters, Con-artists, Thieves and Liars in general, then passing that BS on to their readers without analysis.

SSNS is concerned with the truth. SSNS wishes to report 1) What people know to be true and 2) what people believe to be true, even if they are wrong. Ours is to investigate and determine if they are correct or not. SSNS is developing new tactics to deal with crooks, bullies and liars with this process. Also, SSNS is addressing rumors instead of poo-pooing them. SSNS wants to expose the rumor, then seek confirmation or denial instead of allowing it to fester like a wound.

In regards to "Combat Journalism" tactics, SSNS will be instructing its reporters not to give a "flying you-know-what" about that which people think of us. I want the truth in their writing and nothing less. I want the truth from the people we interview.

SSNS will remain neutral and impartial in our reporting as long as no one lies to us. The moment they do, they've just blown their case and we shall become very biased. In a Court of Law, lying is punishable as "Perjury." If one commits perjury, their word can be rendered worthless and useless in a Court of Law via a conviction for the offense.

Lie to my reporters or I, and your word is rendered worthless and useless "quicker!"

My background is not in Journalism, armature or otherwise. Only as a retired exec who has some small experience in running an organization, which (of necessity in projecting a Marketing & PR presence, and need, at times, for self-defense) included a media department.

That's understood, honest and candid. However, this is one of the issues I've run into in the past. Marketing and PR people attempting to pass their work off as Journalism or "judging" Journalists while thinking or "acting" in emulation of Journalism techniques.

PR and Marketing personnel are not Journalists. They market (sell), do Public Relations (spin) and do so in the "style" or "appearance" of a Journalist, but not in the conduct of one. A PR man nor a Marketing man is willing to go to jail to protect sources. 100 PR men and women don't die covering Wars, as do 100 Journalists every year. PR men and women, as well as Marketing personnel, are allowed to stretch the truth and lie to whom they are speaking. Comes with the job. Do that as a Journalist, and you will be disgraced. Simply look at what happened to Jason Blair and his Editors.

Additionally, if you are a ethical Journalist -- then go into the field of PR or Marketing and compromise your ethics as a Journalist under the guise of PR or Marketing, you are no longer a Journalist. Who of your readers would trust you once you're known to have compromised your ethics? What Editor would trust you?

Further, a Journalist has never brought a thug -- let alone four minimum -- to the Reno Air Race Awards Banquet. Journalists must often defend themselves from thugs. Don Bolles, of The Arizona Republic tried, but died after a bomb was detonated in his vehicle. Bolles is neither the first, nor will he be the last, to die at the hands of thugs and Racketeers.

In most occasions, the front line folk carried the corporate banner and company message, come what may. Often, however, it was incumbent on the CEO to step up to the plate and be the champion and ultimate spokesperson for the company - and just tell it how it was.

Yeah, I've seen some in action. Enron et al. Martha Stewart. John McDonnell. Philip Condit. Rosie O' Donnell. The Chandler Family. Mike Houghton. Krys Bart.

One of the important things I came to learn and understand about the world of “messaging” is that honesty is the most enduring key to revelation. Whether the news was good, bad or ugly, I came to appreciate that if I, or my company, was to achieve and maintain credibility in investor or Journalistic corridors, then the underpinnings of that credibility was honesty, often un-spun. Sometimes it was a challenging and exhilarating experience, like standing on the edge of a precipice. A miss-step, and the result could mean obscurity and failure. But generally that only happens when you try to make fools of people.

Take a proper step, as I have against the corrupt past and present, and you wind up being retaliated against. That's the real world we're living in, John. That world is not a Utopic one.

Also, in regards to making fools of others, SSNS didn't lie to Houghton. SSNS didn't bring thugs to the party. SSNS didn't fabricate and backdate a document to keep a qualified competitor out of the Reno Air Race "Invitationals." SSNS doesn't make fools out of "self-made men." They do that themselves, since in everything they do, they're "self-made!"

This charge, this responsibility, did not begin or end at our own front door, but extended to the door-step of the folks charged with reporting all the news that was “fit to print”; the inside scoop, the rights, the wrongs, the dirt, the sludge; all that must be told “for the common good.”

Yes, so what you're telling me that you were responsible as PR men and women, and Marketing Personnel, for establishing the "High Road of Ethics" for Journalists? You may as well give charge of the hen house to the fox.

Mike Houghton tried to do the same -- i.e., lecture me on what a "real reporter" is. He failed miserably because it took four thugs minimum standing behind him to try and get his message across. Further, he tried to get his message across after lying to me. His lies are verified, documented and substantiated, despite yours and other's remarks to the contrary.

The interview was taped and he was asked a question regarding the RARA vs Parker matter being a "Tenants Rights" issue. He denied it was a "Tenants Rights" issue. He denied having problems with John as a Tenant. He also denied having any problems with any of the Tenants. That latter statement has also turned out "untrue," and is verified, documented and substantiated.

Days earlier, Aero News.net had published the letter signed by Mr. Houghton indicating that it was a Tenants Rights issue. Prior to our August 29th interview, I had received a copy of the same letter he sent to Mr. Parker.

It's funny that you should mention what you did in your remarks, but what else is Mike Houghton but the CEO for the Reno Air Races, its spokesman, its Marketing Man, its PR man...and all he did was lie. Everything contrary to what you are espousing such individuals do.

Again sir, we live in the real world. This is not Utopia. In this paper, we tell the truth. If those we interview don't, that's their problem...not mine, nor my readers. Though we write exposé, often the ones doing the exposing are themselves, if not themselves and others combined.

I observe in your reporting/editorializing a decided lack of substantiated truth. In fact, any truth other than which you simply pound out in print, and would have others accept as gospel, is trampled, (observation from the aafo message board and your articles over the last couple months), without authoritative basis of fact – only truly bizarre conjecture, and almost paranoiac (and very difficult to follow) distraction.

"Decided?" According to whom? "Gospel," though you ignore the substantiated facts and furthermore, seem to ignore that our reporting on the Las Vegas move was stated "up front" as "Rumor" -- i.e., "Gossip," -- and newspapers don't rely just on documents sir, but on sources. Reliable sources. Trustworthy sources who are not known for lying. Sources inside RARA. Well-placed sources whom we protect, particularly since RARA is well-known for its use of "fear and intimidation," and are in the process of becoming more well-known for it via the latest scandal involving the Water Works parcel.

Most important of all, sir, is the fact that the Reno Air Racing Association, Mike Houghton, Krys Bart, et al, aren't denying a thing. Neither are they open and candid, nor are they opening records of their Public Organizations for inspection. I personally believe that if they have an ounce of brains, they are destroying evidence at this time. Just the same, whether they do or not is moot.

At present, we have an AAWC representative reported as lying to the FBI. We have a man in writing making that accusation and pursuing Civil and Criminal complaints against these tyrants. Furthermore, the issue is theft and willful destruction of property, including Federal property (records) and destruction of evidence.

All is not as you say...there is a "substantial" amount of substantiated information already in publication at this website. Further, there is much more coming.

As for "B.J."over at the AAFO.COM Message Board, whom we know by his real name and his status as a Journalist, he's the reason we exist. I've been involved with Air Racing for twenty-six years. B.J. says he's been involved longer. B.J. himself has acknowledge wrongdoing by the RARA leadership that predates my arrival in Air Racing. B.J. the "Journalist" wannabe, quick to lecture other Journalists about Journalism, freely admits to being bullied by no less than Jack Walther and B.J. has done NOTHING about it!

Nothing, after twenty-six years, other than to whine and complain because someone finally got around to doing B.J.'s job and is shaking things up. Rocking the boat, in other words. While he's not.

SSNS agrees with you...we shouldn't be the ones exposing this right now...others should have done so twenty-six years ago. They were too frightened to do so. They still are. Oh well. Life's a bitch and then you go on livin'!

Frankly, if anyone had done anything, this problem might not exist right now for SSNS to have to expose and the treatment of the racers, the fans and the volunteers, might be a damned sight better. The event might also be honest and not a fraud, and more successful than it is right now even as a fraud!

As for paranoia and bizarre conjecture, I got news for you old son...if I was all paranoid as you say, we wouldn't be having this conversation. I'd be keeping my mouth shut just like the others and be credentialed by the Reno Air Races. Instead, they've been told to keep their credentials and I am reporting regardless of threats or menacing by Houghton and his Thug-o-rama.

Some would say, "Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean there really isn't somebody out there trying to get me!" That used to be my attitude, but that's changed as of late. Now, it's "F--k 'em if they can't take a joke; joke 'em if they can't take a f--k; f--k 'em double if they can't take me!"

I'm fed up with RARA's misconduct and lies. The leadership, that is.

I like the Air Races … I love the Air Races. You obviously do not, and appear to have an agenda to destroy same. Please tell me how it is that you are become the mystic and anointed champion of oppressed pilots, fans and devotees of Air Racing?

I got news for you old son...this is the oldest accusation made by the agents of fear and intimidation serving RARA as a lap dog at this or any other time. And individuals like you believe this as "Gospel" and pass it around like Chicken Little in a hailstorm. Men and women who are involved with Air Racing as long as I have been aren't inclined to be labeled as "Air Race Haters!"

An agenda to destroy the Air Races? You can't kill a dead horse. RARA has already destroyed them. The moment they declared the Reno National Championship Air Races an "invitational," via Mike Houghton, Air Racing was dead in the United States. This publication wants to see "Real Air Racing," and we've defined what it is in the series of articles involving RARA vs Parker.

RARA claims they are running real Air Races at this time, but that's just another one of their lies. A fraud in fact, since they don't advertise their event as an "Invitational." Go back and read the articles I wrote to find the difference between the two. No one throttles back in a real Air Race until their last true competitors have blown their engines and pulled out. Ask Lyle Shelton. Ask Bill Destefani.

In the Unlimited Class, the past few Reno "Invitationals" have been nothing more or less than a repeat of the "Super Gold Shoot Out." A "parade" as one source described it to another. As for last year's race, the only one truly willing to blow the engine to win -- blew his engine and still won Sport Biplane!

David Rose is Hall of Fame material! <G>

As for "mystic" and "anointed champion" -- or, who appointed me to stand up for these people?

The First Amendment. Journalism is the watchdog of the people. All the people, not just RARA and the AAWC.

All the people -- includes "Air Racers."

Also, in the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., "What they do to one of us, they do to all of us." I respond to acts of oppression and injustice with those words in mind.

Also, I have a sworn oath to "protect and defend the Constitution of the United States from enemies foreign and domestic," and to date, the Government has not unsworn me from that responsibility.

Also, even if the Government did release me from that oath, I'd still carry it out anyway. I didn't serve eight years in the Army protecting the rights of our allies overseas, to come home and watch the Civil Rights of Americans taken away by "other Americans."

Finally, the job has been open to many -- hundreds in the Press Corps over the years -- no takers! <G> Oh well! You snooze you lose! <G>

Seems to me that the Reno Air Races are what we enjoy today; preeminent Race in this country and the world; longest running Race of any format, in this country and the world; best hope and exemplar for continued and expanded racing formats in this country and the world.

"Preeminent?" They're dead. That's all there is to it. That and the fact that they're a joke, thanks only to Mike Houghton and the current leadership of RARA.

As long as they're an "Invitational," they're not a real Air Race. They're a dog and pony show supported by a static display and flip flops. That's it. Saying that Reno is "Preeminent" -- that's like saying that The Rock and Hulk Hogan are wrestling "for real." That's like saying that "Medieval Times" is "real jousting" and "real combat" between Knights and that the King in charge of the entertainment and dinner has power over the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. RARA and Mike Houghton have just killed Air Racing. Until they retract that "Invitational" statement and reopen the proper protocol, i.e., that RARA only invites the Classes and the Racing Classes invite all qualified Class members, not RARA, Air Racing is dead!

Dead! Dead! Dead!

...but only until Las Vegas Air Racing opens its first competitive event in the next few years. Then Air Racing will live again.

As for "best hope" and "exemplar for continued and expanded racing formats in this country and the world," they've been in operation for 40 years! A double-edged sword my friend!

Where are the other races? RARA has given other organizers nothing but fits! They've given the racers fits. If RARA were truly a leader in Air Racing, there would be a well-established circuit by now. Instead, there is no circuit and RARA has its foot on the neck of Air Racing, not to mention the Air Racer!

If RARA were truly a leader in Air Racing, sponsorship would abound and the purse wouldn't be a measly million dollars! That's only $10,000 of value that RARA applies to a pilot, his plane and a Team, if equally divided between the 100 racers that appear! The reality, not the Utopia, is that RARA values many of them less, since the Lion's share is taken by those who win and place. There is no "show money" at Reno and the pilots must pay their way in.

There isn't a racing plane flying that is truly worth less than $10,000 in flying condition, let alone -- competitive -- and the life of an Air Race pilot, not to mention the contribution of his team, are "Priceless!"

With the leadership that RARA currently possesses, RARA is nothing more or less than an F--king joke! They need to change their ways or change their leadership. The only "preeminence" that they possess is that they're "Legend in their own minds."

It is inconceivable to me that after 40 years of the Air Races doing their thing, that you would be able to dig up sooooo much “filth, corruption and scandal” that has never been brought to light before. You would decry the achievements of this organization and bring shame to all who have contributed to its success. The veil of naiveté is just not that wide. Except, perhaps, in your dark and sad corner of the world.

I'm sure it is inconceivable to you. The only problem is, SSNS is digging it up and supporting it with documentation. The funny thing is, the whole thing really just "landed" in our collective lap in the first place. The reason why it hasn't been brought up before is that -- in fact -- it has! EVERYONE has been too afraid to do anything about it in the so-called "Press Corps." As I have stated, there are guys out there who would cut their wrists if they couldn't get their Press passes and get out to the Pylons!

As for my decrying the achievements of "this organization" (does that mean you're speaking on their behalf?) and bringing "shame" to all who have contributed to its success, name them! <G> The reason I say that, is that -- though you might be representing RARA this day -- you don't represent all of the volunteers. Why don't you tell everyone here reading this -- how it is that I know that fact!? <G> Could it be, the sources within RARA? Do you really think that you or RARA can convince everyone that there are not dissenters within RARA or dissenting volunteers that have been chased out of RARA by the Air Race Nazis!? <G>

To quote a very wise man, John: "The veil of naiveté is just not that wide."

Not even inside of RARA! However, I am open and flexible to being proven wrong on that point! <G> As for my "dark and sad corner of the World," I'm not the one selling my soul for Press Credentials and a Pylon Pass. Nor am I the one trading the Civil Rights of others for kind treatment and special favors from the likes of RARA's current leadership.

Truth is light. Freedom is not being afraid of the dark. Sadness is the realization that things need to be made better. The World is what you make of it -- after you're through with being sad.

Pacific Flyer complained about maltreatment and got harassed to the point that the Editor blasted RARA in his newspaper and refused to cover the event. To the best of my recollection, Michael O'Leary of Air Classics has criticized RARA in his rag over the years. Last year, I refused their Press Credentials and told them to take me off their Credentials list for what they're pulling on John Parker.

Just because your eyes, your mouth, your ears -- and those of the Press -- are closed to what's going on, it doesn't mean that it isn't happening. Just because RARA does or says something, it doesn't mean that they are right. Just because the Air Races make you happy, doesn't mean that everyone involved with Air Racing is happy about past nor current events.

After 40 years of Reno Air Races, you would think by now that they should be.

So, John, why aren't they?

What are you doing!?

I'm waking you and a number of others up to the truth. I'm also trying to prevent guys like you, those RARA Boyz and their Agents from twisting and perverting the truth with "Spin" and "unsubstantiated, unverified" remarks.

I'm pointing out that there's another side to the story beside RARA's. RARA is a non-profit corporation for the "Public benefit," and yet what goes on in that organization -- according to Mike Houghton, verified, documented and substantiated -- is "not for public consumption?"

Give me a break (Houghton, that is)!

I'm doing a job right now that hundreds of reporters have been neglecting for over twenty-six years! Right now, I'm the mouthpiece and the forum for a large number of individuals who want to speak out, but are too afraid and have too much to lose if they do. I have nothing to lose if I do speak out, but by God, I have a soul to lose if I don't!

It's about protecting the weaker kids on the playground from the bullies that would run roughshod over them because of the complacency, fear and acquiescence of others. Particularly, those in the Reno Press Corps. Frankly, since it's RARA's "Press Corps," the term "Reno Press Corps" is tantamount to the worst oxymoron ever conceived. When the day comes that none of them are afraid to report the truth, and a RARA leadership doesn't retaliate against them for telling truths that are contrary to RARA's "public image," then you'll have a Press Corps in Reno. Until then, see the movie Chicago, watch the Press Conference Rag, and you'll know exactly what's going on in Reno.

I will gladly give people with good conduct and good intent -- good Press. Don't expect a pack of thugs to get any good Press from me. Ever!

And despite the fact that other reporters and Editors are criticizing my work, like you, as unverified and/or unsubstantiated, none of them have contacted me to date to request verification or substantiation, though there is plenty within the articles themselves that is verified, substantiated and with much, much more to come in the near future!

So, essentially, they criticize me without first making serious inquiries as to what I possess in documentation, and further, they know I won't identify protected individuals serving as sources. Therefore, they are hypocrites in that, they themselves are making a statement that they can't verify, substantiate or document, 1) because they haven't asked for any proof from me and 2) they're not investigating the story independently themselves!

It would seem that they don't want to (Shhh! Whispered:) lose their Press Credentials! <G>

By the way, "B.J." hasn't contacted anyone other than his RARA-issue crystal ball. Likewise, B.J. indicated that he didn't make it past the first page of the Las Vegas Move article...so who the hell is he to criticize something he hasn't read in full?

And as far as him teaching me ethics, I know whom he is and the fact he has an ax to grind with me privately that has nothing to do with these issues...and he hasn't been "up front" about that fact with those at the Message Board, nor does he possess the courage to give his real name. An ethical Journalist would not be guilty of either fact. Plus, there's this other interesting fact:

"B.J." needs Press Credentials from the Reno Air Racing Association! In that regard, he has a conflict of interest for criticizing me in the first place and defending them! <G>

But you do give your name...why is that? You're a private citizen. As a Journalist, well, "B.J." -- he's a very public figure. Right or wrong, you have courage. He's wrong, knows it, and because of it, knows better than to let his name out.

Do you know how many racers would see it? B.J. sure does! Do you know how many racers are silently supporting Parker, Edwards, January, Blincoe and those who have suffered at the hands of RARA, including the racers and their team members? B.J. sure does!

They would read his name...and know who in the Press supported their oppressors.

Right or wrong, you the racers would respect. They also know the misinformation program that is out there trying to silence others with grievances, those who would report those grievances; others like myself.

That's because they can legitimately figure by what you've written, that you don't know better because you've been misinformed or -- for twenty-six years -- you and others have not been receiving truthful information, if any information, about these issues from the Press. You don't know the full story because the Press Corps has been sitting on it for decades.

But a guy like B.J. -- he does know better -- and he's admitted so, and still come in on the side of RARA. Primarily, because he has a personal grievance with me. An ax to grind with me. Plus, it never hurts to have Press Credentials. Oh, and do you want to bet that anyone that sides with them against me isn't going to receive special favors?

That's pretty bad when RARA's standards exceed that of a member of the Press.

i.e. -- Ol' "B.J." isn't going to get any favors if he doesn't publish in his hard copy rag and give his real name! <G>

Get this one fact straight -- Air Racing will never die. The Reno Air Races will live on past this current "Administration" and prosper. A New Administration will come in and take its place. A number of old volunteers that have been chased away will return, as will a number of racers.

I cannot kill Air Racing...only silence can. Silence from people like the AAWC and RARA, who don't want you to know what's been going on. Silence from their victims, who do want you to know what's going on, but are harassed, brow-beaten and threatened, if they try to speak out, or are effectively silenced by the memory of what happened to those who did.

The truth is coming out and will continue to come out...and there's nothing RARA can do to stop it, nor the AAWC. However, until further notice, you're not going to read it anywhere but here. Just the same, there are two outside publications showing interest...and one is major.

So, in the meantime, stay tuned to Silver State News Service to hear the "other" side.

Oh, and to give you one, more, honest, direct answer to your last question -- "what are you doing?" -- it's sort of a cross between sandbagging in a poker game, and stating the word "Check" towards the end of a game of Chess.

I'm letting RARA and the AAWC know that they're caught, but I'm not letting them know precisely what information others or I have caught them with. It's their move, but all we're seeing out of these "Good Ol' Boys" is the "Deer in the headlights look."

You see, they know what we could possess; they don't know our sources; they don't know what surprises we have in store for them; but they themselves know what they've been up to and what they've done wrong -- and that we could potentially be in receipt of all of that information...and more, since they don't seem to recognize the Law as being over them, rather, in their minds its vice versa!

As "Punks" go, to paraphrase Clint Eastwood -- I don't think they're feeling particularly "lucky"right now.

That's about it...that's what I'm doing. That's what I'm up to. The question is:

"What are they doing? What are they up to?"

We know. Others don't. Others won't even investigate for fear of "simply" losing their Press Credentials.

Really, it's not a matter of the Air Racers having some "anointed champion." The real issue here is that the Racers who have suffered grief from RARA and the AAWC know who "isn't" their "anointed champion(s)" -- and haven't been for a while.

As a member of the Press, I'm not here to be their anointed champion. I'm not even here to "lend a hand," because the Press hasn't put up a fight for the racers. I cannot lend a hand to a "do-nothing" Press that's unwilling to fight.

In the end, all I'm here to do is to report what I see, hear or learn, documented or otherwise...

...and try and compensate for all the hands that are missing in this "not so new," unreported battle of over a quarter of a Century. Truly, if I'm here to "lend a hand" to anyone, it's merely to those who need it.

Perhaps it is a shame that I'm too loud. Just the same, I think the greater shame lies in being silent too long.

John Saxon

Thanks again for signing your name, John! That takes guts! Good issues!

No one on the opposite side of the argument is going to hassle a man with courage. We just agree to disagree. Feel free to rebut what I have to say...we will publish your remarks.

Others may rebut your statements...don't back down from your position unless they change your mind properly. As long as you're speaking what you honestly believe, don't feel intimidated by anyone.

Respectfully Yours,

Ed. (aka Mark S. "Bear" Daniels)