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Ben's letter to management

Written by Eric J. Kekeis

Wednesday, 11 July 2007

Follow the responses to the letter below, here: http://www.soccerpubs.com/boards/index.php?s=&showtopic=21833&view=findpost&p=399139

"There comes a time when every man feels the urge to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and start slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

I would like to suggest everyone consider wearing black to games from now on. Perhaps black hoodies or long sleeve t-shirts and hats. Not in protest, but as "urban camouflage" so individuals are no longer distinguishable from the "big eye in the sky". At least until Toyota Park Management can instill some trust and faith in the process.

I've sent this to Dave Feely, Don Garber, Steve Landek, John Guppy and a few others.

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Dave,

Pardon the long response but there are an number of concerns that I would like to bring to your attention, and to the attention of several other parties that I have included in this email.

First, you have expressed some time restraints on July 17th, the day we've chosen for our next Operations Meeting. I would suggest we consider a day when we can meet without such a limited time frame. If we do not have enough time on the 17th to discuss all of the issues of concern, Section 8 Chicago would rather reschedule our meeting.

We no longer feel that in your absence it is possible to rely on Raj Saha. It is not in the best interests of Section 8 Chicago, nor is it in the best interests of the Chicago Fire, Major League Soccer or the Village of Bridgeview for Raj to be involved. On a number of occasions, Raj Saha has misrepresented the interests of these organizations, damaging our relations and trust.

Most recently, on July 9th, Raj Saha requested that Section 8 Chicago send him copies of our post-game bulletin because, according to his word, Toyota Park regulations stipulate that all literature handed out at Toyota Park must be seen by Toyota Park. My request to see this rule in writing was ignored. Is it Toyota Park policy to have all public information approved by Raj Saha?

This is only the latest of a series of instances where he has used false authority in an attempt to influence our supporters organization. I ask for clarification from several of the parties that have been wrongfully implicated by Raj Saha.

Don Garber, does Major League Soccer actually require supporters groups or Independent Supporters Associations to post stadium rules and regulations on their own websites as Raj previously demanded?

Mayor Landek, did your office actually encourage and support Toyota Park Management's decision to implement targeted searches against the individuals of Section 8 prior to demanding that they be stopped as Raj had claimed?

John Guppy, does Raj in fact have the ability and authority to rescind the ticket stipend agreement that Section 8 Chicago has with the Chicago Fire as he has threatened to do? And has he officially revoked the possibility for organized and sanctioned pyrotechnics as he as claimed during the Fire game on July 7th?

These are all claims he has made in an effort to coerce my organization. I respectfully ask each of you to clarify any misinformation he may have spread in the name of your organization.

Because of these and other concerns we have with Raj Saha, my organization is no longer willing to negotiate with him. His word has become not only useless, but detrimental to Section 8 Chicago and our relationships with many other organizations. This is why we request to only deal with Toyota Park's General Manager in all future discussions. Despite our best efforts, and those of the Chicago Fire and others, Raj has made it obvious that the fans in Section 8 are no longer welcome in our own home.

In summary, the history of our dealings with Raj Saha have a distinct pattern of duplicity and false authority. We request that past decisions made and influenced by Raj Saha involving Section 8 and the individuals within be rescinded or revisited. Unfortunately he has chosen to deal with our organization with dishonesty, and we feel that we cannot have a viable relationship moving forward based on a foundation containing a number of his deceits and mistruths. We request that the slate be "swept clean" as both a sign of progress and good faith.

Thank you for your time.

Benjamin Burton
Chairman
Section 8 Chicago NFP

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