Tuesday, November 03, 2015

Cat On A Hot Tin Roof...



"Psst! You have no c-h-o-i-c-e..."


If you've been around credit unions awhile, you know we're a pretty gossipy bunch!!!  



Within the credit union movement there are an
almost infinite network of "acronym-ed" trade associations, cooperative societies, and assorted cusos, councils and "clubby" co-partnerships within which to cavort. And, of course, there are the life-long friendships, rival relationships, discreet liaisons [playing cat and mouse!], petty jealousies, and long-held grudges which keep the credit union grapevine well-lubricated and the underlying vibe "always interesting".

The first lesson in participating on such an "organizationally incestuous" playing field is to realize that - like it or not - you are always on the record.  Ain't no secrets! Eventually - and usually a  whole lot sooner! - everybody hears about everything! Truth and fiction pass readily from point to point; fact checking is not a required virtue in order to participate. Just spout off!!!!

Got the following "spout off" (indirectly!) by an old friend recently [look what the cat "drug" in!]...


Ms. Diana Dyksra
"Today Jim posted another blog wherein he used parts of a report [that's the "A Vision for Advocacy Everywhere" report that I've been trying to get you to read for the last few days!] that myself and 4 other of my respected colleagues put together and presented to the System Structure and Governance committee as they considered options. He skewed the intent and content of the report [kinda hard "to skew it" when you publish the entire report verbatim, isn't it?] and is now, yet again, mis-leading those that follow him.  I have been a friend of and respected Jim for years and this attack with all of his false diatribe [pretty "catty"!] will do nothing but harm the system."


"A Vision for Advocacy Everywhere"

Well now, Miz D to quote directly from page 6, first paragraph, third line of that distinguished paper: "Our objective is to provoke debate around a vision of the future and to contrast it against the other options." [your italics, not mine.]  


So, I think you've got your wish about that provoked debate and would invite you to publicly comment - right here if you like! - about precisely why giving credit unions a democratic CHOICE will "harm the system". [guess we all know there is more than one way to skin a cat.]

And while you're at it would you please comment on your following quote: 


A cool cat!
"Jim and others are using the member survey without full disclosure [hard to do as long as Mr. Nussle and the CUNA Board continue to suppress publication.] as well. Yes the majority of credit unions (big and small) thought choice was good and what they are not telling everyone is that the majority also indicated that they would continue to belong to both their league and CUNA."[So, if you give everybody a choice and everybody stays - what's the problem?]


Miz D, your word and confirmation that in fact: "Yes the majority of credit unions (big and small) thought choice was good..."... is good enough for me! 
[hope I didn't skew that quote too much.]



So speak up!
 Cat got your tongue?
 Fraidy cat?

[Might as well, you've already let the cat out of the bag anyway!]




9 comments:

Jim Blaine said...

Already been asked... Diana Dykstra is the CEO of the California/Nevada Credit Union League and a very nice person.

Anonymous said...

CAT FIGHT!

Anonymous said...

Jim, we need to go back to college Journalism 101: "follow the money." All these league presidents make close to $1 million a year in compensation running small state trade associations. Change would hurt their personal botton lines so they will argue and fight to the death to protect their salaries, including coming up with an assinine "Advocacy Everywhere" document. Most leagues are running in the red because of CUNA Mutual cutting their financial giving, and in turn, they will have to raise dues like Diana did at the CA/NV League in order to fill a million dollar hole. Time for choice.

Greg said...

AEC = Red Herring

Dennis Moriarity said...

Okay 5th time through and I have reached a conclusion. The author of this piece is Dr. Irwin Corey. If unfamiliar with the good Doctors work go to you tube (yay) and type his name in. You will soon see what I mean. I also believe that the AEC Advocacy Network was the specific brainchild of Rube Goldberg as there is a lot of similarity to his prior works.

Anonymous said...

The fact that Ms. Dykstra, a nice person, is the CEO of a CUNA affiliated league speaks volumes. Although being a very smart and capable female, Diana is one of the good old boys. As such, she has drunk the cool aid and is a lieutenant in the army of "we can do no wrong".

Anonymous said...

IRS Form 990 (2013): California Credit Union League President/CEO Diana Dykstra 1099: $633,245 Other Comp: $18,380. Total: $651,625. Not disclosed travel budget, golf club membership(s), etc. But wait that is not all. Senior VP Government Affairs Robert Arnould 1099: $730,875. Other Comp: $30,236. Total: $761,151. Diana should make more than the President of the United States. Why not? We have the best President 'Money can buy.' No wonder why Diana protests so much - just follow the money train.

Anonymous said...

And yet the credit unions will once again write the check. Do you know why? Check the salaries, fringe benefits and retirement accounts of the CEO's as well as the perks of your local credit union boards. Medical, dental, trips to Maui. Volunteers? Yea right!

Jason M. Dias said...

I don't thinks its stupid. I think its just a generational point of transition that they are unwilling to heed. Maybe I am just trying to be too nice and not pile on. I spoke to CEO from CA today and he was spot on about everything and he is not affiliated with CUNA or the League. CUs grew into a great banking option without all of this advocacy apparatus, why then do we need it to maintain our share of the marketplace?