What a difference in 6 months
When the 49ers were terminated, there was a universal outcry from within our ranks which acknowledged the fact that their termination without due process was unwarranted and unjust. We rallied around our friends and colleagues to assure them that we would not allow this injustice to stand. Three years later we have kept the faith. Our support of the 49ers and their struggle to find a fair resolution to this affair is both admirable and necessary. As a group, we have helped in the very important area of financial assistance for nearly three years. Quite possibly, the greater impact of this monetary support is in the message it sends: we will not give up on the 49ers and their families. This is something we should be very proud of because, through this support, we have stamped an indelible mark of integrity on our Association.
The purpose of this letter is to re-focus our thoughts on our 49er colleagues. This will help to reinforce the reason why we continue to support them and the good we are doing by our continued support. They have been through an experience that not one of us would wish to have, but we have not allowed them to endure it alone. This is a bond of fellowship that our Association can be proud of and which will serve us well in the years to come. Let’s continue our struggle to right the wrong and ensure that the 49ers will always be a central part of who we are.
Murray Alan Gardner - 9th July 2004
Our decision to recommend acceptance is the only one possible from a careful and logical assessment of the facts and it takes into consideration the best interests of both the 49ers and of the Association. The decision was supported by an overwhelming majority of your GC. Has fair treatment for the 49ers been achieved? No. but I would say to you that we are confident the best Offer possible has been obtained. While we all want to have fair treatment for the 49ers, if that is not obtainable then we need to be pragmatic and look to achieve the best possible outcome.
Murray Alan Gardner - 5th January 2005
Where did the "integrity" go in the intervening 6 months?