Breaking News: Andrew Wyatt Resigns as CEO and President of USARK

[Lucille]

I am not taking sides or anything I have a question. During the interview andrew stated the lawsuit had raised 30000 dollars. That is why they have not started a suit there is not close to enough cash.

Could this be correct?

I am a Canadian and I donated 50$ to USARK so although I have no benefit from anything they do (directly anyway) I would not want to see it wasted. On the other hand I don't want to see a witch hunt either. The community in the US and on a larger scale in N. America needs to unite and work together. Running a witch hunt isn't going to help at all. (breaking the opposition into two parts isn't either IMO) but if the parts work together perhaps it will be ok. There are serious questions being raised and they need to be looked into, clearly. I just hope that the new leadership (there will be won't there?) will do so and deal quietly with what they find. If the American political machine can use the distrust and divisions to discredit and disarm the opposition to the exotic laws the whole thing could come crashing down.

I understand, but disagree, with your point of view. Putting the hush on after major changes, especially when they involve us, our interest in reptiles, and also involve politics, and money, is an invitation to get screwed. Telling people if they rock the boat that it may turn over is not in my opinion the way to forge strong relationships in a group. In fact, those who abuse others mentally or physically often quiet the victim by saying the group or family will suffer if reality sees the light of day so no one should talk about what is being done.
Good leaders are not afraid of searching questions. Asking about money, asking reasons for sudden changes, asking for transparency- that isn't a witch hunt, that is standing up and taking responsibility, and requiring one's leaders to take responsibility.

[Skiploder]

I am not taking sides or anything I have a question. During the interview andrew stated the lawsuit had raised 30000 dollars. That is why they have not started a suit there is not close to enough cash.

Could this be correct?

I am a Canadian and I donated 50$ to USARK so although I have no benefit from anything they do (directly anyway) I would not want to see it wasted. On the other hand I don't want to see a witch hunt either. The community in the US and on a larger scale in N. America needs to unite and work together. Running a witch hunt isn't going to help at all. (breaking the opposition into two parts isn't either IMO) but if the parts work together perhaps it will be ok. There are serious questions being raised and they need to be looked into, clearly. I just hope that the new leadership (there will be won't there?) will do so and deal quietly with what they find. If the American political machine can use the distrust and divisions to discredit and disarm the opposition to the exotic laws the whole thing could come crashing down.

Alex, USARK raised $300K last year but these were not specifically earmarked to the lawsuit.

Their bare bones operating expenses were in the neighborhood of $280K - something they neglected to tell us while they were cheerleading their non-wins and the efficacy of the Herp Nation.

In the end, the percentage of USARK's take from individuals is embarrassing. For the last four years, this organization can barely afford one lobbyist and one employee. Considering the amount of support that they claimed to have and the amount of sig banners on the forums, this is downright pathetic.

I have made no bones over the past two years that I thought Wyatt was less than effective. The new board, however, has some people on it that I trust. Since they key to fighting HSUS and PETA is money and clout, I'm giving the new Board a chance and have reinstated my contributions. Hopefully, they will be more forthcoming, less bombastic and more effective.

[olstyn]

Honestly it's the whole "philosophical differences" BS that has me annoyed. Either answer the question honestly or don't bother talking at all. I'll admit that I lost interest partway through listening to that interview because I got tired of Wyatt's evasiveness, but the part I listened to seemed pretty pointless and information-poor to me.

[wilomn]

wyatt was paid for his experience and connections.

I know the soon to be mayor of Los Angeles personally as well as some well connected lawyers in the area. Where do I sign up for this job? I don't think I could do any worse.

[kitedemon]

Alex, USARK raised $300K last year but these were not specifically earmarked to the lawsuit.

Their bare bones operating expenses were in the neighborhood of $280K - something they neglected to tell us while they were cheerleading their non-wins and the efficacy of the Herp Nation.

In the end, the percentage of USARK's take from individuals is embarrassing. For the last four years, this organization can barely afford one lobbyist and one employee. Considering the amount of support that they claimed to have and the amount of sig banners on the forums, this is downright pathetic.

I have made no bones over the past two years that I thought Wyatt was less than effective. The new board, however, has some people on it that I trust. Since they key to fighting HSUS and PETA is money and clout, I'm giving the new Board a chance and have reinstated my contributions. Hopefully, they will be more forthcoming, less bombastic and more effective.

Thanks Skip. I did not know that I heard the 30000 number in the interview and went from there. As I said I have side and no direct stake at all. It sounds to me like there are far too many pointing fingers rather than moving forward.

The experiences I have had with a very different organization was the CEO left under question every major stakeholder started arguing. Accusations and then the government stepped in and started an inquirery about misuse of funds. The organization that was struggling against the government being investigated by the government basically stomped the opposition and the law being opposed passed and the inquirery is sill under way. It would suck to see USARK shut down by some kind of inquiry/investigation.

[pinkeye714]

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-0...s-boa-ban.html