To be honest, Jack, I believe that my long-time friend Baldur is one of Markie's serial coddlers who has overlooked too much of his antics in the past. This won't surprise him, because I've had it out with him about this before. I respect and share his sympathy and understanding, but not the degree he has taken it to, because that has, IMO, just encouraged Markie to continue dealing with his problems in negative and hurtful ways. For instance, as I'm sure you've often realized by now, Markie's opposition often strays far from respectful, and this has pushed me past my tolerance level periodically. He can, and has, taken his negative way of dealing with his inner turmoil too far.

Baldur's words have much wisdom, as usual... I certainly don't disagree with the essence of those words, but just how far he has taken them at times in regards to Markie. I do advise patience with Markie in deference to his emotional problems and to his past positive service to the board, but not to the point of giving him a free pass. IMO, he sometimes need to suffer the consequences of hurting those who are trying to support him. I think it's about finding a reasonable balance between support and telling him like it is, rather than going too far in the direction of either coddling or outright condemnation. That's my thinking on the matter, for what it's worth to anyone.