Marshall 2021

People laugh at me when I say that the Marshall Chess Club is basically a social organization.   Maybe they're right.  That is its legal status, and that is what the founders intended.  There wasn't any other purpose that was conceived at the time.  Yes, the patrons wanted to support GM Marshall, but there was something in it for them too.  I've been a member for about half of the club's lifespan, but I still don't know for certain.

As far as I know, the club's Board of Governors always informally consisted of an inner board and an outer board.  But in the past the inner board had people with different backgrounds from each other.  There were lines of communication from the ordinary member to the leaders.  There were no purges on the board.  There were one or two bad apples who were sent on their way, but there was no attempt to make the board or the membership culturally consistent.  Our leaders were strong men and women who didn't become hysterical at a little constructive criticism.  The politburo of today would be considered ridiculous.

They were people who understood the true benefit of chess, which is to bring different people together.  Not just men and women, black and white, straight and gay, but people who are intellectually, economically, or temperamentally different.

The idea that anyone could come off the street and become a chess club official or a tournament director seemed ridiculous.  We elected people who we had known for years as officers, people who loved the organization for what it was.  The USCF rules that allow anyone to easily become a tournament director were intended for remote places where rigorous internships weren't possible, not one of most prestigious chess clubs in the world.

The club's tax status is 501c7, as a social club, is a very valuable and wonderful tax exemption.  I understand something about it growing up and growing old in one, and having been taught by my elders.  Most organizations wish they were 501c7.  A 501c7 needs a group of somewhat friendly members with a somewhat common purpose.  A 501c7 does not have to own property, but it cannot be desperate for money either.  That last part is what the problem usually is.

Anyhow I am definitely not running for office in the club, and I don't know the people who are.  I will refrain from attacking anyone by name.  It isn't necessary.  In fact forget everything I have said.