MK forum

"We will initiate third party investigations of any school where child abuse took place." From the language used, I'm assuming this statement reflects the official position of NTM. Andy indeed can speak on behalf of NTM in any matters with respect to which the relevant NTM persons have delegated Andy the authority to do so. In addition, Andy, even if not delegated the relevant authority, can disclose what the official position of NTM is, even if the fact that it is Andy that said it does not make it officially from NTM. Regardless of which is the case, I am quite confident the statement itself reflects NTM's official position, whether actual or constructive.

On the other hand, when Andy said something to the effect of "I won't be surprised if investigations are needed for every school...operated in the 80's and 90's", the context indicates that this is Andy speaking on behalf of himself. This is merely a factual statement that, if certain facts are true, Andy himself will not be surprised. I doubt NTM has an official position regarding whether Andy will be surprised or not. In addition, I doubt NTM would have an official position regarding it being surprised about something or not. In light of the first statement (that NTM will initiate investigations of any school where child took place), isn't Andy's second statement really saying that he would not be surprised if abuse took place in all schools? I would take this recognition on Andy's part as a positive sign, regardless of on whose behalf he is speaking.

In addition, I really don't want every statement and every decision to have to be decided over by a group of old Patriarchs in Sanford. Nothing is ever going to get accomplished that way.

At the end of the day, it really isn't NTM or individual "positions" that matter. It is what actually occurs that matters. Since Andy is apparently involved in decisions with respect to what takes place, I would take his opinion with slightly more than a grain of salt.

However, I get the point of what everybody is saying - the concern is whether this is just more talk, or whether there will be some action. Certain actions cannot take place without, at the very least, the blessing of the Great Ones.

Andy said, "I won't be surprised if there are investigations needed for every school that NTM operated in the 80's & 90's."

Push that back to the 60s in PNG. I was at Numonohi for the 70s and it was bad, and I hear tell from classmates that Oliguti was bad as well before moving.

I don't know that Andy's position is one of decision making, but rather one of communicator. Although he may have input as to the survivors as he spends time to really listen. (Novel idea!)

Name those committee members.

Who really is on the CPC these days? Since the 'shake down' I don't think I've seen a list.

Andy, Just wondering exactly who is the third party who will be doing the independent investigations of the NTM schools.

Also, I want to thank you for being willing to answer the questions in a public way like this.

I'm pretty sure NTM has attorneys advising them not to comment or 'get involved' on this forum. Like in any case or suite, anything can and will be used against them in the court of law. As Jerry said previously, most companies or organizations wouldn't be saying anything, so the fact Andy is out here saying anything is surprising. I'm not an NTM fan and I am enfuriated by the situation and other situations as everyone on here can see in my recent posts, but Jerry does have a point. The reason we aren't hearing things is probably Lawyer recommendations and pressure. They are probably angry as heck that Andy is out here and furious that NTM has made the promised 'consessions' they already have. It doesn't make for a good defense case.
Arno, you're an attorney right? If you were defending them in this case, wouldn't you be advising the same?
I'm just saying, I believe that is the reason no one is getting the full updates and finding out everything that is going on behind the scenes.
In light of that and thinking about the legal issues, it doesn't change my rage and view of NTM in any way, but I can understand why they aren't out here telling us all the details of all that is happening.
Jerry? Arno? Thoughts???