I hope that we as a body can add our voice to support Gary, who has proved that he is not only a great chess champion, but an even better person who stands up for what is right, and is willing to pay the consequences.
In the words of Edmund Burke, "All that is needed for evil to succeed is, that decent human beings do nothing.’
I am writing to my Congressman, my Senators, the President to add their voice to the unethical treatment of a lawful protest. I would ask that each of you to also write. Gary does a lot to promote and support chess in the U.S.A., and I think it is time we give him our support.
Unfortunately, in this kind of situation, there is little anyone in the USA can do to help out. Everybody likes to send a message, but nobody likes to listen to messages.
Bill Smythe
I applaud Gary’s efforts to better the world of chess, but on this issue, I support Messrs. Putin and Medevedev (sp?)
I hope that Gary will turn his attention back fully to chess, even if he doesn’t play actively any more.