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Rarely does this editor exercise her prerogative to write an editorial, but the issue of amending the Articles of Incorporation is urgent, real and the only way in which American Mensa can return practically to having elections. This does not mean that one should simply bury common sense or surrender to unthinking acquiescence. What we have before us as the main issue is not an ideological dispute, nor do I think one should be made of it. Unfortunately, the manner in which the issue has been presented evokes the specter of a house of cards rather than the image of a bastion of integrity. Some of that dismay is caused simply by the situation's urgency — dash-and-scurry is too often counterproductive. The "Don't think; just sign here" rush could easily obscure the primary focus, which is the need to put our governing documents in accordance with New York law. If we react solely to the presentation flaws, to the attitude, to the errors, to the limited open discussion; if we withhold a proxy on the basis of suppositions made due to the murky, mysterious origin of finding the problem, then we have ceded not just the battle but the entire war. A friend of mine has quoted to me a motto of the London School of Economics: "Rerum Cognoscere Causas" — To Know the Reasons for Things. It is now incumbent upon us to practice that intellectual exercise as it relates to the emendation of Mensa's Articles of Incorporation. Do not merely withhold a proxy: Ask questions. Ignore hostility and focus on what you want to know. Demand substantive responses until you know for sure the reasons for things as they are and can make an informed decision about your proxy. Withholding a proxy out of pique disparages intelligence and turns a legal proceeding into a private and personal matter of emotion; sending a proxy that is uninformed is a mockery of brainpower, an invitation to subjugation to a system that you have empowered and allowed to think for you. Please seek answers and only then decide what to do with your proxy. Rerum Cognoscere Causas. We have the esemplastic power; with it we can create a positive outcome for both American Mensa and its members. Let's use it. I have not yet sent my proxy, nor have I decided to withhold it. I am waiting . . . and asking. Redundantly but out of true concern: I urge you all, once again, to give the proxy issue all the consideration it is due: it is imperative that American Mensa be able to go forward with its — and our — business. On a totally different topic, I apologize to Angie Richardson and the readers of Going Forward for not following through adequately on a promise I made last issue to get information regarding the Risk Management Audit and publish it. This item is not forgotten. —The Joyce Lundeen
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