The current crisis in the GUM over alleged misconduct from Dan Morris of New Westphalia is nothing new to the micronational community now. It is well known at this point and most are willing to strike up a conversation about the issue.
The vast majority of people who have heard of this incident believe Dan Morris is guilty of these allegations amidst a sea of evidence presented by the organization, and few are willing to defend Morris.
However, a deeper issue the public cannot see is unfolding within the GUM internally, and it is destroying the organization, effectively hollowing it out from the inside. For days now since the news broke, there have been constant arguments with a complete lack of respect to the Quorum.
A GUM delegate messaged me privately yesterday. I will not reveal his/her identity since doing so could result in repercussions for the delegate. There has been a clamping down of Decorum lately and GUM rules have become stricter.
This person pleaded for the instability of the organization to go public and I feel like as if I must do so in order to keep the general public informed about what is going on inside the doors of an organization. The delegate goes on to allege that there is rampant lack of respect for senior GUM officials as well as a lack of basic understanding when it comes to abating conflict.
The GUM's public handling of the subject has been seen as rather professional; and I have to give them that- It has looked very well crafted in the eyes of a person not in the GUM, albeit the fact that a delegate privately messaged me pleading for the internal crisis to be heard is appalling.
I urge those in the community to demand more from the Organization, such as finally allowing members of the public to look at GUM Quorum transcripts after the sessions have been adjourned. This will help with transparency efforts as the organization attempts to reclaim some of its lost reputation. It should be made clear that I am not attempting to bash the organization, but rather I believe writing this article will help us achieve greater transparency with regards to the organization and the public.
I am simply letting the general community see a plea from a well-known delegate in the Organization, and their plea for improvement shall not go unnoticed.