"Let he (or she) who is without sin cast the first stone."
I've met Sara several times, and she's always been polite and courteous to me. We've spoken on the phone many times, and I've also found her to be polite and intelligent.
I don't remember if I've met Sara's mother, but I've spoken with her on the phone several times. In all cases she seemed very polite and very intelligent.
Regarding Sara's past and all the other allegations, I have no knowledge of any of that. But here's what I do know...
I was in Lakeview when Sara flew one of her tandem flights with David Beardslee. Sara loved it and clearly wanted to learn to fly herself. She was also in the landing zone when I landed my Falcon, so I asked her if she'd like to lift it and run with it. She eagerly accepted and took a run. That's about as much as most people ever do. But Sara wasn't done and asked to run with it again ... and again ... and again. That's the first sign of a real pilot, and in my opinion, she would really love to learn to fly and to be a part of our sport. When I suggested a local club, she was the first one to speak up with enthusiasm, and she volunteered to do whatever she could to help. I suggested that her enthusiasm would be great for the club's first president - which she accepted. It's a shame that the Lakeview "insiders" haven't embraced her and welcomed her into our sport.
But beyond the scope of a hang gliding club, I see an ugly sickness in the postings and attitudes above. Whether Sara is perfect or not, I see a chance to help her grow and become a more positive asset to the little town of Lakeview. But rather than trying to nurture Sara and help her grow, all I see is a bunch of hate directed at her during this most cherished of Christian seasons. Shame on everyone who's posted these nasty comments. You should take a good look in the mirror and decide what kind of human beings you are and what kind of human beings you want to become.
I hope that some of you will make the right decision to try to help Sara grow the club and grow herself. That's the high road and I'll appreciate anyone who takes it.
Bob Kuczewski
December 29th, 2010