February 10, 2004 To: ICA Representative Assembly ICA Board of Directors SICA Officers Copied to Palmer Board of Trustees RE: Personal observations on Riekeman Palmer Concerns Like you, I have watched the tremendous changes, growth, and enthusiasm Dr. Riekeman has brought to the Palmer Colleges at Davenport, Port Orange and San Jose. Like you, I have watched the enthusiasm grow among the students and the alumni toward Dr. Riekeman¼s vision for the Palmer colleges and for our profession. And, Like you I read the statement Vickie Palmer wrote regarding Dr. Riekeman¼s resignation. From what I know, thru experience with Palmer College since 1963, thru experience with the Alumni Association as a past Iowa President (and various other offices), thru observations and personal conversations with the Presidents and Interim Presidents of Palmer College, from David D. Palmer thru Frogley, Quigley, Miller, Mc Andrews, Kern, Strang and Riekeman, no one has impacted the profession and Palmer College more than Guy Riekeman. And that is the problem the controlling board members have with Guy Riekeman. It is also why I want him reinstated, with real authority, in the Palmer University System. The Alumni Association officers are, and have been for 30 years, of the same mind-set as the controlling board members. That is why Kirk Lee, the International PCC Alumni Association President, stated, without any fact finding, that the Alumni Association supports the Board¼s decision. How would he know if he didn¼t ask, and his comment is a prime example of how the Alumni Association Executive Officers falsely represent the Alumni membership. Dr. Lee¼s statement also should show us the manner in which the board promises to continue on with the Dr. Riekeman¼s vision. It is a temporary appeasement until their decision to force resignation settles down. I believe that the controlling culture in the Palmer Board and Alumni Association is afraid of the power, the influence and the vision Dr. Riekeman demonstrates, even though, he has brought tremendous value to the college and the profession. It is about nothing else. They forced him out and it will be extremely difficult for the board to reinstate him. However, I have chosen to do what I can to bring this about. You make your choice. The Board and the Alumni Executive officers are counting on your apathy, as they have for the last 30 years allowing them to keep control. Riekeman can¼t tell us what to do. I can¼t tell you what to do and neither can anyone else. We have to make personal decisions. Decisions that require commitment and purpose. For me it is a decision to be free of the controlling culture in the Alumni Association, the Palmer Board, and even the CCE. Riekeman represents the best hope for freedom I have ever known as a chiropractor and I will do everything I can, at this time, at this place, and at Palmer College to get him back as our Beacon in the profession. I liken it to the „call for freedom¾ Guy described when he talked about Crossing The Rubicon. He asked all of us five years ago when he took the helm at Palmer, „Will you cross the Rubicon with me?¾ He was talking about political and professional freedom. There is no turning back you know. Guy went across when he made his decision to resign. I am going to do what I can to support him. By copying this letter to the Palmer Board of Trustees, I am informing Vickie and her Board that I am discontinuing all financial contributions to the college and to the alumni association until we, as alumni, are free to have true and honest representation without condemnation on the Board and in the Alumni Association, and I will not refer students to Palmer College until I know the graduating doctors will have that same freedom. Riekeman represented the best, and the minority „controlling position seekers¾ got him out. You make your choice. Or, do what the board counted on you to do when they forced the resignation, and that is, DO NOTHING!!! This is my profession. This is your profession. This is our profession¼s greatest hour, our greatest opportunity, because it will make the most significant difference in the course of our chiropractic history. We have a chance to gain increased freedom from the controlling minority at Palmer College and in the profession. Be involved. Gene Cretsinger, D.C.