2003, September 11
--- The Portland Alliance
mazza@theportlandalliance.org wrote:
To the leadership of the Socialist Party of Oregon:
I spoke with Walt Brown yesterday regarding inappropriate communications by Socialist Party member Michael Marino towards The Portland Alliance. I have requested that Michael be instructed to not contact the Alliance on behalf of the Socialist Party by fax, telephone, letter or e-mail.
While I appreciate the fact that Michael has serious problems that result in this sort of behavior, his delusional communications have moved beyond being irritants. I don't believe that I or my volunteers should have to be subjected to the behavior of someone who is out of control. I am also concerned, on the basis of some of Michael's comments, that he may be communicating to other parties libelous information about the Alliance.
I don't want this situation to jeopardize what has always been a good working relationship between the Socialist Party and this newspaper. Walt and I have worked together on various projects for over a decade and I have great respect for the rest of the party's leadership as well.
I appreciate how difficult it may be when a comrade becomes unable to carry on the work of the movement. But Michael's current state is clearly at odds with his holding a position where he interacts with the other groups within our movement or with the public. I hope you will address this problem not just out of respect for the Alliance but to ensure further damage isn't done to the Socialist Party's reputation.
Please feel free to call me if you wish to discuss this matter further.
In solidarity,
Dave Mazza
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