Hey Bill,
 You should know I didn't say or mean our members are con men or neer do wells. You know better than that! Also, being the computer savvy guy that you are, how long do you think this privacy thing would hold up to someone that wants in? I think you are intelligent, and with the experiences you have told me of, I am certain that you are not naive about those of seedy reputation seeking targets. The bigger the apple, the bigger the target.
Hey Danny,
 What they could find is one small insignificant thing, 'money'! Have you forgotten the lesson learned from the Mailman brothers? How they raided Oliver and sold off the assets, because the assets exceeded the stock value! Look at the vote count on our elections, multiply that by our dues. That is the figure it would cost for another organization to take over, liquidate our assets, and absorb the profit. All it would take is enough members, and the money to pay the dues, then in a couple of years we are history! It is not a good idea to make assets too public! Why don't you investigate other websites of non-profit organizations, see what percentage publish their financial information?

Case in point: At our American Legion Post, we had some fairly large problems with requests for financial assistance. At that time, we would give cash or a check to help needy people out. Come to find out, much of these funds were being used for dope. So, we approached local merchants, and set up a voucher system, where we could authorize a voucher, then be billed by the merchant. That put a stop to most requests, but cons being resourceful, started making requests for things like utility bills and other bills, that we had no control over. About 6 months ago, we took down the financial report from the bulletin board. We make it readily available to any member who asks at any meeting. This move gave us a handle on this problem! If they know you got it, they want it!!! The American Legion like many other non-profits, doesn't mind lending a hand up, to those who truely need it, but by the same token, we don't want taken advantage of!! The point being, when the public knows of your financial situation, someone will try to take advantage of you!
Who amongst you would take out a handful of hundred dollar bills and wave them around in downtown Baltimore? "Nuf said!!!


I don't have a problem with the $18,000, yet. The treasurer is a bank president, which is an officer in that bank. As such, it is a requirement that he be bonded. His bond is worth far more than a mere $18,000, to him, as without it he can not hold his position in the bank, which pays a heck of alot more. My father, grandfather, and great grandfather were in the banking business, fortunately for us Dad sold out, as none of us wanted to mess with it, and Dad didn't want to either. Just something Grandpa liked. As a result, at a young age I learned about that stuff. If any bank officer is found guilty of the charges which have been alleged here, that officer would lose their bond, and become unbondable. The effect would be losing a job that pays very well. And for what? Nothing!!!!
Having stated this side of the case, I am satisfied in waiting for the annual audit, as I am confident the money will show up in accounting.

Have a great day!!!
Andy