Denise, aka Paradisefoundfarm: I am the "honky" judge (thankyou for that label, when you don't even know me) that placed the EE pullet in the "4 H" show on Wednesday. First of all, I put my pants on 1 leg at a time every morning just as you do. Secondly, I am a human being that is aware of the fact that no one is or ever or will ever be perfect. So, yes, I did make a mistake when I judged that particular "EE" bird as a pure Ameraucana in that I missed the single comb. I did, however, make it a point to let the exhibitor know that the leg color was questionable, noting that I could see the tint of willow green in the leg color, yet was not to the degree that I felt it totally lacked some gray tint as well. Giving benefit of the doubt, I passed the bird off as "ok"in 4 H level judging. To you, evidently, this was a cardinal sin! Shame on me. How about shame on you for even getting involved in a competition that you're not involved in? Also, how would you dare to complain because the 4 H exhibitors got blue ribbons all over the barn when you don't even know what the blue ribbon represents? I will inform you now: a blue ribbon represents an A rating on the exhibitors entry, a red ribbon represents a B rating on the exhibitors entry, and a white ribbon represents a C rating on the exhibitors entry which is all set up by the Extension department. The awarding of the ribbons is at my discretion as the judge.
And, before you begin spewing out slander about another person, of whom you don't even know, I would suggest you get your facts straight. I am not, nor ever plan to be, the Vice President of the American Poultry Association. I don't have the ability to do the position justice, so won't ever seek the office. I am, however, a representative of the organiization by being a licensed judge, and am a human being who does make mistakes. I am willing to admit that I make mistakes and will own up to that fact. I did, in fact, make a mistake with the bird in question by missing the single comb and allowing the leg color to pass. However, a 4 H show is supposed to be a learning and rewarding experience. In this particular case, I think many more people have learned something here beyond the exhibitor's opportunity to learn more about their project bird and the poultry show, namely human emotions.
My apologies go out to anyone who has been offended by my mistake, and let it be known that I have certainly learned something from this particular happening. I just wish you, Denise, had taken a different means of seeking out all of the facts first, before alerting the public on BYC of your unhappiness in the situation. Also, I feel that you owe the APA Vice President an apology for dragging him into your allegations, when he is innocent of any involvement as he hasn't even been on the fairgrounds yet and won't be until tomorrow. Please be aware that I will not tolerate any further slander against me! I have a good reputation in the 26 years that I have been judging 4 H shows and will not sit back and have that reputation ruined by someone who didn't go to the source of hte problem first! Just remember, I'm just as human as the next person, and will always make mistakes. I am hired as a judge to give my opinion and if I get it wrong, I get it wrong. So, we all learn from our mistakes and go on! I know I will!
I do forgive you, for who am I not to forgive if God is willing to forgive ME?
They were a PIA to breed.
