WASHINGTON-How to resolve the corporate credit union losses overshadowed nearly every aspect of CUNA's GAC last week, but there were a few other things mentioned along the way, including:
* Serving as emcee once again, Washington radio personality Paul Berry reminded an audience that was focused on a number of painful issues that, "life may not be fair, but it is still good."
* The District of Columbia's delegate to Congress, Eleanor Holmes Norton, told the audience that a vote was slated later that week on whether to grant the nation's capital city a vote in Congress. Though Norton serves on and can vote in a number of House committees, she is not allowed to vote on the House floor on any final legislation. That's why D.C. license plates have the motto "Taxation Without Representation" on them. Observed one GAC attendee, "Perhaps we'd be more willing to give the resident of D.C. a vote if they would stop electing people like Marion Barry."
* It may be a good thing that actor Gary Sinise, whose Lt. Dan Band played at the GAC kick-off concert Sunday night, didn't stick around to make his statement in person the following day. When Emcee Paul Berry introduced a pre-recorded message from Sinise thanking credit unions for all the work they have done to help veterans through the Homes For Our Troops program, Berry couldn't come up with the name of the CBS television series in which Sinise currently stars, "CSI: New York." Berry also tripped over the name of the award-winning movie in which Sinise played the supporting role of Lt. Dan (from which his band gets its name). Fortunately, the crowd was able to supply the name of the movie for him: "Forrest Gump."
* At least one person in the audience was sorry that there was no kissing at this year's GAC. Last year, celebrity chairwoman of Children's Miracle Network Marie Osmond caused a sensation when she planted a bright red lipstick mark on Dorety's forehead. This year's guest from CMN, however, clearly had no desire to repeat the performance. Olympic Gold Medal speed skater Dan Jansen told Dorety he needn't hide, as Jansen had no intention of kissing him.
