Robert Snyder Arrested on Child Molestation Charges

[p***@hotmail.com]

According to what appears to be the website for Denver's ABC TV
affiliate, chess master and author Robert Snyder has been arrested and
charged with sexual assault. The story states that:

"Police said they began a "lengthy investigation" after they received
complains from children attending Snyder's chess camps about
inappropriate touching and behavior by Snyder."

He is being held in lieu of $750,000 bond.

The full story may be read at:

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/4969455/detail.html

Snyder has written several chess books for children, including "Chess
for Juniors."

Parker Rose

[R***@aol.com]

More publicity for chess, eh? I'd bet a lot of kiddie chess herders
have that kind of a sex problem.

Old Haasie

[Cranky Chess]

The only sound you'll hear about it from the USLess Chess Federation
Headquarters will be crickets chirping.

And it turns out that this is not his first bite of the apple either -
the first time in 1982, Orange County, he got acquited.

Any parent who would let ANY of these so-called chess coaches spend
time alone with their kids must have road apples for brains.

[Ray Gordon]

I could name some names of a few other dangers, but I'd be accused of lying
or slinging mud without proof.

I don't have conclusive proof since I wasn't there, obviously, but there are
some coaches who should definitely be watched.

Post by Cranky Chess
The only sound you'll hear about it from the USLess Chess Federation
Headquarters will be crickets chirping.
And it turns out that this is not his first bite of the apple either -
the first time in 1982, Orange County, he got acquited.
Any parent who would let ANY of these so-called chess coaches spend
time alone with their kids must have road apples for brains.

[The Historian]

Post by Cranky Chess
The only sound you'll hear about it from the USLess Chess Federation
Headquarters will be crickets chirping.
And it turns out that this is not his first bite of the apple either -
the first time in 1982, Orange County, he got acquited.

http://www.collegian.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/09/15/4329142d1b05d

http://rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_4081514,00.html

http://www.lovelandfyi.com/region-story.asp?ID=2096

Post by Cranky Chess
Any parent who would let ANY of these so-called chess coaches spend
time alone with their kids must have road apples for brains.

[a***@aol.com]

Post by The Historian

Post by Cranky Chess
The only sound you'll hear about it from the USLess Chess Federation
Headquarters will be crickets chirping.
And it turns out that this is not his first bite of the apple either -
the first time in 1982, Orange County, he got acquited.

http://www.collegian.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/09/15/4329142d1b05d
http://rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_4081514,00.html
http://www.lovelandfyi.com/region-story.asp?ID=2096

Post by Cranky Chess
Any parent who would let ANY of these so-called chess coaches spend
time alone with their kids must have road apples for brains.

One of the Colorado papers quotes the USCF ED as follows:

"Bill Hall, executive director for the U.S. Chess Federation based in
Tennessee, said about half of its 80,000 members are youth and many
highly skilled adult players act as mentors teaching children. Hall did
not know Snyder, nor did he know of him."

Probably a misquote.
I can understand Hall not knowing Snyder but not knowing of him is a
stretch.
This may be true but if it is true it is strange.
Snyder has certainly been one of the top coaches in the country for
more than 20 years and he is the author of the biggest chess book of
all time, Chess for Juniors. He is number two in national
championships coached behind only Sunil.

Rp

[Sam Sloan]

Post by a***@aol.com
"Bill Hall, executive director for the U.S. Chess Federation based in
Tennessee, said about half of its 80,000 members are youth and many
highly skilled adult players act as mentors teaching children. Hall did
not know Snyder, nor did he know of him."
Probably a misquote.
I can understand Hall not knowing Snyder but not knowing of him is a
stretch.
This may be true but if it is true it is strange.
Snyder has certainly been one of the top coaches in the country for
more than 20 years and he is the author of the biggest chess book of
all time, Chess for Juniors. He is number two in national
championships coached behind only Sunil.
Rp

Hey Rp ! Why did you come back here just for this child molestation
case? You have not been here since June 26. Bill Hall was hired by
your old friend Beatriz and took office on June 8. That is why he does
not know Snyder.

Meanwhile, I wrote a biography of you for Wikipedia. You must have
seen it by now. I have made you famous. You owe me one.

Sam Sloan

[Bruce Leverett]

Post by a***@aol.com
"Bill Hall, executive director for the U.S. Chess Federation based in
Tennessee, said about half of its 80,000 members are youth and many
highly skilled adult players act as mentors teaching children. Hall did
not know Snyder, nor did he know of him."
Probably a misquote.
I can understand Hall not knowing Snyder but not knowing of him is a
stretch.
This may be true but if it is true it is strange.
Snyder has certainly been one of the top coaches in the country for
more than 20 years and he is the author of the biggest chess book of
all time, Chess for Juniors. He is number two in national
championships coached behind only Sunil.

I noticed this too. But I eventually decided it wasn't so strange. I
personally didn't hear of Snyder as an author/teacher until I started
to take my kids to scholastic tournaments and classes. As it happens,
I had heard of him before then, because I have a tournament book from
some futurity tournament from about 1981, that he played in. But other
than that, I can see why somebody like Hall, or even some of our
previous ED's, would not have heard of Snyder until they really started
to rub elbows with scholastic people.

Bruce

[a***@aol.com]

Post by Bruce Leverett

Post by a***@aol.com
"Bill Hall, executive director for the U.S. Chess Federation based in
Tennessee, said about half of its 80,000 members are youth and many
highly skilled adult players act as mentors teaching children. Hall did
not know Snyder, nor did he know of him."
Probably a misquote.
I can understand Hall not knowing Snyder but not knowing of him is a
stretch.
This may be true but if it is true it is strange.
Snyder has certainly been one of the top coaches in the country for
more than 20 years and he is the author of the biggest chess book of
all time, Chess for Juniors. He is number two in national
championships coached behind only Sunil.

I noticed this too. But I eventually decided it wasn't so strange. I
personally didn't hear of Snyder as an author/teacher until I started
to take my kids to scholastic tournaments and classes. As it happens,
I had heard of him before then, because I have a tournament book from
some futurity tournament from about 1981, that he played in. But other
than that, I can see why somebody like Hall, or even some of our
previous ED's, would not have heard of Snyder until they really started
to rub elbows with scholastic people.
Bruce

The reason I thought it was strange is that ED Hall was promoted as a
former scholastic champion. Anyone who has been around the national
scholastic chess scene in the past 20 years knows who Snyder is. It is
unavoidable. It is like being at the last two super bowls and missing
the fact that the Patriots were also in attendance.
At nationals, his kids wear "Chess for Juniors" hats and shirts as
their team uniforms. You simply can't miss them.
As author of the bestseller Chess for Juniors, not being aware of him
is a further stretch.
That is why I think it must be a misquote.

Rp

[Tom Klem]

Post by a***@aol.com

Post by Bruce Leverett

Post by a***@aol.com
"Bill Hall, executive director for the U.S. Chess Federation based in
Tennessee, said about half of its 80,000 members are youth and many
highly skilled adult players act as mentors teaching children. Hall did
not know Snyder, nor did he know of him."
Probably a misquote.
I can understand Hall not knowing Snyder but not knowing of him is a
stretch.
This may be true but if it is true it is strange.
Snyder has certainly been one of the top coaches in the country for
more than 20 years and he is the author of the biggest chess book of
all time, Chess for Juniors. He is number two in national
championships coached behind only Sunil.

I noticed this too. But I eventually decided it wasn't so strange. I
personally didn't hear of Snyder as an author/teacher until I started
to take my kids to scholastic tournaments and classes. As it happens,
I had heard of him before then, because I have a tournament book from
some futurity tournament from about 1981, that he played in. But other
than that, I can see why somebody like Hall, or even some of our
previous ED's, would not have heard of Snyder until they really started
to rub elbows with scholastic people.
Bruce

The reason I thought it was strange is that ED Hall was promoted as a
former scholastic champion. Anyone who has been around the national
scholastic chess scene in the past 20 years knows who Snyder is. It is
unavoidable. It is like being at the last two super bowls and missing
the fact that the Patriots were also in attendance.
At nationals, his kids wear "Chess for Juniors" hats and shirts as
their team uniforms. You simply can't miss them.
As author of the bestseller Chess for Juniors, not being aware of him
is a further stretch.
That is why I think it must be a misquote.
Rp

Either that, or he is trying to distance himself and the USCF from the
stench.

Could this be another "gotcha" plot from the boys currently running
things? Didn't a prominent California Bigot, er master, trump something
up in cooperation with some starry eyed mommies a few years ago against
Snyder?

Perhaps someone who really knows what went on, could fill us in.

Tom Klem

[Nick]

Post by p***@hotmail.com
According to what appears to be the website for Denver's ABC TV
affiliate, chess master and author Robert Snyder has been arrested
"Police said they began a "lengthy investigation" after they
received complains from children attending Snyder's chess
camps about inappropriate touching and behavior by Snyder."
He is being held in lieu of $750,000 bond.
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/4969455/detail.html
Snyder has written several chess books for children, including
"Chess for Juniors."

http://archive.thisisoxfordshire.co.uk/2002/02/19/44375.html

John Walker, a British chess coach of junior players and the
author of some chess books (including '64 Things You Need to Know
in Chess'), 'admitted 35 counts of abusing children as young as
seven at an Oxfordshire school during the 1970s and 1980s'.

[R***@aol.com]

Could it be that all those 2 to 3 inch phallic symbols sticking up
from the chessboard eventually gets the best of some kiddie coaches?
Maybe this sort of behavior could be averted if chess had a piece
shaped like a prosecuting attorney.

Old Haasie

[Leopold]

I teach 200+ kids a week. I don't understand how anyone could abuse and/or
molest a child. It is only from people with "sick" minds. I am all for
having them eliminated.
Leopold

Post by p***@hotmail.com
According to what appears to be the website for Denver's ABC TV
affiliate, chess master and author Robert Snyder has been arrested and
"Police said they began a "lengthy investigation" after they received
complains from children attending Snyder's chess camps about
inappropriate touching and behavior by Snyder."
He is being held in lieu of $750,000 bond.
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/4969455/detail.html
Snyder has written several chess books for children, including "Chess
for Juniors."
Parker Rose

[E***@AOL.com]

I was a junior playing chess in Southern California in the early 1980s,
and I saw Robert Snyder a few times and heard stories about him. David
Argall wrote a scathingly funny article about Snyder's predilections in
his chess newletter/magazine (I forget the name, but Argall's
publication was a classic one-man rag in many ways and I still have my
back issues stored away somewhere.)

I find it rather amazing that someone with Snyder's history and
reputation can apparently achieve so much prominence as a chess coach
for kids. I suppose changing geographic location can allow you to
avoid a lot of baggage. Maybe they need to require background checks
for chess coaches like they do for school teachers.

- Geof Strayer

[Chess One]

Post by E***@AOL.com
I was a junior playing chess in Southern California in the early 1980s,
and I saw Robert Snyder a few times and heard stories about him. David
Argall wrote a scathingly funny article about Snyder's predilections in
his chess newletter/magazine (I forget the name, but Argall's
publication was a classic one-man rag in many ways and I still have my
back issues stored away somewhere.)
I find it rather amazing that someone with Snyder's history and
reputation can apparently achieve so much prominence as a chess coach
for kids. I suppose changing geographic location can allow you to
avoid a lot of baggage. Maybe they need to require background checks
for chess coaches like they do for school teachers.

Quite.

I wrote the same in another newsgroup - one reply said that background
checks were not effective. In this case it certainly would have been!

Phil Innes

Post by E***@AOL.com
- Geof Strayer

[Sam Sloan]

Post by Chess One
I wrote the same in another newsgroup - one reply said that background
checks were not effective. In this case it certainly would have been!
Phil Innes

How do you know it would have been?

He was found not guilty before.

Sam Sloan

[Chess One]

Post by Sam Sloan

Post by Chess One
I wrote the same in another newsgroup - one reply said that background
checks were not effective. In this case it certainly would have been!
Phil Innes

How do you know it would have been?
He was found not guilty before.

I believe background checks are not only into illegal activities, but scan
for a variety of factors. As I wrote previously, the Californian 50%
rejection rate from a national public health organisation does not mean that
all those people are convicted paedophiles.

If the subject requires more research, call a local public school and
inquire which factors are important in background checks to determine
employment or even acceptance of volunteers.

Phil

Post by Sam Sloan
Sam Sloan

[FiFiela]

Post by Chess One
I wrote the same in another newsgroup - one reply said that background
checks were not effective. In this case it certainly would have been!
Phil Innes

I don't think so. I run a small business teaching chess in the schools
in California. My employees and myself are fingerprinted by the Calif
DOJ on a regular basis. In California, background checks are only for
felony convictions and I think only for violent or sexual convictions.
As far as I know, Robert has no convictions in this area. He is
presumed inncoent until proven guilty.

I would NOT favor changing the law to check for arrests. I have heard
that many men are falsely accused of child molestation in divorce
cases.

And I know that in my hometown (Bakersfield CA) many people were
falsely convicted or plead out to molestation in one of the first child
abuse "witch hunts" in this country in the mid-80s. Why did they plead
out if innocent? The prosecutors threatend them with 100,000 years of
hard time
and lied to them that by pleading out they might be eventually
re-united with their children. Strangely enuff, their was a homosexual
ring that included members of the DA office that was actually molesting
kids. That all blew into the open after a nasty suicide.

If arrested, assume the police and DA are lying all the time. Don't
trust your own laywer who maybe just wants to turn the case closed ASAP.

[Chess One]

Post by FiFiela

Post by Chess One
I wrote the same in another newsgroup - one reply said that background
checks were not effective. In this case it certainly would have been!
Phil Innes

I don't think so. I run a small business teaching chess in the schools
in California. My employees and myself are fingerprinted by the Calif
DOJ on a regular basis. In California, background checks are only for
felony convictions and I think only for violent or sexual convictions.
As far as I know, Robert has no convictions in this area. He is
presumed inncoent until proven guilty.

I agree. In reporting this instance I have supressed the persons name, and
emphasised that it is an accusation.

Post by FiFiela
I would NOT favor changing the law to check for arrests. I have heard
that many men are falsely accused of child molestation in divorce
cases.

Yes. I remember a British reporter [a shrink] so tiried of the usual stuff,
that he ran his commentary under the heading of "In UK, 50% of child abuse
commited by men". Which immediately causes anyone capable of thought to
reflect on this issue.

Post by FiFiela
And I know that in my hometown (Bakersfield CA) many people were
falsely convicted or plead out to molestation in one of the first child
abuse "witch hunts" in this country in the mid-80s. Why did they plead
out if innocent? The prosecutors threatend them with 100,000 years of
hard time
and lied to them that by pleading out they might be eventually
re-united with their children. Strangely enuff, their was a homosexual
ring that included members of the DA office that was actually molesting
kids. That all blew into the open after a nasty suicide.

Cripes! California seems to lead the nation in these things.

May I say that I have often read your posts here, and always think about
them before making a response since they seem more considered than most.

Post by FiFiela
If arrested, assume the police and DA are lying all the time. Don't
trust your own laywer who maybe just wants to turn the case closed ASAP.

Life in America 2005. Gibbon said much the same about the downfall of the
Roman Empire.

Thank you for writing, and I would read anything further you had to say on
this subject with interest.

Cordially, Phil Innes

[E***@AOL.com]

I was a junior playing chess in Southern California in the early 1980s,
and I saw Robert Snyder a few times and heard stories about him. David
Argall wrote a scathingly funny article about Snyder's predilections in
his chess newletter/magazine (I forget the name, but Argall's
publication was a classic one-man rag in many ways and I still have my
back issues stored away somewhere.)

I find it rather amazing that someone with Snyder's history and
reputation can apparently achieve so much prominence as a chess coach
for kids. I suppose changing geographic location can allow you to
avoid a lot of baggage. Maybe they need to require background checks
for chess coaches like they do for school teachers.

- Geof Strayer

[Terry]

Post by E***@AOL.com
I was a junior playing chess in Southern California in the early 1980s,
and I saw Robert Snyder a few times and heard stories about him. David
Argall wrote a scathingly funny article about Snyder's predilections in
his chess newletter/magazine (I forget the name, but Argall's
publication was a classic one-man rag in many ways and I still have my
back issues stored away somewhere.)
I find it rather amazing that someone with Snyder's history and
reputation can apparently achieve so much prominence as a chess coach
for kids. I suppose changing geographic location can allow you to
avoid a lot of baggage. Maybe they need to require background checks
for chess coaches like they do for school teachers.
- Geof Strayer

Background checks are a requirement in the UK for anybody
working in schools.

Regards

.

[Chess One]

Post by Terry

Post by E***@AOL.com
I was a junior playing chess in Southern California in the early 1980s,
and I saw Robert Snyder a few times and heard stories about him. David
Argall wrote a scathingly funny article about Snyder's predilections in
his chess newletter/magazine (I forget the name, but Argall's
publication was a classic one-man rag in many ways and I still have my
back issues stored away somewhere.)
I find it rather amazing that someone with Snyder's history and
reputation can apparently achieve so much prominence as a chess coach
for kids. I suppose changing geographic location can allow you to
avoid a lot of baggage. Maybe they need to require background checks
for chess coaches like they do for school teachers.
- Geof Strayer

Background checks are a requirement in the UK for anybody
working in schools.

They are also a requirement in the USA for anyone working in /public/
schools. Phil

Post by Terry
Regards
.

[Mike Nolan]

Post by Chess One
They are also a requirement in the USA for anyone working in /public/
schools. Phil

Where they have not been 100% effective.
--
Mike Nolan

[Chess One]

Post by Mike Nolan

Post by Chess One
They are also a requirement in the USA for anyone working in /public/
schools. Phil

Where they have not been 100% effective.

I agree Mike. I am not sure what vetting program is 100% effective. Even
'security' vetting which is much more stringent is not 100%. I think these
checks attempt to do 2 things, the main one is to not expose children to
potential sexual abusers - but the second is not to waste time by hiring
people who are unsuitable as teachers/mentors.

Part of any background check relates to the overall stability of the subject
[is this a recent enthusiasm? how extensive have other enthusiasms been?] as
well as to assess affinity with young people generally [is capable of
maintain discipline? is too harsh/didactic?]

And in this sense these checks are extensions of the usual
self-representation as published in a CV or resume. I think the point to
note is that they are considered necessary, to whatever level of efficiency
they current screen unsuitable people. I would agree that they may not be
particularly fair to the applicant, where any benefit of the doubt will not
act for him, and that also people can change over time, for better or worse.

The question for the chess community, and for the parents of chess kids, is
"to what degree is this vetting desireable?" I think it is natural for the
subject to be raised when there has been an instance of [accused] abuse,
though immediate reactions should be mellowed reflection and not based on
fearsome projections.

I also note that this is not the first instance of abuse, and at least this
chess community [r.g.c.p.] previously argued a technical issue of
'entrapment' of the subject.

Personally I think it is now time we changed the locus of the conversation
to center on the child's wellbeing as our primary concern.

Cordially, Phil Innes

Post by Mike Nolan
Mike Nolan

[Jürgen R.]

Post by Chess One

Post by Mike Nolan

Post by Chess One
They are also a requirement in the USA for anyone working in /public/
schools. Phil

Where they have not been 100% effective.

I agree Mike. I am not sure what vetting program is 100% effective. Even
'security' vetting which is much more stringent is not 100%. I think these
checks attempt to do 2 things, the main one is to not expose children to
potential sexual abusers - but the second is not to waste time by hiring
people who are unsuitable as teachers/mentors.
Part of any background check relates to the overall stability of the subject
[is this a recent enthusiasm? how extensive have other enthusiasms been?] as
well as to assess affinity with young people generally [is capable of
maintain discipline? is too harsh/didactic?]
And in this sense these checks are extensions of the usual
self-representation as published in a CV or resume. I think the point to
note is that they are considered necessary, to whatever level of efficiency
they current screen unsuitable people. I would agree that they may not be
particularly fair to the applicant, where any benefit of the doubt will not
act for him, and that also people can change over time, for better or worse.
The question for the chess community, and for the parents of chess kids, is
"to what degree is this vetting desireable?" I think it is natural for the
subject to be raised when there has been an instance of [accused] abuse,
though immediate reactions should be mellowed reflection and not based on
fearsome projections.
I also note that this is not the first instance of abuse, and at least this
chess community [r.g.c.p.] previously argued a technical issue of
'entrapment' of the subject.
Personally I think it is now time we changed the locus of the conversation
to center on the child's wellbeing as our primary concern.
Cordially, Phil Innes

Post by Mike Nolan
Mike Nolan

Why so complicated? Just wire his dong and show him some dirty
pictures.

[Ray Gordon]

Post by Chess One
I also note that this is not the first instance of abuse, and at least this
chess community [r.g.c.p.] previously argued a technical issue of
'entrapment' of the subject.

That's because scheming to have sex with a 40 year-old agent is not against
the law.

In the Sherzer case, it should also be noted that had he married the girl,
and lived in the state, no laws would have been broken (in Alabama you can
marry at 14). So even the state that busted Sherzer has laws that say it's
okay for 14 year-old girls to have sex with anyone they want. To convict
Sherzer would have been to punish him for being out-of-state and for
not-marrying the girl, both of which are not illegal in and of themselves.

The law under which Sherzer was charged would not likely withstand that type
of constitutional challenge.

[Matt Nemmers]

Post by Ray Gordon
In the Sherzer case, it should also be noted that had he married the girl,
and lived in the state, no laws would have been broken (in Alabama you can
marry at 14). So even the state that busted Sherzer has laws that say
it's okay for 14 year-old girls to have sex with anyone they want. To
convict Sherzer would have been to punish him for being out-of-state and
for not-marrying the girl, both of which are not illegal in and of
themselves.

And if my aunt had a dick she'd be my uncle.

Post by Ray Gordon
The law under which Sherzer was charged would not likely withstand that
type of constitutional challenge.

I see Gordo's still got the eye for even the smallest perceived loophole in
the law, even in cases when it won't further his nefarious lawsuit
fivolities.

[Jürgen R.]

On Sat, 17 Sep 2005 04:43:53 GMT, "Matt Nemmers"

Post by Matt Nemmers

Post by Ray Gordon
In the Sherzer case, it should also be noted that had he married the girl,
and lived in the state, no laws would have been broken (in Alabama you can
marry at 14). So even the state that busted Sherzer has laws that say
it's okay for 14 year-old girls to have sex with anyone they want. To
convict Sherzer would have been to punish him for being out-of-state and
for not-marrying the girl, both of which are not illegal in and of
themselves.

And if my aunt had a dick she'd be my uncle.

Post by Ray Gordon
The law under which Sherzer was charged would not likely withstand that
type of constitutional challenge.

I see Gordo's still got the eye for even the smallest perceived loophole in
the law, even in cases when it won't further his nefarious lawsuit
fivolities.

"Nefarious frivolities" - them's big words for a Navy man. Are you
sure you know what "nefarious" means, Nemmers?

[Matt Nemmers]

Post by Jürgen R.
"Nefarious frivolities" - them's big words for a Navy man. Are you
sure you know what "nefarious" means, Nemmers?

Yeah. It's Mexican for 'doughnut.'

[Catalan]

Post by Matt Nemmers
Yeah. It's Mexican for 'doughnut.'
And if my aunt had a dick she'd be my uncle.

You're a funny guy Nemmers. Now grab that mop and follow me.

[Catalan]

Post by Chess One
They are also a requirement in the USA for anyone working in /public/
schools. Phil

They are and hopefully they discourage known pedophiles and maybe keep some
out. When they do get by and are caught, too often school boards hush it up
with the agreement that the vermin will not seek employment in a school
again. Through my experiences as a school board member and an auditor of
school districts I have been privy to many instances. Disgusting? You bet.

[E***@AOL.com]

I was a junior playing chess in Southern California in the early 1980s,
and I saw Robert Snyder a few times and heard stories about him. David
Argall wrote a scathingly funny article about Snyder's predilections in
his chess newletter/magazine (I forget the name, but Argall's
publication was a classic one-man rag in many ways and I still have my
back issues stored away somewhere.)

I find it rather amazing that someone with Snyder's history and
reputation can apparently achieve so much prominence as a chess coach
for kids. I suppose changing geographic location can allow you to
avoid a lot of baggage. Maybe they need to require background checks
for chess coaches like they do for school teachers.

- Geof Strayer

[Catalan]

Post by Leopold
I teach 200+ kids a week. I don't understand how anyone could abuse and/or
molest a child. It is only from people with "sick" minds. I am all for
having them eliminated.

One thing's for certain, molesters like to be around children. Whether it be
scholastic chess activities, scouts, church, or even your local school, one
must always be on the lookout for them. They're gonna be somewhere there
biding their time. Yup the scout leaders, the priests, the teachers all have
their Alex Sherzers sprinkled among them.

[a***@aol.com]

Post by Catalan

Post by Leopold
I teach 200+ kids a week. I don't understand how anyone could abuse and/or
molest a child. It is only from people with "sick" minds. I am all for
having them eliminated.

One thing's for certain, molesters like to be around children. Whether it be
scholastic chess activities, scouts, church, or even your local school, one
must always be on the lookout for them. They're gonna be somewhere there
biding their time. Yup the scout leaders, the priests, the teachers all have
their Alex Sherzers sprinkled among them.

Come on.
US Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginzburg thinks the female age of consent
should be 12. Although I don't agree with 12, Ginzburg is on to
something.
In Georgia, a 19 year old was convicted of statutory rape of a 17 year
old.

Don't lump Alex in with pedofiles. His teenager was no vestial virgin.
She was a young lady who had already started her life as a sexually
active woman. Not exactly the same as child molestation.

Rp

[Catalan]

Post by a***@aol.com
Come on.
US Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginzburg thinks the female age of consent
should be 12. Although I don't agree with 12, Ginzburg is on to
something.
In Georgia, a 19 year old was convicted of statutory rape of a 17 year
old.
Don't lump Alex in with pedofiles. His teenager was no vestial virgin.
She was a young lady who had already started her life as a sexually
active woman. Not exactly the same as child molestation.

You still doing kid's tournaments?

[Jürgen R.]

Post by a***@aol.com

Post by Catalan

Post by Leopold
I teach 200+ kids a week. I don't understand how anyone could abuse and/or
molest a child. It is only from people with "sick" minds. I am all for
having them eliminated.

One thing's for certain, molesters like to be around children. Whether it be
scholastic chess activities, scouts, church, or even your local school, one
must always be on the lookout for them. They're gonna be somewhere there
biding their time. Yup the scout leaders, the priests, the teachers all have
their Alex Sherzers sprinkled among them.

Come on.
US Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginzburg thinks the female age of consent
should be 12. Although I don't agree with 12, Ginzburg is on to
something.

If two 12-year-olds fuck, that's one thing. If Sam Sloan fucks a
12-year-old, that's quite another.

Post by a***@aol.com
In Georgia, a 19 year old was convicted of statutory rape of a 17 year
old.
Don't lump Alex in with pedofiles. His teenager was no vestial virgin.
She was a young lady who had already started her life as a sexually
active woman. Not exactly the same as child molestation.
Rp

[FiFiela]

<<<He is being held in lieu of $750,000 bond.>>>

This strikes me as excessive bail in violation of the 8th amendment.

This is not a capital case and there are no previous convictions. I
assume that Snyder is not a rich man and is unlikely to flee to the
South Seas.

It seems to me that a more modest bail, surrender of passport, no
contact with children, weekly check-in and perhaps an ankle device
would be more appropriate until the trial date.

The current tendency toward astronomical bail makes a mockery of
"innocent until proven guilty."

[cynic]

The bail seems high but cable news said there are multiple charges.

Snyder is called CHESS COACH TO THE STARS and his photo is
being run with Will Smith sitting alongside him at a chessboard.

Not very good publicity either for chess or Will Smith.

[cynic]

The bail seems high but cable news said there are multiple charges.

Snyder is called CHESS COACH TO THE STARS and his photo is
being run with Will Smith sitting alongside him at a chessboard.

Not very good publicity either for chess or Will Smith.

[Catalan]

Post by FiFiela
<<<He is being held in lieu of $750,000 bond.>>>
This strikes me as excessive bail in violation of the 8th amendment.
This is not a capital case and there are no previous convictions. I
assume that Snyder is not a rich man and is unlikely to flee to the
South Seas.
It seems to me that a more modest bail, surrender of passport, no
contact with children, weekly check-in and perhaps an ankle device
would be more appropriate until the trial date.
The current tendency toward astronomical bail makes a mockery of
"innocent until proven guilty."

You talk like someone from California.

[p***@cs.com]

EXCESSIVE BAIL

The current tendency toward astronomical bail makes a mockery of "innocent until proven guilty."> -- Allan Fifield

There you have it: Allan Fifield makes an evidently valid point,
and Stan Booz returns with an intellectually crude, though no longer
profanity-laden response.

Bob Snyder is charged with one minor offense (if, indeed, it can
be called a crime at all) and one count of sexual assault. I have no
idea whether he is guilty of assault. None. I do suspect that the
bail amount is for a politically incorrect crime as opposed to
something less serious such as, say, attempted murder or burning down
someone's house.

Prosecutors out to run for higher office now seek astronomical
bail amounts routinely, and charges are piled on by tendentious
readings of the enormous body of U.S. law. A single crime can lead to
60 charges.

After Mr. Snyder's arrest, the prosecutor put out a public call
for others to
contact his office. Translation: we may not yet have him and need
more evidence.

There was a time in this country when prosecutors had it as their
duty to SEEK ACQUITTALS if the evidence so suggested.

[Catalan]

Post by p***@cs.com
Bob Snyder is charged with one minor offense (if, indeed, it can
be called a crime at all) and one count of sexual assault. I have no
idea whether he is guilty of assault. None. I do suspect that the
bail amount is for a politically incorrect crime as opposed to
something less serious such as, say, attempted murder or burning down
someone's house.

I know that it's futile to respond because it only encourages
more drivel, but Bill Brock writes that child molestation and
kidnapping are "cool" in my eyes. He presents no documentation. <L.Parr>

Ibid above.

[Chess One]

Post by Catalan

Post by p***@cs.com
Bob Snyder is charged with one minor offense (if, indeed, it can
be called a crime at all) and one count of sexual assault. I have no
idea whether he is guilty of assault. None. I do suspect that the
bail amount is for a politically incorrect crime as opposed to
something less serious such as, say, attempted murder or burning down
someone's house.

I know that it's futile to respond because it only encourages
more drivel, but Bill Brock writes that child molestation and
kidnapping are "cool" in my eyes. He presents no documentation. <L.Parr>
Ibid above.

In western democracies a person is innocent until proven guilty.

There are really 2 aspects of this case which relate to chess, and I wrote
before that when there was a previous incident we pretty much restricted our
comments here to the policy of police entrapment or enticement - and
opinions varied on that subject but seemed honestly argued by both sides.

I would suggest that there is also a need to attend to the well-being of
children playing chess, in schools or out. And just as justice must be done,
and be seen to be done, I hope we will not restrict our attention to what
happens in court rooms - but take a look at the chess-mentor scene from the
p.o.v. of the learner/child.

Can we say that this conversation 'seems to be done' beyond a few comments
here on the 100% effectiveness of screening, and in fact, are there any
policies or procedures in place by any chess teaching group in the USA which
are worthy of study?

Phil Innes

[Catalan]

Post by Chess One

Post by Catalan

Post by p***@cs.com
Bob Snyder is charged with one minor offense (if, indeed, it can
be called a crime at all) and one count of sexual assault. I have no
idea whether he is guilty of assault. None. I do suspect that the
bail amount is for a politically incorrect crime as opposed to
something less serious such as, say, attempted murder or burning down
someone's house.

I know that it's futile to respond because it only encourages
more drivel, but Bill Brock writes that child molestation and
kidnapping are "cool" in my eyes. He presents no documentation. <L.Parr>
Ibid above.

In western democracies a person is innocent until proven guilty.

Indeed Larry has proven Wild Bill's charge in the above.

[p***@cs.com]

BOOZ FITS THE ROLE

Concerning the Robert Snyder case, what is
"inappropriate touching and behavior"? That appears
to be the basis for the assault charges. There is
also a charge called "pattern of abuse," which is
utterly opaque. Does that mean there was no assault
as we commonly understand the word but that he was
taking too many boys to tournaments or teaching them
in rooms with locked doors? And as for the asasult
charges proper, did he physically injure a child or
did he do something "inappropriate," whatever that
hateful word may mean?

In short, what is Mr. Snyder actually accused
of doing? There is nothing in the news accounts that
provides the answer.

As for Stan Booz's crude comparison of wanting
to know what someone is charged with (let alone
prejudging whether they are guilty) with offering
apologies for child abuse, he is the real-life analog
for Lee J. Cobb on that jury in 12 Angry Men, one of
the ugliest characters portrayed on the silver screen.

[Liam Too]

Post by Catalan

Post by p***@cs.com
Bob Snyder is charged with one minor offense (if, indeed, it can
be called a crime at all) and one count of sexual assault. I have no
idea whether he is guilty of assault. None. I do suspect that the
bail amount is for a politically incorrect crime as opposed to
something less serious such as, say, attempted murder or burning down
someone's house.

I know that it's futile to respond because it only encourages
more drivel, but Bill Brock writes that child molestation and
kidnapping are "cool" in my eyes. He presents no documentation. <L.Parr>
Ibid above.

Hear, hear!

[p***@hotmail.com]

Post by p***@cs.com
EXCESSIVE BAIL
Bob Snyder is charged with one minor offense (if, indeed, it can
be called a crime at all) and one count of sexual assault.

Wrong. Snyder is charged with TWO counts of sexual assault.

See: http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/4978198/detail.html

Post by p***@cs.com
I do suspect that the
bail amount is for a politically incorrect crime as opposed to
something less serious such as, say, attempted murder or burning down
someone's house.

There has already been a hearing to lower his bail and the judge DENIED
it. At these hearings it is common for the court to be offered evidence
of the allegations.

According to the article, the next court appearance for Snyder is
scheduled for September 22.

Parker Rose