AN
OPEN LETTER TO JOSEPH WEIDER
Dear
Joe,
I
want to take this opportunity to send my condolences to you on
the passing of your beloved brother Ben. May the Lord Almighty
guide and protect his spirit.
I
am writing this letter to thank you for all that you have done
for my family and me. Sometimes we never come out to give thanks,
praise, and gratitude to those that have made a difference in
our lives. I didn't want that to happen between us.
Joe,
all the bodybuilders that were fortunate enough to know you know
that you are a kind person with a wondrous child-like spirit,
and that you love the sport of bodybuilding with a passion. Unfortunately
we were also surrounded by people that hate bodybuilding and bodybuilders.
You took the fall for those insecure people that had no interest
in how the sport of bodybuilding was portrayed to the public,
and who did not care about the athletes' quality of life. These
same people preyed upon the insecurity and emotional dysfunction
of these athletes to use them and abuse them.
Joe,
you know our friendship was never "all about me", and
you have always paid me well and treated me fairly. But all my
life I have stood up for the weak, even though some of the people
I spoke on behalf of have spoken against me. I hold no resentment
because I understand that it is a trait of the dysfunctional soul
to turn against whoever tries to free their spirit.
We
both know that in pursuit of fame, glory, and trophies, many of
these athletes have lost their health. Some of these guys, who
are not even in their 40's, need kidney transplants which they
can't afford. There are also those who still compete despite kidney
failure, and even after having a kidney removed. Others have damaged
their bodies so badly that they need medical support just to make
it through each day. We both know that life after their prime
is bad for most of these athletes, not just physically but psychologically,
and that someone ought to save them from themselves.
Joe,
I'm begging you from the bottom of my heart - and on behalf of
many millions fans around the globe that love the sport of bodybuilding
- to please leave something in your will for the health care of
former bodybuilders.
They
have put their lives on the line for bodybuilding, and you built
your empire with their help. Yes it was a mutually beneficial
relationship, but while the bodybuilders had to face the consequences
of worn-out bodies and failing health, you could just recruit
new bodybuilders. I know you never expected any of your athletes
to punish their bodies the way they did, but it was all part of
their quest to be at the top. Most bodybuilders can't even afford
regular health care or insurance.
You
have the resources to help them. So please, help them.
We
know that no man ever leaves this earth with his wealth and possessions.
Please find it in your heart to set up some form of trust for
these athletes that are looking for acceptance and admiration
in all the wrong places. By this act the good Lord will judge
you fairly and accept you at the gates of heaven because you used
your heart and your wealth to change lives.
Joe,
on behalf of all the great bodybuilders that you encouraged, promoted,
and supported, I thank you for your kindness. I call upon all
the other athletes that know you personally to come out and share
their stories of the kind-spirited side of Joseph Weider.
Sincerely,
Victor Richards
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