I just noticed when reading about the Tournament being held in Las Vegas, that Mz. Polgar is being billed as, " America’s Chess Ambassador. I was wondering who bestowed this title upon Mz. Polgar? Or if it was a self appointed Title.
I am still having problems with 4 time world champion. Fide recognizes 1 World Title ( Women’s World Champion) which was stripped from Mz. Polgar, when she refused to defend her title against a Chinese player.
Did the USCF Title, Mz. Polgar " America’s Chess Ambassador". Or is it a self appointed Title? Who else would have the right to Title a person " America’s Chess Ambassador" ? I do not remember America’s Chess-players voting Mz. Polgar such. Does anyone know?
I am sure there are many who would make better ambassadors other than Mz. Polgar. But I just wondered how she got the Title.
I have never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Dennison, but I have heard only good things about him. I think Don Shultz, would make a good ambassador, as he is very well know in the International Chess Community. IMO.
Frank Brady, Jay Bonin, GM Gulko, Walter Browne, John Watson, I could think of many more deserving of such a Title. Bruce Pandolfini, Maurice Ashly.
A list that could be made longer with some thought, of people more deserving of such a Title.
I remember some years back when some young lady was billed as “America’s Sweetheart”. But she never gave me so much as a smile. And when I lived in Philly, I don’t remember very many people who thought the Dallas Cowboys were “America’s team”. I’m pretty sure none of them were awarded their titles by the US government. And I don’t remember Paul Tagliabue blessing the 'Boys either. No one really cared. They understood it was used for marketing and meant nothing.
None of those examples, would carry much weight in the foreign field. But proclaiming to be “AMERICA’S” Chess ambassador in the European realm might be mistaken by some there to be an “Official Title”. Which would certainly be “misleading”. IMHO
