[Yoda]

IMO the right shoulder initiates a right forearm pickup.

Lot's of opinions on this I hate that neither side can appreciate the other. It's all good with me, whatever style you like, I appreciate both.

[Bold emphasis by Yoda.]

I agree with your conclusion regarding the right shoulder, glcoach. But you do yourself an injustice when you state it is merely your "opinion." In truth, it is an anatomical fact: You simply cannot lift your arm (except the forearm from the elbow) without using your shoulder muscles.

From 2-M-3 (Muscles): "Deltoids -- they raise the arms..."

The Right Shoulder is a Dual Agent (2-H): It is part of both the Pivot and the Power Package (the Triangle of the Shoulders, Arms and Club). As such, it must participate in the Start Up. My post did not disparage the Pivot or those who focus on it. In fact, it made the point that the Pivot and the Right Arm are both important and that they coordinate in the Takeaway.

Regarding 'appreciating the other side,' I am on the side of The Golfing Machine -- that covers a lot of territory! -- and I make no bones about it. That is my privilege. If someone else believes otherwise and teaches otherwise and does otherwise, well...that is their privilege. And it doesn't bother me in the least.

However, the remark in question -- "RFT=Can't play a lick" -- goes far beyond such philosophical differences. It is a flippant judgment that is both condescending and contentious. When these words come in private conversation or as forum banter between self-styled cyber-warriors, it is one thing. But, it is quite another when they come as a public pronouncement from an Authorized Instructor of The Golfing Machine, one who holds its highest designation (GSED) and who is bound to uphold its principles and support his fellow Authorized Instructors.

Despite this particular Instructor's damning assessment, many Authorized Instructors believe otherwise -- that is their privilege -- and they do teach 'the book,' including its Right Arm Takeaway. To ridicule them and their teaching -- "RFT=can't play a lick" -- is in direct violation of the Professional and Ethical Conduct clauses of the Authorized Instructor agreement, one which this particular individual signed and is thus bound to honor. Point of fact: To make "disparaging, demeaning, or degrading comments about fellow Authorized Instructors" is deemed conduct "unworthy or unbecoming of an Authorized Instructor."

Now, I personally am no longer an Authorized Instructor. So why should I care? Three reasons:

1. Most of the many Professional Contributors to this site are Authorized Instructors, and most, if not all, teach the Right Arm Takeaway as described in The Golfing Machine. To demean their teaching demeans them. I don't appreciate it, and quite frankly, I don't think they do, either.

2. Homer Kelley worked indefatiguably for more than forty years to benefit all golfdom. His earnest conclusions deserve respect, even if it is respectful disagreement. I bridle when his genius is made the subject of arrogant ridicule, especially when it comes from within.

3. Somebody needs to point out this professional misconduct, and it might as well be me.

Bottom line:

It is not the point of view I find so offensive...

It is the attitude.