Now You're Talking: AMA Harmony
Leafing through the pages of the April 1992 issue of RCM magazine, I became appalled and dismayed at being confronted with two separate and negative AMA references. It seemed as though prominent AMA members were going public with their grievances against the Academy, one openly and one camouflaged. I sense a smoldering fire that needs to be contained before it erupts into a destructive conflagration.
Allow me to focus the reader's attention on the reasons for my personal concern.
After 12 years as a member I consider AMA a most valuable asset to the aeromodeler and flier. While I do occasionally contribute material to Model Aviation as a freelance pen-pusher, I am in no way connected with or obligated to the AMA hierarchy. Nevertheless, I feel compelled to add two cents as a possible volunteer fireman.
Intra-organizational sparring is a normal, ongoing process. I vividly recall a conversation some years ago with that most loyal AMA devotee, the late Johnny Clemens, who was involved then. After all, no two pairs of eyes view the panorama through the same set of bifocals. But if not properly refereed, differences can get seriously out of hand.
For example, not that many years ago I was a touring motorcycle enthusiast. Together with my long-suffering, Lexan- and leather-encased wife, the buddy seat covered probably 100,000 miles—some even as far north as Alaska. At the time we paid members' dues to two independent national cycling associations which have both since succumbed as the result of internal political strife. Surely AMA's problems are not that serious. Still, a bit of an AMA rallying cry might be in order.
Concerns
When first elected, Don Lowe was touted as an able peacemaker. Now may be the time when this talent needs to be applied full strength to calm the present restiveness within the AMA community.
Motivation sometimes spawns bizarre follow-up action, even though primary logic is easily understood. For instance, a most faithful member might turn adversary if his aspirations are thwarted in some manner. It now appears that certain AMA dissidents have allowed themselves to become affiliated with a newly formed rival organization which clearly states a for-profit objective. Competition of this sort, especially in the nebulous realm of difficult-to-compare insurance, is divisive and confusing. True, a majority of AMA members probably take no advantage of AMA's many services except their insurance. And any changes—dues upwards or insurance benefits downwards—will be viewed much like the Bush tax revisions.
Also, the Muncie venture is not likely to find mega-tuned resonance among the rank and file. We categorically resent change. Why, incompetent little me now has to learn to fly "Turnaround" yet, and at the budding age of 70!
In my case, change is challenge (as if I needed another)—a positive challenge, that is. And that is how AMA should view the present situation.
Suggestions
- Narrow the gap between headquarters and the trenches with a platoon of roving ambassadors. Articulate AMA representatives would surely be welcomed with open arms at club meetings and club functions. Yes, theoretically the district VPs and associates should fill that bill. Practically, I don't think it works—after all, most such people need to work for a living "on the side." And be sure to head that platoon with Corporal Don!
- Establish a forum at every Executive Council meeting for aggrieved, otherwise injured, or questioning members to bring their case to the fore. Executive diplomacy here could smooth many a member's wrinkle.
Sure, all of the above means an extra dip into the till. But I firmly believe that it will be money well spent. Somebody recently said that there is no more of the world, yet there are ever more people wanting a piece of it. And often, for that and a lot of other reasons, they are eying our piece—the flying sites! So, for goodness' sakes, let's stay UNITED! And on the basis of my experience, there's no better way than through AMA. Now, how's that for a message to Reston?
Respectfully, Fred Berman AMA No. 63971 President, Mon Valley R/C Club
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
