Originally Posted by kdunlap

Don't want to debate this endlessly so let me summarize my points.

AMA's purpose is to promote model aviation. They do, just not to your perfect satisfaction.
AMA is a for profit business and not a charity. 100% incorrect, but this might be why you are so angry. Once you realize you are so completely wrong here, you might understand more. Please...look into this further.
AMA's budget is $9M per year. Wrong, again.
AMA salaries total $2M per year. Wrong again, but even if it was right, so what? Do you work for free?
AMA pays for and conducts advocacy activities in Washington. Thank god, you're finally right!
Since the "drone wars" began AMA has lost nearly every battle to protect model aviation. Drones faired much better. Back to wrong, model aviation is "safe"
The bottom line is that members have the right to comment on how effectively our dues money is being used to adhere to the AMA mission statement. Sure do, they can even rant about it on a website, this helps how?

As to the validity of the comment on my field being closed had it not been for AMA I am willing to say that AMA has benefited model aviation in the past. I paid my first dues when I was in 8th grade and mowed lawns to get the money. So, yes I do get the value of AMA. Great, than give them your full support rather than try to blame them for something out of their control. Also, do some homework on what kind of group they are (hint, NOT a for profit group), and realize all they bring to the table on behalf of all members, not just you.

However, all of that is ancient history. Today's fight is about drones and how model aviation is served by the dues dollars we pay. There is no fight...it's over. The "horrible" end result of the fight is that as of now, you have to register. Big whoop.

I love all the nostalgia and the fond memories of when AMA was a mom and pop shop and I mowed lawns to pay my dues.

Today we fund a multimillion dollar operation that has lost focus on its mission and promise to members. Says you because you lost your field. They do just fine, but of course can always do better for the other 180,000 members out there.

Hope your field doesn't share the same fate as mine.