Originally Posted by
mr_matt
Yes, I know in previous elections there was quite a bit of activity here.
I have recently had a couple of encounters that I found interesting (and obviously anecdotal).
At 2 different events I heard the same thing. My son and I were flying some foamy warbirds at an electric fly in and I heard the same thing at a jet rally a bit later. These were older gentlemen that admittedly were not very aware of internal AMA machinations, but had nonetheless taken the time to open the ballot and at least scan the material.
3 of these guys (electric sport guys and IMAC guys) said the same thing. They could quote Lawrence Tougas' opening lines almost verbatim, including:
We must return the AMA’s focus back to traditional modelers.
They had no other specific comment about anything related to drones, the FAA, registration, Section 366, etc etc.
But that statement they remembered: We must return the AMA’s focus back to traditional modelers.
So if these guys are any indication, Lawrence could be onto something. Not many people normally vote but with the continual tone deaf blathering coming from the AMA about drones, this reaction is not unexpected.
Tiano and Tougas's statements are pretty similar. Both are not subtle in any way about hiding their disdain for the "non traditional" shift they see from the AMA. Curiously, both fly aircraft that were not part of the "traditional" hobby years and years ago, but it's o/k for them to want to keep MR/Drones out since their methods of flying are embraced. Guess we gotta have a bad guy or something to blame, and conveniently it's "drones". Both of these guys are appealing to what they feel is their base, and using the trigger words of "traditional modeling". They make no bones about their platform. They also both fail in any way to explain how they would go about "returning the focus" to traditional modelers. Not one specific plan of action. Doesn't matter though, their fan base will vote for them regardless, and not ask for any specifics.
Go back and look at Eric's statement. Here is the first sentence that runs at the top of his web page:
[h=2]Protecting Model Aviation![/h]His statement:
http://www.amaelection.com/campaign-statement
Pretty sure folks can see how it's pretty different than Tougas or Tiano. Having met and spent some time with Eric, I can tell you he is absolutely not on the same page as Tougas or Tiano in many ways. I do think all of the candidates on the ballot have the hobby in their best interests. Eric is more than qualified to be the president, and I'm sure he'd do a great job if he won. Wonder who would be ready, willing, and able to step into his shoes for District 2.