Mike, I think a better question is:
HOW MANY WON'T PAY THE COST DUE TO THE FACT THEY CAN'T AFFORD TO?
We all know costs are up on everything from food to fuel. We also know that the majority of the AMA's members are at or above retirement age. If it weren't for the fact that my wife makes as much, if not more, than I do in wages, I wouldn't be able to afford to drive to work. I did some quick figuring yesterday and found that, when I work in Seattle or Renton, I'm driving roughly 85-90 miles per day, round trip. With the cost of gas, it takes my entire first hour's pay to commute to my work location. When I work the overnight shift, I only work a 7 hour shift, meaning I only have 6 hours worth of pay available after filling my gas tank. This week, I have four days that I work and three of them are in Renton. That means I only have 18 hours of pay for those three days combined. The fourth day was 9 hours and I lose half an hour there as well, at 35 miles round trip. That leaves me 26.5 hours of pay, before deductions, for the week. Not much you can do with that, is there.
Now, with that said, Many of those that are retired live on social security benefits or savings plans, resulting in very limited budgets. Now, the AMA is increasing yearly dues by over 23%, but for what? The cost of a year's senior dues would cost me almost a week's worth in fuel costs. What is the justification for that? Are they trying to keep the overpaid office staff comfortable by supplying A/C or better lighting?
Just got to thinking, when I fill my gas tank to go to Seattle or Renton, I have enough fuel to make it for three days, depending on traffic. I'm just finishing up my third night shift in Renton and, if I don't fill the tank before I have to go to work again on Monday, I won't be able to get to work and back home. So far, this week, I've driven 230 miles to and from Renton, with another 46 or so to go. I can add another 35-40 to a work site in Everett on Monday with a different vehicle. Had I driven the car to work Monday, I wouldn't have enough gas to get home.