I have no problem with a $10.00 increase either. I spend more than the annual dues on adhesives. AMA's charter in what they do is for the most part what I believe they should do.

But, unlike a business, there is not the accountability within AMA that I would like to see. I manage a test facility with $80 million in capital assets and an operating budget of $7-8 million per year. I must account for all of what I spend and where it went - and what I produced. It is not rocket science - it is quite simple to do. While the $10.00 increase sounds reasonable, I have no confidence that it is the right thing to do - the AMA and it leadership does not provide that level of confidence.

Some may say to not complain - get involved - run for office. Well, the AMA process of who gets on the ballot does not increase that level of confidence I would like to have in the AMA.

I can read my corporation's annual statement and believe what I read given my knowledge of my my department what I must report. Given the information flow from the AMA leadership to us, AMA itself, I have a bit more confidence in AMA than I do Worldcom - not much - just a little. Is it worth getting all worked up over - NO. But, I feel bad that is the type of confidence that AMA instills in me.

Dan

PS: I have sent simple questions to Dave Brown and Joyce Haeger over the years - like how much did this cost - where did the money come from - is it paying for itself. I did it in a nice way - no flames - just simple questions. I never recieved an answer. I assume I was never answered because either 1) they didn't have appropriate answers, or 2) they don't care about the individuals of AMA - like me.