After reading 40+ posts here, it is apparent that many myths exist about AMA among the modeling fraternity. Admittedly they are difficult to keep up with.
IMO, the purposes of AMA as written in the Bylaws are excellent for model aviation. IMO, the current administration of AMA leaves a good bit to be desired.
Just to brush over some of the topics within this thread, please allow me to make some statements of my opinions formed after years of work within AMA and model aviation.
I have been modeling since prior to 10 years old. I am now 66. I had 41 years in rider scale, 13 USAF, and 28 UAL. I was competitive in CL Stunt, FF "C" and OHLG. I flew almost every thing. I have been mostly RC for 30 years. I have worked at NATs, flown at NATs, been a District RCCC, and a VP. I am familiar with AMA. I am familiar with Special Interest Groups, (SIGs). I belong to IMAA, PAMPA, RCCA, SWRA, NMPRA, NASA, and -- not a SIG but a great group, The Flying ACES, a rubber power organization. Gentleman, I AM a modeler.

The thesis of Muncie is correct. Any organization needs a home base and not one too shabby. You don't respect big business that exists in the Red Light Dist. even in DC. AMA deserves respect. A country estate is the place. The facility there is the showplace for our sport. I opted for a different place and sent a 20 page study saying so, but I was over ruled. Muncie is what we have, so let us go from there.
AMA insurance is SECONDARY. That is fine. It keeps the cost down. My $2,000,000.00 umbrella policy costs some $400.00+ each year with 350,000 liability in both auto and home. Yet, AMA insurance covers that other guy that might hit me and I can expect financial reward when he damages ME. I do not fly where non-AMA people fly.

AMA needs to retreat from trying to run an Insurance Conglomerate. AMA needs to focus first on getting public media attention to Model Aviation as a worthwhile sport and hobby, highly educational, a great family leisure time hobby and/or highly competitive sport and actually very inexpensive when compared to boats, sports cars, and even going to a weekly baseball or other game.
Once this program gets moving -- and I have several ideas about that -- then AMA will be in much better to go for more and better flying sites from local to national governing bodies. IMO we CAN be the aviation soccer moms.

IMO building sham corporations should be left to Enron and World Com. Such items are not needed at AMA. As one that endured six successive years with IRS harassment, and won, I do not wish to see AMA entangled in situations that could well result in loss of the IRS 501c3 status. Many of AMA's current actions are done strictly to maintain that status, such as the scholarships and portions of the magazine.

One thing is for sure. Today, information is far too well hidden to suit me. If the membership elects to change things as I desire for them to do, you, as members, will have access to all the information you would ever want on a personal web site before this time in 2003.
AMA is a necessity for our hobby/sport to continue as we need more and more available flying sites. These will happen only through public acceptance through media and public informational processes. The media respects an organization with good window-dressing as the *General* used to tell us, and a worthwhile activity to support. AMA needs a professional and responsible staff focused on the needs of promoting model aviation, while able to provide reasonable secondary insurance plan, but not a conglomerate where the benefits of such item may well not be those paying the premiums.
These are my opinions and that is why I am seeking the office of Executive Vice President for AMA.