Over the years I've heard the same about the other AMAs, what does that Amercian Motorcycle Association offer motorcycle riders? What does the American Medical Association offer Dr.s, American Metallurgical Association, American Management Association what can they do for their members?
Or from Gun owners, what does the NRA offer me?
And it goes on and on. . . . as a society develops the every individual for himself philosophy - until they eventually find themselves on the short end of the stick and then cry for help.
IMHO these organizations, just like the AMA, would enhance their standing by setting the bar a bit higher as to who THEY would allow to join, asking what they can contribute to the organization?
A persons most important contribution is just to join the club, no strings attached. You get a strong club by power of numbers in that club. This is the biggest problem with the AMA right now. Plenty of people for the taking and nobody joining. Everyhing AROUND RC is growing, except the AMA. The AMA needs members, PERIOD. The more members you get the more likely you'll get those who want to contribute more, but to actually select you members is just plain out crazy. Theres no way that setting the bar higher for a potential club member will enhance the standing, not by a longshot.
If clubs were to set the bar, there would be like 3 NRA members, Charlton Heston, who rocked in 10 Commandments and Planet of the Apes, and two other non-redneck members (if there are actually 2). Sorry don't mean to offend the NRA, but some of them are just whacked out of their gord. Always think about when Homer joined the NRA on the Simpsons, that was a riot. But still, they have the power by the numbers even tho most of them are a couple cans shy of a 6 pack.