ORIGINAL: BarracudaHockey
Hmm.....I was under the impression that is was a way to organize modelers for the common good. To present ourselves as a body to goverment agencies to get the frequencies we use, to organize events, to communicate with each other, and to promote the hobbby.
That is what is indeed openly touted but it is also a greater truth that without the spell of "fear factor" instilled and the provided "antidote" of insurance by the AMA it would be a certainty that AMA would not have survived until today. I am one that regrets deeply that the AMA only survives due to insurance because of the fear of modeling. I am further dismayed and sadden that few recognize the truth… Most or happy to perpetuate the “spell” and wonder why the hobby lags while touting “Aero modeling is a worthwhile activity”. The “spell” had the intended effect…the survival of AMA is proof of its success.
I may be unusual in that I truly believe the hobby, although different would continue without the AMA. I base that belief on the fact that I built and flew models long before I knew about AMA and its benefits. Yes, there are benefits. We just need to learn how to use them properly. That is why I counter those that hinge what they say on fear……………………………………… ………………………………………… ………………………………………… ……………….That is not the right answer. We need to move from there.