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JR:
//SNIP//
He believes that a split can be done without changing the by-laws, but, that is not the approach he plans.
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I believe I made a statement some months ago that the split could be done without a change in the Bylaws. Not a new topic.

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JR:
"It may be that without a change in the by-laws that the 501 (c) 3 stands in the way of an AMA Foundation. Strictly my conjecture."
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The Foundation would become the 501 (c) (3) unit. If AMA then becomes the *Lobby* unit, AMA would have to forfeit the exempt status. Depending on how the assets are to be redistributed will (IMO *is*) the item in the way of the Foundation. You and some others mentioned NRA. My contributions to the NRA Foundation are tax deductible. Contributions to NRA proper are not.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I think the next year might be very interesting. If DB were to choose to not seek re-election, I can see the Dist 2 and Dist 8 VP's in a pitched battle to replace him.
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Will the D-10 VP then give up his place on the ballot each election? Been there since he got there!!

>>>>>>>>>>>
Who better to represent the AMA as a lobbyist than Dave Brown? He is knowledgeable about the AMA and virtually every aspect of the hobby. He is personable, driven and a politician.
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QUALIFIED! Beyond anyone that I could ever imagine. Other than Don Lowe, I couldn't even think of any person that could measure up to DB more than 2%. Now it's the *Politician* part that bothers me. Politicians do not demand my trust. They seem to look out for their own interests. Kind of like *the senator Dusechel*, (I want to spell that as close as possible to a douche) he is against a tax cut that could interfere with his wife's lobbying in the House of Reps. that produces multi million $$$ for his own campaign/living standards. Taxes at 70% and he's still rich.
I will always look under the bed and check the small numbers on the black helicopters, plus keep a certain amount of self-protection well hidden.
In addition being *driven* is something that doesn't allow any reconsideration of one's own viewpoints. When one is so focused on the narrow white stripe, one can easily overlook the beautiful "Oasis" just off the side of the road." BTDT!

>>>>>>>>>>>>
Just speculation on my part.

JR
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Now that I agree with you. However, JR, when you buy a stock, you are speculating that it will go up in value, while the seller is speculating that it is going down. Speculating in itself is what we do to be prepared for the future, so it's not all bad.

So as I stated earlier, the foundation needs to be established as the 501 (c) (3) unit and assets transferred. Why has it NOT been done? There's just gotta' be somethin' under that bed.

And to Abel_Pranger. The education exemption is justified by the Museum and the Scholarships. Unfortunately the scholarships do not have a record of equality so there is something that could take AMA for a hit.
In addition AMA does establish national Safety Standards, etc. etc. and they are open to any *public* that so desires to join. OTOH, if lobbying the government is in the plan, then changes need to be made.
When DH gets it all DONE then maybe he can find something to tell us more-so than the outside paid auditor's report for 2 years ago. YUCK!

Finally: >>>>>>>>>
Msaint: "I see no need for a lobbyist. If there are issues that need to be addressed by law makers and or elected government official by the AMA that is the point that the AMA President should rally the membership to contact their government officials and make their voices heard. 180,000 voices will out speak any 1 lobbyist. "
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Sorry Sir: ONE lobbyist with just $90,000 in his hand will be heard 360 to 1 over 180,000 voices saying, "Please oh Please. Mr. Lawmaker."
Money and ONLY money makes a sound, and that sound will never be muffled. Speak of religion right here and a dozen or so will yell at you. However they are busy every day grabbing that paper that says, "In God We Trust." Money is the true measure of their stated conviction.