ORIGINAL: Bob Mitchell
ORIGINAL: combatpigg
A lot of folks think that allowing non-voting membership levels is no big deal. In actual practice with only 10% of the membership willing to vote for representation, having a non-voting tier doesn't seem like such big deal. What some fail to see is the insipid path that allowing non voting members can lead to. I know we overuse the old drastic comparison to how Hitler gained control of Germany, but the principle is the same. He didn't do it all at once, he did it little by little and the sheep continued to follow.
To be honest I've gone back and forth a bit on whether having a non-voting membership tier is a problem or not, and I think at this point I tend to agree with you that's it's NOT a good idea.
That said, I believe it's a stretch to think that setting up such is geared towards a deliberate move to reduce voting members as some sort of control issue. That seems to be what you are indicating here. If not, then nevermind. [
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AMA having a non-voting membership is definitely another GIANT STEP FORWARD in the ultimate objective of a few individuals to make the AMA their own little nest. As Mr. Marx wrote, it will always be three steps forward and two steps back, but the objective will be reached as long as the NET one step forward continues. Anyone with any active perception to see and comprehend beyond one's nose, can readily see such in all our world of today. As of now it seems that there are more like 3 steps forward and no steps back, even at AMA.
Now BM, you have set about trying to outsmart Stick. IMO, Stick is being very kind to you. Stick is much more aware of things than you, and far better informed than you evidence to be.
Stick does say one thing that I disagree with. He gives you credit for knowing a lot about AMA. IMO, he is wrong there, as I don't think you really know anything beyond a few written words. Just recently you well evidenced right here in this forum that you never pick up on other than the words; you simply see nothing of the structure and that which lies, "Between the Lines." I really had to laugh.
Here is a quote of an email that I received back in Oct. The name I reserve, yet he is an individual I still respect even though we often engaged in extremely strong different opinions about AMA directions.
>>>>>
FYI, I have already voted twice!!!
Once for YOU, and once for McCain (Hmmn ..... Cain and Mc......Cain ...... sounds like a conspiracy to me!!!)
XXXX voted the same way, in both cases, so you will get at least 3 votes....:<
)))
I sincerely hope you win ...... you and I have disagreed over the years, and I am sure we will continue to disagree on some things, but I suspect Mark Smith will bankrupt the organization with his grandiose marketing schemes.......
Good Luck
XXXX XXXXX
PS...... Don't faint ...... pinch yourself, as I really DID vote for you, as did many people who would surprise you.
<<<<<<<<<<<< ;
So this person and I both are now rather like the proverbial THREE-TIME LOSER: Pregnant Lady-of-the-Evening with a "I Like McCain" button on her dress. We lost and that is that.
So while I extend best wishes to the new EVP, my main loyalty is to the direction of AMA as set up by the FOUNDERS, same as another important organization, and not to those trying to change the original direction of the unit.
I won't be around here much so don't expect any more long disertations from me. I'm betting that right now I am displayed as Off-Line.