Hi Joe

I think it is time you understand where I am coming from. I have been one of the AMA's harshest critics. When Marc opened the AMA discussion forum, more people who have a, how should I put this?, uninformed view of the AMA became aware of AMA politics. You are one, certainly not the only one, but one of the more vocal ones.

There is a general view of the EC as a group of Good 'ol Boys who plot to eliminate the fun of our hobby. Nothing could be further from the truth. These guys can not generally agree what day of the week it is. The are all different personalities. My VP, Rich Hansen, does one heck of a job representing the left coast. Maybe too much so to suit some of the others. I have managed to meet and correspond with most of them. I assure you that they are all different and individual, to say the least. They all have one thing in common. They do what the wholeheartedly, honestly, believe is the best thing for all of us. When all of the bickering is done, they present a pretty united front. That gives the appearance of being Good 'ol Boys.

In the last election, I backed Horrace Cain against the incumbent, rather vociferously. In the prior one, I backed Frank Tiano against Dave Brown. In spite of that, I have managed to develop a relationship with Dave and the EVP. I have absolutely no political desires within the AMA. I would not take an AVP position if it was offered, and it is not likely to be.

I have found that several members of the EC monitor this group. I will often take positions that have nothing to do with my opinion to see if it fosters comments from members that the EC members may find useful.

I guess where you and I are opposed is the basic rules of debate. If you state facts, be prepared to back them up. If it's an opinion, label it so. I have never referenced statistics because I have no access to any. The best I can do is to point to the laws of physics. Simple F=MA. No one can deny that. If you are being honest with yourself, heavier planes present bigger hazards than smaller planes, at the same speed. As the speed increases, so does the hazard. Pilot ability is another issue, and certainly plays a part.

There are other ways around the issue that I have not seen anyone bring up. Separation between the flight line and the pits and spectators comes to mind.

Anyway, back at the ranch house... I have found myself debunking myths about the AMA, pointing to sources of information, and playing "information please". On other forums, I am not quite so nice. I guess what I am trying to tell you is that if you are going to take a position, be prepared to support it. Throwing opinions around as if they are facts brings me out of the woodwork every time.

JR