whats up with this incorporated thing?

[20scout]

I am getting so tired of the politics every where I go......even in my hobbie/passion. I feel that I don't have any say in the direction and when I express this I am told to "get involved or get out". I honestly doubt that I could be able to get myself into a posision that would make a difference. You say that there is not a "good ol' boy" thing going on here but I know better than that. I have had some inside information for several years and know what direction things have turned to.....and I don't like it. Lack of communication from the board has been mentioned and I agree with that 100%. Oh, we hear from them but only after the fact! I also feel that the board has jumped ship in the interests of themself's and not nessasarily the clubs. It seems to me that anytime large amounts of money are involved trouble begins, and I see trouble ahead. I see decisions being made "in the interest of the club" but what we are shown may not be nessasaraly what is really going on. Too much power for too few of people perhaps? Just my opinion.

[PSANTORA]

1)Do I have an option of where my membership dues go? My first choice would be the"club", not the museum.
2)I'm sure all of the west coast club members have an opinion about a museum they will most likely never go to. Or will membership dues be raised again so another museum can be opened some where out west(or Canada).
3)What happened to old fashion swap meets and road rides? Now we have lawyers and IRS.
4) How long until every swap meet vendor will be required to have vendor licenses for tax purposes? Will the lawyer the club is keeping on retainer help us out if anyone gets in trouble for that?

[20scout]

In talking with a few non motorcycle people this last week, we got to disscussing corporations and ect. It appears that even in the clubs non-profit situation, having a good lawer on hand is a must. From what they wher saying it sounds like the club got one for a very reasonable price. I still don't like it but it seems that it is very nessasary and would be cheaper to have one now to prevent any costly misstakes in the future.

Regardless of what I have been told, I still don't feel good about what is going on and can not help but think there is more to the story than what we are being told. Just my opinion.

[c.o.]

I can't help but wonder why there is so much stress revolving around this? I have come to terms that I am merely a peon who collects his magazine, can go to a meet once in a blue moon and has the privilege to use this forum. Beyond that as long as the magazine keeps coming and possibly two extra issues a year, with the standard we are used to, then I'm happy. I live to far removed from the east where all the action is and as long as the club pulls through all the new changes then I'm happy. Just another opinion, but then again I'm not an overly political person.

[Barry Brown]

Cory, That would be a typical Canadian response. That's what I like about America, Frredom of speech and expression and a willingness to stand up and question authority when it is wrong. That's the difference between us and them , Canuks are compliant wimps. No offence intended as I am one who should have left this country 40 years ago.

[Ohio-Rider]

Thanks for the great reply Cory. Now I won't need to explain my thoughts about this topic. You've said it better than I would have. Now to enjoy my morning coffee and check out the new edition of the magizine. -Steve

[kval]

psantora
to answer you questions
1: your dues do go to the "club"
2: I live on the East coast, so I cannot say
3: the old fashioned swap meets and road runs are still happening
4: we have flown under the radar for years, but several meets have been under the tax man for many years. it is the vendors job to secure the proper tax papers for whichever states have already found us.
at one meet the tax people went to the host chapter and asked for a list of vendors to see if they had the paperwork, he was told no. if you want to ask each vendor go ahead and do it.

[Paquette]

I have been reading this post with at best a flacid interest. It seems that some members feel that they have invested in the stock market with their dues and are on the board of some great 'Mystical Corporation" . For my money, I get the Magizine, which is top notch, and an opporyunity to vend and show my products. I really do not give a squat about where the $ go or the insane politics that seem to be rairing its ugly head. Now my question: what do you wish the National would do with the money? Seems to me that everyone is part of the problem but not the solution. Just saying-----PAQ

[c.o.]

No offense taken Barry. But after reading your post I thought further explanation may be necessary to clarify my point. I've spent the last 20 years living in an area that has in the last 6-8 years seen constant development and growth. The local population opposed such large expansions. There were organized protests, coalitons developed, many heated council meetings and endless letters to the editor to sound off. All the bitching and complaining fell upon deaf ears. In the end money and those who controlled it won out. My town went from sleepy to very, very busy. It went from our town, to "their" town and in the end there wasn't any damn thing we could do about it. So until I make the big leap and leave the area, I've decided not to bring on extra stress and shut-up and deal with it for now. What does this have to do with our club you might ask? The point I'm trying to make is our club has gotten rather large and with that comes bigger money. The one's who control it call the shots. Do I agree with it? No! But it seems thus far the soap box approach has done nothing to sway the direction of the club officers. Short of a revolt, overthrowing the board and setting up a more democratic structure, I think everyone is going to, whether they like it or not, have to deal with the board's decisions. Free speech and standing up is a wonderful process in thought. Sadly it has little result and means nothing in this day in age.

[c.o.]

Thanks for the great reply Cory. Now I won't need to explain my thoughts about this topic. You've said it better than I would have. Now to enjoy my morning coffee and check out the new edition of the magizine. -Steve

Thanks Steve. I burned through my copy too fast and am pacing around for something else to read!

[exeric]

That was a well thought out reply Cory. You're right about our protests falling on deaf ears and the seeming futility of it all, but it's like someone once said, " My criticism may be hurtfull and pointless, but it is fun". I think we all get a kick out of shaking our fist at the man but I still say, the most gratifying thing about this imbroglio is the love everyone has for the AMCA. Everyone wants the best for our club.

[Barry Brown]

Cory, that was a great response, I'd vote for you for club president anyday , that is of course if our club ever became democratic but it would take a brave visionary person in power to initiate these changes and I can't see any , maybe they all resigned in frustration.

[MGD]

Cory, that was a great response, I'd vote for you for club president anyday , that is of course if our club ever became democratic but it would take a brave visionary person in power to initiate these changes and I can't see any , maybe they all resigned in frustration.

OUCH!! That's gunna leave a mark.

[c.o.]

That was a well thought out reply Cory. You're right about our protests falling on deaf ears and the seeming futility of it all, but it's like someone once said, " My criticism may be hurtfull and pointless, but it is fun". I think we all get a kick out of shaking our fist at the man but I still say, the most gratifying thing about this imbroglio is the love everyone has for the AMCA. Everyone wants the best for our club.

I gethca Eric........... If your havin' fun stickin' it to the man, then more power to you. I agree on the fact that everyone is very passionate about our club. I mean really, the bikes and history are awesome and the people are the real great bonus!

[c.o.]

Cory, that was a great response, I'd vote for you for club president anyday , that is of course if our club ever became democratic but it would take a brave visionary person in power to initiate these changes and I can't see any , maybe they all resigned in frustration.

Wow! Thanks for the virtual vote of confidence, but in lieu of a presidency motion , how about a visit and a B.S. session the next time I head east?