 Special Issue
I am so very sorry for the need to present this message to the EC12 Class and subscribers.
Many of you will not receive the ballot issue of Model Yachting for some weeks. Some that subscribe to 1st Class mailing have received their copies. This latest Issue 157 is the subject of this message to the Class. This may not be serious to some but it is to me and many that I know. I have reached a turning point in my relationship with the Association and you need to know of it. I will use whatever means I have to now present to this Class and those that subscribe here a counter to the absurdity of this monarch administration.
The President's Letter is inappropriate, unethical and slanderous. The statement about a past Treasurer could make the AMYA liable. It was unfitting for an elected officer of any organization to use a business publication to members as a political instrument to his agenda and to do so without substantiation. The Managing Editor of this publication continues to use his position for political profit and his agendas through motions before the membership.
During the election when I ran for president I did not say anything about the hearsay and personal characterizations hurled by the other side of the aisle. The President, who was deathly ill through all of this did not acknowledge my sincere congratulation for his victory. He has continued his open dislike for me and anyone associated with that political contest. Since the election I have continued my support of the organization and if you have noticed, nothing has been reported about the AMYA in this Newsletter for some months because it offends them. Yet, the insults continue to come to my Inbox from the Association.
My responsibility has been to this Class and to its members to enhance your experience by promoting RC model sailing. I have always presented support for the AMYA before you. You will also recall that I called the Class to participate and contribute time and effort in the interest of the AMYA. Many of you responded to the call to serve two years for the AMYA. You are the members of the AMYA and its function should be reported to you. The Class Internet media and this Newsletter is a responsibility of this office to that end. My dedication to these efforts is my pleasure. However, I can assure you that it is becoming very hard to focus properly when the very organization I promote is trying to get rid of me and those associated with me. When I stepped up after research and providing a statement of position, AMYA HQ was outraged. Their conduct during that summer was deplorable and it continues today because candidates for directorships in Regions 4, 5 and 6 are not part of the Establishment.
Why has the air been electrified during the elections; to maintain control through the Board of Directors? But it is not just the board. The executive officers also votes on the board. They have all marched in lock step. There is no diverse opinion on the board that can be heard over the din of partisan purpose. There are worse words for a one party systems but I will be kind to say, monarchy. Why this? The top positions are rolled over within the Establishment and while not being a monarch. It amounts to the same. Left to its business as usual the Vice President will be replaced from within and the next administration president is assuredly known. To my knowledge it has not even been reported to the membership that Chuck Buzek has resigned due to health issues.
It does not stop there. Look at the bylaws motions and who presents them for vote. Look at what they mean; one in particular that pairs the two top spots to the same party. This is more partisan protection. I would agree with the maker if there was one also that excluded the Executive Board from the board vote. Congress does not work that way. However, it is still the process that is controlled. A proper motion was filled from Florida for the AMYA to create another Region for the state's heavy membership population. The Managing Editor quickly filed his own and the one from Florida tossed out. The motioned failed to pass the board and hence, a loss to everyone. Likewise, I filed a proper motion to deal with vacancies of elected positions, simple and to the point. The Managing Editor then filed one too and mine was tossed out with a promise from the Executive Secretary that an explanation would be made. I haven't seen it.
The Managing Editor of Model Yachting and the AMYA HQ has the last word before it gets to you in the magazine. There is no rebuttal or counter. The way here is the only way. I know many of you would just like to go to the lake and sail. Well, please consider that this is a membership organization, by the members and for the members. The AMYA today does not want you involved unless you arrive in clean uniform with brown shoes, a clean shave, short hair and respect for your elders. That may seen factious but I do not like these people anymore. They have trampled on my rights and my charge to the members where I am responsible to provide purpose in common interests.
You should let them know how you feel before organized sailing slips back to the beginning.
Rick West |
