[HIham] Diamond Club Donor Recognition Program (or Ham Radio isn't a hobby, it's a cult)

[CHIGA]

ref: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2002/10/04/6/?nc=3D1

    Aloha all,

    I read with interest the ARRL announcement of the Diamond Club Donor =
Recognition Program.  On one hand, I can see there's a need to encourage =
and reward people who donate money to the ARRL.  But this seems poorly =
presented.  Seems one gets very little in return for $75 a year to =
$2,550-$4,999 (highest level, Platinum).  A pin, certificate, decals and =
first-class delivery of QST is what you can get.=20

    While the first year goal for a national organization isn't much =
($150,000), the Platinum level reeks of elitism.  I can't help but feel =
the wrong image of Amateur Radio operators will be presented with this =
program, that is, we're all a bunch of rich guys, playing with radios =
and not caring about anything else.  I'd say this is typical of the many =
controversial actions of the ARRL, not seeing that an action can have =
negative reactions.

    Could it be, the next step would be to sign over all one's assets to =
the ARRL in order to be a member in good standing?  Will the ARRL use =
the same techniques as religious cults to get money?

    Well that's about it from here, I'm anxiously awaiting the opinions =
of others.

    73 - Cal NH7S=20
(P.S.  I'm a ARRL member and believe all hams should be, but there are =
times I do wonder)
.


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