[Qcwa] Bowling alone

[Robert Harvey]

How much of this is a result of people not wanting to join or because of
the pressures of work and family?

Perhaps I'm wrong, but 40 years ago there was leisure time that existed
not as an extension of work, but as actual time when no demands, social
or otherwise, (except as far as good behavior is concerned) existed.

Now, each organization has extended itself too the far corners of their
sphere, and club activities consist mostly of working parking lots,
marathons, providing support for walkathons and the like.  Not to
mention what has become an extremely competitive field day with RV's,
portable towers and the like.  The club breakfasts are attended by
relatives and family members which squelches a lot the candid
conversation you used to be able to engage in.  Who wants to tell ribald
jokes in front of wives and teenage kids?  

No, not all clubs, but almost all have adopted some facet of this.

If it seems like work, then members will stay away in droves.  There is
no fun in standing by the side of the road in the heat directing
traffic.  Is it worthy?  Yes, but as a driving purpose behind a radio
club, lodge, or other civic organization, it leaves a lot to be desired.

Add to this the fact that you no longer have the right of free
association with like minded individuals, (clubs, except within narrowly
defined limits, cannot exclude anyone) and the very litigious atmosphere
in public organizations (remember tailhook?) and I think it's not
unexpected.

You can't have a drink and free conversation with the boys anymore
without worrying about what's being said and who is taking offense.  You
can have it.  I work for the USG, and it's permeated every part of it,
and I know corporate America is the same.

Unless there is a return to older ways of thinking (unlikely) my opinion
is that this trend will continue.

73, 

Bob 
K2PI