[SOC] Rant again...and yet again...

[Ian C. Purdie]

AdamN7YA@aol.com wrote:

>   Ian, i apologize if ive offended you, and to the group as well...my views
> remain intact, but i meant no disrespect to you in any way...dont know how
> else to put it and still sound cool, i hope we can remain friends.

Mate, you never have to apologise to me for anything. You hold legitimate views, much of
what you said I agree with.

My point was and is, that people ought to be more actively involved if they want change.
Take things at a very local level. Clubs in my state are a billion dollar industry,
ranging from say 500 members to 100,000+ members. Virtually everyone belongs to one or
more clubs and enjoys their facilities. The members only own the cub and all it's assets
which often run into millions of dollars.

Statistically, overall less than 1% of members will vote in board of directors elections
and an even fewer number will turn up to annual meetings notwithstanding free food and
free beer.

But the members will winge and whine about facilities, about the board and so on.

I am vice-president of my club which has around 2,000 members. We get about 80 people to
our annual meeting to vote and to comment on the annual accounts and other matters. For
being vice-president I receive absolutely nothing, I have two or three free beers after
monthly board meetings. In return, I am subject to the full force of our corporation laws
where I am legally responsible for the conduct of my club and its finances.

Nothing fires me up more than to hear criticism of our performance as a board, or
criticism of our chief executive officer who receives a substantial salary package. These
critics rarely come from the group who attend meetings and vote. They take, rarely
actively participate.

Take SOC and FPQRP. We have no rules, but in the background there are a number of people
beavering away for our benefit, to keep things as good as they are. Luckily none have been
criticised so far but I've seen other AR groups where they have been. To me the
criticisers' all too often are the non participants.

I recollect on QRP-L there was a bout of criticism of ARRL, mostly from non-members I
think. Classic case! I said then if you don't agree with ARRL policy then join and work
for change.

Take QSL.net, entirely volunteers and Alan's generosity. I've heard criticism....

Now all of that is merely a microcosm of our respective systems of government. You don't
vote, you shouldn't have an opinion in my view. Preferably you should participate, help
out handing out literature or whatever, be part of moulding the policy of your party. At a
minimum write letters to the editor of your newspapers, write to your parliamentary
representatives.

I've had regulations changed, two years ago I went to see our Minister for Fair Trading
and politely presented a case for reviewing regulations relating to conditions governing
full time residents of Retirement Home Villages. Over a protracted period of negotiating
with his principal policy officer I submitted eleven changes I wanted. When the
ministerial guidelines were published I got up on 9 of my 11 points and didn't slash my
wrists over the other two.

The cost? When village management statewide became aware I was behind the changes, our
local management made life hell for myself and Carolyn. There's always a price for
standing up. BUT life for the elderly is a lot more secure today against the odd number of
scum bag predators out there, the price was worth it. The "critics" view, 'you was a fool
mate..' Jesus wept.

Adam, never apologise for holding and espousing an opinion, at least you have one. Not
like a great number of dummies in my country, and probably yours as well, who "rent" an
opinion from the "shock jocks" of talk back radio.

FWIW

Ian

>
>   John, we agree 100%...a first time for everything.  :-)  and ill lay off
> the lawyers from now on too.
>   Ill put this aside now, and try not to get so friggin heavy next time!  :-)
>
> 73...Adam, N7YA
> SOC 143  FP#86
> www.NDUS3.com
> x~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~x
> "Environmentalists changed the word jungle to rain forest, because no one
> would give them money to save a jungle. same with swamps and wetlands"
>                                                              - George Carlin -
>
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--
72/73's

Ian C. Purdie
"I believe Australia is the best address on earth"
Do come and visit us in Australia.
http://www.australia.com
Budgewoi N.S.W. Australia - Co-ords S33�14', E151�34'
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VK2TIP "I'll give ya the TIP mate" QRP-L #1978. SOC #171 FP#91
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