[SEL] re National Rally

[Arnie Fero]

Hi Ron,

Yep, I had read your reply.  I think you may have mis-read my comments
about the "handful of small minded piss-ants".  I'm referring to those
buggers whose "contribution" is not one of useful substance, but rather is
one of exercising power over others to no useful purpose.

In our club (and in the Badger organization) the piss ants were finally
overruled by a membership who "got off their bums and got on the boards
and committees" to make things right.

Obviously, I'm not in Oz.  If the "rules" being promulgated are useful,
correct deficiencies, and in general improve the quality and reduce the
costs of the rallys, then I would agree that thay are a "good thing" as
Martha Stewart would say.  If they do not correct deficiencies and improve
the quality and reduce the costs of rallys, then I would say the "rules"
serve the needs of the power mad ones who dream them up, and NOT the
needs of the old engine hobby.

Good luck with the NHMA.  I sincerely hope that, if nothing else, this
on-list discussion will provoke a number of the SEL members in Oz to get
off their bums and get involved on the boards and committees and produce
a set of "rules" that improve the lot of engine folk everywhere.

See ya,  Arnie

Arnie Fero
Pittsburgh, PA
fero_ah at city-net.com

On Fri, 17 Sep 2004, Ron Page wrote:

> I don't know if you read my response to Reg's Email but if you did you would
> note some corrections to the mis-information being generated about the NHMA.
>
> Further, if I wasn't a leather skin old fella I would take offence at being
> called a small minded piss-ant.  I was on the committee of the NHMA for four
> years.  Those that are elected to the committee are volunteers, are
> nominated by their clubs and elected to the position years by members at the
> annual meeting.  The term of office is only two years however, you can stay
> on if you are re-nominated and re-elected.  Members are elected from all
> over Oz.  Hence you tend to meet only once a year.  What I find annoying is
> that nearly all the "critics" are fence sitters.  These "critics" will not
> get off their bums get on the committee and do some work.  It is quite easy
> really.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Arnie Fero" <fero_ah at city-net.com>
> >
> > This is often a problem with many of organizations formed for good and
> > noble purposes.  There are often a handful of small minded piss-ants
> > who are on power trips and want to organize "rules" to make things go
> > their way.  Our club had one and the folks at Badger in Wisconsin had a
> > couple of beauts.  Fortunatly, both clubs had folks who were willing to
> > invest the time and emotional energy to rein in these nut cases.  Not
> > everyone is so fortunate.