All,
I'm not sure if I'm prepared to wade into this discussion which touches some
very emotionally.
Politics and egos exist in all things throughout our daily lives. Work,
school, church, all are affected by politics and egos, whether we acknowledge
it,
participate in it or ignore it.
These Clubs are no different, they are a microcosm of everyday life.
In order for consolidation to take place, everyone needs to place the welfare
of the group ahead of the individuals participating. Think about your Healey
interests and how the circle of enthusiasts (of the same mind) would increase
with a single organization. Wouldn't it be great if the monthly newsletter
(magazine) was truly a magazine in quality, quantity and content. How about
several articles each on concourse, racing, rally's, tech. information and
social
items of interest regarding our cars every month?
Not everything regarding a single club will appeal to everyone, but
what if there was enough for each, to keep all content?
Joining of these clubs is inevitable, members will come and go but, sooner or
later political pressure will come from somewhere; environmentalists (or the
politicians) concerned with pollutants and or the consumption of an ever
decreasing resource, jumps to mind given current gas prices. When gas prices
reach
levels placing this economy in dire jeopardy, those on the left will be
united, with those undecided in the middle, creating a majority which will want
to
place greater limits on our hobby. It will only be through a united club with
focused lobbying efforts which will allow us to continue the freedoms we
presently enjoy. Age is, and will become a (greater) factor as well; look at
the
prices and ownership of brass era automobiles. When was the last time you heard
a
fellow club member searching for pre-WW I car? As we age, the appeal for our
cars will shift to those whose experience with them will vary greatly from
ours. Will these cars hold quite the same place in their hearts as ours? For
some, the answer will always be yes but for the majority? We will need strength
in
numbers to continue to promote the cars and a united front to help attract
and retain younger members. How many young people will have the disposable
income for a car with so little (perhaps no) emotional or historical
connection? Do
you think we'll be able to continue to sell our Healey's for $50,000 and up
without them? Can you see the day when your son and/or daughter brings home
that Honda Prelude they always wanted as a classic? Don't laugh, it's
happening,
look at early 'Z' prices.
All that aside, we need (the) politics and those with egos to run these
organizations. When you look at all of the groups, it is amazing to understand
that
so few people provide so much for everyone. I see the same names over and
over again throughout the hobby; these folks are involved because the enjoy it
and they have the time and economic resources to do so. Let these people lead,
but as members, make them fully aware of our expectations, our interests and
the direction we expect them (the club) to take. Remind them that they hold
these positions at our discretion (sounds like our government!), but above all,
should you disagree strongly enough and want to replace them, be prepared to
step up and take control. Many will be surprised how the view changes based on
the perspective.
Ray Donovan
AHS&TC
AHCA
AHUSA
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