Bruce, surely you jest. Are you saying the proposed by laws change would allow the AMSAT secretary to dictate the manner and process for potential members to join as well as solely determining who meets the standard for membership renewal? Would not such a proposed by law change require a majority approval by the membership?
Hi Steve,
First, I encourage you and everyone else to not just take my word but examine what has been proposed and form your own opinion.
I think it would also be appropriate for someone to scan the AMSAT letter and post it to the list, so that the membership could more conveniently discuss it here (before anyone brings up copyright law: no, not a consideration this time).
That said:
No, I don't think the secretary would solely determine who meets the standard. The board could also order the secretary to refer the application for renewal of any particular member, or member organization, to them, in addition to the Secretary acting alone.
They will have their majority approval of the membership, without fail, because of the way they have structured that. 10% of members have to write in paper on a letter with a stamp within about two weeks to even trigger an election by the members. Does this sound like they don't want the members to interfere?
There is also a new rule that a 3-year membership is required to run for the board. So, if they deny your renewal and interrupt your membership for even one day, you can't run, even if reinstated, until 3 more years pass by.
Thanks
Bruce