-------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: Re: Foolishness Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2020 15:50:32 -0400 From: Michael Tondee mat_62@charter.net To: amsat-bb-request@amsat.org

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I choose not to support the organization or get involved at present and have not in quite a long while because I don't like the direction it has gone in and see it as stagnant of any real innovation for at least the last ten years. I can guarantee you there are other hams out here like me too. Since I'm no longer a paying member,feel free to disregard my opinion but judging by the conversations I've had with others who feel the way I do, AMSAT may be doing so at it's own peril. Many, many of us are tired of the AMSAT status quo. I'm not even sure that the direction Ms. Thompson and Mr. Stoddard want to take the organization in is one I'd like to go but at least they are trying to do SOMETHING! The comment someone made earlier about a couple of new directors breaking up the "good ole boys club" seems very apropos and I second it. I follow this list faithfully always looking and hoping that someone wil wake this organization from it's at least decade long nap! Maybe that's finally happening, I don't know, one can only hope. Not all of us can volunteer, much as some of us would like to but if you show me you're actually doing something besides simply being content to wave antennas at flying FM repeaters you will again receive my financial support. I don't purport to be part of somesort of "silent majority" or anything like that but I do know my view is shared by many. Y'all have a nice day!

73,

Michael W4HIJ

These satellites don't just build themselves. If you choose not to get involved with YOUR organization, then don't post on amsat-bb someday wondering why there are no more satellites available for you to "play radio" with.

For some, this may be "just a hobby", for those who volunteer to serve AMSAT with their personal time and effort, it is much more than "just a hobby". I believe that every volunteer comes to AMSAT to serve the cause of keeping amateur radio in space, but may see different ways to move the organization forward toward that goal.

There is a Board election coming up very soon. Like all elections, it behooves you as a good citizen of AMSAT to be informed of the issues and make a wise choice in voting for your elected representatives. As my high school civics teacher (and probably yours) said, "if you don't vote, you don't have aright to complain".

73, Dan Schultz N8FGV