Hey Danny,
I probably have a different opinion than most folks, but, I attend every HPOCA show, plus Louisville. It was my choice to join a multinational association, which has 2 events per year, I knew this going in. I have been to every one since joining. I know some members can&#039;t do this, due to time restraints or financial situation, sometimes it is a burden on me also. But, I consider it to be an obligation I took on when I joined. If I could not, or would not support the organization with my attendance, I probably wouldn&#039;t had joined. I would had been in one of the  2 clubs that are within an hours drive from here. But that is just my way, if I don&#039;t participate, I just don&#039;t understand why I would want to be part of it. Most folks don&#039;t think like me! Guess it must be that military thing again. But, for an officer or director, 2/3rds of all meeting occur at our events. If I don&#039;t see those who are willing to hold these positions at these events what assurance do I have that they would make all 6 meetings if elected? It stands to reason if they don&#039;t make events, they probably wouldn&#039;t make the other 2 meetings either. If they won&#039;t make meetings to represent me, why would they deserve my vote?
I gotta sleep, then drive to Louisville, ya know the show opens this morning. I&#039;m gonna have a ball!!! Hope to hear from you soon!
Later, Andy
Danny, there is more to the #3 episode. Personally, I feel it had an effect on the events of Nov. 8, not a major one, I have been assured of this, and I believe it. I have been told it had no effect, this I can&#039;t believe. Technically it probably didn&#039;t, I don&#039;t have data to confirm that either way, but I do have a gut feeling. I advised the President before he met with I&amp;amp;I that it would not be to our advantage to fund this project with no control over it. If we had the loan of this artifact, we could maintain some level of control over our funding, as well as numerous other factors. My feelings were if I&amp;amp;I wanted the project, let them fund it, and do whatever they want with it, leave HPOCA out of it all together. In the entertainment business we have a saying that &#039;those who pays, are those who says&#039;. After the President returned he told me I&amp;amp;I was in agreement that we should have some level of control over our funding. It did not work out like that. Maybe one day I&#039;ll talk with you about this issue, but for now the best thing to do is move on, sell the little tractors, and try to get the members money back. I&#039;m Louisville bound!

[Edited on 11-2-2004 by Andy]