QCUSA Reality, was Re: My letter to QCUSA...

[Bernie Strub <bstrub@silverlink.net>]

I would like to respond to those who would belittle our friend Mr. Goggin
for his efforts in straightening out the QCUSA.  First off, I am a bit
offended that anyone  would take him to task for looking after the best
interests of the members of said club. The club that you so vehemently
defend, needs to have its closets cleaned, and made responsive to the
_members_, for whom the exists.  

When the procedures that govern the operation of a club are hazy,
indistinct, unfair, etc., someone must stand up for what is right and
question them until satisfied.  I applaud Jeff for having the guts to say,
"I think something is amiss, and I intend to do what I can to find out about
it, and fix it if I can".  Go for it, Jeff, I will vote for you.  

I applaud the changes that seem to be helping the club.  I am pleased that
the NE region event was successful.  The atmosphere seems to be changing for
the better.  However, the work is in no way done.  Given my past knowledge,
I must question the finances of _any_ QCUSA activity.  Did QCUSA make
profits on the NE event?  Did they charge for their services, and were they
realistic?  To what extent did national run/teach/govern the event?

These questions are not just rhetorical.  They were earned, by the national
club, in spades at the 1995 PIR QCUSA event.  The answers to these questions
for that event are available from past list traffic, or by query to any of
the principals of the event (self included).  For those unaware, the events
during and following that driving school caused the breakaway of an already
formed QCUSA regional chapter.  The NW Region Audi Quattro Club is quite
successful, despite breaking away from the national club.  I type this on
the eve of their second track day this year, and following a rather
successful group tour.  We have many more plans for the future, and I
believe it is an exciting, viable group.

The NW Region was not formed to spite the QCUSA.  As a matter of fact,
little is said about national at most events.  However, people are aware
that our questions to QCUSA have gone unanswered.  No attempt has been made
by QCUSA to contact us about what could be done to reassimilate our region.
The impression is taken that national is willing to ignore their problem
children.  Why is that?  Is is because we ask the wrong type of questions?
Are we inconvenient because we wish to be heard?  This is not a good
approach to running a national special-interest organization.

Please keep an open mind as to how people can improve this organization.
Harassing someone who is following their conscience will not strengthen the
club.  Try to find out what their beef is, and if you disagree with that,
say so and let it be.  If you agree with the beef, try to find out what you
can do to fix the problem.  Cheerleading QCUSA will NOT fix their problems.
Hard work, keeping to what is right and proper, and dedication will
(eventually) pay dividends.  If not, the club isn't worth investing any more.

BTW, I will answer any questions people may have about what happened to
cause the schism of the NW Region, and can send copies of correspondence as
necessary.  This message is not intended as a flame, but to provide some
perspective into why some of us still have questions about OUR club.

>>>>>Bernie
QCUSA #1765
Member #47 NW Region AQC