Okay Folks,
The Military Vehicle Mailing List (this list) is not sponsored nor operated
by the MVPA. I don't even take their link to the list as an endorsement,
rather it is merely service to members and websurfers. Many members of this
list are not members of the MVPA and take every opportunity to bad mouth the
MVPA. Consequently, the MVPA owes this list nothing.
I haven't seen anyone bemoaning the fact the Military Vehicle Magazine
editors/owners/etc haven't done anything in regards to this issue. Seems
that Krause publications (new owners of MV Mag), a seemingly large business,
hasn't been heard on this issue. They have an interest as banning of
military vehicles would negate the need for their Military Vehicle Magazine.
Banning of anything formerly military would sure put a crimp in their
Military Trader publication too. Yet, they aren't on our list and
campaigning. Of course, that doesn't mean they aren't doing anything, does
it. I am sure Mr Krause is very interested since he owns military vehicles
himself. He might even have the financial and political clout to do
something too.
The official publications of the MVPA are Army Motors and Supply Line. The
official cyberspace site for MVPA is www.mvpa.org. These two places are
where I would look for information regarding MVPA's stand on anything, not
this list. If I have issues with the MVPA, I take them up with the MVPA,
not this list. Apparently, some of you did contact Lee Holland, although in
some cases it appears to have been after the fact and after raving how the
MVPA was doing nothing.
Now, don't get me wrong. I don't necessarily think MVPA as always been as
proactive as they perhaps should have been on some issues. In fact, I think
they have been somewhat too non-political on several issues. However, just
because you own a military vehicle or subscribe to this list does not indebt
the MVPA to you. Only your membership in MVPA indebts them to you for an
answer about anything. If you want MVPA to become more involved, join and
express an opinion or personally get involved. Get out and actively recruit
members so the organization grows and becomes more powerful.
I will admit, I think MVPA needs to be more politically involved, but I
don't think the folks that started it viewed it as more than a group of like
minded folks getting together and enjoying the safe operations of their
military vehicles. In 1976, I don't think Government regulation of surplus
military vehicles was much of an issue. Times have changed. Maybe it is
time for MVPA to change, but disparaging remarks about the organization and
the personnel on this list won't make it happen. Growth and a change in
personnel will make it happen. If you don't agree, just check out their
webpage titled "About US"
Even if you are member of MVPA, do you think simply because you get all
worked up about an issue that MVPA owes you a personal letter or e-mail?
Just because they don't send you an engraved invitation to sit in on a
meeting or to listen in to a conversation doesn't mean they aren't doing
anything. They typically publish information regarding issues in Army
Motors or Supply Line.
The current issue under discussion impacts alot of organizations besides
MVPA. The Warbirds of America Division of the Experimental Airplane
Association, the NRA and others are also very likely concerned about either
this or very similiar legislation. They sure haven't been heard on our list
now have they? Yet, no one has bad mouthed them. Now before someone says,
"This is the Military Vehicle List, not the Warbirds of America List/NRA/etc
list," remember, this is NOT the MVPA list either. I am a member of EAA and
they don't send me direct e-mails and rarely send direct mailings about
issues. They put it out in their publications. Unfortunately, the MVPA is
SO MUCH SMALLER than the NRA or EAA that they will likely never have the
financial power and political clout of either of the others. Why is this?
The MV collector community is so much smaller than either the flying
community (which in the grand scheme of thing is pretty small) and virtually
invisible when compared to the gun owners of the world. I know I know alot
more pilots than military vehicles. I definitely know more gun owners than
military vehicle owners.
I am not saying our small collective size is an excuse for inaction. I
believe we can use this list constructively to voice concerns about
potentially harmful legislation and how to counteract or react as well as
sharing technical tips. Just read the list over the last several days and
my point is borne out. This list and the MVPA need to get into step on these
issues. Just realize, this list is not the MVPA and MVPA is not this list.
Seems to me we expend more energy crying and whining about the MVPA than try
to be constructive. Bottomline, the military vehicle/equipment (radios,
weapons, web gear uniforms, etc) collectors groups need to be UNITED and
form a colletive voice. Individually, we will never be heard in sufficient
measure to ever make a difference.
Finally, before you begin to flame me, be sure to pull out your MVPA
membership card and check the expiration date.
Jim Rice
San Antonio, Texas
MVPA #16813
EAA #353256
'42 International M-3L-4
'43 Ford GPW
'60 M442A1 (project)
Former owner of several other vehicles
Gun Owner/Shooter
Aircraft Owner/Pilot
15+ years US Army Officer
________________________________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Sat Sep 02 2000 - 09:32:26 PDT