This just in:

Dear Editor Ulrich,

It was with great satisfaction that I cast my ballot for Mr. Kevin Schwantz as my AMA Board of Trustees representative from the Southeast Region (2). I have been an AMA Extra Mile member for a few years now, because I believe in the importance of insuring the rights of motorcyclists in increasingly litigious legal and socialist political environments. However, I am convinced the current membership of the board is no longer representative of the AMA membership. Over the past few years, I have been persuaded of this alienation by such gross acts of incompetence as the money-losing, legal wrangling with the professional racing, joint-venture partner and the mishandling of safety issues related to rain tires and protective barriers.

You have my respect and thanks for your willingness to subject yourself to personal and professional persecution, as well as taking up the slack on safety when the people appointed and empowered to do the job failed the AMA membership.

Put plainly, I’m embarrassed to be associated with the AMA and, if things don’t change soon, I’ll no longer support them. I belong to MRF and MARRC, organizations that are keenly aware of and support enthusiastically the interests of their members. These outfits are run by motorcyclists for motorcyclists. There is ample evidence, provided by yourself and others, that the same can no longer be said, without qualification, of the AMA. Sad, isn’t it?

I’ve cast my ballot for change. If it doesn’t occur, I’ll change myself into a former member, the vote that hurts.

Sincerely,

S.D. Smith
AMA 572649
MARRC 2567
MRF 01012503