[amsat-bb] Who Let THIS Info Out?

Wed Aug 5 19:01:47 UTC 2020

It is entirely not in ARISS-USA's and AREx's interest to involve themselves
publicly in AMSAT politics, or indeed that of almost any other
organization. While I was curious about the "why now" and "was it an AMSAT
issue", it is potentially damaging to ARISS-USA and AREx to pursue that,
and I respect Frank's request that we stop, which he first made several
weeks ago.

In contrast, my perception is that AMSAT leadership is pursuing a course
that has so damaged its relationship with many previously-active
volunteers, at least one major donor, and a good portion of the membership
and non-member hams; that public intervention is necessary - and
appropriate within the context of an election.

    Thanks

    Bruce

On Wed, Aug 5, 2020 at 11:42 AM Fernando Ramirez via AMSAT-BB <
amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote:

> I understand Frank's concerns and agree that these matters must be handled
> very carefully.
>
> For that same reason I think two separate legally established entities must
> discuss their current partnership beyond of a press release. Probably
> both AMSAT
> and ARISS USA need to draft and approve a Memorandum of Understanding
> establishing, in writing, how are things going to work from now on.
>
> Like we say in good ol' Castilian "well defined business safeguard
> friendships)
>
> 73
>
> Fernando KF7R
>
> On Wed, Aug 5, 2020, 11:13 AM Michelle Thompson <
> mountain.michelle at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> > Frank sums up the problems very well.
> >
> > An organization with unaddressed unauthorized spending could lose
> > opportunities in space. Refusing to even meet to talk about this and
> other
> > problems has put the organization at risk. That is what has happened.
> >
> > We can't collaborate when we are denied meetings.
> >
> > We can't have teamwork without collaboration.
> >
> > I am optimistic things can and will improve.
> >
> > -Michelle W5NYV
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > On Wed, Aug 5, 2020 at 3:36 AM Frank Bauer via AMSAT-BB <
> > amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote:
> >
> >> >>3. I had e-mailed Clayton Coleman and the Board on 13 June, calling
> for
> >> a meeting to discuss the announcement of the formation of the new
> ARISS-USA
> >> organization, and the effect that would have on AMSAT.
> >>
> >> I would like to respectfully request for folks to stop trying to drag
> >> ARISS and the new AREx initiative into this political battle.
> >>
> >> In previous posts, Dave Taylor, W8AAS, the AMSAT delegate to ARISS, and
> I
> >> have stated that ARISS-USA became an entity to allow ARISS to sign
> >> agreements (with NASA and others) and seek grants in the ARISS name.  In
> >> the past, AMSAT has done that in the US on behalf of ARISS.  The
> functional
> >> change is that ARISS is assuming  for itself some of the tasks that
> AMSAT
> >> has donated support to accomplish. (and we thank AMSAT for this donated
> >> support!)  The good working relationship that ARISS has had with AMSAT
> over
> >> the years is NOT changing.  For more information, read the press
> release on
> >> the new ARISS-USA entity on the ARISS web site www.ariss.org (6th
> >> article down).
> >>
> >> One item I will remind all of you:  Getting into space is HARD.
> >> Collaboration and teamwork are essential elements of space mission
> >> success.  Infighting and back biting are a recipe for disaster in
> >> organizations and especially in space.  If you all continue these
> >> behaviors, you will lose your opportunities to fly your space missions
> of
> >> the future.  Space agencies and space corporations only want to work
> with
> >> folks that are dedicated to mission success.  I ask all to get over your
> >> grievances and start working as a team as I would hate to see AMSAT lose
> >> space opportunities and space relationships that have taken decades to
> >> build.
> >>
> >> 73,  Frank Bauer, KA3HDO
> >> ARISS-USA Executive Director
> >> AMSAT-NA V.P. for Human Spaceflight Programs
> >>
> >>
> >> -----Original Message-----
> >> From: Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK) <amsat-bb at wd9ewk.net>
> >> Sent: Wednesday, August 5, 2020 1:30 AM
> >> To: Fernando Ramirez <framirezferrer at gmail.com>; AMSAT <
> >> amsat-bb at amsat.org>
> >> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Who Let THIS Info Out?
> >>
> >> Fernando,
> >>
> >> Thanks for asking. Yes, I have made calls for meetings, and there should
> >> have been meetings since the last special meeting at the end of March.
> >>
> >> 1. Discuss the thousands of dollars in unauthorized spending on legal
> >> expenses since 2018 - a point that is not disputed in the letter AMSAT
> >> President Clayton Coleman sent to members last month.
> >>
> >> 2. After Robert Bankston's financial report was released in mid-March, I
> >> asked for a meeting to discuss the "cost-saving and budgetary control
> >> measures" he started to implement. After many months, Robert has not
> >> discussed these measures. Given the unauthorized spending, it appears
> AMSAT
> >> is in dire need of budgetary control measures.
> >>
> >> 3. I had e-mailed Clayton Coleman and the Board on 13 June, calling for
> a
> >> meeting to discuss the announcement of the formation of the new
> ARISS-USA
> >> organization, and the effect that would have on AMSAT.
> >> Clayton informed the Board on 16 June that he would gather his notes
> >> regarding a discussion with Frank Bauer and ARISS-USA, and review them
> with
> >> the Board. As of tonight, nothing from Clayton.
> >>
> >> Michelle has also made calls for meetings. Yet none of the other 5
> >> directors - including the two running for reelection this summer - have
> >> joined our calls for meetings. Clayton could call meetings, but has
> chosen
> >> not to. I would be more than happy to discuss these, and other issues,
> >> during an on-the-record Board meeting where minutes are made available
> to
> >> AMSAT members.
> >>
> >> Thank you.
> >>
> >> Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK/VA7EWK
> >> http://www.wd9ewk.net/
> >> Twitter: @WD9EWK or http://twitter.com/WD9EWK
> >>
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
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> >> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership.
> >> Opinions expressed
> >> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of
> >> AMSAT-NA.
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> >>
> >
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available
> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions
> expressed
> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of
> AMSAT-NA.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>

-- 
Bruce Perens - CEO at stealth startup. I'll tell you what it is eventually
:-)