[amsat-bb] Transparency and Double Standards

[Jeff Johns]

What does Michelle, an AMSAT volunteer and Board member, making an announcement about something she raised funds for and accomplished that can possibly benefit AMSAT have to do with politics? 

I’m not an EE or an ITAR/EAR expert but what I see is an enthusiastic volunteer that is talking the talk and walking the walk and doing so in an attempt to help AMSAT and anyone else wanting to build amateur satellites. 

What is anyone from within AMSAT doing in the same regards? Who is writing grant requests? Who is working with legal teams (not the teams used to muffle new Board members) to work on these carve outs? Maybe it is happening within AMSAT but getting any news out of AMSAT is frustrating for members. 

Michelle says that she reached out to AMSAT at the Symposium and via other methods but didn’t get any replies from within the organization? Why not? Why isn’t AMSAT embracing someone that is obviously enthusiastic and has the ability to raise funds on her own. Why isn’t AMSAT using these synergies within the organization?

I just think it’s sad to see so many basically attacking Michelle for being proud of an accomplishment. An accomplishment that AMSAT could have claimed under the AMSAT banner had they been willing to work with her. Why is there such a fear from legacy leadership of new thoughts, ideas and methods? 

We should all be thanking Michelle for working on this and encouraging and helping rather than berating her. If an outsider where to look at this, would they really want to volunteer for AMSAT or would they fear they would be attacked for attempting to do great things? 

Some of those running for office against me are promising the world an HEO satellite. Seems to me that we will need the work that Michelle is freely doing and donating to the world to make that happen under current laws, rules and regulations. 

Even though I may not be an ITAR expert, I can appreciate the fact that Michelle has worked on her accomplishment and is freely sharing it with AMSAT. Is it really that difficult for people to just say “thank you”? It’s not hard for me so, Michelle, thank you for donating your time and talents to help further amateur satellites and for helping to keep amateur radio in space. There are those in the community that can recognize your efforts and appreciate them. 

Jeff WE4B 
http://we4bravo.com

> On Aug 19, 2020, at 1:20 PM, E.Mike McCardel via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote:
> 
> My final word. At least some people on your agendized team, for the take over of AMSAT, I hold or have held in high respect. That is, at least until they allowed themselves to be associated with this travesty of ego. I now question their judgement And motivation. That’s on you. TEAM politics isn’t what this is about. Character, track record, and how I have seen candidates treat Me and others is how I will vote.
> 
> I am highly disappointed that this has turned into a we / they campaign. The organization is better than that. Regardless of the outcome of this election, I judge AMSAT and it reputation will be damaged moving forward.
> 
> EMike, AA8EM
> 
> EMike McCardel, AA8EM
> Past Senior Editor AMSAT News Service
> Past AMSAT-NA VP Educational Relations
> Former ARRL, Ohio Section, Affiliated Club Coordinator