Dear Sirs,
Please excuse the bulk mailing, but rather I suppose in the manner of
most of the membership, I do not know your individual names. This is no
doubt endemic within the organization. Few of us have the wherewithal
to devote the time and money to seek higher office within the WBCCI nor
in reality any particular desire. There seems to be some misconception
on the part of some, however, that this lack of interest equates to lack
of ability. Nothing, I can assure you, is further from the truth.
I looked at my first Airstream in 1975, but the $12000 price tag was way
out of reach for a working stiff. At that time I was informed that I
could buy an Argosy but of course, "You can't join the Wally Byam
Caravan Club". Guest what the international officers had in those
days. Later the classic motor home was accepted, guess what the
international officers had in those days. Eventually the shoe box motor
homes became acceptable. Guess what the international officers had
then. I may not be the sharpest tack in the tin can, but I do recognise
a pattern when I see one. And the outstanding element of the pattern
seems to be "what WE have is acceptable" if you go along with US, you
can play too; WE will let you know if YOURS is Airstream enough.
Eventually reality slapped enough heads and Airstreams were Airstream
enough.
Now Airstream is apparently making so many trailers, they can't find
room to make motor homes. That certainly says there are a lot more
people buying trailers than motor homes, doesn't it. What can we do to
get these people to join in the WBCCI frolics? Why let in a different
manufacturer's motor homes, of course! On the off chance that all 12 to
20 percent (depending on whether you believe the facts or the figures)
will all want to rush out and buy new motor homes this year. After all,
the current ones are almost a year old, now. And since Airstream was
selling the things so fast they decided not to make them any more, there
obviously are none to be had on the dealers' lots. I guess I must look
as dumb as I act if you expect me to buy into that scenario. In the
meantime the prols buying all the trailers can just languish in
ignorance of the existence of their club. Met a man last week with a
brand new Airstream. Never heard of WBCCI. Some advertising programme,
hey? What ever happened to the free year for new members? Kind of like
the highway fence, nobody ever drove through it so they took it down.
The incredible hubris of some people who feel that leadership by schism
is the best way to prove their worth is mind boggling. Last year it was
Airstream (and other stuff(?)) Owners Association International. This
year it's Mandalay Madness. What wall will some of you be wanting to
push Humpty off next year.
Remember you may be the "Big Minnow" but it's really a minuscule puddle.
Let this serve to notify you that I will accept any international office
to which I may be nominated from the floor. Let it also serve to notify
that if in any way shape form or fashion owners of any motor home by
any other company are granted membership to WBCCI that membership number
4971 will become available to anyone foolish enough to want to join.
I'll be too busy trying to find an Airstream club.
Matthew J Worner
Sedan, NM
Trustee, WDCU