SASS has become a subject of a love or hate relationship and I say this with a combination of sadness and a smile. When another issue pops up on the surface, the discussions on both sides of the fence stampede into cyberspace and some stinging arguments fly back and forth. Once again, it will end after a round of the good and the bad with the 10 Commandments and even a few of the Constitutional Amendments included.
I really don't have time to write this, but instead of letting a new batch of email with questions about SASS on both sides be unanswered, I better air a few comments and answers of my own here in Cas City.
The Scholarship Fund
I have no knowledge about this issue other than what has been expressed on this forum, the SASS Wire and TFS. My conclusion is that the individuals in charge have had discussions concerning how to promote and market the fund and unfortunately, the final outcome turned out to be a no win situation for both parties. How sad.
A Strong Feeling of Ownership
SASS has been a major contributor to the development of cowboy & western action shooting. I don't care who was the first or who invented the sport. If someone has the urge to win that bragging right, feel free.
What is a certain truth, is that our sport has grown fast.. thanks to a lot of voluntary work from a whole lot of good honest hard working everyday people. Along with that, a strong feeling of ownership has developed from the founding fathers of SASS to current members of TWN, to other organizations and fellow shooters in all organizations who love this sport. All this is also a mixture of, for profit and non profit, and if you try to put all this together into a good recipe for cookies for all to eat....and like..... well, it won't taste good for everyone, no matter what.
With feelings of heartfelt ownership, some demand black and white unconditional support. Others turn to the opposite corner and to some extent, love the controversial disruptions and discontent. In fact, there are those out there who would like to see SASS go under. When these two opposite sides become the founder of the feast of controversies, the sport and the majority suffers.
Should I renew my SASS membership?
I will. The reason for me is simple. I want SASS to stay alive. Regardless of the controversy and discontent among members right now, we need what they have established. There are no better alternatives when it comes to high profiling our sport.And I say "Our Sport" because it IS our sport. Yours and mine.....regardless of the way the organization handles and runs its operation. Marshal'ette and I spend at times, more than $75 on different things, as most of all of us do. In combination with the membership package, renewing this SASS membership is also a token of support to the future growth of CAS.
When I ask myself the above question, my answer is another question:
What if SASS no longer exists? My answer to you is this: If you can afford to continue to help support SASS, do it.
If not, continue shooting, have fun and be safe. I will stand by your side no matter the brand you ride for... as long as you are true to yourself and your beliefs and bring a smile to the shooting range.
SASS does not care about their membership !
They do. But there is no doubt in my mind that they can do a whole lot better. Yes, they do try to fill the membership sack, but tend to forget there are holes in the bottom and it sure leaks. Yes, there are representatives of SASS that should try to learn more about public relations combined with a healthy dose of empathy for what the average members want in return. A good start would be to choose their words with a little more thought. To answer criticism with criticism, as in a parent and child relationship, is a smorgasbord for those who have decided to attack SASS, and an uppercut for those who just wanted to make an honest suggestion. And in my opinion, it is time to evaluate the membership benefits and give SASS a facelift. Museums and high profiled events are fine, but I do see a need for changes in the future....that will also benefit those who live on a common mans payroll, and live a common mans life.
So now you know. SASS does not have my unconditional support. I do criticize and it is one of the benefits of being a member. To criticize and to praise...to honestly speak out and be heard is our constitutional right.
I can do all of this.... and be a supporter and a promoter at the same time.
And I have to **cough** humbly *cough cough* admit.....I do believe I am darn good at it.
Have fun and don't get your spurs tangled up.