Re: More On National RAB Caucus

[sbstarks@elite-limo.com]

There has been a lot of talk about the merits of a NARAB, a NABER, and
other associations of RABs. Overall I think that it is a good idea, but
I do have some concerns. 

My primary concern, and I have seen it expressed on a variety of ways,
is that who will speak for the assocaited RAB's? Who gets to pick and
choose who goes to the Caucus? The ones who know how to get the funding?
What about others? Particularly those individuals who may not agree
with Arc's point of view? Will they be included? Are they invited? Do
they even know about it? How is this being advertised? In the past,
other Caucus events announcements sponsored by the various organizations
were never advertised beyond a select few, and only those few attended.
This resulted in a climate of mistrust and suspicion about whose agenda
is being followed. Is it their personal one or are they actually
representing the community? 

These are valid concerns because that is what has occurred at my RAB, a
few people held and controlled all the information and they parceled out as
they deem fit. It is a recipe for a dictatorship. 

But please do not get me wrong, as some individuals who are proned to
speak half truths are, I do believe that the RABs should meet without
the DoD and the regulators, we should be able to speak privately. But I
want to make sure that EVERYONE, not just Arc-Ecology friends are
invited and are informed. And just posting on the internet or sending it
to their friends, will not be sufficient. 

Steven Starks
Ft.Ord RAB
Community Outreach Chair