Who's Looking Out for Our Interests?

mark1228 wrote:

4X4Dodger wrote:

Coach-man wrote:
First, government is not your friend! If they get to involved, they will be telling you what to buy, and/or price RV's out of the reach of most people. Magazines get revenue from two sources, advertisers and subscribers. If you subscribe and do not like what they are publishing, letter to the editor followed by canceling your subscription will get the message accross. Knowledge YOU get will help you avoid problem manufacturers, if problem manufacturers do not start putting out quality products they will go out of business. It comes down to us as individuals to take the responsibility to do our dilegiance and educate ourselves before we buy. That should keep most honest!

As the OP I did not suggest getting the government involved...I suggested a group to REPRESENT THE INTERESTS of RV owners and buyers TO government.

However more to your argument: The government has been involved in regulating the automobile almost since it's inception.

It is thanks to the government that we have seatbelts, airbags, anti lock brakes and many more improvements that are universally recognized to save lives...

And last I looked there was no government agent outside the car dealerships telling me which car I could or could not buy..

An organization that represents a group's interest is called an Association. Why don't you start one for RV owners?

Yes I am aware of that. In 1983 in Washington DC I founded and served as President and CEO of The American Association of Temporary and Contract Employees. We had a national membership. We lobbied ALL arms of government for the BENEFIT of our members watching out for bad legislation at the state and federal level. I spent a lot of time with congressmen, and women and Senators but I spent just as much if not more time with the REGULATORS who are the ones who actually write the rules to enforce the Laws that are passed. And this is where most of the influence is wielded. Only the politically naive thinks to have influence you need to give money...OH it helps for sure dont get me wrong..but you can have a great influence with a good logical argument and a powerbase behind you...ie. a big membership.

This is why when groups like AAA and AARP come calling to a government official they sit up and take notice...money or not.

I did several interviews with the National Press including The Boston Globe, The Wshington Post and Public Radio among others. I know well the power Media has.

This is why I made this suggestion.

As for myself starting another Organization...I have done my bit. I am retired. I would be happy to help in an advisory role for sure and to be involved on some level. But starting from the ground up is not the answer. The answer lies in making the groups that already exist more powerful, efficient and effective.

I know very well the influence GSE and Their Media enterprises could have on this issue if they chose to.

But let me be clear, Government is not the main target here. It is the RV manufacturers and their suppliers. Unfortunately the Anti-Government folks on here have sort of skewed and highjacked this argument away from it's original intent to just another excuse to rant about the government. This is not about the government nearly as much as about the builders.