Re: RC: International

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 5/20/00 2:49:19 PM Pacific Daylight Time, dpwg@juno.com 
writes:

<< 1. International is not making money in its own right so needs to borrow
 from AERC>>

OK, this part baffles me.  AERC International has made its own way, had 
donations specifically earmarked for international riding, etc.  NO other 
aspect of AERC has EVER been asked to be self-supporting.  It is my 
understanding that at one point AERC actually "borrowed" from AERC 
International's funds!  If anything, AERC International has come closer to 
being self-supporting than ANY other aspect of our sport.  (And no, the funds 
do NOT go to pay for things like passports, travel, etc.--riders have to foot 
their own bill for passports, and travel is funded by USET--a completely 
separate organization.  I did get a nice $20 polo shirt as a "uniform" when a 
friend graciously put up the money for my airfare and I paid for a weeks' 
lodging, etc. for the "privilege" of crewing at the WEC in Dubai--I don't 
know if AERC International bought those or not, but it was certainly a small 
thing to do for folks who spent upwards of $2000 apiece of their own money to 
go support our squad, and I still wear it proudly.)

<< 2. There are riders that do not want to ever (from their own prejudices)
 want to participate
 in an international sport so do not want their dollars going to that part
 of the sport. >>

There are those who will never participate in the Jim Jones competition by 
accruing mileage on stallions.  There are those that will never participate 
in family awards because either they do not have families or their families 
don't ride.  There are folks who will never participate in ANY aspect of 
competition, but who manage rides, vet rides, time, PR, etc.  That does not 
justify destroying successful programs that at least SOME enjoy--especially 
ones with so much beneficial spin-off as world involvement has given us.

Heidi