I have been a member of the AFA for a long time. From the beginning the Association was targeting certification as its primary goal in the Farrier industry. A great number of us who were busy trying to make a buck and keep our families in the style they were so accustomed to that we didn't have time to travel to the conventions or to take the time to prepare and take the certification tests.
I always looked for my Journal to see what was new in our industry and if someone had invented a better nail. As far as the business of the Association, Walt Taylor ran everything from his home. Then the Association membership grew to the point where it could move into its own facilities and have a staff. That's when all the trouble started.
Last year, for the first time I considered dropping my membership. I didn't like what I was seeing with the management of the Association.
Power corrupts and many see positions within the Association as power. In my opinion, that mindset has corrupted the Association to the point it is now devouring itself. So much infighting for power and control. The issue of the Journal is an example of this. Its not the first time someone has tried to control the AFA through the Journal. It probable won't be the last. BUT, the membership own the AFA, not the Officers, Executive Board or Board of Directors. I have always found that organizations with hugh board are incapable of making smart decisions and implode. Don't be fooled about the Journal controversy, its about money and power in the Farrier industry.
I am upset with the AFA. I was lied to by Bryan Quinsey, the former Executive Director, that a proposed By-Law change that I submitted would be submitted to the By-Laws Committee for their review and then to the Board of Directors. As far as I know, no one has seen my proposal and if they have, they don't have the courtesy to respond to it. It had to do with disabled Farriers (Members). If he lied to me, he lied to the Officers and Executive Board.
I am also a retired Philadelphia, PA. Police Office. Throughout my life I have despised liars and thieves and subscribed to the following philosophy. "A liar is a thief because he steals the truth."
In my view, the members need to demand a stream-lining of the Board of Directors and change the By-laws to enable the membership to challenge the decisions of the Officers and Executive Board.
What a bunch of foolishness, mandating only a CJF can be President or Vice President. I have know a ton of Farriers in my life and most were living hand to mouth. None had ever managed a payroll or a large company. Just because they are farriers, it doesn't make them administrators. That's what the AFA needs, members who are administrators and look to enhance the organization beyond testing and certification. If that's all the AFA is, then its doomed. Farriers need a loud vocal voice in every State. Farriers are under attack with legislature around this Country. Veterinarians are always looking for ways to control the Farrier industry and make it law that farriers work for them, not themselves.
I really don't care if I upset anyone with these writings, I have an opinion and its been quite a long time coming. I have tried to participate and have volunteered many, many times for different committee assignments. I have never received an acknowledgment or a thanks, but no thanks, from the AFA Board. This forum is wonderful, if the members read it. If they don't, its a monumental waste of time.
Its time for the membership to elect people who will not stand for the status quo and won't turn a blind eye to misconduct. It is time for a change in the management of the AFA.