Alright, get the HOOK, and read the article, it is in the letters to the the editior section. I wasnt bashing them first, I asked, then got bashed, Maybe, the HOOK has not got out to everyone just yet to read it, but the article struck me as funny, here is a quote from the article, and this is what threw up a red flag in my eyes,, "Alot of people joined the NATPA the night of the business meeting so they can have a vote on new rules and discuss the 3250 div 5 and the rpm rules for div 5. I guess they should have saved their money, it was announced that the BOARD decided this, this and this, HAVE A NICE DAY!" unquote That is the paragraph, in question, I agree, no club is perfect, but the ones who advertize to be the best in the world, aint, and it is not because of the pullers! I pulled Natpa,, yes, when it first came out of Ohio as a newly formed national organization. 1994, 95 or 96 somewhere in there,, I thought that our prayers were answered! WHOO HOOO!! Then we followed the circuits, hit every scheduled event. was in contention in the points right up until the Columbia pull, got out to columbia, they had a regoinal, and then the championship pull, I read the points sheet, and somewhere, there were 3 names ahead of the top 4 original places that did not even come to the pulls on the schedule! A the time, it was Wheeler, Fenner, Birch, Me, and antoher WD ac in the top 4 points spots before the regional pull. Cause we just left Wilmington, and that was the points After the pull. So I did some research on what happened,, apperantly, there was a few "Unscheduled" events that counted as a NATPA points pull, and no body knew bout em! the only name that did not change place was wheeler, cause he smoked us all that year. everyone else, they got dropped from where they were 2-5, were now 7-10 place in the points. that is the final straw for me at the time, and have learned how to be political ever since, I was hurt! Worked my butt off at a young age just to have some old fart steal it. Dont get me started about the Hartford BS the NATPA pulled there, they picked their winners! Got it on video, cheating invisible to the naked eye, but when you put a camera on it,, well then come together!!!! Seen it plain as day. And no, John did not know it till it was brought to his attention. Now you say, that I should try and change them, help out, be heard,, well my freind, how can we? read that article, or just that little paragraph from someone who was there. The litte guy cant do nuthin! we can but the ones who are corrupt, keep at it. abusing power?? maybe,, they aint listening to no one but a dollar BILL, or a sour lemmon,, maybe the ol birch tree is whispering intheir ears,, I dont know, find that little whispering fool, and put him back where he belongs, on the track, on the tractor, just like the rest of us. Keep the ol board out of the new business. Unless reappointed. Give the new board a chance to straighten things out in their own ideas. COME TOGETHER!!!! not be ripped apart. You know something,, I think that antique tractor pulling has exploded over the last 10 years,, I mean there is not a place you can go and not see an antique pull going on! I have seen the best, and the worst on and off the tracks, and it hurts to see them not get what they ask for, it is just a vote, Now that is what I meant by this post in the first place,,, sorry for not informing,, but I thought ya all got the hook already!! I got mine last week sometime,, Just stumbled upon the article. No way was I bashing the NATPA members as pullers, it is the political BS that ticks me off. it is like dangleing a ripe carrot infront of a rabbit who has been starved, then taking it away when it leaps for it. same scenario inthis case IN MY OPINION. FARMALL, sometimes we dont see eye to eye, but the cause is the same, to be treated fairly, and with consideration. And we all have those times where we say enough is enough, the time was here for change ,and the members got walked on! again. We have the same ol BS in our local club, seen it for about 4 years now,, now it has came to a head, just like the rpm rules for div 5 in NATPA. Will we get what the MEMBERS are asking for? well, just have to wait n see,, and If I am heard, it wont be a board decision, it will be club decision, along with the board, so it is all agreed!!! Too many stupidly writted rules that eliminate even the first time puller that did not understand! No one will tell them, nor do some ask,, Me, I tell it like I see it. Put on a referee shirt and lets make some calls?? LOL USAP, is my choice of national pulling, NEVER, have I ever went to a USAP pull and did not shake Johns hand, Makes ya feel right at home. USAP are not a bunch of outlaw tractors banned from natpa,, this is a club, who loves to compete, and have a blast doing so, and the political BS,, even though it is not seen all the time, OL John sets it all straight, for the best interest for his members. I love the idea that he is the man that runs the show, he has a vision, and WOW, look at it go!! Working beautifully in my opinion. Never felt cheated, made an example in front of others, I hooked up, pulled, and had a blast, since the USAP started I have attended every single Thanksgiving pull he has offered, and will continue to do so. It is so much fun there, and the environment is freindly, helpful, and well, just the way I like it. Down home, where they know ya by name and treat you like family, not as an outcast as soon as one unloads fromthe trailer. As you know, I can go on, and on, and I just might! PS, I have to think about what is in my barn, focused, and keep em running, win lose or draw, and keep it alive to go where no one has gone before, the dream is just getting started, I am just a mechanic, With a big mouth. HA HA HA Just my experience, Chads
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