I agree with Barry on pretty much all of his points and portions of the
constitution quoted, BUT I also understand the need for strong RG support
of National. While RGs are important to growing the number of hobbyists
interested in these fishes, it should be clear that many of the goals can
best be accomplished by working together as a larger group. And what better
way to do that than a National organization? I don't know what ANGFA's
financial situation is but I think a good compromise re requiring RG
members to be members of ANGFA National, is to have a discounted membership
rate for those members. This also encourages them to join a RG, the RG can
feel more supportive if they currently have many members who are not
members of National, and despite what some folks think, you will still
likely have folks who are just interested in National and will thus pay the
full membership rate. You then get more members overall which is more
hobbyists interested in these special fish. Isn't that what you want?
Carvi Shamsid-Deen
Aquaria/Fish Forum on CompuServe
http://www.csi.com/pets