The feeling is mutual.
I didn't. I called AOPA useless. Didn't even mention user fees. Derg went that route.
Well, will they?
I've gained new beliefs and even changed my beliefs on many occasions based on words on the internet. I'm willing to look at other viewpoints, and on the internet there are many.
I would say that wandering into a thread about user fees and saying "AOPA SUX," is probably going to start a fight and that fight is probably going to be centered on the original thread topic, wouldn't you?
AOPA has done many things over many years to ensure that aviation is accessible to people, from fighting to make sure GA aircraft were allowed into all classes of airspace, to getting GA back in the air as quickly as possible after 9/11 when the government really couldn't have cared less, and many things in between. They are one of the few groups to do so, and these things don't just protect Joe the weekend warrior, they're good for businesses serving GA as well. For my dues money I think I get a lot.
I also believe that:
a.) The trust fund is not as broke as the user fee advocates would have you believe.
b.) A Healthy GA system is good for the business of the country.
c.) User fees will only grow and GA will only die (It is already, unfortunately).
d.) The airlines are mainly responsible for the perceived "crowding."
e.) GA pays an equitable share.
f.) User fees are being proposed so that the trust fund can be raided.