RECENTLY, in the aftermath of posting an article on the ongoing battle of words between a national rocketry organization and a disgruntled ex-member, I received several e-mail responses from readers who wondered about the treacherous ground around which I was treading. In fact, it caused one to exclaim that I had "crossed the POL line."

The ground on which I was treading had been labeled "Political", or "POL" for short, by many readers of the online discussion areas, mainly in the UseNET Newsgroup arena. "POL" has become a battle cry for many individuals who seem more comfortable with sticking someone's name in a killfile, the equivalent of an ostrich sticking its head in the sand, than they are addressing the malcontents head-on.

My questions is by who's definition was that subject POL? Wasn't previous news articles on the BATF raising licensing and renewal fees a political matter? It sure seemed political for us to write letters encouraging them not to do that to us. Is it only POL if it doesn't affect us personally?

The fact of the matter is that while "life is too short" and "this is just a hobby," sooner or later someone has to display sufficient leadership to continue to perpetuate our enjoyment into the next millenium.

Therein lies the problem.

In what amounts to an unprecedented display of self-centered-ism, we of the Baby Boom generation continue to think the world revolves around us, and consequently we tend to focus on what is good for us than for the collective community. As such, our comfort is of more import than facing uncomfortable situations.

How many of us really research both sides of issues before we formulate and shape our opinions? Do we understand other positions as they may affect the larger community or are we more concerned how they affect us personally instead?

As an example, voter apathy in the country is at record levels — people don't participate in the electoral process because they feel the outcome isn't directly affecting them. The mysterious poll information indicating most Americans aren't concerned when the highest elected official in the country lies under oath isn't due to lack of character on their part, it's because the economy is doing so danged good. If these were recessionary times, we'd be stringing the guy up by now!

Our hobby is growing at a good clip in spite of itself. Regulatory constraints, political unrest, finger pointing, back-biting and a host of other issues are all not enough to stop the growth of the industry, yet none of these issues are enough to move some people to take a position.

Our hobby needs more than just new blood, it needs new leadership. Not that I have any major beefs with the existing leadership, it's just that, how long have they been doing it? Don't they deserve a rest? Unless a whole group of new talent decides to participate in leading the hobby, those same old individuals are going to be applying for Medicare while still serving us all.

I think it's time to take a stand for the things you believe in and have the guts to say them. And, to not be afraid of the fallout, if you think you're right. Leadership is infectious — it spurns great men on to great actions, not to stick their heads in the sand. Our hobby needs you, or are you too comfortable?

Darrell Mobley is the editor of Rocketry Planet. You may reach him by email at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .