howiemtnguide wrote:ksolem,
Certification-based access just means that guides who are certified can obtain permits to guide on public land.
The Chief,
It seems that it has been a while since you have had direct contact with the AMGA and a lot has happened since the '80's. I wouldn't believe all of the rumors you hear through the grapevine. I would take the AMGA of today over the one from 10 years ago for sure. From 20 years ago, I have only heard the now legendary stories of the egos and tempers that flared through conflict after conflict. I have trouble believing that it was more personable then than it is now.
- Certification Based Access sounds like a form of Totalitarianism. And in the AMGA's case, would be Monopolized by their Marketed Trademark Corporation. I consider that complete nonsense, totally undemocratic and bullshit!
- Actually, I enjoyed the folks that were running the show back in the late 80's early 90's. They weren't so full of themselves to even begin to consider being the only entity that could run an instructional/certification program in this country. They actually insisted on a complete form of technical professionalism based on ones experience and talents. Not how much that they paid for a course. I am guessing that was because the courses were so inexpensive then that anyone could take one that was technically savvy and had some time/climbs under their belts.
Guys like Alain Comeau, Jon Tierney, Randy Grandstaff, Doug Robinson etc.
But all of this really doesn't matter at all does it. Here in America, the Org/Corporation that fends off any competition and has the most pull with the Representatives in D.C., wins.
Any Organization or Corporation that publicly deems itself as the sole entity capable of achieving a training/certification program, that helps any community, is a dangerous one IMO.
Individuals the likes of Norman Clyde would be told to pack their pack and go home. His attitude and mannerisms towards guiding most surely would not be acceptable in today's AMGA scheme of things.