Those of us who have lived in LA may often have a stronger anti-RMA animus than one might find in other parts of the country — for obvious reasons I suppose. Lennie Moore presents a reasoned argument reflecting the views of a lot of rank-and-file union members.

To give credit where due I think Dave Pomeroy makes valid points also and I believe he sincerely wants to improve things. Fact is, the RMA is part of the AFM democracy. Neither Nashville nor NY is dominated or controlled completely by RMA, although RMA members and former members are part of those administrations. But the problem goes beyond Dave’s description, it goes beyond whether or not the RMA has captured control of the largest locals: The RMA and Fareplay have sued the AFM in the past and are suing the AFM currently at the appellate level: Beyond that there is a great deal of animus and rhetoric directed against Tom Lee and his administration.

It is not enough to define “working together” as simply meaning some musicians should refrain from accusations that certain locals are RMA controlled. The music business and private sector unions are on the skids across the board. There is blame to go around. If we would “work together” for purposes of AFM unity there will need to be adjustments made across the board, e.g., more RMA flexibility, fewer expensive lawsuits, more cooperation with, and less demonization of, the Lee Administration.

I would grant Pomeroy his point. But this is one point — perhaps one of three in the pursuit of AFM unity: 1) As institutions reflecting union democracy we should not go overboard accusing Nashville or NY of being RMA controlled. 2) We need to see some RMA flexibility, cooperation and a stop to the litigation. 3) The RMA and certain others may be well advised to turn down the anti-Lee rhetoric; if one doesn’t like an administration (read US administration; I for one am not an Obama fan) one has to wait it out in the democratic tradition until change occurs. Until all three of these areas see some progress I don’t see how the process of “working together” is going to move forward, although as Dave Pomeroy correctly asserts, working together and AFM unity would inure to our common benefit.

With all due respect to Mr. Lenny Moore, the continued propagation of the notion that Nashville is “RMA controlled” is simply laughable and beyond ludicrous. What are you basing your snap judgement and condemnation of Local 257 on, Mr. Moore? I represent 2600 members, and about 200 or so are also RMA members. I look to RMA Nashville for input, advice and feedback on matters that affect their business, and the financial health of our Local, and the AFM should be doing the same on a national level. Our Executive Board has only 2 RMA members, yet somehow we discuss and make decisions together as a group in a democratic fashion! The Board’s input is critical to Craig and myself, and RMA or non RMA membership is simply not an issue. We have a functional, democratic and transparent organization and my job is to reflect the will of the members in everything I do. I answer to no one except the members of my Local, who all know they have the ability to come in and talk to me about anything. How is this “RMA control?” The Nashville and New York elections were reflections of the members desire for a change in leadership. That’s democracy at work. Last time I checked, our country was built on this concept. Shouldn’t our Union be too?

Happy New Year and let’s try to work TOGETHER in 2010 instead of against one another.

Thank you for your generous offer. That the 802 election is over is no reason to end your tutelage. Your instruction about how the music business works was, while invaluable, by no means complete! With instability within the AFM, growing international competition, unpredictable marketplace mobility both within and without the music business, not to mention evolving technology, I’m sure we could all benefit from your sage advice. More kind sir, more.

Rick Blanc

RMA pissed away LA’s monopoly on recording work. Don’t assume it’ll automatically return now that better, cheaper and easier-to-work with players have been found.