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Originally Posted by Joe Ross
I think you drew the wrong conclusion from the correct observations. FIRST does care about inspiring students, however, it is currently limited by money and politics. Both are very real world issues that EVERY company and organization is limited by.
Do you have any experience running a nationwide organization? How about putting on events that draw 10,000 people? I'm sure FIRST would love to hear your specific constructive critiscm on how to run the events and organization better. In fact, they even give you the team forum to express your views and ideas to the directly.
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If you want constructive ideas to make FIRST better here they are:
1. Enforce the rules for ALL teams. I am tired of seeing rules trampled upon. It was so bad this year, it was complete anarchy in some places.
2. Institute penalties for teams who break rules AND actually ENFORCE them. It was threatened, but never followed. Look, I am not asking for a force of jack-booted FIRST thugs who go around looking for people breaking rules, I just want FIRST to actually practice what they preach.
3. Ban political/ideological figures from FIRST events. This does not include elected or governmental officials, but people like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Bill Bennett, Bill O'Reilly, etc., etc. This adds an unhealthy dimension to FIRST when politics comes into FIRST. Keep it to ROBOTS people.
4. Improve communication with teams. FIRST, along with its suppliers, made it difficult for teams to get information and order parts. Several teams here can testify to the difficulties they had with their KOP.
5. Better suppliers and/or better quality parts in the kit or make the game more suitable to the parts. If neither of these can be done, raise the cost of the kit or put less parts in.
6. Put a muzzle on Dean Kamen. From what I here on this board everyday and from general chatting with FIRST members, Dean Kamen has become totally disconnected from FIRST and its members. It shows in his speeches and "homework" assignments. I know a lot of you worship Dean Kamen like a God, but he really makes himself look like an arrogant, isolated New England plutocrat.