Re: The Attack on AOPA-US POLITICS

John Zeffer

Description

Title:

Re: The Attack on AOPA-US POLITICS

Creator:

John Zeffer

Date:

4/22/2002

Text:

Sam wrote:
* Strange as may seem to some, my experience has shown me that in any
> negotiation, I am far better off not laying all my cards on the table and
> not laying out my position prior to the negotiation. Possibly some of you
> have been involved in more negotiations than I have during my 45 years in
> the business -- but what do I know?? Stranger yet, is that I have the
> mild-mild suspicion that if AOPA's position is laid out in the open
> anywhere
> (and the ListServ I feel, is in the open) then AOPA and thereby the field,
> will be at a disadvantage in the negotiation.
>
> What am I missing here?

* Missing?...Honesty? Integrity? How about the old win-win option over
win-lose?? I don't know Sam, you have a lot more experience than I do,
and input that got us here. But perhaps the disadvantage you refer to is
our own. If I were to be at a negotiating table with you, I would probably
spill my guts and let you pick them over. That is why we won't be there. I
stand by my principals and let honesty and integrity play the course of
history. Without doubt, I am not as successful as you (financially) and
stand in admiration of your success. Me? I'll pass on without regrets. In
fact, I will thank you publicly for your past actions. It led me to a better
place.

I think laying the cards out on the table is the best option. No guessing
games. Put it out there. Be VULNERABLE for a change instead of protecting
something that is probably obvious to someone just as cautious (careful not
to use the word unscrupulous). But if something costs a dollar, and it takes
two fifty to make it work, why not let it be known? Trouble is that there is
so much profit made in the prosthetic INDUSTRY, that AOPA is embarrassed.
The Academy should take charge. The Academy for advancement of the
Prosthetic and Orthotic PROFESSION should be the leader and not the
Industry. The Academy stands for ethical practice, and should not be led by
AOPA that has its purpose to promote the profession, but not to rule it as
it now does. AAOP should be at the negotiation table along with AOPA. AOPA
should be the advisor, not the negotiator.
My opinion on this public forum.

I am (for the record as demanded by Joel Kempfer CP FAAOP and now recently
by Paul Prusakowski, CPO, moderator)
* John Zeffer, CP, OTR
Physical Rehabilitation Program Coordinator. American Red Cross-Cambodia
Delegation
Kompomg Speu Rehabilitation Center. Kingdom of Cambodia.
* Member of ISPO, AAOP. ABC certification No. 1340
and concerned individual for the direction of the O&P Profession.

                          

Citation

John Zeffer, “Re: The Attack on AOPA-US POLITICS,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 24, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/218950.