RE: [Paddlewise] How and when to speak up

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dan21660_at_aol.com [mailto:Dan21660_at_aol.com]
snip
> 
> I personally think we are waiting for a disaster to happen, 
> and when it does, 
> we will be faced with the difficult question of, why, WHY 
> didn't we deal with 
> the issue when we knew it was problem (like now). 

  Something to bear in mind as this discussion continues - S&*T Happens.
All the rules and advice and laws in the world can't prevent something bad
from happening to somebody.  The "issue" can't be "dealt with".  All you can
do is take steps to avoid it.  When I worked as a life guard on the shores
of Lake Michigan our job was to protect humans form the dangers of the water
- but sometimes people died, despite our best efforts.
  My take on club rules, bylaws, etc, is that their only true function is to
protect the entity (club, Downtown Boathouse, etc) from legal action after
the fact.  This forum is not the place for a discussion of
self-responsibility and modern society. (American - hey, it's the only one I
know! <g>; Although there are some who would say that Alaskan society
differs significantly from American society...)
  Make an effort through putting up educational posters, offering classes,
even mandate rules if you will - but, as has been stated here before, you
can't legislate experience (nor it's corollary - wisdom).  Bad things happen
- sometimes even to the "experts".
  
Dave Seng (feeling cynical today)
Juneau, Alaska
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