[Paddlewise] Responsibility

    At the risk of a public flogging, I have to point out that this issue may 
never be resolved. I believe in personal responsibility and expect no more 
from suppliers and instructors than accurate information. We're right back 
into talking about things that suggest legislating good judgment. Out society 
is rife with examples of misplaced responsibilities. I won't cite specific 
examples in order to avoid political topics on this paddling site.
    I live in New Hampshire where centuries of self-determination have bred 
self-sufficient and self-reliant people. We in general believe that you 
should live as you please and we will do the same. If the same effort was 
applied towards teaching our brethren to take personal responsibility for 
their actions (as we exert towards the industry to assume responsibility for 
us) then I believe we would be significantly more effective in our efforts.

Just a few other minor notes:
    Retailers sell stuff, no sale / no food. They often employ people that 
are not avid paddlers and hence, should not be considered an accurate source 
of information. They'll tell you what they sell is the best, this is why they 
exist, it's their job.
    Magazines are in the business of secondary marketing and while they can 
afford to be less biased than the retailers the nature of their revenue 
generating mechanism leaves me somewhat suspect as well.
    Clubs are a different matter. Here there is the opportunity for at least 
evenly biased information. But to burden clubs with such awesome 
responsibility seems unfair. Clubs in general are driven by "well 
intentioned" (there's that phrase again) and sharing people. And while I 
consider clubs an excellent source of information I don't hold them 
responsible for all of the actions of their membership.
    Instructors have the responsibility to teach safety, good technique and 
environmental awareness. But can they be held accountable to the actions of 
their former students? They are not gods and cannot teach good judgment.

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