Re: [Paddlewise] Arrogance reigns

>That is disturbing, I didn't see the statement you alluded to. The question
>is, who makes these access decisions and does the director have their ear
>when they are made ?
        In Delaware County, who knows?  I have concerns about a general
attitude forming....
I assume you are aware of the Tohickon problems.  This is similar in a way
in that some officials have used "safety of paddlers" as an excuse for
cancelling a release last Fall, and again this Spring.  It is fairly evident
that none of these individuals involved had an appreciation of the degree of
risk that can be assumed by an experienced paddler, let alone that the
responsible paddler is fully aware of those risks and knows how to deal with
or, failing that, when to stop.

> I agree with you, if only there were some way to
>counter it in public, make a positive statement, give a positive
>impression, but of course that's not the kind of thing the media covers.
        Unfortunately true.  It is a sensational, very visual, event to put
on the air.  Any downplaying or saying something that might prevent
tragedies in the future tend to be ignored.

        --But I think that is a case of invincible ignorance.  I believe
that neither the news media nor the powers that be in Harrisburg know any
paddlers or how to get in touch with any group representing them.  Further,
they don't know that they don't know.
        Somehow I think paddlers as a demographic group needs to be
recognized.  Perhaps the Tohickon debacle could help.  It seems to have
spurred Harrisburg to do some media spinning this time around, so I think
they may now have some awareness.

JP



>
>I remember seeing the D. Hearn video and being so angry and frustrated I
>could scream, the ignorance and arrogance displayed were only eclipsed by
>the stupidity as they saought to arrest him to save him. Did anybody learn
>from that one ?
>
>~Paul H.
>__________________________________________
>NetZero - Defenders of the Free World
>Get your FREE Internet Access and Email at
>http://www.netzero.net/download/index.html
>

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