Re: [Paddlewise] A followup rant (ignorant race-support powerboaters)

I completely understand your comments but I do want to offer a note of support for VFC's.

Here in Vermont there are many volunteer fire companies beause we just don't have the same level of wealth as you do in Maryland... I myself have been a volunteer for 28 years. Ours is a pure volunteer department. Many so-called volunteer departments actually pay their members to attend drills and calls; we (and only a handful of others) do not.

Let me assure you that even our youngest members understand the sober nature of our endeavor and we all act accordingly. We volunteer because there is no one else to do the job.

I have certainly seen the behaviour you describe even among paid professional crews (police, fire, and ambulance) and it sickens me when I do. 

<rant on>
Please avoid the broad-brush stereotyping... it never adds anything useful to the discussion.
<rant off>

Thanks.

--allan


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