Re: [Paddlewise] whales and kayaks

In a message dated 10/24/00 1:02:40 PM !!!First Boot!!!, mcnellie_at_lycos.com 
writes:

<< Anyway, I suspect this is at the heart of why this discussion about 
politically correct and environmentally sensitive whale treatment triggers a 
good deal of response >>
 Fortunately, political correctness is not the law. 
 My point was more to the "situational ethics" aspect of it. Do we obey laws 
only if there is a chance of getting caught?
 I have no doubts that the previous posters mean no harm to the creatures 
that they encounter. Their passion for nature is evident. I would ask two 
questions. Did the creature benefit from the interaction? What would be the 
motivation for the contact? 
 I see commercial tour leaders baiting monkeys on the Silver River and I see 
people feeding alligators everywhere, both are against the law. Are these 
actions for the benefit of the animal? Both actions will inevitably lead to 
the destruction of the animal. The monkey and alligator will both become more 
aggressive toward people and demand food. 
 There is a crisis in Wilderness ethic, whether the wild be woods or whales 
makes no difference. We love our Wilderness to death. If the question is who 
will draw the lines with respect to use/abuse. The answer is the lines have 
been drawn. If we do not agree with a law, we need to work within the system 
to change it or better yet get involved beforehand to shape the proposal. If 
laws were written to allow voluntary compliance, would they be able to serve 
their intended purpose? In an ideal world, maybe. In a me first world, not a 
chance.
  While backpacking at Cumberland Island, GA several years back, I witnessed 
a squirrel eating another hiker's food supply. When the hiker returned to his 
camp, I informed him as to what had happened to his food supply. His 
response, "I guess that's the price of paradise." We all have to give in 
order to get. 
  If attempting to ensure that Wilderness will exist for my children's 
children means slightly restricting my use, I am willing to pay that small 
price. 
  If we disagree, that is fine. I hope that you won't refer to me as an 
"enviro" or any other type "nazi." I use Dr. Bronner's Soap. I prefer the 
peppermint unless I am in stealth mode at which time Cedar scent is more 
desirable.
Bruce McC 
WEO
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