RE: [Paddlewise] Portland Peace Paddle (addendum)

From: <Rick.Sylvia_at_ferguson.com>
Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2003 15:27:46 -0500
> I have to disagree with you on this one. IMHO, politics of any kind do
not
> belong on the list. 
> 
> There are many other ways to make one's voice heard concerning
> politics---lets keep it out of paddling and Paddlewise.

Steve, though we've never met face-to-face, I read your posts and have
only respect for you (can you hear the sucking up noise?), so please
keep that in mind when I say that I'm suddenly compelled to say "Whoa,
what just a minute".  So... Whoa, wait just a minute.

"Politics of any kind?"  Does that mean no more posts about Personal
Watercraft  laws, State Kayak registration laws, National Park Service
fees, Leave No Trace laws, PFD requirements and a host of other things
we discuss on a very regular basis?  Are those not Political issues too?

And, it's not just the Government that is "political".  How about the
whole Sponsoons thing - was that not political?  What about Outfitters
and their responsibilities or lack of it in sending new boaters out with
all the proper gear and/or training - isn't that political? There is no
shortage of "political" on Paddlewise - the list goes on, but I won't
attempt to list them all.  

If there was "no political", would Paddlewise survive on just the
"other" topics? I don't know, and I don't care to find out.   So, where
do you draw the line?  The litmus test that Kirk chose to use was
whether or not it involved actual paddling.  I'll be darned if I can
think of a better litmus test than that - at least for a Paddling
discussion forum.  

Mind you, I'm not saying we all have to agree with each political post
(thank you vets, for giving me that privilege), and many topics will
certainly stir up quite a debate on this forum.  But, if it involves
paddling, how can it be taboo for Paddlewise?  Unpleasant or distasteful
at times - yes.  Angering and upsetting at times - yes.   Taboo and off
limits - no.

Just MHO.

Rick
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Received on Fri Mar 14 2003 - 13:02:30 PST

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