04-30-2010, 04:48 PM
Wow... There is much for me to ponder here. Speaking to the group and not to just Pat (but I had to reply to someone to post my thoughts). My heartfelt sentiment goes out to all involved....
First on my mind is that last summer I had what felt like a near death experience at Bear Lake on a wave runner. Had I and my son and niece not been wearing life preservers, we would have been another
news report with a seemingly abandoned watercraft on some beach. I'm reminded that being a fisherman definitely demands precaution and respect for safety at all times.
Second, is that I also wish to underscore that one does not always know what we'd do in any given circumstances - and, it's all too easy to armchair quarterback and I strive to not be judgmental and assume more than I ought.
This issue has much precedent with others like it - and involves otherwise very intelligent and responsible folks. (Perhaps others have seen the recent national reports of more obvious examples of beating and slaying victims laying in the street, or being hit by a vehicle and bystanders doing nothing at all.) I am mindful that there are deeper psychological and societal issues involved. But brevity prevents me from elaborating with examples. However, I will share the following.
Please forgive me if this is off topic, but given the nature of this thread I don't think it is. (Suffice it to say, issues of safety hit close to home for me to be similarly informed.) Here is a link to a very recent Pulitzer Prize article in the Washington Post called "Fatal Distraction," that many would consider a "must read." But I will leave it up to you to draw any parallels with this thread that brought the article to my mind.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...9030602446
Please understand, I am judging nobody. I'm merely sharing info to be thoughtfully considered - from someone who has had experience being heartlessly slandered and sympathized in the media at large.
One never knows what situation we may be caught up in. Lives can change in an instant. And, it's partly why I've come to enjoy fishing so much, it allows me to be grateful for the moment.
Thank you to those that have contributed - and for the reminder of what the right thing to do is.
Be well everyone.
[signature]
First on my mind is that last summer I had what felt like a near death experience at Bear Lake on a wave runner. Had I and my son and niece not been wearing life preservers, we would have been another
news report with a seemingly abandoned watercraft on some beach. I'm reminded that being a fisherman definitely demands precaution and respect for safety at all times.Second, is that I also wish to underscore that one does not always know what we'd do in any given circumstances - and, it's all too easy to armchair quarterback and I strive to not be judgmental and assume more than I ought.
This issue has much precedent with others like it - and involves otherwise very intelligent and responsible folks. (Perhaps others have seen the recent national reports of more obvious examples of beating and slaying victims laying in the street, or being hit by a vehicle and bystanders doing nothing at all.) I am mindful that there are deeper psychological and societal issues involved. But brevity prevents me from elaborating with examples. However, I will share the following.
Please forgive me if this is off topic, but given the nature of this thread I don't think it is. (Suffice it to say, issues of safety hit close to home for me to be similarly informed.) Here is a link to a very recent Pulitzer Prize article in the Washington Post called "Fatal Distraction," that many would consider a "must read." But I will leave it up to you to draw any parallels with this thread that brought the article to my mind.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...9030602446
Please understand, I am judging nobody. I'm merely sharing info to be thoughtfully considered - from someone who has had experience being heartlessly slandered and sympathized in the media at large.
One never knows what situation we may be caught up in. Lives can change in an instant. And, it's partly why I've come to enjoy fishing so much, it allows me to be grateful for the moment.
Thank you to those that have contributed - and for the reminder of what the right thing to do is.
Be well everyone.
[signature]