| I recently posted a response to Mike Wilson's email about discussing public waters. Since that time I have gotten back both emails addressed to the group, as well as personal, to me only, which attack my point of view. Each of us has a personal point of view. Each is entitled to a point of view. It would be a pretty boring world if each of us was exactly like everybody else.
I have also received email in support of my views. I appreciate both sides taking the time to express their views. I would like to caution that the purpose of posting views is to generate discussion. Good, constructive, discussion. Personal attacks are neither welcome or appropriate. I have been told that my views of "yuppies," constitute me being in the same class as being a racial bigot. My son, who puts his life on the line for each of you every day, has been accused of "profiling" people based on the cars they drive. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am going to quote, with names deleted, of course, an email sent to me yesterday, along with my reply. Perhaps then we can see what the problem is with many of the people we meet on a stream. Here is the email I received "Dear Roger, Oh my goodness. So I not the right kind of fisherman am I. As a yuppie type, who "drives those fancy cars, has the best rods, and top of the line equipment," I resemble your remarks. Just what qualifications do I need to be legitimate in your little world? Maybe I should just sit here in the corner while you lecture me. Apparently, I don't have the "good common sense" to check with you before I go fishing, so you can tell me what to drive and what to use and where to go. I certainly agree that we need to "still bring class to the sport." If you ever stumble across any, let me know. Waitin' in Redmond," Here is the reply I sent to this individual. "Well, (name deleted), I think you just reinforced the point I was trying to make. I never said having the fancy cars (I have them) , or the right equipment (I have some of the best) make the man. �I believe your remarks say all that needs to be said. �In case you haven't noted, it is the attitude. �The attitude that because of the money one has that he or she is somehow better than another person. �The attitude that because of the money, a person doesn't have to be thoughtful, etc. ��Believe me, I have had to pay my dues as a flyfisherman, and I am still learning. �I just hope I never get like some of the newcomers I have met on the stream who won't respect the water I am fishing and give me a respectful berth, and who feel it is beneath themselves to visit with me. �Now, I don't want this to take off and become a topic in and of itself. �This would not be a good thing. �But your comments have a personal bite to them. �Recently I was waiting for a flight at Sea-Tac and happened to be seated back to back with a fellow from Calif. �We visited for a few moments and one could tell from his demeanor, etc., that he had money. �About 30 minutes later a colleague of his arrived at the airport and asked him how long he had been there. �When he said 30 minutes his friend asked how could that be as they had left at the same time. �The fellow I had been talking to said he just drove alone in the carpool lane as he couldn't be bothered with the lines in the regular lane. �When his friend said that was illegal he replied, so what, the fine is only $74. �It wasn't worth his time to obey the law. �This is the attitude I am talking about. "� An acquaintance of mine said that one of the reasons he goes to less frequented waters is to avoid the "Orvis hatch", which has sprung up along the more frequented waters. I had never heard that term before, but like it, as it certainly describes those who think that they can buy their way into the sport. So lets put this topic to bed. There are lots of good thoughts out there. Let's not descend into nastiness, OK? Roger |
