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Sea Kayak Trips Bulletin Board
Re: who's got the ball
Posted By: Ed Valley In Response To: Re: who's got the ball (Ian Johnston)
Date: Monday, 4 October 1999, at 1:22 p.m.
> I think that eventually we will be regulated.
Heaven won't Forbid, but minimize, pleeeeeease?
> If I am out on the ocean and get myself into trouble, it is my
> responsibility to get out of it. No debate.Yup, no debate.
> My answere is this. Take responsibility for yourself. That is how we stop
> regulations.To quote Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along?"
I am certain we can, and will do so because of and in spite of lawsuits, good and bad. Your point, Ian, is the best practical advice I can conceive of. Take responsibilty for yourself. Although I fear that responsibility by itself will not stop regulations, I think there are other, more desirable direct effects from such behaviour.
1 -- Paddling and preparing responsibly, (maybe not the same as "being responsible") diminishes the risk of bad things happening and diminishes the negative impact of those that do happen.
2 -- Being seen "being responsible" in this way on and off the water generates more responsibility in other kayakers, just as more frivilous lawsuits encourage more frivilous lawsuits. As a father, I try to demonstrate good water safety habits to my kids. I try to nurture their growing set of self reliance skills, and their sense of personal responsibility.
By extension, I teach all those around me about _my_ kayaking habits, and I hope the good ones are the ones that are remembered. Interestingly, I, too, learn from those around me, especially the members of this community that breathe life into these boards. I don't think that it is possible or desirable to have an error free kayaking experience. I forget who said "That which causes pain, also instructs". It's really more important and useful to have mistakes that are recoverable.
> A blind snake and a blind rabbit bump into each other. The snake says....
I am curious to hear the rest of this one...
-- Ed Valley
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