I posted this over in Boating, but I think this is important for us to know 
as well. Why? Because more and more these days Fishing, Boating, Hunting, 
Hiking, Flying, Shooting, and Outdoor Activities in general are coming 
under attack. Just look at PETAs ultimate goal of the total elimination of 
all fishing. Bans like this do not eliminate all fisherman, but 
organizations like PETA know that you win wars with small victories. When 
one group of people who enjoy the outdoors is eliminated, it makes us all 
that much weaker for the taking.
Banning Outboard Motors on Lakes that are also Water Supplies is a new 
trend that may be coming to your area soon. California has already banned 
outboards over 10hp on some lakes. The fear is that the motors are putting 
pollutants into the water. This is true, but the amounts are insignificant 
compared to pollution from run-off and simple rain. This is a trend that 
everyone needs to be ready to counter in your local area. This is an 
example of how overzelous people ,with a little power, can take away your 
rights just because they do not like something you do. They don't want to 
look at alternatives, they just want a ban. Don't think that they will stop 
with just the over 10hp outboards. "Divide and Conquer" is the game here. 
Get rid of the people over 10hp and you get rid of a significant voice. It 
makes it easier when they then go after the 10hp and under group, which 
includes sail boats. Then once you get rid of those two groups, it's all 
the easier to ban the inboards. Tolerance of others is the key here. I know 
that everyone has their boat groups that they dislike, Jet Skies, Bass 
Boats, etc. But if I expect joe bass boater to back me on a boater issue 
that's key to me, then I had better back him. And don't think that this 
little issue will stop at water supply lakes. What do people do when they  
get something banned? The nature of the beast says to look for the next 
battle to fight, in this case the next ban or restriction. Just be aware 
that this issue IS coming to your area, so you had better figure out right 
now who you stand with. Don't think that it won't happen just because it 
makes no sense. With things like this you have to remember that it's not 
the truth that matters as much as what they make the public believe is the 
truth.
--- FMail/386 1.20
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