After I thought about it a bit I had the impression that you might think
that I might be coming down on you a bit in my last message.  Sorry if
you had that impression I was just thinking a bit out loud.  I do
certainly think that the original issue is one of merit and don't really
think it should get lost in a discussion over the proper philosophical
role of the government.  Habitat distruction and polution are certainly
significant issues but I really think that the only way to make any
headway in improving the situation is to change individual attitudes.
For a good number of people having a law that runs contrary with
something that you want to do is a law that you will probably break
anyway, not that any of us ever got a speeding ticket or anything.  I
have yet to see, however, anyone do anything voluntarily that did not
reflect their inner beliefs.  Changing the belief is the only real way
to change the behavior so why not make that the first step?
    Considering some of the legislative issues that have come about
recently that heavily impact on our sport, how about the laws pertaining
to wreck diving, salvage or the propose state licensing and taxation in
Mass., some of this discussion is certainly reasonable.  I guess it is
up to us to make sure that it doesn't get out of hand and take over the
board.
     Be wet and well.
Dennis
--- PCBoard (R) v15.21/10
---------------