Words mean things!!!

[HiDefFisherman]

I've been wrestling about whether to post about my last fishing trip, a couple of weeks ago, maybe 10 days ago.

I was in the back of my boat, letting a friend run my boat. It was a Wednesday, and we were on Barkley lake. For the third time that day, a boat pulled in front of us, less than 80 feet, and began fishing. I told the guy to let it go, like I had done the previous times, but he refused. He referenced posts from this board about not letting people get away with doing things that are "wrong." He wanted to pull his pistol, which I did not know he had with him, but I did talk him out of it. Instead he did fish right up to the two guys and fished in front of them.

They asked how we were doing, and my pal said not well. He said it seemed the lake was really small today, as people keep pulling right in front of us.

I will say this, after he ran them off, he caught a 5 lber. right out from where they had taken their boat up to the cover we were headed for to fish.

He told me that he had read on here where people said a couple of well placed shots across the bow would teach people how to behave.

Now I have been made fun of and shouted down because I was against the post exhaulting the criminal behavior of a vigilante. I decided I should not post this example of how people are influenced by the words many of us on here type.

I did decide to make the post after the "funny" post about gun control. I am personally against gun control, but am glad I was able to keep him from pulling his gun. BTW, he will not fish with me again, without my searching his gear for firearms.

Folks, I've read about how youngsters read this board. I've read indignation from some of the same people who post about how violence is a positive thing (vigilante post and gun control post). Just think, a young man reads the two posts and sees "adults" on here saying how cool this is, so he thinks wow, that is how I should act. Suddenly fishing violence actually does occur.

Guys/Gals (for you bassinbug *smile*), your words mean things. You may think you are kidding around, but in reality your words are exhaulting illegal actions, often times you are honoring unnecessary violence. For instance, in the gun control post, the fictional lady was not in any danger, yet she used mortal violence, and then she is honored by most of you. If kids do read this board as many say they do, then they are seeing "adults" bragging about illegal violence.

Words mean things, and we have a responsibility to not only ourselves, but to our soceity.

Yes, I know, those who are guilty of the above action will attack me by saying I am taking this too seriously. Well, make an intelligent post with reasons why this behavior should be lauded as the way to behave.

Remember, just insulting or name calling only proves you have nothing intelligent to say.

Think about it everyone, words mean things... posts get locked because of name calling, then a fictional lady is made into a hero for killing someone!!! Again, words mean things.

HDF

[greenriverman1]

You are right. Some times we say things that should not be said. And sometimes we say things we would like to do but know better than to actually do.

Good post.

[Big Gills]

I agree it is a good post. It has certainly made me stop and think of what I say on this board if young people and/or very impressionable people are reading it.

[bigrod]

All I can say is your buddy needs a lesson in carrying a concealed weapon. I can tell you this, if someone pulls a gun on me just to scare me they have mede the wrong move. I assure you they will get retaliation in the form of death! People that think they can pull a gun and scare someone to make a point are idiots. You should only pull a gun if you are going to use it to defend yourself because you are scared for your life.

[Grumpy]

HDF, although I agee that "words mean things", I can't believe that you are taking us to task when you consider all of the violence, foul language, and extremely poor behavior that is shown constantly every day on television, as well as that on DVDs, video games, and the poor example shown by many of todays parents. And, that is especially hard to believe considering the company you keep.

Grumpy

[slippedcork]

I been peed of a few times while fishin but to consider taking a life for someone peein me off, well that dont register with me. Is a fish worth a human life?

[RICHYD4U]

In the end, aren't we accountable for our own actions? I've grown a little tired from all the talk about how violence on TV and videogames caused some kid to kill somebody. The fact is, I grew up playing videogames that were violent, and I loved watching action and horror movies....I have yet to kill anybody. It all boils down to the individual. Does that individual have the ability to descern between reality and fiction. I agree that kids who may already be a little deranged may gravitate towards that kind of entertainment.....but they weren't right to begin with. IMO

If your friend was ready to pull a gun over somebody cutting him off fishing, then he would be no friend of mine! And yes, that is a good way to get himself killed! Pull a gun on me and you better shoot! IMO

-Rich

[DJD]

I agree....nuff said.

[HiDefFisherman]

HDF, although I agee that "words mean things", I can't believe that you are taking us to task when you consider all of the violence, foul language, and extremely poor behavior that is shown constantly every day on television, as well as that on DVDs, video games, and the poor example shown by many of todays parents. And, that is especially hard to believe considering the company you keep.

Grumpy

It is harder to set the example, than to follow the example.

HDF

[bassin_bug]

HDF, although I agee that "words mean things", I can't believe that you are taking us to task when you consider all of the violence, foul language, and extremely poor behavior that is shown constantly every day on television, as well as that on DVDs, video games, and the poor example shown by many of todays parents. And, that is especially hard to believe considering the company you keep.

Grumpy

Well Grumpy, you beat me to it while I was typing my reply. It is similar but a little more in depth. WELL DONE!

[HURRICANEBOB]

I agree with HDF. No matter what other forms of communications, TV, Radio, Music, or Movies, sends the wrong message to kids, I think we ought to be above that and set a higher standard for ourselves.

Outdoor recreation is supposed to be wholesome. And I think it would be easy for us to do better, do it cleaner, than the example set by other media. Nothing wrong with setting a goal to be a "positive example".

And.......I take responsiblity for any prior posts where I stepped over the line.

[roadrunner]

Good post I can't imagine being in your shoes I think the fishing trip would have been over for me when this happened.

I think we all need to remember children will be reading these post. I know when I post I think of every one being an adult who are on here.