Wellsaid Rattlesnake Girl. While it's unfortunate that people have to make it a border war, I kind of understand that some people (myself included) get very emotional about certain topics and sometimes say things that aren't true said in the "heat of the moment" or say things that hurt others in order to try and prove their point. In most cases it just makes you look ignorant or flat out stupid (in general, not labling anybody here). However, in the interest of debate and "freedom of speech" that's their right. My personal opinion about that when I see someone skimming, my first thought is "wow is that person dumb". While I don't know the individual and am not necessarily attacking their intelligence, when you constantly read about these deaths *skimming related* in the paper, you just ask yourself "why do they still do it?" But I guess you could say why does someone smoke, why does someone drive drunk, why does someone do drugs, you could go on and on. As long as they don't hit me when I'm ice fishing while they 'skim', I stay out of it. There are obviously exceptions to these rules. And while it's sad that a diver might die trying to rescue one of these "idiots", they also signed on to that job knowing the risks, the same as a fireman, police officer and as we are reminded of every day by the liberal media, our soldiers. They are all special people that put the lives of others before their own so others can live, be safe and be free. While this notion is not perfect, I think this country's done a pretty decent job of advancing this theory. My dad rides a motorcycle and chooses not to wear a helmet and while my mom, sister and myself don't like that, it's his freedom to do so. NH is one of a few states that don't have a mandatory helmet law, you could call my dad stupid knowing the risks and still doing it, but he has the right and knows the risks and if he is to crash and a helmet could've saved him, my family will be sad, but what can you do? Anyway, I feel like I'm roaming off topic. I guess my point is that laws or restrictions won't do anything with most people, people will still do it and if they do, they submit that they know the risks and accept responsibility for whatever happens. Live free and accept responsibility is I guess what I'm getting to. I'm new to the board and don't want to step on anybody's toes. I know how P.C. people are today so I hope I havn't offended anybody too bad. I'm just exercising my right to the First Amendment.
Take it easy....
NHLaker