in article , Dave Martin at
wrote on 2003/10/13 3:25:


I am sorry you think my post was being hypocritical.
Why I do not know....

DM,

I would say it is hypocritical, certainly in the dictionary sense of being a
"simulation of virtue", to, after citing numerous disadvantages of one fatal
activity of which you do not approve, recommend another form which you would
approve for those who disagree with you. If you find true virtue in that, a
rational debate may not be possible.


Early this year I spent some time with a keen gliderpilot,
who is now dead. Killed in a glider crash.

You have my sympathies, as no doubt the loss was a personal one for you.


Maybe I should have stopped him gliding....... But
that would have lead to criticism from people of your
ILK.

I think attempting to stop him might have have led to retribution more
immediate than criticism from those of us on r.a.s. who expect to be left to
make our own decisions. Many here in the USA are still trying to hold on to
the vestiges of our freedom.


Sadly, his friends scraped his remains of the airfield.
His friends, went to funerals and memorial services.

I suspect that the majority of those active sailplane pilots no longer
eligible for the SSA youth awards have done the same, in and out of
aviation, in peace and war. Not that it makes that any easier, but you
should remember that it is possible to experience such things and continue
to live an active, adventurous life and not to assume burdens which are not
yours to bear.


Several of his friend have stopped gliding.

More's the pity, then, that they could not have done his memory better
service by increasing their committment to the sport, rather than slinking
away. Let's all hope they will see the light in the near future and return
with a constructive attitude.


If I can stop one more gliding death, I will do whatever it takes.
Popular or unpopular or hypocritical.

Why not simply post yourself at the gate with a shotgun then, and prevent us
from getting on the field at all -- and don't forget to stop your neighbor's
son from driving his car for a few more years as well -- you may even "help
to lower insurance rates".


Yes your comments got under my skin.
I hope mine get right up your nose.

Not at all -- but they were mildly amusing.



Jack