Ridecamp: [RC] Flames and motifvation

Yes, I said I wasn't going to post any more on the minimum age
question, but this isn't another pro-or-con argument but some
observations about civility in discussions, and a possible alternate
route to take.

It's strange how a concern for children's welfare is attacked as being
against children.  I'm talking about the charges that I'm trying to
spoil it for the kids.  As I see it, a mimimum age requirement is FOR
the children.  It says that letting them grow enough to do the rides
safely is more important than instant gratification.  It's like those
signs in the amusement parks that say "You must be at least this tall
to ride this ride."  Are they there to spoil the kids fun?  No, they
are there to keep the kids from getting hurt.   Not all parents are
caring or knowledgable.  The purpose of a minimum age is protect the
very young children of parents who may not understand the dangers, or
who care more for their own egos than the best interests of the child.

In  nutshell, if I didn't care for the kids, if I didn't want the best
for them, I wouldn't give a damn if there was a minimum age or not.
But some people, who cannot refute the reasons put forward in a
discussion, resort to name-calling, sarcasm and slandering the motives
of those whose opinions differ from their own.

On another note, Truman had an excellent suggestion.  If the Board
fails to act on this matter, we can circulate a petition to amend the
Bylaws to include a minimum age for riders.  After all, the age
requirements for horses is in the Bylaws, why not the age requirement
for riders?  I think we can easily get the necessary 300 signatures by
circulating a petition at rides.  Then the Bylaws revision will go
directly to the members for a vote, not through the Board of
Directors.  It requires a two-thirds approval, of course, but I think
there is a good chance of getting that as well.  Despite a few vocal
opponents, I believe most AERC members will vote "Yes."

-- 

Joe Long
jlong@xxxxxxxx
http://www.rnbw.com




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