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I don't often recommend books outside the
fly fishing world, but JC and I are both
reading one which is very good. The author
is abc 20/20 television reporter, John Stossel.
Title, Myths, Lies, and Downright
Stupidity and it is absolutely
fascinating. There are sections on almost
all the popular culture topics as well as
some things you probably don't want to know
if you have kids. Read it anyway.
I'm too old to believe life is fair, and I
know everybody lies, but it is discouraging
when some I previously trusted just are so
blatant. Example, in our monthly statement
from the power company, (Puget Sound Energy),
"Why not sign up TODAY for Puget Sound Energy's
Green Power Program."
In our November '06 election, one of the items
on the ballot was an initiative to make all the
power in this state (Washington) derive a portion
of the power it sells to the public from
sustainable/renewable energy. We have a lot
of hydro-power here, but that does NOT count
in the new required percentages. Having an
idea of the cost of producing the facilities
to produce the sustainable/renewable energy,
(wind farms and solar farms) I voted against
it. I do understand the premise, but forcing
the power companies to foot the bill is
unfair - and no funding was included in the
initiative. The claims by the proponents of
the initiative of how much money the new energy
programs would save was totally false.
Back to my mail: "YES, I would like to support
the development of renewable energy resources
here in the Pacific Northwest. Please sign me
up for the Green Power Program at a per month
level of:
$4/month (minimum) $6/month, $8/month, $10/month,
Other $____/month in any multiple of $2.
The amount of your green power purchase will
be added to your Puget Sound Energy (PSE)
electric bill each month until you call
1-800-562-1482 to discontinue your participation."
If you have any question, the initiative PASSED.
And the PSE is now asking for "help to bring
more renewable energy to the region. It's
convenient and affordable." Convenient? Affordable?
To whom? PSE can't afford it, they have
stockholders, why are they asking their customers
for help? Convenient? This state has to buy
power from other states now (which by the way,
will also be required to provide the correct
percentages of renewable energy to sell any
energy in this state.) Good grief. Doesn't
anyone follow this stuff through when they come
up with marvelous ideas? And tell the bloody truth.
Also in the mail this week, a 'survey' from Trout
Unlimited (TU). Some of the questions had me
laughing. How about this one:
"What about Trout Unlimited makes you want to
renew your membership?
I like the fly fishing calendar
I want to receive the gifts (like the hat/flies)
I want to receive TROUT magazine
I want to attend chapter meetings/functions
I want to support the TU mission
A friend encouraged me to"
"Do you intend to make a planned gift or
bequest to any of the following?
(SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
My church, synagogue or other place of worship
A school, college or university
A nonprofit whose mission I care about"
I'm sorry, this is bazaar. I want to receive
the hat and flies and I really have planned on
a major bequest. It is laughable.
Then I check where this two-page survey went.
It was from TU - but goes to Datastar Inc.
I wouldn't fill it out and send it at all.
None of their business, and who knows where
else this information (data mining) will end
up. I haven't checked the TU 'Mission' Statement
lately, but when I did belong, back when it was
formed in 1959, the idea was to protect the water.
I'm sure in today's world that isn't politically
correct.
And by the way, the VP of Marketing for TU,
a woman I assume from the name, Abby Bronson,
might want to take a good look at their cover
letter:
"You have been identified as having an interest
in fishing. We are a national organization seeking
information on the thoughts and attitudes of people
like you..."
Well Abby, why don't you spend a little time reading
Fly Anglers OnLine. Maybe take a look at the
Bulletin Board. The thoughts and attitudes of
people interested in fishing are there.
Really. ~ The LadyFisher
If you would like to comment on this or any other article please feel free to
post your views on the FAOL Bulletin Board!
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