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In the recent news I've noticed something. See if it
becomes obvious to you too.
Woman drowns 5 children:
husband stands behind her and says her 40 year sentence is
unfair because they won't be able to have any more children,
(conjugal visits are not allowed for convicted murders) and her
condition wasn't her fault, it was the doctors and the Texas
legal system didn't understand.
INS in hot water over approval of visas for terrorists:
INS spokesman explained, "the actual paperwork system is contracted
out to a firm in London, England, and our own computers are out-dated."
FBI attacked for lack of information on potential terrorists:
"Terrorism was not a priority on our mandate from the previous
administration." (When pressed for what was the priority) "Our
emphases was on investigating and arresting the criminals who
pirate cd's, videos, and movies. It's a billion dollar rip-off.
Besides, we can only investigate or arrest when an actual crime
has been committed. And our computers are out-dated."
CIA caught off-guard in 9/11 attack: "We are not allowed
to investigate anyone inside in United States, all of our
intelligence is from over-seas. We didn't know about the terrorists
because we were prohibited from engaging (hiring) any operatives
who had any criminal record or background association with criminals."
When asked if the CIA and FBI exchange information, both said "no."
Find a common thread?
Actually there are two. For all of the government agencies; their
computers don't work, and the big one: It's not my fault!
I don't think there is a chance in hades we can teach all of
these folks how to fly fish, but the difference is so plain.
Although I must admit I have heard some excuses from time to time.
Like, "you should have been here yesterday" or "maybe if I had a
better rod," - or fly or insert your own excuse. But those
excuses are pretty lame and most recognize them as such.
One of the things fly fishing teaches in the journey, is you ARE
responsible. If you can't cast, learn. If your knots fail, learn
how to tie knots correctly. A good line on literally any rod will
cast a fly. Maybe you don't tie your own flies, but learn how to
pick out good ones when you buy them, and take the time to learn
which insects show up when. Sure, there are lots of things to
learn, reading the water, where the fish hang out, mending line,
how to nymph or present a dry fly. Then details about which fish
take what insects or bait and how to imitate those. It is an
on-going challenge and adventure.
How well you do, your success, is totally dependant on - YOU!
It's all about taking the responsibility to do it for yourself.
We offer a ton of help here on FAOL for just about any difficulty
you may encounter. If you can't find it, ask on the Bulletin
Board - you may get a link to an existing article which you
could have found for yourself by typing in a word or two in
our SEARCH feature. On the chance we don't have it here, our
readers will bail you out. They do expect (as do I) that you
put some effort (another word for being responsible) into
finding something on your own.
I had a professor who I considered arrogant and totally uncaring.
Until the day he explained to me he had already passed Qualitative
Analysis, in fact actually had a degree, and if I wanted to
learn it I better get cracking. Hmmm. That sunk in. Pay
attention, do the work, and be (here's that word again)
RESPONSIBLE. He wasn't going to do the work for me, or be
easy on me. He had been there, done that and had the degree.
I'm proud to be part of the fly fishing community. A large part
of the reason is I believe fly fishers are responsible, and take
a different view of most of what is passing for politics because
of it. Gratefully we can see the excuses, passing the buck,
and doing a major con by letting everyone know it isn't their fault.
It's just too bad their aren't more of us. ~ 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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