Paper tiger or....?

[GN4WHLN]

I ran across this at OFN today.

http://www.stopthrillcraft.org/index.htm

[StvDiego]

A Paper Tiger can give you a pretty mean paper cut and you know that even tho it's just a little cut it can hurt like  ~censored

The problem with sites, and people, like this is that they all add up, even worse, they generally tend to over-simplify complex issues and use fear, threats and propaganda to get their message across with the end goal of getting their way. No matter what facts and truths have to be trampled over to get there.

The real problem is that it works. The public generally tends to have no long-term interest in issues that do not directly affect them nor do they have the desire to delve into facts and take the time to study an issue and form an educated opinion. The mainstream media is more than happy to accommodate that with 3-minute sound bytes with video of an idiot off-roading like an idiot and tearing across sensitive habitat and blithely inform the public that this is what off-roaders do everyday, thrillriding while destroying the environment and your natural heritage. Don't laugh, remember the adage, I saw on TV so it must be true...

The only real response to trash like this is to pick up the trash. This is why it's so important for off-roaders to take care of the environment, do trail cleanups, rehab work after natural disasters, community service work in campgrounds, parks and recreation areas. An unfortunate truth that we don't like to talk about in the off-road community is that trash on the trails is most likely there because someone was off-roading and left it there.

How do we respond? Education in the off-road community, pack it in, pack it out, every run is a trail cleanup, do specific trail cleanups, take care of sensitive habitats, respect the laws and get the word out that off-roaders are actually out there working hard thrillriding the trash bags.

While the enviros are busy with websites scaring everybody we get out from in front of that monitor, get out of that comfortable chair and do the hard work. We're the ones with gloves on out there sweating, getting sunburned, straining muscles, tugging, picking up, restoring, saving and actually physically working in the dirt, heat and sun keeping the environment clean and safe. Let them use their fancy websites, we'll be out doing the hard work and making a real difference and we'll get noticed for being there, they'll get noticed for not being there.

[Metal Twister]

Wish there was some way to link to our Bronco extraction thru that website and not allow it to be removed? Maybe just start posting up all the good things that are happening... Unfortunantly they dont want that to be seen, and will promptly remove any positive aspects of offroading. Wish we could give them the Cox Bug?  ~cool2 

[jeffm1964]

Unfortunately I think if we did link the bronco extraction they would spin it to a negative those types are so set in their ways that they can only focus on their only interest of shutting down areas to the masses and seeing only .01% actually use the land. They are angry in life and this makes them feel important.

[GN4WHLN]

What StvDiego said is very close to what I wrote over at OFN. The more I read through the site the more I wonder if their pants really are on fire... What a bunch of BS; I have some trouble getting my head around the propaganda, lies, and incredible arrogance.  I've seen guys like this in a hundred different bodies from the eco-tard who tried to convince me that if you couldn't hack a backpack trip into Yosemite valley you shouldn't be able to see Half Dome or El Cap, to the families who bought some uber expensive homes right by the entrance to the canyon in back of where I live, got their collective panties in a wad, and somehow managed to get the canyon closed to all vehicle traffic. Sometimes, and I think it may be true with these guys, is that they hate the subculture more than they are truly concerned about an environmental issue. I also think they are trying to sell some printed propaganda, so it's about the money (in my best Jim neighbors voice; surprise, surprise, surprise....).

I absolutly agree with StvDiego that we should make our name based on our actions and not a bunch of internet hand wringing. Thinking about that, I know I have not been as dilligent as I should be with trail cleanup when wheeling. Funny though, I have been really strong in that area when back packing or climbing, I just haven't carried it over to the same extent with the truck. I like what you are saying; be notied for being there getting the job done not for hiding behind a computer and complaining.