Hi Coastie,

For me it isn't necessarily a case of "the law is the law" frame of mind. Because I do believe in the Constitution and I have "philosphical problems" with laws that violate the letter and or spirit of that Constitution.

But in the case of poaching.....I honestly believe based upon experience.....that it is done by people that are "not responsible financially", game hogs, and sometimes "Daniel Boone wanna be's". And generally speaking it has also been my experience that these same people most often think that it is okay to "steal from others".....and don't see violating the game laws for what it is. We no longer live in a society that hasn't provided "parachutes" for those that find themselves in extreme circumstances. And sometimes it may be "due to circumstances beyond their control"......but it has also been my personal experience that much more often it is because they were absolutely NOT responsible...didn't plan for the future.....spend as if there is no tomorrow....and in general "just plain felt that it wasn't a PROBLEM if they violated game laws....and spent their money on bullsh**t and toys". That is my problem with poachers.......and poaching!

I'm not heartless.....but let's be honest. This is not 1930.....this is 2004....and for all the money we pay in taxes...and all the assistance programs that exist, (most of which are abused), poaching is not the difference between eating and starving. It is about taking the "easy way out", shirking responsibilities, making excuses, and "crying another woe is me song"!

We like to play the "what if" games in this society! And we can come up with "what if's"......to justify just about any type of behavior. (Remember the Menendez brothers?) When, as a society, do we quit playing "what ifs".....and start holding people accountable for their behavior? When does enough.....become enough? When do we quit accepting every sob story in the book....look people in the face.....and tell them to assume responsibility for their lives? And when do we finally "hold their feet to the fire"......and make them accountable for the consequences of that behavior?

That is my "what if"!

And this isn't meant to be personal with any of you guys. This is the same question we need to start asking ourselves everyday when we look in the mirror. The same question we should expect our children to answer.....as they grow and mature. The same question we should start holding our elected officials to be able to answer. I for one......am just plain sick and tired of all the freaking excuses!