Are we really this far behind?

[Bowwild]

As with most threads, not just this one, we digress and some of digressions must sometimes also be met with opinions, counter or otherwise. If not, then by ignoring them we imply agreement. Which by the way, I think is part of what the original concern was drawing attention too.

I certainly agree with the moral responsibility landing squarely on the parent's shoulders.  I count on no one other than my wife and I to provide moral  guidance (and we are guided by One much higher) to our children.  That "it takes a village garbage" is a cop out by parents who won't shoulder the load.  My point is as the children age my direction becomes less a requirement than passionate guidance. Choice becomes and important part of the equation.

Often times the best direction I (we?) can provide is by example, whether to offspring, friends, or mere acquaintances.

[Ron Vought]

I think Terry has set this up as a very thought provoking topic. A lot of the issues we see today boils down to society in general of being complacent, politically correct and in some instances just lazy. Unfortunately a lot of the root cause issues come from television as bowhunting is nothing more than a marketing machine and having to get the kill on camera. Even the so called professional hunters on television don't even know what the true identity of archery really is and couldn't explain it. All they know is the equipment they choose to hunt with pays the bills and allows for premium guided hunts. I see very little talk about the challenge anymore or even a story line and this resonates within the general bowhunting crowd.

I had a compound bowhunter the other night ask me if the longbow is effective at taking deer. My response was that the longbow at times in a hunting situation is much better weapon than the compound. Had to explain this in more detail but regardless he got the point. It's all about having patience and provide education to people who don't know.

Ron

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

I have many thoughts on this subject, but none of them are clear enough in my mind to put them forth with brevity right now.

I do however want to say thank you Terry, for your commitment to this sport. Traditional archery has been bettered for many by the wealth of knowledge that is TradGang. There may be many uneducated people still in this world, but a lot of the guys here are doing their part to pass on the traditional torch, and in part it is because of your efforts.

[Wallydog]

Its something that has frustrated mankind for ages. IE: How does one pass down wisdom. Knowledge is easily obtained especially in the age of the internet. Wisdom seems to be a much more rare commodity and is difficult to pass on to youngers. Many dont seem to be able to even see the difference between knowledge and wisom and that may be a function of youth in the end. I have never met a wise youngster to be honest. Smart yes but not wise.

[Terry Green]

Thanks everyone for your posts.  Those, along with the emails, shows there's a lot of you that 'GET IT'.....I just hope there is enough.

I'll get to all those that emailed me as soon as I can.  Right now I get to spend the next two days with my oldest daughter.  ....so that's what I'm going to do.

   

It seems that more and more people think that they are doing something when they siting on their butts being entertained. While I have no opinion if someone wants to have a target weight setup for shooting tournaments, it is at that level only a shooting competition, a game with pretend animals. It is also true that people don't seem dumber and and less engaged in reality, they are dumber and less engaged in reality, and there are a number of real reasons for that.