Observations on my trip to France

Pussification of America.

Errrr.....not so fast MO.    When this country was formed......Benjamin Franklin went to King Louie and got some financing from the French for our Indepednce  war with England.    France and England were enemies so France did help the to US declare its independence.   Later this same thing happened to France.....French Revolution.....and these folks tried to set up their government much like the USA.    

NOW.....you would not likely know that if you didnt go on a tour to France.   See.....I was listening.      

I'm not a lover of the French.....but I have been taught to "hate" the French in a German Community.   France dominated over the Germans for some time....and many of the Germans resent it to this day.    Things may have softened somewhat with the unification of Europe.....but old feelings linger.    

......Damn.....I could write a book?   lol   

Hey.....I resemble that remark!   And....it's Claven with a "C" buddy.     

Many folks here see Europe as being more advanced and sophisticated than we are and as such look to them as a model for how we can be better. The thing is that Europe has been a "modern society" for far longer than we have been. As such as their population has expanded and has essentially overrun the land and as such now they have to find ways to get what they need and make every inch count. Our DNR model is quickly moving in the direction of that of Europe where only the rich will have land and guns to hunt.....it will be a sport of the privileged. We as a society are not that far removed from when hunting and fishing was a way of life to put food on the table....it was a necessity, not a luxury. As our population grows and the demands on the natural world increase the wildlife and wild places will be the ones who loose...... You see this in Japan and other grossly populated areas as well. The only places that remain wild and the like are either protected by the government (which can obviously change) or they are simply so remote or of little value (at the time) that nobody bothers. Look to Alaska or the american west and see how something was once "useless" and once value was associated with it how it was exploited. e are also seeing a growing division between the "haves" and "have nots" as well. The middle class seems to shrink more and more and it's not because they are moving up! But this is also why our government doesn't represent us any more. Sure they are "elected" but look at the choices we have and the realistic chances that the average man can actually be represented. Our government officials should have to were sponsor patches like NASCAR drives do - so at least we all know who they represent because we know it isn't us!

And yes - folks in general are fed up with immigrants coming in and essentially taking of "their country". That is what we are seeing here. The thing is that some folks have finally said enough is enough....it's our's and we are going to fight to keep it ours. Either YOU adapt or you can get out! America seems to be lacking the spine to do that....and why you have to "push one for English"! Yes this country was formed by outcasts and immigrants, but sooner or later you put your foot down and say...."this is mine".

I also agree that those ass-hats that want to kneel - should at least visit the Arlington cemetery.....get a better perspective of what it takes to stay free. It's not Normandy.....but you get a real appreciation of what it takes. To be honest, I'm not sure this country has what it would take to fight another war like that again. The "common good" and a thing called "sacrifice" are all but a thing of the past. It seems most of our society is only interested in "what's in it for me".

And Foggy is correct in that both the English and the French have at times been allies to us..... But so has Russia, so what does that tell you! It shows that your friend today, may not be your friend tomorrow!

I have little interest in seeing Europe.....but I do agree in that it can offer insight into things to come.....if you are interested in looking that deep. There are still Kings of the world.....this little thing they call government is just a front to allow us to think we matter.....back to work slaves!

There's no will, it's here.  Government doesn't give a shit about hunting and fishing, they're protecting their property.  Minnesota is a prime case study for how many hundreds of millions can be spent per biennium and produce an astonishing nothing with it.  We just got a glimpse of where the sales tax money will go for the next year.  It's all land acquisition again.  I didn't see one "improvement" project, just stuffing land titles in drawers.  Now, lets say they take 2% of the hundred million or so they'll spend buying land again this year.  They can purchase walk-in area rights for say $10/acre (might even be $5).  That would open up 200,000 new acres of hunting land right now.  

What would that do for the health of the rest of the game lands?  People would be so spread out, some lands likely wouldn't even get hunted.  But hunting isn't part of the "heritage" when it comes to the outdoor heritage fund.