Bill Mee wrote:
> 
> I would like to hear your opinion about these Doria deaths and any of the
> countless other deaths that we have been witness to over the years.  I also
> challenge you to get on this list and tell us why discussing George Irvine
> is more important than knowing why another human being has become a
> statistic.

Ironically, George Irvine is probably the reason that we're discussing
George Irvine instead of what can be done to stop the needless deaths. 
George has an abrasive style and even people that agree with what he
says have a hard time with his style.

Some people will have a hard time getting past the style of the
messenger, no matter how logical a viewpoint he offers.  Others will be
able grit their teeth and still take the message for what it's worth. 
George doesn't HAVE to change the way he delivers his message.  But if
he REALLY wants to reach EVERYBODY he will.  

Here's an example that Dan Volker can understand since we're both
cyclists.  We're riding down the road, single file and as close to the
right as practicable as the CA Vehicle code requires.  Along comes an
automobile who is ignorant of my rights as a cyclist to share the road
and yells, "Get off the F**ing road and ride on the sidewalk where
you're supposed to!"  I have two choices:  1)  I can flip him the bird
and get into a loud cursing match and forever lose the possibility of
him seeing the light.  2)  I can calmly explain to him that the CA
Vehicle Code states that "Cyclists have the same rights and
responsibilities as motor vehicles, but that they must stay as far to
the right as practicable except to turn left or when the road is not
wide enough for a car to safely pass."  I could also go on to explain
how having cars and bicycles obey the same laws makes for a more
predictable and safe traffic flow.  Much better than the personal
preference crowd that has bikes on the side walk, or riding against
traffic "because it's safer".  (NOT!)

Okay, you're that driver.  You don't know that bikes have these rights. 
Which cyclist would you want to run into, and which one will you listen
to?

It's just human nature.  And if you think that George has had it with
the strokes, I can guarantee that it pales to the dip shit drivers that
I've put up with over the last 15 years and 200,000 miles.

Speaking of the Andrea Doria, even as a recreational diver, I can see
some of the problems with the way some divers approach this dive.  But
in a sense, I've been lucky as I've been able to learn what little I
know about tech diving from this list and been able to separate the good
from bad ideas.  On the other hand, if I was an east coast diver who met
some local "dive gods" that got me into more advanced diving, I wouldn't
have any idea that there was a better way when they set me up with a set
of OMS wings.  The internet saves the day again...

Really, your best bet is to get to them before they acquire bad habits. 
GUE is a good start, but it will have to grow a lot.  It will also have
quite a fight with peoples desire to follow the quick and dirty method.

Sincelerly,

-- 
Kevin Metcalfe
metcalfe@ec*.co*
Pleasant Hill, CA
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