Disney Fanatic,
It doesn't seem as though you are looking at this rather subjectively, and therefore don't see our side of things in the same way. Geocaching is a sport, taking place in both urban and rural settings, as you already know. Most of those rural settings are lands that are accessible by the public, and a few narrow-minded individuals are apparently trying to police a sport they know very little about and don't care to become educated. Sure, you may not be a 'fanatic' about geocaching like some of us are, and 'stats' aren't what we're talking about here...not in this case. Personally, I see gecaching having 2 purposes. It's the hunt for these hidden treasures, often in places I would have never known about otherwise. Not only do I get some exercise by doing rural caches in these areas, but I have begun to learn more about the history of the state, as well as opened my eyes to some truly amazing things I may have never known about had it not been for geocaching.
When a government body attempts to take something away from its citizens with very little to no education about it first, citizens who are affected NEED to stand up and voice their concerns. Where would we be as a society if we just sat down and let the government walk all over us with whatever policies/laws/rules/prohibitions that they choose *cough*China*cough*? No, they aren't trying to take our MTV, or our guns (although that is coming), or even our choice to have a beer with dinner on Friday night. My belief is that someone is on a power trip and is looking for something to control with that 'iron fist', expecting little to no resistance from those affected. The Rangers who are removing these caches aren't doing it out of malice, but instead are acting on the orders of someone much higher up. Can we fault them? No, because they are simply doing their job(s). However, we owe it to the higher-ups to educate them about the sport and make every attempt to work with them on placing caches so that a mutual understanding and respect develops between our 2 groups in order to help keep this sport thriving and not suffocated under government bureaucracy.
I hope this doesn't come across as a personal attack, because it wasn't. In fact, I don't see how handing over a letter of apology is overreacting. If anything, it is the most responsible thing a geocacher could do, rather than just flipping out and telling the Rangers to f*$#**$ for removing the caches. Would this action not invoke a slight degree of respect or understanding, and possibly lay the foundation for a positive dialogue that could help this sport out immensely? Also, if you read the other messages again, you will see that it is only beginning with the Superstitions. There is talk about many/all caches in NFS areas being remoed as well. Should we just stand idly by while this becomes reality?
Brian
Team A.I.
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