Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Enough already

On Fri, 25 Oct 2002 06:51:55 -0400, "oddfarm" <jsalas@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

>Alrighty then, I think this subject is just about beat to death.

Agreed.  I intend this to be my last post on the subject.  I believe
I've made a sound case; others can have the last word.

>I think we need to wait and see what response AERC comes up with after considering Joe's letter. 

>Joe, I have to admit that your accusations of child abuse is a little hard to swallow. If you want to see abuse, volunteer to be a Guardian Ad Litem for a few cases. Actually, you should volunteer anyway because it sounds like you would be a very strong advocate for the kids. I mean that sincerely. You too, Scott.

Thank you.  Some of my fondest memories from endurance riding are from
the many Junior riders (including a National Junior Champion) that
I've sponsored.  I also have helped kids in trouble (whose single mom
was being stalked by an ex-husband for example; they lived in my house
until the ex-husband went back to jail).  I find it interesting that
some people characterize my attempt to protect kids as dissing the
kids.

>By the way, did any of you know that there are different "levels" of abuse within our child welfare system? They have to determine what level each case is before they will take action. At least here in Florida. I wonder what "level" of abuse endurance riding is? OK, don't get me started, I feel my blood pressure going up. 

Yes, as I stated in another post.  I'm not equating taking a
preschooler on an endurance ride with the far more severe forms of
child abuse that are out there.  I'm using the word clinically -- the
long ride is abusing (harming) the child's body, hence it is child
abuse to subject him to it.  Also, subjecting a child to unreasonable
risks is another definition of child abuse.

>Anyway, I hope AERC takes this seriously, does some valid homework and reports back to the masses. Has anyone sent a letter to oppose Joe's recommendations? Arguing here on RC won't solve anything. Does anyone want to volunteer to do the homework and report it to AERC? Joe? Scott??
>
>Please, when I come back on RC, let's have a different discussion!
>
>Lisa Salas, The Odd fArm
>I do appreciate that the conversations have not required flame retardant protection and fire extinguishers. 

Yes, it's been refreshing that there has been very little personal
attack this time around.  

If the AERC does not act, though, I expect we'll see it hashed out
again the next time a young child rides in a high-profile event.





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