[at-l] Re: [ALDHA-L] Hostel & Hiker Problems

>WARNING: Rant and Rave Follows!!!
>
>Although this may seem heavy handed, I think that those who destroy
property and engage in unruly behavior should be arrested and prosecuted.
At least restrict their liberty by putting them in the county lock up for a
day or two.
>
>I didn't see too much of this behavior during my 1998 thruhike.  Most of
the business and hostels said the riffraff comes later in the season.
>
>There did appear to be an attitude among hikers that the local law
enforcement agencies would bend the rules and let them off with a warning.
From a strictly economic viewpoint, this may be cost effective for law
enforcement in the short term.  In the long term, some will learn how far
the rules can be bent and attempt to bend them.
>
>The poor behavior of a few is now affecting the liberties of the many.  As
a trail community we cannot allow this to stand.  The "boys will be boys"
attitude will destroy the feelings of good will that many extend.
>
>I don't buy the idea that "education" will work.  For the most part, town
behavior should be based on common courtesy.  It is obvious that these
hooligans do not wish to afford such courtesies to helpful strangers and
merchants.
>
>If we do not act in this matter we may be left with a trail where no one
will pick up a hitchhiker and no one will go out of his or her way to help
an injured hiker.  Those who do serve hikers will start charging much higher
fees to cover possible losses.
>
>My alter ego would like to point out that the trail may have become "too
easy."  Loss of some of these services may stop the partying since only
serious travelers will hike.  Higher prices may force out some of the
hooligans (those who can't afford lawyers).
>
>Cheers,
>Terry Norton
>Ultralite'98
>
>
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