[at-l] Genuine Thru Hikes---a Last Comment

[yumitori@xxxxxxxxxxx (Ron Martino)]

> I have already admitted that the whole idea of thruhiking is somewhat alien
> to me, but after seeing so much on this particular subject, I have a
> question.
>
> Why is this important?
>
> Shane

	Well, to a lot of folks it's not.

	But I can see why some think it is. If they put blood, sweat and tears
into doing something the correct way, and someone else comes along and
essentially lies about /their/ efforts and gets the same reward, it can
be seen to cheapen the whole thing.

	Not to create another flame maelstrom, but consider if Bryson had
claimed he was qualified for a 2,000 miler certificate. He closes his
book by saying, essentially, that he had hiked the Trail, when what he
did was get off after a time and then hike select portions further up
the line. I'm sure he had a good time, and he even walked over some of
the more well known bits, but he wasn't a thru-hiker. What would it mean
were he to apply and the ATC were to grant him the certificate?

	I could see where that would bother folks whose summer was spent in a
more 'pure' manner.

	Ron
--

It is our attitude toward free thought and free expression that will
determine our fate. There must be no limit on the range of temperate
discussion, no limits on thought. No subject must be taboo. No censor
must preside at our assemblies.
	William O. Douglas

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