Disturbing observations and self analysis- Over the last several years I really started to recognize the challenges in front of us. Never more so than now when I recently watched the energy of so many go in the wrong and most unproductive directions. The National and State organizations are being attacked by those who should be a part of the solution. In short a Dragon is attacking the City and our organizations are losing key people, momentum. he future could be much brighter if we all protect what we have and go out and slay the dragons (the ANTIS).
I speak of those antis against National Organizations be it the FTA or NTA, those against leadership be it the NTA President or the person running against him, those who find an excuse not to belong to their state organization and so on.
The dialog in recent elections got ugly the division was sad and even after the results are in the fight continues from the winners and the losers. Many were confused as to what was even going on but all in all we were left more divided than united.
We have enough antis against us that we don't need to be against each other.
In Pa. our Motto is United We Stand!. Well Pa Guys let's get back to that! Support our leadership. Step up to the plate and hit a homerun. I'm pointing the finger at everyone and in doing so I see that 3 fingers are pointing back at me.
We are either a part of the crew that is going to fix things or a part that is going to let the cards fall to the floor.
I see many things that could be improved and many of those improvements are things I could do better. I should have stayed and helped pick up garbage, man the gates or put away tables. Many hands make easier work.
I kick myself for not helping more when there at the NTA convention.
I'm told the NTA convention was put on by the Michigan trappers and for me it was a job well done. However, who said it had to be put on by the trappers from just one state? Let's get the FTA and NTA convention workers some help and relief. Who is the FTA and NTA and PTA and EachSTATETRapper'sAssociation?
We are. Let's roll up our sleeves and get to improving this situation we find ourselves in.
I can hear those who want to complain about the past, who want to pick the scabs from previous injuries. Well now is the time for healing or we are going to someday wish we had looked within ourselves and gave a bit more effort one last time. Together we can move a mountain if each of us can stick our yo-ho in the ground and move a shovel full at a time.
I need to do better.
You need to do better.
The NTA and FTA and each State Association needs to do better!
Can we? Will we?
Are you willing to be a difference maker or do you want to keep picking old scabs?
Let's work on transparency, accountability, ethical actions, higher moral standards, improving perceptions, participation and let's rely a little more on prayer than politics. I ask you now- Are you going to be a part of the positive or a part of the negative? Are you going to work beside me or against me. I'd like to know your answer and hear your reply- before you hit send ask yourself if what you are saying is good for trapping's future or if you are going to keep picking the scabs! I'm ready to fight the Dragons and I hope you are also.
