Retirement from such a huge responsibility removes an unbelievable burden you didn't even realize you were packing, and leaves you with a great sense of relief, and a sense of freedom and adventure.
It also tempts you to leave behind all the battles you've been fighting on the political front. At least, speaking for myself. I hate conflict, and the issues that continue to eat away at the freedom to manage western lands and resources in a sustainable, economically viable, responsible manner.
Locking up our natural resources and elevating wildlife to a higher status than human beings destroys a vibrant economy. It destroys choices and opportunities for future generations who find themselves facing a local job market based on service industries, or working for the government.
This week I got a link in my email to a wolf documentary I'd contributed a photo to. It's an hour long, but I watched it anyway. I was impressed. These are local kids who've grown up, and are standing up to make a difference. They did their homework.
Oh to be young and oblivious to the kind of vicious attacks they have opened themselves up to, simply by seeking and publishing truth, and a viewpoint not popular with the liberal media's "gospel". As young David said when Goliath was challenging the Israeli army: "Is there not a cause?" David didn't doubt for a minute that it was a cause worth taking on, because he had a God that was bigger than the whole army of Philistines. That unlikely young man faced the giant, and killed him. Here's the link to the wolf documentary: http://cryingwolfmovie.com/
I was excited to receive my 2012 "Buckaroo" Calendars from C.J. at Range Magazine. I finally got Clayton on a calendar, so he's excited too. But it also reminded me that now is not the time to ignore the issues. That won't make them go away. As long ago as the 1700's, Edmund Burke warned: "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
Enter C.J. Hadley. C.J. is a seasoned warrior on western issues fronts. This unlikely little lady with the fiery temper towards dishonesty, and a heart of gold towards "the people on America's Outback", made her way to the U.S. from England at a very young age. About 25 years or so ago, the American West captured her heart and mind and she has thrown her heart and soul into publishing a magazine that features real ranch people and families who have been stewards of the land for generations. She also publishes the unvarnished perspective of every issue attacking and threatening the very existence of ranchers and their way of life. A life that produces food and fiber for our nation, and many others. From a harsh, unforgiving landscape that otherwise would produce nothing. Zero.
She could have retired several years ago. She's tough, she's not intimidated, she doesn't back down, and when she gets a hold of a truth she doesn't let it go. She cares. C.J., my hat's off to you for your staying power, and the service you have provided to natural resource users across the west, and the entire nation. (http://www.rangemagazine.com/) If you'd like a RANGE Real Buckaroo Calendar or subscription to RANGE, please call 1-800-RANGE-4-U (726-4348).
Furlough's been nice, but we're already back in meetings. It ain't over 'til it's over!
It also tempts you to leave behind all the battles you've been fighting on the political front. At least, speaking for myself. I hate conflict, and the issues that continue to eat away at the freedom to manage western lands and resources in a sustainable, economically viable, responsible manner.
Locking up our natural resources and elevating wildlife to a higher status than human beings destroys a vibrant economy. It destroys choices and opportunities for future generations who find themselves facing a local job market based on service industries, or working for the government.
This week I got a link in my email to a wolf documentary I'd contributed a photo to. It's an hour long, but I watched it anyway. I was impressed. These are local kids who've grown up, and are standing up to make a difference. They did their homework.
Oh to be young and oblivious to the kind of vicious attacks they have opened themselves up to, simply by seeking and publishing truth, and a viewpoint not popular with the liberal media's "gospel". As young David said when Goliath was challenging the Israeli army: "Is there not a cause?" David didn't doubt for a minute that it was a cause worth taking on, because he had a God that was bigger than the whole army of Philistines. That unlikely young man faced the giant, and killed him. Here's the link to the wolf documentary: http://cryingwolfmovie.com/
Enter C.J. Hadley. C.J. is a seasoned warrior on western issues fronts. This unlikely little lady with the fiery temper towards dishonesty, and a heart of gold towards "the people on America's Outback", made her way to the U.S. from England at a very young age. About 25 years or so ago, the American West captured her heart and mind and she has thrown her heart and soul into publishing a magazine that features real ranch people and families who have been stewards of the land for generations. She also publishes the unvarnished perspective of every issue attacking and threatening the very existence of ranchers and their way of life. A life that produces food and fiber for our nation, and many others. From a harsh, unforgiving landscape that otherwise would produce nothing. Zero.
She could have retired several years ago. She's tough, she's not intimidated, she doesn't back down, and when she gets a hold of a truth she doesn't let it go. She cares. C.J., my hat's off to you for your staying power, and the service you have provided to natural resource users across the west, and the entire nation. (http://www.rangemagazine.com/) If you'd like a RANGE Real Buckaroo Calendar or subscription to RANGE, please call 1-800-RANGE-4-U (726-4348).
Furlough's been nice, but we're already back in meetings. It ain't over 'til it's over!
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