General Discussions

[Baggers]

I understood the tongue cheek and was making the same point about their issues with communication. I want to be spoken to, not aggressively lectured or made to feel like a criminal (to be clear I am not referring to my Old Mate Pauly here).
As for my activities, as a son of European Immigrants, I was brought up to harvest animals for food, duck, quail, rabbit, hare, wild pig (the salumi my old man used to make out of wild pig would make your mouth water). I was brought up to do this legally, ethically and respectfully. No animal culls for thrills, what I take I eat. In many circles, this makes people like me persona non grata, but I couldn't care less as I march to my own drum and not that of a herd. If duck, quail etc numbers are proven scientifically to be down in any given year, I am the first to raise my hand and say their shouldn't be a season. As for looking after the environment, I am always willing and ready to do my bit, again I prefer to be influenced by science as opposed to some teenage brat.
I'll use this analogy, I was raised in a catholic family although I am not particularly religious. I find the whole pedo catholic priest thing abhorrent and when caught, they should rot in jail or be given a 22c injection. I have rarely met a priest which actually wanted to spend time with and listen to, the majority lecture you as opposed to talking to you and discussing things. I have met a few though along the journey that have been brilliant to listen to, and they are brilliant because they talk about the basics, the simple things in life. There are a few "Greenies" that I can call friends, who I can talk with one on one in a non aggressive manner and we can walk away respecting each others opinions. However I can't say the same for the imbeciles I have met on the wetland during duck season.

FWIW, I found myself nodding as I read your post... and really impressed with how you treated captured game. In fact, I drooled. I have a good Italian mate whose grandfather makes home made salami... I was lucky enough to score some - unbelievable, more drooling when I think about it.

And, yes, too many priests and nuns do not walk the talk. I was also brought up a Catholic and have little respect for how the faith is run today.

Re the Greens, that is exactly what I was talking about re how they, in the main, communicate... there is too much talking down to and accusations and judgements coming out of their leader's mouths and that'll turn off many folks. A strong dose of humility will work wonders.

A dear friend who owns some restaurants in the A.C.T., and is Greek, had a vegan recently proudly -- almost arrogantly -- announce to him that they should have more vegan meals on their menu (lamb shoulder is their signature dish... is sensational). He replied that he had a vegan speciality and would be happy to let her try it. He returned to her table with a large bowl, with a big iceberg lettuce leaf covered generously with ice-blocks. She walked out. He was happy.