[pct-l] Words about the HERD

[Brian Forestell]

Fellow hikers and lovers of the PCT!

Permit me to make a couple of observations. I have been a small town lawyer 
for 25 years and over that time I have watched and tried to help people 
resolve conflict. What I have observed is that the classical way that we all 
try to "resolve" conflict is to try to convince the other person that they 
are wrong. Take a look yourselves. . Observe others and observe yourself and 
see if this is true. We debate with the other person as to whether they are 
right. Watch what you do yourself with your spouse, mother, brother, girl 
friend, buddy. Watch what happens when there is a conflict. What generally 
happens is debate:  .  "I'm upset.  You shouldn't be upset...you have no 
right to be upset.  I do to, you jerk.  You're the one being the jerk, your 
always being a jerk...."  . I am not sure why we have evolved to do things 
this way, it is just the way we do it. What we need to all learn, me as 
well, is that this approach NEVER WORKS. Marriages break down, business 
partnerships break apart, families disintegrate, internet lists get 
inflamed....all because no one has taught us how to resolve conflict. My 
advice is to begin to see and appreciate how the other person feels and see 
it from there point of view. People opposed to the Kick Off have some 
legitimate concerns. People who want to party with the people they are 
sharing the trail with before it starts have a good point to.

We need to acknowledge that there are legitimate concerns regarding the 
dispersal of the herd. Those concerns need to be addressed.. We should 
engage in discussions about resolving those issues in a constructive and 
compassionate way. What can we do as a hiking community to minimize the 
effect of a bunch start? How can we have both a send off party and avoid 
these problems? If we are constructive and compassionate we can figure out 
solutions. If politicians would spend more time figuring things out and less 
time trying to convince the other side that they are wrong we would have 
peace in the world. If spouses were compassionate and resolved conflict 
instead of debating endlessly over who is right marriages would survive. 
Come on guys give it a try. Try saying, "Heh, you have a point. I can see 
what your concerns are. Let's try to figure it out." Debating this conflict 
isn't working? Let's be responsible before politicians and bureaucrats start 
imposing decisions on us. Try organizing a backpacking trip in Glacier, 
Montana and dealing with the quota/reservation system. Crazy. If we trample 
Barrel Springs on Scissor Crossings campgrounds they will be closed. Then 
what? What will happen if Warner Springs Post Office tells people, "Sorry it 
is going to take a couple weeks to clear up backlog" What happens when the 
water cache's are abandoned because it is too hard to keep up?

People who are opposed to an Annual Kick Off should remember that is was and 
is a natural evolution. In order to make it through to Canada before the 
snow flies hikers are going to start towards the end of April. They are 
going to want to visit with their fellow hikers. A celebration is going to 
evolve. It is going to get bigger, It will then get organized. The 
unofficial party becomes an official party.  That is what happens in 
society.  Organizations evolve whether we want them to or not.

Let's figure this out. Be nice.  Be respectful.   As for boycotting; that is 
the, "If you are going to be that way, I am not going to talk to you" 
approach to resolving conflict.  Another approach that doesn't work.  My 
suggestion is that hikers discuss this at the Kick Off.  Just a suggestion

respectfully,

Brian