As Development Director of the BBAC one of my many duties is to review and edit the BBAC Newsletter. After reading "Closures" By Don Reighley, I feel compelled to comment.

I do not consider myself to be either "out of touch or passive" but let me share how asleep I have been. A few weeks ago My sons Kris, Keith and myself went down to purchase a new 300 W. Mag Riffle at Reeds Sporting Goods. To my surprise Pat, at the shop, informed Kris and Keith a new law was now in effect requiring them to purchase a "gun trigger lock" in order for them to buy their new riffle.

As I reviewed "Closures" compounded by the "new Riffle/trigger lock adventure" my mind immediately thought of Seat Belt, Helmet, Smoking, Bussing, Airport Security, etc., etc., type laws that effect our personal freedoms much more than we realize.

We as the "General Public are in "Denial" we trust our appointed and elected officials, we are confident they are always serving our best interests. What we don't see is that a lot of process goes on restricting our freedoms that we do not get to vote on I. E - Trigger Locks, Lake Closures, Ocean Closures. As a parent the Government says to me your children until the age of 18 are your responsibility, we will help-they are required by law to wear a helmet when riding their bikes, amazing I did just fine riding a bike-no helmet.

Now I have heard all the stuff about State hospital bills and passed through several airport safety checks, I can no longer fish close to some Dams and bussing is the answer to segregation. Our fathers and fathers before them fought for our freedoms, we the people paid for our freedoms not only in lives but revenue (taxes) as well. Yet we are now today receiving "Collateral Damage".

Part of my BBAC duties are visiting Bass Clubs, many members think the BBAC is an organization not of themselves. I let them know the BBAC is you-the Member. Well lets wake up, the Government is us, we are not radicals and we can not be blind. Your choice, participate or become "Collateral Damage".