Governor Is Right On Hunting And Fishing

What to think of the ‘Yeah Buts.’

I have been disappointed in the reaction of some who support what they call a “lockdown” and use social media to chirp—or yell—at those who have a more practical and workable view to get through our situation.

As far as defining what is practical, I support a lockdown. But what is practical? Does it mean we keep the doors closed and locked and not emerge for the next two weeks?

My wife and I live in the same house. We don’t honor the 6-foot rule all the time, nor do I think it reasonable to expect us to. So if continuing to live together in the house is OK, does this extend to our vehicle? Yes, I think it does. Could that vehicle be a boat? Sure, why not? What if we dragged that boat to a lake and launched? We would be in an open boat on the water. Is that OK? It is to me, but not to some.

They claim, “Yeah but… you don’t know who touched that cleat, or wood on that ramp dock, or breathed the same air as you did.”

What is confusing is they say it while shopping in a Walmart looking for toilet paper and complaining that the system has failed because they can’t find the product. Yet, they support lockdown. Somebody tell me the risk of going to Walmart compared to me spending some time on the lake fishing with my wife?

If the system is locked down as they wish, there is no one to put the product on the shelf, no one to drive the truck and fork lift, no one to show up at the plant to make the toilet paper, or the cardboard tube or the plastic bag, or the fuel for the truck, or the electricity to make the world continue to work.

Somehow, the ‘Yeah Buts’ are blind to these realities and risks, and being blind, they don’t weigh the realities of what they support (people working so they can ‘lockdown’ comfortably) versus what they complain about, say, a man and wife in a boat.

My wife and I and all of GON are following the President’s and the Governor’s orders and suggestions regarding lockdown. That is critically important. Occasionally, however, we need to get out of the house. Some time isolated in the boat or in the turkey woods is good for the soul. It’s important right now. It can be done very safely, to yourself and others.

Doctor Explains How To Fish Safely During COVID-19

I hurt for those folks who work in these essential areas who are at higher risk, particularly medical professionals and first responders. Be careful. Don’t have an injury that requires help. That applies to going down the stairs in your locked-down house.

I do wish the ‘Yeah Buts’ of the world could find a way to light candles, rather than darkly and incessantly complain in ALL CAPS. Them typing and using up electricity is not an essential job. Perhaps they need to put a lock on that for a bit. But I doubt that will happen. Our world is now full of keyboard critics. More red ribbons, less social media vitriol.

So, I am going fishing.

I’m going to be very careful and safe. Got my Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer. I hope we catch a fish, but if we don’t we will safely enjoy some beautiful time in Georgia’s outdoors. And we’re going to get through this.

Editor’s Note: Steve Burch is the founder of GON, recently semi-retired, but still active as Editor-At-Large.