- Courage - Brave or Cowardly
- Intentions - Good or Bad
- Correctness - Right or Wrong
Of those three, which one matters the least? I say the last one because we are all capable of being wrong on any issue. I've been wrong on a number of things here over these years, and I've been grateful to my friends who've either helped me see my errors before they became disasters ... or forgave me after they did become disasters.
I believe that a collection of courageous people with good intentions can sort through their differences of opinions to arrive at correctness. But there's no way to synthesize courage or good intentions if they're not there to begin with.
We've all been building the U.S. Hawks for 8 years now. We haven't agreed on everything, but I believe we are the best collection of human beings in the sport with regard to courage and intentions. I've personally met and spent time with most of our active members, and we don't hesitate to pick up the phone and call each other about anything whether It's a compliment or a criticism. We're not a "virtual" community. We're a real community and one that I am proud (and humbled) to belong to.
Warren, you are U.S. Hawk #6, and you've been with us since the first week of our existence. We might not agree on everything (the "correctness" of our beliefs), but I would never question your courage or your intentions. Your comments about Jack's crimes against hang gliding are right on target. You speak from first hand experience. Thanks.
Rick, I believe I've read - and appreciated - every one of your 3151 posts. You've been one of the many people who humble me with your depth of experience and your dedication to the sport of hang gliding. You kindly give your time and advice (pearls for sure) whenever I've called on you. Thanks very much.
The U.S. Hawks is not the majority of hang glider pilots, and maybe we never will be. But there's no group that I'd rather be associated with when it comes to courage and good intentions. Thanks to everyone who's spoken in opposition to Joe's mistreatment at hanggliding.org and thanks to everyone who has spoken in support of the Truth.