hmmm for the most part I try to keep an open mind to some of the solutions that outside parties put out there, but when its just doesnt make sense, well then I usually say something, and yes I live here and do alot on the salt, not just for the racers, but for all interested parties. Oh yea the video, well to start with the reason I'm sitting the way I am in it is the fact that Im 6'8" and the table was low, but hey read what ever you want in to it. The bottom line is that I do care about the salt flats because its my home, and I do care about the racers because alot of them are my friends, but I'm not a Bonneville racer, nor do I plan on being one, so the way I see it you need me alot more than I need some of you guys!!! Just saying, think about that.
I guess my issue is that I have only seen you post against ideas and not provide any details. Opinions are great and you are entitled to yours as is everyone else here on the site (in the world as far as I am concerned). What I see however are statements like these that simply shoot down someone's efforts to share data and knowledge that was collected with no real anecdotal or academic support for your point of view.
...but when its just doesnt make sense...Why doesn't it make sense? What is missing from the details provided or where is the error in the data provided that is incorrect or assumptive?
Someone here has a great tag line on their posts, it reads: "Without data you are just another man with an opinion." That is probably one of the most profound statements not only in the technical aspects of LR but really in general life.
In a political position such as yours, the perception of others is key to your success. It is true of all people really, if you want people to like you and support you, you have to treat them with a certain level of dignity and grant them some validation for their efforts. At a minimum you can engage them on a similar level and discuss openly why you think their idea is flawed. Most people become passionate about their beliefs but most people will also concede the point when proof is offered.
People argue for fun and profit, there are clubs dedicated to debating, it is human nature. Discourse is not something to shy away from, it is where all great ideas sprout from. The way in which people generate discourse however can lead to fist fights and mudslinging. This usually happens when the level and type opposing opinion doesn't match the mode in which the original idea is proffered.
We are all wanting the same thing here which is the restoration of the BSF. Your view is (and should be) based on economic as well as local knowledge and pride. My view is based on the desire to run at high speed on a long, flat and smooth raceway. Although our reasons are different our goals are the same.
It is ok to disagree with someone's opinion, life is full of that and our nation is founded on that ideal. We must however be careful of how we disagree so as to not cause unnecessary angst which will certainly lead to a degradation of civility and promotion of hostilities.
Here is the test:
If anyone disagrees with what I have stated here, by all means feel free to disagree and offer your own insights.
p.s. this is really not directed specifically at this post or poster, I simply have seen this happen elsewhere and it is a very prolific occurrence in modern society. There are people behind the posts. People with feelings and ideas. People of varying amounts of hide. Some people can make a post and not care what is said while others may never post again because they feel nobody honors their opinion. Civility needs to be understood lest it be lost in the annels of the internet. This is just a friendly reminder for me and for others that there are ways to approach discourse that generally will not lead to hostility.
</End Rant>