Along with the decision to join a group to protect our interests, I think we need a multi-dimensional approach.

Ever notice that you have a greater chance of having your interests addressed if you are friends with the folks that are the decision makers?

I've gotten through a lot of bureaucratic red tape in my life because first I identified the decison makers and got close to them first. Once I was within the inner circle, then I simply "asked their advise" on how to go about accomplishing a certain goal. And guess what, the goal got accomplished almost automatically.

For example, way back when, (15 years ago), the Sheriff of the county had total authority to grant or deny concealed weapons permits for any reason. The standard response was to deny all applications. They had a form letter that stated there had been too many CCW permits issued and they were no longer issuing any permits for any reason.

OK. So what did I do? I called the training bureau of the police department and asked the head of the bureau if they would like me to give a free seminar on Criminal interviews and interrogation? I sent along my resume via fax, and my offer was gratefully accepted. The seminar was standing room only with a waiting list and it was a great success.

After the seminar the Lieutenant thanked me, and said it was one of the best seminars ever given. I told him I was glad everyone enjoyed it, and thanked him for allowing me the opportunity to instruct such a fine group of men and women.

Then I pulled my Columbo act. As I shook hands and was acting as if I was getting ready to leave, I stopped at the door and uttered the magic words, "Oh by the way, could I get your advise on something?"

I proceeded to tell him how my application for a concealed weapons permit had been turned down, and what would be the best way to have the Sheriff review the matter again. After all, I was a former law enforcement officer and a licensed private investigator, not some whacko serial killer. He told me that was the standard procedure at that point, to turn down all applications with no exceptions. I told him that I understood, but thought he might be aware of something that I wasn't. I thanked him for his time and wished him well.

The next day what do you think arrived in the mail? My totally unrestricted concealed weapons permit, authorizing me to carry my weapon concealed anywhere within the State of Nevada.

Now I could have gotten an attorney, and taken up issue with the Sheriff's decision, and a year or two later, and god knows how many thousands of dollars later I would have probably gotten my CW permit. And every cop that knew my name would brand me as a trouble maker, pain in the a s s.

But I decied to do it the diplomatic, quicker, easier way! GIVE first, then receive.

So what's my point?

Well, I don't know how many of you are aware of the Department of the Interiors Earth Science volunteer corp. But this is a group of individuals, (could be you and me,) who are volunteers for the Department of the Interior, and who ask for a quadrangle of the country to be assigned to them for field research and map annotations.

When you're out hunting your favorite spot, and run into something not noted on your USGS map, you simply note what you have found on your map, whether it be a mine, or a cave, or any other unique geological feature and report to your supervisor, so that future maps may be more accurate.

Well, what a simple way to get close to the inner circle and start making contacts that could make a big difference as far as policy decisions that affect us casual prospectors in the future.

Everyone wants to know, what's in it for me? Well when you give, you receive. Instead of having two groups, one on either side of the issue, I think it's sort of a neat idea to be on their side of the line even though we bring along the best interests of the casual prospectors that appear to be on the other side of the line.

It costs us nothing, and you never know what the benefits may be. And hey, YOU GET A T-SHIRT that identifies you as being part of the Dept. of the Interior Earth Science Corp.

Go to:

http://interactive.usgs.gov/Volunteer/EarthScienceCorps/index.asp

to learn more.

Let's be careful out there!

Doc

• Re: INFILTRATE and conquer from within! radar 16:02:28 4/03/99 (0)
• Re: INFILTRATE and conquer from within! JR (Texas) 14:54:55 4/03/99 (0)