Animal Abuse ???

Windy in Kansas · #41 12/06/10, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gottabenutz

Some state laws on animal cruelty are ridiculous. VA went from requiring feeding every twelve hours to feed once every day. To me that isn't right. My animals would get fed twice per day if not more.

May I ask what kind of animals you have? Are they pet type animals or farm type animals that you raise to earn a living with?

I'm 63 years old and have never known a single farmer that fed his stock cattle more than once per day, which is what I did.

Mine, and earlier my parents, and most all farmers in the area had cattle that were range cattle and shelter, if at all, was provided only during the harshest weather, other than providing wind breaks that is. A warm cozy barn---even when open and available most chose not to use it except during blizzards, cold rain, and other harsh times.

I know few farmers that would have even a loafing shed or other covered shelter for even half of their herd.

Cruelty---no.

My cow herd came from western Colorado. Kansas to them was probably like living in Florida to us.

Jackie · #42 12/06/10, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFM in KY

And to me, having grown up on a western ranch, that is impractical and not necessary. For a single family ranch, with anywhere from 100 to 1000 cattle and horses, under winter conditions, to feed twice a day, is not something that can be done.

Horses that were kept up in the barn for some reason, stalled stallions, show horses, in foal mares that were being watched or cows that were in sheds to calve, were fed twice a day, but the normal "herds" are fed once a day.

The first winter I was in Pryor, for example, I had to drive 3 miles to take hay to the two herds of mares. In mid-winter, with 2 feet or more of snow on the ground, I had to load the hay, chain up the 4 wheel drive on all four tires and it took me 3 hours to get up to the mare pasture, feed and get back. And I still had all the horses at the ranch that were in sheds/run outs and the yearlings in the lower pastures to feed ... who got fed twice a day.

I don't know of anyone who feeds their cattle or horses when they are out on winter pasture more than once a day, anywhere in Montana, Wyoming or the Dakotas.

I feed my horses once every two weeks. But they get 5-6 round bales out in the pasture.

Rusty'sDog · #43 12/06/10, 10:15 PM

I do not abuse animals, nor condone anybody doing so. I am also a firm believer in Bio-Security for all livestock. If SPCA, the State/County poultry inspectors want to come "monitor" my livestock, then they MUST comply with MY regulations. If they think that they are above that, then they are mistaken. They are arriving from animal shelters, or other farms where they have been in close contact with other animals which may/may not have been exposed to things I do not wish my livestock exposed to. If they will not comply with my rules, then they have NO access to my stock.
End of story (Line Feed/Carriage Return).

**Terri** · #44 12/07/10, 09:33 AM

I have a cat who is perhaps 16? years old, under a vet's care, and still very skinny.

I would be fit to be tied if we got a visit from the SPCA because of a report on animal cruelty. I think the neighbors would look at me funny for the next 10 years: people tend to think the worst of people.

The neighbor did ask me about the cat, which I think is right and proper. he said he thought the cat should see a vet, and I replied that he had seen one 2 days ago.

Mickie3 · #45 12/07/10, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allen W

Too many times these HSUS or SPCA type organizations are people with little training or none at all. They are being allowed to do law enforcement duties entering private property and taking peoples animals away because they personally don't agree with how an animal is being treated. Too much room for these groups to push their own agenda. No way would I call one of these groups to rat some one out.

Where? A lot of places I am seeing people say that the ASPCA and HS are going onto people's property without the rights to be there. That is simply not so. They can and do go there only when are requested by legal officers of the court (aka duly sworn police officers) request them to be there. Warrants are needed and are gotten.

If you know of a case where this is happening, please cite where.

SFM in KY · #46 12/07/10, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mickie3

If you know of a case where this is happening, please cite where.

I don't know all of the details and since it is not "my" case, I don't feel free to post the place/person/details. What I do know:

Owner was to be at the WEG games for 10 days and had "adequate" though not individual shelters for the horses, most of whom were out on pasture. She had hired someone to come in and check feed/water/facilities daily. It rained, neighbors (apparantly) complained that horses didn't have adequate shelter, no water, were being neglected. Horses were ALL picked up. I do not know if there was a warrant issued or if police officers were at the scene at the time.

I DO know that the owner was NOT NOTIFIED until two days after the fact and at least two people who were checking things at the farm while she was gone had her phone/email contact info. So obviously no notifications were made before the animals were picked up, to anyone.

Owner is still waiting for the case to be heard in court and even if the horses are returned, will be liable for $1000s in feed/vet/court costs.

ChristyACB · #47 12/07/10, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terri

I have a cat who is perhaps 16? years old, under a vet's care, and still very skinny.

I would be fit to be tied if we got a visit from the SPCA because of a report on animal cruelty. I think the neighbors would look at me funny for the next 10 years: people tend to think the worst of people.

The neighbor did ask me about the cat, which I think is right and proper. he said he thought the cat should see a vet, and I replied that he had seen one 2 days ago.

The issue of older animals is one most of us have to deal with sometime or another. When mine got cancer and was looking pretty grim but actually feeling pretty good, I made sure to warn the neighbors so they wouldn't be alarmed. It's just common sense to let people around you know so they don't sit there and fester and wonder if there is something bad going on. Same as a kid that is simply skinny beyond skinny or sick. You let people know so they don't sit around and wonder every time you walk by with the kiddle.

#48 12/07/10, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristyACB

The issue of older animals is one most of us have to deal with sometime or another. When mine got cancer and was looking pretty grim but actually feeling pretty good, I made sure to warn the neighbors so they wouldn't be alarmed. It's just common sense to let people around you know so they don't sit there and fester and wonder if there is something bad going on. Same as a kid that is simply skinny beyond skinny or sick. You let people know so they don't sit around and wonder every time you walk by with the kiddle.

Fine and dandy if you live in a cul-de-sac and the only people who see the "thin animal" are a few neighbors that you are on a first-name basis with.

What if the "thin animal" is an elderly horse in a pasture beside a high-traffic highway and you get reported by total strangers driving by? Maybe you should you pay big bucks for a big billboard, explaining the whole scenario in detail to all passersby, to avoid all the hell that will surely follow when total strangers get your old horse confiscated for abuse.

wr · #49 12/07/10, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArkGirl

What if the "thin animal" is an elderly horse in a pasture beside a high-traffic highway and you get reported by total strangers driving by? Maybe you should you pay big bucks for a big billboard, explaining the whole scenario in detail to all passersby, to avoid all the hell that will surely follow when total strangers get your old horse confiscated for abuse.

I actually had that happen. I had bought a black gelding that was in very poor condition and in the early stages of his rehab, he was on self feed native grass with an hour at a time turnout on pasture. I swear between people stopping by the house to ask me if I knew I had a very skinny horse, vistis from the police, animal control and SPCA, I couldn't get a darned thing done. I finally resorted to a huge cardboard sign that said, 'Thank you for caring about me but my owner and my vet are working very hard to make sure I get fat and healthy as soon as possible.'

kirkmcquest · #50 12/07/10, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFM in KY

I almost never choose to comment when threads get confrontational as I rarely feel that confrontation ever contributes to further understanding between people with widely separated and strongly held views. The "adequate care" vs. "abuse" does seem to be one of those things that definitely push buttons for people.

In this case I will make an exception, which I may well regret, but the issue is something I do feel strongly about so I'm going to go ahead, though will try to keep from sounding sarcastic.

I do understand why it irritates you for people to refer to "city people". I also believe that if you had grown up in a rural farm or ranch community, on a working farm where you and your family depended solely on the produce from that farm for your living, you would better understand why the term is used and why it is commonly used.

Those of us who have lived on a "working" family farm or ranch have, especially in the last couple of decades, had to deal with an overwhelming influx of people moving in from urban areas in some areas. They buy "mini farms" ... or "hobby farms" to enjoy in their retirement ... and their country neighbors tend to run short of patience trying to deal with people from a city culture.

We see land being sold for prices we can't afford. We see subdivisions being built where the fourth generation of a ranching family that moved into the area shortly after the cavalry forts were built have had to sell. The mini estates being built have homes none of the "local natives" can afford to buy. These people then want city water, city sewer services, the roads plowed when there is an inch of snow on the ground. They call the sheriff's office to allege "abuse" when a horse is worked in a round pen or tied to a hitching rail with a saddle on. The MOW their 4-acre "estate" with a riding lawn mower.

The money is there, so it will continue to happen and those of us from two, three and four generations of farm/ranch culture do resent it, we resent the people who seem to be inflexible and insist we adopt their attitudes toward the land, livestock and pets rather than try to adapt to the existing culture.

I lived in a city for a number of years as an adult and made an effort to adapt to what was expected of a "city resident" ... mostly, I admit, by keeping my mouth shut. I didn't enjoy it but I didn't try to change things either.

I went back to the rural/ranch life as soon as I could and spent most of the next 30 years in the culture I knew and preferred ... and watched it being overwhelmed. I'm afraid I have a great deal of sympathy for the Native American people and culture of the 1800s who watched the flood of white immigrants moving into land they had believed to be "theirs". Their way of life disappeared and their land was taken over by the invaders. Many of the ranch families I grew up with and have known all my life feel the same way.

I will now close my mouth, make no more philosophical pronouncements and prepare for responses.

I can understand some resentment from people telling you how to treat your property and etc. However, most of the things you have mentioned,,,people buying 'mini-farms'...paying prices that you cannot afford....using the mower of their choice....all seem to be coming from the desire to tell other people what to do.

What business is it of mine, if someone uses a riding mower to cut their lawn?? Thats absolutely ridiculous. And the open envy displayed against people because they paid more than you can afford is shameful. Being angry because someone has more than you is not a justifiable position. You get angry when someone sticks his nose in your business and tells you about your cows, but you see no problem in becoming indignant about how much someone paid for their place, or how they choose to mow their lawn. Do you see the irony there?

arabian knight · #51 12/07/10, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirkmcquest

I can understand some resentment from people telling you how to treat your property and etc. However, most of the things you have mentioned,,,people buying 'mini-farms'...paying prices that you cannot afford....using the mower of their choice....all seem to be coming from the desire to tell other people what to do.

What business is it of mine, if someone uses a riding mower to cut their lawn?? Thats absolutely ridiculous. And the open envy displayed against people because they paid more than you can afford is shameful. Being angry because someone has more than you is not a justifiable position. You get angry when someone sticks his nose in your business and tells you about your cows, but you see no problem in becoming indignant about how much someone paid for their place, or how they choose to mow their lawn. Do you see the hypocrisy there?

Excellent post agree 1000%

SFM in KY · #52 12/07/10, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirkmcquest

I can understand some resentment from people telling you how to treat your property and etc. However, most of the things you have mentioned,,,people buying 'mini-farms'...paying prices that you cannot afford....using the mower of their choice....all seem to be coming from the desire to tell other people what to do.

I guess I did not make myself clear, though I did think I had. I do not care what they do on their own property. They have every right to do what they want with land they have bought and paid for. What I ... and other people I know who were raised like I was ... object to is that they then try to insist that WE change our ways and conform to what they want and/or believe should be how one lives in the "country".

I am not complaining that people buy land I can't afford. I am not complaining that they mow their 4 acres of grass with a riding lawnmower. I don't care if they buy a snowblower and clear their road when there is an inch of snow on it rather than waiting until there is a foot of snow on it.

What I resent is that they insist on city services (water/sewer/road maintenance) that raises taxes and forces me to pay higher taxes to maintain the level of government services that they want and I don't need.

I resent them complaining that my 200 acres next to them looks "scruffy" because it is grazed by my cows and there are weeds growing up along the fence. I resent them complaining about "horse abuse" to the sheriff's office/ animal control/ HSUS when I tie a saddled horse to the side of the corral for an hour to teach him to stand tied. I resent them complaining about animal abuse when I have horses in the pasture that have windbreaks and plenty of hay, but no "individual shelters or blankets".

The point I was trying to make and apparantly didn't, was that I'm fine with their lifestyle, though I don't understand it and don't choose to live that way. I just think that respect should go both ways.

Freeholder · #53 12/07/10, 01:15 PM

Kirk said:

"I can understand some resentment from people telling you how to treat your property and etc. However, most of the things you have mentioned,,,people buying 'mini-farms'...paying prices that you cannot afford....using the mower of their choice....all seem to be coming from the desire to tell other people what to do.

What business is it of mine, if someone uses a riding mower to cut their lawn?? Thats absolutely ridiculous. And the open envy displayed against people because they paid more than you can afford is shameful. Being angry because someone has more than you is not a justifiable position. You get angry when someone sticks his nose in your business and tells you about your cows, but you see no problem in becoming indignant about how much someone paid for their place, or how they choose to mow their lawn. Do you see the irony there?"

But I think that you are missing the point. I know EXACTLY how SFM feels -- and it is VERY like what the aboriginal Americans felt when the white people came in and took their land. Sure, they took it by treaties and at gunpoint, with bloodshed. Now it goes because farming no longer pays a decent living so the kids can't afford to keep the old place when Dad retires. Or because the taxes are so high (based on changes in zoning) that the farms have to be sold because the original families can't afford the taxes anymore. But the feelings at the loss of the land where your family has lived for generations are the same! There is deep resentment that these strangers, who don't share your background, your lifestyle, or your values, are coming in and buying up all the land that your family, who has been there for a hundred years or more, can't afford! And then they add insult to injury by trying to turn YOUR home ground into a replica of the mess they left behind! It's not envy that they can afford a big riding mower and four acres of lawn, it's heartache.

And in no way is it the same thing as the animal abuse issue that we are talking about! First of all, I doubt that SFM has ever said anything to one of those people with the four-acre lawns; I know I haven't, although it bothers me to see such a waste. If we DID say something, it would just be a comment, it wouldn't be a false accusation of abuse that could destroy that persons whole life. Disliking something isn't the same thing as deliberately causing harm.

Kathleen

SFM in KY · #54 12/07/10, 01:42 PM

Getting back to the question of actual animal abuse, is it or isn't it ... I think one of the problems is the difference in attitudes between rural/ranch people and urban people.

Urbanites see a problem and their first thought is to pick up a phone and call the "authorities" to advise them they think there is a problem and the authorities will solve it.

Ranchers see a problem and their first thought is to call/notifiy the person causing the problem/ with the problem.

For example, I did all of the riding in the summer to check our cattle/water tanks, etc. as my Dad was in the hayfield most of the summer. I rode through other pastures to get to ours (as well as riding for miles just because I liked riding). If I saw sick/injured/dead animals I let the owner know because my assumption was that they were busy in the hayfields, like everyone was, hadn't been able to do the riding and weren't aware there was a problem.

If it was a horse or a cow in the pasture by the house that was thin, lame, obviously sick ... the assumption was that it was there so it could be watched and treated ... not that the "authorities" needed to know there was an animal being neglected or abused.

It may not be what happens in all of these situations, but I do think it happens often enough that it is one of the things that the established rural people resent, especially when it happens repeatedly.

kirkmcquest · #55 12/07/10, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFM in KY

I guess I did not make myself clear, though I did think I had. I do not care what they do on their own property. They have every right to do what they want with land they have bought and paid for. What I ... and other people I know who were raised like I was ... object to is that they then try to insist that WE change our ways and conform to what they want and/or believe should be how one lives in the "country".

I am not complaining that people buy land I can't afford. I am not complaining that they mow their 4 acres of grass with a riding lawnmower. I don't care if they buy a snowblower and clear their road when there is an inch of snow on it rather than waiting until there is a foot of snow on it.

What I resent is that they insist on city services (water/sewer/road maintenance) that raises taxes and forces me to pay higher taxes to maintain the level of government services that they want and I don't need.

I resent them complaining that my 200 acres next to them looks "scruffy" because it is grazed by my cows and there are weeds growing up along the fence. I resent them complaining about "horse abuse" to the sheriff's office/ animal control/ HSUS when I tie a saddled horse to the side of the corral for an hour to teach him to stand tied. I resent them complaining about animal abuse when I have horses in the pasture that have windbreaks and plenty of hay, but no "individual shelters or blankets".

The point I was trying to make and apparantly didn't, was that I'm fine with their lifestyle, though I don't understand it and don't choose to live that way. I just think that respect should go both ways.

O.K but if we are going to be honest and truthful here (and I hate to do this for fear of being seen as confrontational) but anyone who reads your post with a fair mind will say that you did indeed complain about people cutting their grass with a "riding mower", paying more than you can afford for their property, and the other things that I mentioned in my previous post. Those were some of the reasons you gave by way of explaining your resentment. But that's neither here nor there

I agree with you 100% that people coming to an area and demanding services and sticking their noses into your property is bad behavior, but I guess my being from the city and agreeing with you kind of refutes most of your assertions.

I am from the suburbs/city, I bought a big piece of property, yet none of the claims you have made about 'city people' are accurate characterizations of me or my behavior. I guess I resent being lumped in with those that you characterize as being selfish, inconsiderate and nosey.

MaineFarmMom · #56 12/07/10, 02:21 PM

I was an ACO for three years. Here's how it goes:

"Have you seen _______'s dog? She's starving to death. blah blah blah should be tortured like the dog blah blah blah" full of emotions but no facts and logic. Fact about this man's dog - she was a beagle that had 10 puppies. Yes, she was thin but she had 10 puppies that were six weeks old. According to the law he wasn't doing anything wrong. According to me, someone with personal experience with large litters of pups, he wasn't doing anything wrong. They had food, water, shelter and lots of attention.

"_______'s horse had a baby. That poor horse is starving to death and I bet that baby is too because it never nurses." The foal was a pony. The poor horse was indeed very, very thin. It was a gelding. Uncommon sense didn't kick in enough for the person making the report to make sure the horse wasn't male before opening her mouth. The owner bought the animals at auction a couple of weeks earlier. He had vet paperwork and a bill of sale for both. The animals had food, water, shelter and the thin horse had a blanket.

"I saw this dog in a field three days ago so when I saw it again today I rescued it." And there sat the dog in the front seat of the woman's car. That woman meant well but she went onto private property and stole someone's dog. She's lucky they didn't press charges and have the Sheriff's Dept get involved. The dog was in the field waiting for a woodchuck to come out of its hole.

If either of these three people had taken time to think about what they were seeing I'd have been saved three trips and the animals' owners wouldn't have had me knocking on their doors bothering them.

kirkmcquest · #57 12/07/10, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFM in KY

I guess I did not make myself clear, though I did think I had. I do not care what they do on their own property. They have every right to do what they want with land they have bought and paid for. What I ... and other people I know who were raised like I was ... object to is that they then try to insist that WE change our ways and conform to what they want and/or believe should be how one lives in the "country".

I am not complaining that people buy land I can't afford. I am not complaining that they mow their 4 acres of grass with a riding lawnmower. I don't care if they buy a snowblower and clear their road when there is an inch of snow on it rather than waiting until there is a foot of snow on it.

What I resent is that they insist on city services (water/sewer/road maintenance) that raises taxes and forces me to pay higher taxes to maintain the level of government services that they want and I don't need.

I resent them complaining that my 200 acres next to them looks "scruffy" because it is grazed by my cows and there are weeds growing up along the fence. I resent them complaining about "horse abuse" to the sheriff's office/ animal control/ HSUS when I tie a saddled horse to the side of the corral for an hour to teach him to stand tied. I resent them complaining about animal abuse when I have horses in the pasture that have windbreaks and plenty of hay, but no "individual shelters or blankets".

The point I was trying to make and apparantly didn't, was that I'm fine with their lifestyle, though I don't understand it and don't choose to live that way. I just think that respect should go both ways.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueJuniperFarm

Kirk said:

"I can understand some resentment from people telling you how to treat your property and etc. However, most of the things you have mentioned,,,people buying 'mini-farms'...paying prices that you cannot afford....using the mower of their choice....all seem to be coming from the desire to tell other people what to do.

What business is it of mine, if someone uses a riding mower to cut their lawn?? Thats absolutely ridiculous. And the open envy displayed against people because they paid more than you can afford is shameful. Being angry because someone has more than you is not a justifiable position. You get angry when someone sticks his nose in your business and tells you about your cows, but you see no problem in becoming indignant about how much someone paid for their place, or how they choose to mow their lawn. Do you see the irony there?"

But I think that you are missing the point. I know EXACTLY how SFM feels -- and it is VERY like what the aboriginal Americans felt when the white people came in and took their land. Sure, they took it by treaties and at gunpoint, with bloodshed. Now it goes because farming no longer pays a decent living so the kids can't afford to keep the old place when Dad retires. Or because the taxes are so high (based on changes in zoning) that the farms have to be sold because the original families can't afford the taxes anymore. But the feelings at the loss of the land where your family has lived for generations are the same! There is deep resentment that these strangers, who don't share your background, your lifestyle, or your values, are coming in and buying up all the land that your family, who has been there for a hundred years or more, can't afford! And then they add insult to injury by trying to turn YOUR home ground into a replica of the mess they left behind! It's not envy that they can afford a big riding mower and four acres of lawn, it's heartache.

And in no way is it the same thing as the animal abuse issue that we are talking about! First of all, I doubt that SFM has ever said anything to one of those people with the four-acre lawns; I know I haven't, although it bothers me to see such a waste. If we DID say something, it would just be a comment, it wouldn't be a false accusation of abuse that could destroy that persons whole life. Disliking something isn't the same thing as deliberately causing harm.

Kathleen

I understand your feelings. However, its not the other person's fault that you cannot afford your land. Realize that, in reality, just like your people showed up from somewhere else at one time, so are these people.

Having a new person come into town to buy land is not a bad thing. That person has done nothing to justify any resentment. They have done nothing to you.

I do understand that it is probably sad to see your families land go to others. What I think I see and hear is that that heartache is looking for an outlet, a goat to pin all your frustrations and anger on. You will then try to justify your anger by criticizing the way a guy cuts his lawn, how much he paid for his house, what he wears to church or whatever. It seems like you have decided that you don't like that person, not because of what they have done but because of your own situation in comparison to theirs.

Anyway I didn't mean to hyjack this thread, but I did take offense at being the object of hostility for having the nerve to buy a house in the country.

Mi_ku · #58 12/07/10, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mickie3

Where? A lot of places I am seeing people say that the ASPCA and HS are going onto people's property without the rights to be there. That is simply not so. They can and do go there only when are requested by legal officers of the court (aka duly sworn police officers) request them to be there. Warrants are needed and are gotten.

If you know of a case where this is happening, please cite where.

Here you go:
http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail6162.cfm?Id=96032
A judge ruled the H$U$ illegally siezed dogs. Even though the courts eventually ruled in Mr. Christensen's favor, the damage is done and I can't imagine the court costs. It's also a good example of H$U$ double talk. First they were "collecting evidence." Now that the case has fallen apart they only received a "request for physically handling those animals, and not developing the case."

SFM in KY · #59 12/07/10, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirkmcquest

O.K but if we are going to be honest and truthful here (and I hate to do this for fear of being seen as confrontational) but anyone who reads your post with a fair mind will say that you did indeed complain about people cutting their grass with a "riding mower", paying more than you can afford for their property, and the other things that I mentioned in my previous post. Those were some of the reasons you gave by way of explaining your resentment. But that's neither here nor there

I agree with you 100% that people coming to an area and demanding services and sticking their noses into your property is bad behavior, but I guess my being from the city and agreeing with you kind of refutes most of your assertions.

I am from the suburbs/city, I bought a big piece of property, yet none of the claims you have made about 'city people' are accurate characterizations of me or my behavior. I guess I resent being lumped in with those that you characterize as being selfish, inconsiderate and nosey.

I often don't do well explaining things which is one reason why I usually avoid posting in threads that are/ can be confrontational. What I type and what you read are not necessarily how I meant what I said, if that makes sense at all. I offered the riding lawnmower/ city services issues as an example of the differences in two "cultures" ... I did not mean it to sound as if I was complaining about the people mowing ... or even those 'wanting' city services except as it could impact my taxes.

For my part, it's like knowing someone who is a strict vegetarian. I don't understand why they are vegetarian and I don't want to be one, but as long as they don't try to make me become one, or 'report me to the authorities' if I eat meat, that's okay. (And I meant the 'authorities' reference here as a joke.)

I also do not mean to say that "all" urbanites that move into rural areas are problems for the "indigenous population". That is definitely not true and again, I did not mean to imply that. People, myself included, too often make sweeping generalizations that are not true. Unfortunately it seems that so often the ones that are a problem are more likely to be talked about, discussed and cause bad feelings so that the ones that do try to fit in and be good neighbors are overlooked.

As you say, it is not fair to lump "everyone" into the same category and I don't blame you for being resentful because you are being "tarred with the same brush" for others' actions. I've heard many "incomers" complain that the local people are unfriendly and "standoffish" ... which in many cases is both true and unfortunate. It is also unfortunate that too often we've already had to deal with too many of the 'other kind' and just simply don't have the time or energy to run the risk of having to go through it again if we don't have to.

SFM in KY · #60 12/07/10, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirkmcquest

Anyway I didn't mean to hyjack this thread, but I did take offense at being the object of hostility for having the nerve to buy a house in the country.

If I seemed to imply that I was hostile about people coming into a rural area and buying a house/land that is was definitely not what I intended you to read into my statements.

If land is for sale, anyone who wishes to purchase that land, and has the $$ to do so, is not going to be criticized by me for wanting to live there.