>Since it was suggested some months ago (on Tweeters, Birdchat?) we always
>tell the store owner or checkout clerk at gas stations, mom 'n ' pop and
>convenience stores, etc. , "we really like this part of the country and
>bird/birdwatch here regularly and want you to know we try to support your
>community by buying gas etc., here." If every birder did that there might
>be in increase in "pro-birder" establishments and in the ones that wanted
>to offer a discount as well as a softening in attitude toward "liberal
>environmentalists." Hunters are recognized as a source of revenue to
>rural communities and birders could be, as well, and the favor might be
>returned.
>
>Herb Curl
>
Herb has made an excellent point. Dollars talk. We need to be more vocal
about why we are in these areas to begin with, especially in the rural
areas of Washington and Oregon. On the other hand, if you go into any bars
for a beer in
a mill town, you might want to "lay low". Tim