Before we get into this editorial, let's set the record straight right now! HUNTER'S ALERT is opposed to any anti-government activities such as militias, bombs, or terrorism of any type. With that stated, let's ask why are some of these terrible acts committed? Pure and simple, it is frustration with our government. People committing these acts want a quick fix to government problems and there is no quick fix!

This is exactly why these acts are committed. People are frustrated with our government because our elected and appointed officials are not listening to the people they are supposed to represent. When HUNTER'S ALERT was formed, then assemblyman Larry Spitler warned us that government moves very slowly. We have since learned that if a state agency is in serious trouble, it will not be noticed, but if it is on the brink of destruction, it may get some attention. This is where Nevada Division of Wildlife is today. Here are a few of the reasons sportsmen in our state are frustrated. In July, 1992 the majority of the Elko County commissioners called for Willie Molini's resignation. All Willie wanted to do was to close down most of the county because of a few non-endangered hawks. This would have been devastating not only to the sportsmen but to the economy of the

county. The end result was that Governor Miller did not listen.

When hundreds, possibly thousands of sportsmen did not want our sheep going to Texas to repay a debt so some former wildlife commissioners and the administrator could go hunting in Texas, the wildlife commissioners did not listen. When all of the county advisory boards did not want non-resident falconers in our state, the Wildlife Commission did not listen.

When NDOW was using state employees, state equipment, and state money to mail a private organization's newsletter, here is what our government had to say about it. The Attorney General's opinion was that there was no criminal intent. Therefore, there was no punishment. Using Frankie Sue's decision, then we must set free everyone in jail for manslaughter and drunk driving because there was no criminal intent. The Ethics Commission stated we can't talk about it. Is this government at its worst? Is this the type of government you expect?

When two thousand sportsmen wrote to the Wildlife Commission to take drastic measures about the mountain lion problem, the Wildlife Commissioners chose to do practically nothing about it. Again, they are not listening to the people they are supposed to represent.

The solution is not threats or bombs. It is E-L. That is, educate and legislate. That is what HUNTER'S ALERT is all about. We have the truth on our side and we will prevail. It is just going to take longer than any of us would like. Let us hope that when this governor, his handpicked wildlife commissioners and incompetent administrator are gone, there will still be a little seed left so we can start to rebuild our game populations that they have chosen to destroy.