Email I sent this homo... I'm sure I won't hear back from him but we'll see...
Dear Sir,
Please take the time to read this. I am not trying to attack you or your documentary; I would merely like to point out a few facts to you and try to give you a glimpse of who you are hurting with this film. I have not been to one of your screenings, I live in Spokane Wa and I do not believe you are scheduled to come to my town. However, from watching the trailer and seeing the response it’s getting in the snowmobile community I felt the need to write you. The first thing I feel the need to point out is that you chose to represent snowmobilers and their machines from years ago, there have been MANY changes made in the industry since then. Also, I don’t know that you really did your research and showing clips of riders in Yellowstone National Park is very misleading to the public. This area has been closed down to snowmobilers for some time. I really wish you would have gotten your facts straight in this documentary. I fully understand you wanting to take a stand and help with some environmental issues but in going about it the wrong way you are only going to cause anger, frustration and a further rift between the two factions. I am coming from some extreme middle ground. My mother owns a health food store and my father is a logger! I understand the issues on both sides of taking care of our environment but still being able to use it for resources and enjoyment. The more people’s emotions play into this the more you create a DOWNWARD spiral and do not get the results you are looking for. An all out war between the two positions does not need to happen for our environment to get taken care of. A solution is needed, not more fighting!
I believe the snowmobiling industry has cleaned up its act quite a bit in the last few years. I believe certain areas have risen to the occasion and realized that some places should be protected and they have banned snowmobiles. I agree with this. However, I also agree that there should be areas left open for us to ride. If too many areas are closed, or if they are closed because the general public was swayed with INCORRECT statistics or ‘facts’ then all this creates is less of a willingness on the snowmobiling community part to acknowledge the new laws. It creates a rebel type of attitude that defeats the purpose. In fact, when tempers get hot people may make the WRONG choice just to prove a point!!
I don’t know if this will make any sense to you or even make a dent in your choice to show this film but I hope in the future at least you will consider those that you are hurting and choose to represent the story by presenting facts, not outdated equipment, opinions and footage! You run the risk of doing damage rather than any good by creating negative attitudes. If you would like any information on this sport so that you can represent it truthfully please do not hesitate to contact me. I believe I am a conscientious citizen who does their part to protect the environment. I have hobbies that I have chosen to pursue and for that I have an increased carbon footprint. However, I don’t regularly travel across the states pulling an outdated snowmobile which might put my footprint less than yours!! I also make sacrifices in other areas of my life so that I can enjoy this sport that I have chosen! I am an HVAC Engineer whose focus is cutting operating costs and energy use of large commercial buildings. I do this on a daily basis, improving our environment and saving resources for future generations. I know you believe you’re doing your part by increasing awareness but the awareness you represented in your film was not truthful and it will only be harmful in the end. I believe both of us have a goal to protect the environment, at least I hope you do, I hope your agenda is not to make a quick buck at the environments expense, I am doing my part. Are you?
I would appreciate a response so that I know you have at least read and considered what I have said.
Thank you,