I guess I have lost my sense of humor. April Fools Day jokes on the listserv serve no purpose. 


---- Joe Faulkner <[log in to unmask]> wrote: 

=============
>>> 
>>> Fellow bird for free birders,
>>> 
>>>     Happened to run into my friendly state representative yesterday.  He knew I was a birder, so he shared some distressing news with me.  Since the new gas tax hikes are so unpopular, the legislatures were looking for some fund raising options.  They have decided to require licensing for birders, much like they do for hunting and fishing.  In fact, it’s exactly like they do for hunting and fishing.  A license would cost around $25 and have to be renewed each year.  And, if you didn’t have one, the fine would be much more.  Out of state temporary licenses, good for a week, would be about $10.  Think of all those birders from all over the country coming to The Biggest Week in Birding.  That’s a small fortune right there.  
>>>     He didn’t say much about how this would be enforced, but I can envision the fish and wildlife people checking licenses on the Magee boardwalk, and issuing tickets to unlicensed birders.  Wouldn’t that be fun.  
>>>     Wait, there’s more.  They are also considering a tax on all optics sold for birding, from 5 to 10%.  
>>>     The reason for all this is the simple fact that everyone drives, but not everyone birds.  There are far more upset drivers that vote than there would be upset birders that vote.  So, call your representatives and let them know you would strongly object to any birding license requirements. And buy your new optics this year before all this goes into effect.

>>> 
>>> 
>>> Joe Faulkner 
>>> Somerset, Ohio
>>> Perry county
>>> Sent from iPad

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______________________________________________________________________

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