Originally from: Farmtalking
                        
Well... it seems as if someone else is posting messages in my name and I'm not getting them!

Author wrote:
I think it is very unfair for you to say 'that we are just sitting and
moaning' Jane.

'Did I say that? I don't think so!

What I did say is – "Are we to remain bemoaning our state to eachother and living in fear of the future, or are we really trying to do something change the our situation? Each one of us has to decide for ourselves. I can only make suggestions that I think might be helpful."

 Many of us are not in the position of being able to do what
Chris and Mary are doing.

'This is indeed a point I made when I said, "I know many of us can't spare the time to do that ..."

Brilliant to both of them for what they are achieving and if they think working with DEFRA is the answer then that is their choice.

'I agree with you here and as I said, each one of us has to make our own choices.'

 Please do not say the rest of us are doing nothing.

'I did not say so nor did I intend to imply it!'

'Nothing' is to not be aware and to be ignorant of the fact of what this Government are going – in my view. I could say to you is working with them worth the paper it is written on?.

'Perhaps not, but if we don't make the effort, in whatever way we choose, how can we expect any changes for what we consider to be the better?'

 Has this Gov of ours taken any notice of what was said by the EU and all other reports since fmd. We all agree we have a leader who sets himself up there – and sees everything he is doing as some form of 'divine' right! And who at the end of the day – calls the shots over what DEFRA do and say? Perhaps, and only perhaps things might be different with a another PM.

'I don't about a 'divine right' but he sertainly has a 'legal right' as he was elected! Perhaps those that voted for him will as you suggest, choose an alternative at the next election.'

 I would not bet on it though.I am not looking for space age revolutionary technology. Vaccination and the right to look after our animals without being hounded and arrested for doing so would do me nicely. Not much to ask for is it? After all man has been doing that for centuries. Why has owning livestock suddenly been made to feel a crime?

'I'm none too sure that many animal keepers feel that way at all. In many cases simply because they are quite unaware if the implications of the Animal Health Act, NSP etc, etc. Which is precisely why I made the suggestion that we talk to them!'

I have never lost the fight Jane. But I am fighting from the side of a few pet sheep – and we are listened to even less then the people who make a living from farming. I fight for everything I believe in. I am NOT a quitter. Perhaps if I was life might be less hurtful and more pleasant.

'Well that's really great and I'm glad to know you're still on our side!'

I can certainly see the advantage of turning a blind eye.

'I'm sorry Coleen, but I have never suggested 'turning a blind eye'.

As many of us have agreed, what happened in the past will never be forgotten and that is no doubt exactly why some of us are still involved on a daily basis and have been for nearly three years!'

I can see no harm in writing our feelings if nothing else it hopefully might let other people read they are not along in their views. I draw comfort from the knowledge that Francis feels as I do. I feel less isolated and 'not out of touch with my views'. You more then anyone will know that living rurally Jane can be very lonely, and these are worrying times. Many people are keeping their heads down and their thoughts to themselves.

'I agree entirely and as I've said from the beginning, I believe 'a problem shared is a problem solved' which is why I started Farmtalking and this Message Board.

As you say it helps to make us feel less isolated and out of touch. We can share information and ideas with each other in this way which is very helpful to all of us but would also undoubtedly be helpful to many others too if we choose to share it with them!

Of course there are many who read the messages and yet never contribute but that's fine! I hope they pick up some food for thought as they pass by. That alone may help to make a difference.'

I have not lost the fight, and I would love to be able to put the past behind me life is too short for bitterness.

'Of course, but the past is gone and cannot be altered but doesn't the future depend on our choices and the foundations we lay in the present?