Yobbos ruin fishing trip

Karren A Whitehead writes:
I am a disabled woman and fishing plays a huge role in my life, I LOVE IT. I have met many wonderful people through fishing and have just met my first real mongrel...
      I was fishing off the Lang Lang jetty on February 9th and I had been there alone for about one hour when another two younger blokes put lines in the water. We said hi to each other and I was offered a beer, but when I declined the offer they began to abuse me by calling me a vegie and that I had no right to be fishing on their jetty because my wheelchair took up to much space.
      So I decided to pack up and leave it to them, I placed my surf rod on the jetty so I could organise myself when one of the blokes kicked my rod into the water, he stated that it was an accident and said that I should know what an accident was because all veggies were accidents of nature, I tried to explain that I had cancer but he got even more angry and started kicking the wheels of my wheel chair and swearing, so I left.
      Later on back at the caravan park I heard that these guys were locals and were well known for creating havoc and that several people had made complaints to the police who could or would do nothing about them.
      If we continue to just put up with this type of behaviour then no one is safe, In fishing there are known dangers to look out for but there is nothing in the safety guidelines to overcome the ridicule and abuse by these bloody brain-dead local yobbos.
      And if these 2 mongrals read this, my kids bought me that rod for Christmas so you owe me a new surf rod.
(26 February 2002)

Mark S replies:
People like this are perfect justification for abortion, even if they slip through that saftey net, there is always genetic engineering. Personally, though, chemical casteration could work. These "things" have to be made extinct.
(14 March 2002)

Peter Robinson replies:
Dear Sir/Madam. You need to censor this part of your web site. The reply to "Yobbos ruin fishing trip" on 14 March 2002 by Mark S is very offensive. I think your editorial staff need to display some common sense in this area. Regards, Peter Robinson.
(27 March 2002)

fishvictoria replies:
Hi Peter. Thanks for your email and yes we will consider that particular response. We are normally very diligent regarding responses and emails and often edit material we receive because we consider it offensive in some way, whether that be racist (which unfortunately we get a lot of) or in some other way inappropriate.
      While some editing was done on the response you mention, and indeed I was concerned that some may find it offensive, I didn't think it was any more offensive than the cowardly acts perpetrated against Karren. In some ways I think the response was befitting the act.
      Having said that, it is unlikely I would allow another response through like that one and indeed we pride ourselves on the editorial standard of material we publish on the site.
      I apologise if you were offended by the response from Mark S although I believe many would have opinions along the same lines but just not be prepared to make them public.
      I do hope you will continue to enjoy fishvictoria.com and find it a useful resource. Best regards, Matt Learmonth, Editor, fishvictoria.com.
(27 March 2002)

David Moore replies:
You must be a really sensitive fellow, Peter. I did not find Mark's response offensive at all. What I found offensive was that you appear to be more concerned about a response that was appropriate for the act committed against this lady than that of the act itself. Too bad there were not some nice poeple around to help this lady out at the time when it sounds like she needed protection.
(27 March 2002)

Peter Jolly replies:
Gee wiz, I reckon Mark's response was very restrained. He did an excellent job in not having (BANNED WORD) plastered all over the joint as I would have.
(2 April 2002)

Con P replies:
Peter, you are a real p****, how dare you say that it was really not appropriate, the little bas****s could really have done some damage to that poor lady in the wheelchair, shame on you!
(2 April 2002)

Mark Johnson replies:
If Karren would like to contact me by email, you are very welcome to have a very nice surf rod I have not used in a couple of years Karren. (Have a boat now). It's a one piece 'rocket' surf rod, light but very powerful.
(2 April 2002)

Mark Bolger replies:
G'day Karren. All I have to say is that these men are horrible idiots. I am sure they will get what is coming to them, one day. Regards, Mark.
(4 April 2002)

Carmine replies:
Karren, I think that people like the ones you encountered are always brave when they are in numbers. I dare say they would have kept to themselves if there were others fishing with you at the time. This proves they are cowards, but also ignorant (we often substitute the word yobbo for ignorant in Aus) as to the nature and issues which affect people with disabilities.
      I work in the intellectual disability field and do some teaching for people who want to work in the field. One thing I tell all my students is that it could be any one of us tomorrow, through accident or illness. However if they avoid all these things, we are all going to get old. I then ask them to reflect on how they would like to be treated by those responsible for their care?
      I know this does not change what happened to you but I hope it has not made you feel unsafe or as if you can no longer enjoy fishing if you are alone. Please recognise that there are more rather than less people out there who understand that people with disabilities, whether it be physical, intellectual, etc., are people like any one else and deserve the same degree of respect and dignity as anyone other.
      Regarding the language issue, I was not overly offended, however I might have offered solutions other than those mentioned above. Personally I think the best cure for ignorance is education, and it sounds to me like these people Karren encountered could do with quite a bit from every angler they will ever cross paths with in the future.
      Keep fishing and I hope you catch a big one - Carmine.
(16 April 2002)

David Grimshaw replies:
Karren I've just read your post and am wiping the tears from my eyes. I simply cannot stand that sort of behaviour towards anyone regardless of their circumstances. I noticed someone else has offered a surf rod. I also would like to give you my surf rod. It's a 2 piece hollow glass about 11' and I will personally drive across Victoria to give it to you. I presume you lost your reel as well. I have a perfectly matched reel that would bring a smile to my face if you would take it. This is a serious offer. Please email me on the address shown. I live in the eastern suburbs but wherever you live it doesn't matter. I will bring everything to you. Look after yourself and keep that chin up. Regards, David.
(22 April 2002)

B. Parry replies:
If only there were more people with a heart like David Grimshaw's this would be a greater society, not just for fishing, but for life in general! Cheers mate. Hope Karren appreciates what you've offered. I wouldn't mind if those two punks pass me by one day, as I'll use them as bait. Though I don't think fish would eat crap would they? B. Parry
(23 April 2002)

Darren Lay replies:
Those mongrels will get what's coming to them! Thanks to those who have offered their help with gear - you have proven to me that there still are some decent people left in this world. As for the cops, what is the problem? Give these jokers a good hiding!!!
(26 April 2002)

Paul replies:
These blokes need to spend a day in a wheelchair and they'll soon realise how bloody hard it is to get by. I work with many people in wheelchairs deemed severely multi-disabled and I do my best to help make each day of their lives great. The people I work with will never cast a rod or experience fighting and landing a fish, like the ones we take for granted. It is an inspiration to hear how Karren battles the odds to throw out a line, just for those bastards to pose as a serious threat to her well-being. Imagine being stuck in a wheelchair and two rough blokes are harrassing you. Cowards. I commend her on her bravery. And to steal or kick anyone's rod into the water is a sin! People with disabilities just want to be treated like anyone else, so avoid looking for the disability and look for the person. Perhaps fishing authorities should investigate and publish friendly fishing spots for people with disabilities, and investigate surveillance, so incidents like this do not happen again. Keep on fishing Karren and live life to the max! Regards, Paul.
(21 May 2002)

Ricky Amer replies:
Regards Peter Robinson's comments above:
Oh Peter, Peter, Peter, it is the Shame Files page. Get your head out of the grass and see if we can raise the powers of reasoning to above that of a brain dead pea. Don't you realise what has happened? I typed out 4 PAGES about these pricks but decided to censor it myself and here's what's left: "I, if, but, why, regards."
(1 August 2002)

If you have any comments or questions, use our contributor's form and be in the running for some great monthly prizes.


BACK TO THE SHAME FILE...