Scott Crumpler

I've never tried to justify what he did. Nor has he. And although you seem to be missing the point of my original post, which was not directed at you, Glenn, since, as you've pointed out, you've never met him, it's just as well. Because it's obviously fallen on deaf ears. I said what I had to say, and I'm now going to leave it at that. I can live with you thinking whatever you want about him and me both. God bless, Scott Crumpler

The media does what they do because it gets results. And, what people think about him is their own business. But, if they are going publish what they think about him, even on a forum like this, they should have the nerve to accept the fact that someone is going to respond with what they think about what they had to say. I didn't "blast" anyone. I simply said their comments said more about them than the person the comments were about. I don't know them any better than they know my father (though, in fact, I know a little more than nothing about a couple of them), and nothing stopped them from leveling judgement. So, again, if someone is going to say what they think about somebody else, they ought to be adult enough to accept a response. And, incidentally, this was not my purpose in coming to this site, although it's been the unfortunate consequence. I'm sorry if the "God bless" bothers you, Glenn, but you're the one who said it was sad when morals take a back seat. My morals tell me to maintain civility towards those I disagree with, and, no matter what they say, to wish them well. And I meant it then just as much as I meant what I had to say, which was fairly benign. Somebody's son telling you that your judgement of his father is off? It doesn't get any more mild than that. If that's what you call an "attack", what happens when somebody gets really snotty? Do you just spontaneously combust? Grey Wolf - I can't respond to the PM you sent me, and you obviously meant to keep what you said private, so I won't elaborate. Suffice it to say that you have no idea what you're talking about. And yes, I thinks it's safe to say, since you know my name and I don't know yours, that I've got more than you. To the kinder messages & responses I've received, thank you. I do appreciate it. I don't expect anyone to absolve Dad of what he did. Nor does he. It's just that there's more to it than the news cared to report (and some of the reports were just completely wrong), and anyone who knows him should know better. That's all. Guess what. I'm still going to sign off with-- God Bless, Scott Crumpler PS - And I mean it.

I just ran across this thread about my father, and I'm surprised by the comments of some of the people I recognize here. To those who would subscribe to Randall's point of view, it's unfortunate that you're so reluctant to look at it the other way - that you have your own personal experience to compare to what the media reports and that your experience ought to weigh more in your measure of a man than what you read in the news. For those who were in the same business as Dad and had occasion to know him , I'm surprised by your conspicuous silence as to his character. There are a lot of Florida guides that would just as soon not had Dad to compete with or work around, but I've never met one that didn't say he always dealt with everyone honorably and with respect. For the record, Dad's people skills have never been that great. He's just extremely genuine, good natured, and eager to help anyone he encounters. Sometimes to a fault. That's why people like him and remember him years after they've encountered him. In this case, some very bad people took advantage of his good nature, and that, coupled with poor judgement, led to big trouble. It's certainly been an education these past few months, seeing who has cast aside their experience with Dad in favor of the news and nasty comments posted on the Internet and spreading gossip to others inside and out of the fishing industry. All I can say is that your actions are more telling than anything that's ever been said about Dad. God Bless, Scott Crumpler