Anti boater radio ads paid for by the State

[Ross]

Doug, there is a bridge across the Susquehanna

river that allows me to get to my boat. That bridge is worth every penny I pay in taxes. Yes, it does seem outrageous that some people that are responsible for the education of the next generation get paid almost as much as somebody that reads the sports reports on TV. You figure out how much you pay in taxes in your state and then determine the value of just some of the benefits that you derive from the expenditure of those funds. How far would you have to drive if that bridge, highway, street was not there? Could you get to work if they closed just one bridge on your route? Could you find your way home from any distant place without direction signs? could you stay in the channel without navaids?

 

[Ross]

So far I haven't seen the text of the proposal

and as best I have been able to determine that seems to be all that it is. When someone prints an unedited text of these proposal everything we can say about it is speculation.

 

[abe]

Ross, noone is unhappy about paying taxes....

..they are unhappy about waste in government (unless you are a government employee). Government rarely tightens its belt...but is always looking for ways to raise revenues. California is in bankrupcy...yet the government keeps adding expenses and mandates....illegals can get financial aid to the UC system, free health care at the county hospitals, educations, welfare....yet the cities refuse to cooperate with immigration or turn them in. So our taxes goes up. No one challenges increase in government pay and pension plan system...we just tax more. My family first figures out how much we make and live accordingly. The government does it differently...live accordingly, now lets see how we can finance it. NO MORE TAXES!!!!!!! Finally, I have a right to complain...I vote and I voted for fiscally conservative and responsible people..unfortunately, the rest of the state keeps voting for tax and spend lefties.abe

 

[Ross]

Abe when did you last send letters to your

state representatives stating your views? I write often and in detail. I address committee members on issues that are important to me. I also vote and have in every election since 1964. Prior to that I was a little preoccupied and didn't register to vote. Six years military service can do that.

 

[Doug]

I give up

I had to laugh. The bridge across the Susquehanna IS A TOLL BRIDGE!

 

[Ross]

Doug only if you are leaving

you can come back for free. I have a 5 dollar per year decal.

 

[Ross]

Well said Josh, Your property taxes are high

enough to make me consider moving to Canada. We have very good roads in Maryland. I think we get the money from Ma. We are building new schools but they aren't palaces.Without EMT's we would have alot more dead people on the streets. Anyway the buzzards have to eat too. ;D

 

[Rick D]

The Ads Really Are Annoying

...because they are talking way down to us. Most boat owners are responsible. The laws exist to address those that are not. Lots of allocated tax revenue is diverted. In California, the legislature has twice attempted to fold in Boating and Waterways into the States Parkland. Guess who would come out the loser there? Anyhow, I have only recently been exposed to lake and river boating in CA and have been appalled by the lack of courtesy and sense of some of the folks I have seen out there. The trash left behind is amazing, as are the stunts pulled on the water. (I observed this by way of part ownership in a fresh-water boat.) I'm not at all sure licensing would do anything to alleviate those issues. Maybe some of the ads might help, but I doubt it. I guess you have to try something I suppose. Rick D.

 

[Phil Herring]

Easy there, pundits

This is quickly drifting toward the political forum... I recommend staying on topic, which is the boater's ads in California, not general taxation.

 

[Ross]

I sure wish that some one would post the complete

transcript of on of these ads rather than just their reaction to some of the catch phrases.

 

[Tom S]

Ross, didn't you go to the link Jeff posted?

It has all the ads that California is playing on the radio and TV, etc. Go to the bottom of the page. There is another link. There are probably dozens of ads they have lined upHere is the link again http://www.dbw.ca.gov/adCampaign.asp.Now with that said and with further analysis I think Jeff is taking a big "leap of faith" from these boater safety ads to full blown licensing?Now I don't know California as well as Jeff and Rick and others, but I am not so sure that these ads are "actually a money grubbing liberal socialist government slickly duping the public into voting for future "licensing" of skippers, with associated license fees and who knows what other requirements." LOLIt is a slippery slope though and the ads do have a bit of qualities that are demeaning to boaters. Like I have said before boating education is not a bad thing, but these ads take a whole new 'tack' on educating boaters.My fear is that after hearing these ads, the general public (the other 97% of California) will get an unjust opinion of boaters as wreckless hooligans. If I listen to these ads and didn't know any better thats what I would think.

 

[Ross]

Ok Tom, I listened to all three and fail to see or

hear a link to any new taxation. This is much more like, Mothers against drunk driving. Buckle-up! It's the Law!! Kids must be in child safety seats. How did any one interpret those announcements as a prelude to a tax increase?

 

[Jeff]

It's the routine

In CA, almost without exception, every time there are ad campaigns from politicians, groups or government agencies, it's a tune job.There is no boater problem here in CA. Everything concerned in the ads has already been addressed legally, and long ago.The only problem we have is that CA has the 2nd largest boat population in the country coinciding with a huge state budget, politicians who spend to get votes and a declining housing market (read: declining property tax revenue) among numerous other revenue issues, some of which have been brilliantly posted here.By the way, I was somewhat nervous for a long time that I was the only one who was suspicious regarding this State campaign, as had never really discussed it with anyone except a few locals. Then I nearly panicked when I saw the 1st 3 posts. I thought we were all doomed. Since then however I have seen outstanding debate and remarkable passion. This is what is required to maintain control of our beliefs and our country. If this is not a licensing revenue campaign of sorts, I'll buy every poster a West Marine keychain light.....except the 1st 3.

 

[abe]

I love it when people from other states are now..

experts in California politics, economics, and motives of our politicians.abe

 

[Ross]

As Bill Shakespeare has said

Me thinks the man protest too much.

 

[Jim]

I'll buy my own drink, Jeff.

Jeff,Once again I'll say that your point may be valid but your introductory statements about liberals seemed a bit naive to me. Having lived in Florida where the biggest threat to boater's rights came from both sides of the spectrum but especialy the conservative side, I find your view a little too political. The war on drugs, with its emphasis on law enforcement resulted in the 'zero tolerance' approach that included boarding without warrents and confiscation of boats if as little as a single seed of marijuana was found. This 'tough on crime' attitude was popular with conservatives unless they happened to own a boat! Wealthy home owners lobbied to get rid of live aboards and cruisers who had the audacity to anchor in the view they spent millions for. Neighborhoods that past referendoms against live aboards and 'anchored -out cruisers' had traditionally conservative voting records. Property rights included not having to look at someone's boat I guess.I think that playing the simplistic liberal/conservative game does not allow people to address complex issues with anything resembling intelligence. Having said that, if you ever find yourself on the Great Lakes, look me up and let me buy you a drink. I've yet to meet a sailor face to face that I didn't like.Jim

 

[Jeff]

Thanks Jim

of course, the drinks will have to be after the day's sail