Ponder this scenario and give opinions

[Bob Howie]

John's Licensing Concerns

I agree with you in large part. At least with the program, like the mandatory Hunters Education Programs most states now require prior to being able to purchase hunting, fishing licenses, you would "force" a lot of people into a program where they get a minimum heads-up about what is out there and maybe get a few to think before they boat! And, earmark the legislation so all fees collected have to be used in boater safety programs and cannot be used for any other purpose; use that money for improving water ways, maintaining lighting on channel markers, no-wake buoys, reflective markings on bulkheads, marine law enforcement training programs and stuff like that. At least we'd be trying to make a difference and generating user-based fees that maybe in some small way help us all. It's not perfect, I know, and maybe even not all that popular, but hunters don't seem to mind and those guys are armed!!!

 

[Bob Howie]

So far, a word of thanks

I didn't know what kind of response I was going to get when I posted this missive, but I want to thank all of you who have responded for your opinions and insights and I want to thank all those who might be reading this and considering a response as well. It's been great fun and I hope this gives other folks pause to think about what all is being said here.

 

[Rick Webb]

Depends on Where They Come From

As a temporarily displaced Texan I thought about the line: "You can always tell a Texan but you can't tell him much". On the other hand in Houston there is a pert near fair chance they are a couple of Yankees. If that is the case show them the way north and say bon voyage and adios y'all.

 

[Bob Howie]

Pert near damn right!

Well, er, yes, Rick, you are as astute as all my other fellow Texans seem to be! But, is it not incumbent upon those of us born here in God's Own Country, to bear witness and show mercy and understanding to those unfortunate victims of time, hapless circumstance and poor geography?

 

[Ray Bowles]

If the laws concerning alcohol consumption

were applied to boating and enforced, even meagerly, I think the accident rates would drop greatly. That has a far greater potential to effect boating folks than trying to get people into classes.Hell, who would check these credentials on the water? Not law enforcement. In most cases and on most waters there simply are not enough funds for these programs.RayS/V Speedy

 

[Rick Webb]

That is Exactly Why to Send Them North

If they were Damn Yankees they should be sent east or south. North from Houston gives them a chance to learn as they bounce along the coast. In fact tell them to let me know when they get this far and I'll take them to a Mud Bug (crawdad) boil. See y'all we really are friendly, we just resent being overrun again.

 

[Bob Howie]

About alcohol

I absolutely, unequivocally agree with everyone who has spoken on the problems represented by irresponsible consumption of alcohol and boating. I just want to point out here that while alcohol may be a key factor in fomenting potential problems within this scenario, it is not the only problem confronted in this situation. True, alcohol can exacerbate other problems that might be present -- in either this case or in any other endeavor -- but the problem here, as I see it, is an overall lack of understanding and gross inexperience. It is not -- was not -- my intention to focus solely on the alcohol issue as the overriding factor and I would be disappointed if we all focused just on this facet to the detriment of all the others. Everyone has been great with this scenario and y'all's advice and opinions have been thoughtful, contemplative and comprehensive. Thanks much.Regards to all.

 

[Bob Howie]

Reply to Rick Webb

I just noticed you are in Biloxi, Miss. Hmmm...the only reason a Texan would be in Biloxi, Miss., is because (A) he's in the Air Force, (B) he's nuts, (C) he was kidnapped and dragged there screaming and kicking and against his will, (D) someone offered him enough money to make a TDY worthwhile, or, (E) a combination of all the above. So which is it?I am from Gulfport, Miss., originally, but had many, many family ties in Texas, finished school here and stayed.

 

[Rick Webb]

To Bob

A) True, actually it is the wife this time aroundB) TrueC) TrueD) False, There is not enough money availableE) I am in the Reserves and assigned to Lajes, AB the Azores but get to do my weekend drills at Eglin in Florida, What a deal! Actually it is not that bad in Biloxi. We actually are fortunate as there are worse places to be. Like anywhere north of I-10Next time your out here give me a shout and we can go out to Ship Island. Bring some Shiner with you we can't get it here.

 

[John Nantz]

License Money

With regard to the idea that money collected from issuing licenses could be specified to go only back into anything, like training, education, enforcement, etc., this can be just wishful thinking. For example, the GA fuel tax was supposed to go for General Aviation facility improvements but instead it's been pigeonholed and helps offset the federal deficit. Or, it went to support a monster navigation system used primarily by the military and commercial aircraft. For years and years practically non of this money was used for the purpose specified by the law.A similar situation exists with boater gas tax money in Washington. And the Transportation Department wants to mix it in with the automotive gas tax receipts. After all, how many potholes need to be patched in Puget Sound?I just don't trust the bureaucrats. Let them enforce the law they have now with the money they're collecting now, and that's a lot. Add property tax and sales tax (here is't 8.5 percent), plus the fuel tax and there's money there somewhere.

 

[Bob Howie]

My god, Rick, not Shiner!!!

Suppose you like Dixie beer, too, huh? Actually, I still have a bit of a taste for Dixie.Ship Island...man, can I tell you some things about that place before the Natl. Park Service took it over and ruined all the fun.Horn Island is the place to be, tho. Just got to watch out of the alligators that live out there. I don't get down that way much anymore. Father died in '97; sold all the real estate and family biz in '98 and mother built new home south of Mobile near Dauphin Island, so I usually see the Coast now in the descent into Mobile.Tough job you got there; kinda like mine, 7 on, 7 off flying Citations for Executive Jet. Tough duty, but somebody has to do it, so it might as well be us.As to the I-10 thing, you're damn right about that. I don't claim the rest of that state; just the Coast.Regards,Bob

 

[Ron Searcy]

MURPHY'S LAW

If they continue to have all their work done professionally , they probably won't get far enough to hurt themselves. I don't beleive licensing would help boating an iota , we'd just have people who think they know. This is my 3rd year sailing and I've just scratched the surface of what you need to know.

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

You're prob'ly right, Ron...

They've paid for work they need to know how to do themselves, but it'll be we the taxpayers who'll pick the tab when the USCG has to go get 'em.

 

[Tim Schaaf]

I am not exactly sure that this is pertinent....

.....to this discussion, but my favorite Winston Churchill quote is, "The only reason to save fools from themselves, is to further populate the world with fools". Some wisdom there, I think.