I agree with CT. As an ex-cop, he's dead on that money does not go
into the cops' pockets except for the free coffee and sometimes lunch
(a payback for a uniform in the cafe, coffee house, whatever). To
quote CT, "are just doing what they're are directed by statute to do
and that for a salary that does disservice to their risk.". Amen, brother.
Cops are like teenagers. The few power trip ones get all the
attention while the majority of dedicated folks doing the job sort of
just fade into the background.
I also agree that it's mostly the environmentalists. I'm not
advocating trashing our world, but there has to be a reasonable
balance. Another factor is our sue crazy country. Our parish (county)
run marina doesn't "officially" allow live aboards (there are 4 of
us). The main reason given was "liability" ("For what?" I asked and
couldn't get and answer). The other reason was "sewage". When I
pointed out we all have Lectra/San MSD's, I got a completely clueless
look and had to explain what that was. I also pointed out that
thousands of gallons of "that stuff" came down the drainage coulee's
into the port, not to mention all the oil, diesel and hazardous
chemicals that are constantly "accidently" spilled into the canals. A
day doesn't go by with at least a sheen on the water, and about half
the time we get foot high suds when a boat comes through.
I also mostly agree with Norm. We're planning on spending most of our
time out of the country. Norm, a friend just came back from 4 years
hopping between St. Croix and the Dominican Republic. He worked in
St. Croix then spent most of his time in the DR, where he said he
could "live like a King" on about $100 US a month - the exchange rate
was 34 to 1.
Cruising, like most things, was a lot easier and more enjoyable in
the 60's and 70's, and I'm sure earlier. Of course there weren't as
many people doing it. I remember areas back then in Florida that
were "wilds" and now have wall to wall condos. One area comes to
mind. There was a tiny marina behind a service station. When I asked
the charge, the owner asked how long we'd be there. I told him
probably a couple weeks and he said, "Give me 5 bucks and we'll talk
if you stay longer". Wound up staying a couple months at $10 a month.
next door was a church converted from a house. They had a "back yard"
with picnic tables and such and a little deck on the water. They said
to use it all as if it were our own. To the East was town, to the
West miles of vacant land.
This was in the early 70's. In 2000 we passed though. The service
station was still there, but behind it was a huge marina with the
cheapest boat there probably about $350K and a $3 a foot transient
daily fee. The church was still there, but it was now a 4 story
granite building with "No Trespassing" signs on their huge dock. The
vacant land to the West was now miles of condos, camps, homes, hotels, etc.
But then, we can't live in the past. I do wonder though if something
can't be done. Are there enough of us to start a federal campaign?
Seems to me we're in the same boat (pun intended) as folks who live
in green houses would be if suddenly the powers that be decide that
green houses are ugly and no one can live in them.
Rick 'n' Cathy
S/V Valkyrie
Port of Iberia, LA
At 12:27 PM 9/29/2008, CT wrote:
>Norm,
>
>You have every right to verbally attack anyone or thing you desire
>(I fought for that right) but I have to say we don't live in 1920's
>Chicago or 1980's New Orleans. Money does not go into the cops
>pockets (free coffee at the local roach coach being my
>exception). Politicians maybe, Federal, local and state tax coffers
>certainly, but the police (marine or land-based - and yes, I work
>both) are just doing what they're are directed by statute to do and
>that for a salary that does disservice to their risk.
>
>I don't think there's a need to lie to a cop about owning property
>but I've never run into that problem personally. Your boat is real
>property and you have probably already paid sales taxes on it and
>might still be paying registration taxes as well. In effect, you
>own property. You don't own land but the tax system in all their
>efforts to squeeze the public for money missed the liveaboard,
>non-land owner. Their fault, not ours. A post office box shoreside
>is all that's required for a proof of address.
>
>Were I to vent on the liveaboard/marina issue, it would be against
>the environmentalists - they are the prima causa belli in my
>opinion. Take away the rules and regulations they forced upon us and
>you'll find life a little more resembling nirvana afloat. My
>opinion, but then, I've never been mainstream about much.
>
>All the best,
>CT
>S/V/ Calliste
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Absolute safety is a concept promoted by those
without the guts to live in the real world.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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