Posted by David Trotter on July 28, 1999 at 09:55:44:
In Reply to: Beware the pitfalls of overzealous paranoia... posted by Brad Wayne on July 26, 1999 at 20:40:39:
The 70% rejection vote by Alpena residents of the proposed federal government underwater land grab says it all.
They understand the nature of govermental bureaucrats. Since you an NRA member, you should clearly understand what happens to your rights when the "feds" trample on your freedoms. Randy Weaver at Ruby Ridge knows the destructive power of bureacrats and the those that died at Waco know what it is like to be in the "crosshairs" of the "feds". YOU, of all people (being an NRA member), should know why "govermental control"
of your basic freedoms is wrong.
I remember very well the time I had .45's pulled on me because I had been on the water all night.
There was NO scuba equipment on the boat, but I was under surveillance by the "evil empire".
The freedom to enjoy the underwater world of the Great Lakes is yours, without bureaucratic bumbling, as long as you don't destroy it. Why the State of Michigan would give up control of its bottomlands, and YOUR RIGHTS to visit it anytime and anywhere defies logic (the Alpena residents do understand). The important criteria is that not one is "controlled" by a bureaucrat.
It is important the remember that the 1980's legislation restricting the stripping of shipwrecks also gave all divers the absolute right to dive UNRESTRICTED on Michigan shipwrecks. The Michgan bureaucrats, if given any opportunity, would eliminate your UNRESTRICTED rights to enjoy the underwater world. They regret the legislation that gave you and I UNRESTRICTED access. If the "Feds" control the bottomlands, the Michigan legislation guaranteeing your rights will no longer apply....this should be enough to scare any diver. The "Feds" will say whatever is necessary to furthur their control....it is in the nature of bureaucrats.