Re: Red Tape

mwb@pacbell.net
Tue, 16 Sep 1997 15:56:34 -0700

WDLanger@aol.com wrote:
>
> Regarding the idea of no-cost loans to permit list hopefuls who are short of
> money: if you guys think the bureaucracy is bad now, just try THAT little
> jewel of an idea. What they maybe ought to do is let kids apply for a permit,
> for free or at reduced cost, so they can grow into it.... however that may
> well mean that there would be even more cancellations in the future.
> As a self-employed carpenter with a flexible schedule, though not much
> money, I am one who has benefitted from the cancellation of someone else's
> permit (one time out of five trips). You think they should call the next
> person on the list to ask if that person wants to go? You think that'll keep
> down the number of GCNP employees? As far as I'm concerned, they ought to
> just double the number of private launches to two private trips a day instead
> of one, and clip the user days off the commercials' totals. If you or I can
> go down the river for, say, $400 a head for a 20-day trip, by doing it
> ourselves (food, boat, etc.), and a commercial trip costs half that PER DAY,
> then it's not the rich who are abusing the cancellation process, they're only
> taking advantage of a situation created by the commercials and maintained by
> the Park Service.
> In my opinion, there oughta be NO fat so-and-sos swilling beer on
> motorboats down there: it should be harder than it is for commercial
> customers to go down. What you get out of a Canyon experience depends on what
> you put into it.
> Well I've run my mouth off enough. Good luck with the permit.
> Bill Langer
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A lot of what Bill says, I must say I agree with. The places of the
world worth seeing ought to be seen by those with the gumption to get
there. Imagine Rainbow Bridge after a three day hike, how awe inspiring
it must have been. Now boat up to it in a matter of hours. Something
lost I think.

I don't have a problem, per se, with commercials on the river. Hell I
wouldn't mind becoming a guide for one, but with my current schedule and
trying to get ahead in the world this may not be practical. I don't
mind the current call in system as it gives me a chance to get down the
river when I have the time to do so. This forum is also great for that
extra occasional trip. Since I logged on in May I've had the
opportunity to participate on three different trips, one of which I am
definitely taking advantage of.

On that note, I've got to admit to some consternation about repeats on
the Canyon. Are we to say no more trips than one in three years?
Five? Ten? This is not ok either. I think all of us are wanting to be
in the canyon as often as is feasibly possible for ourselves, thus the
issue of access. I truly don't believe this is about altruistic motives
of getting somebody who is #10,000 on the list down river faster. I
think it is about how can "I" go when I have the time and inclination.
As I stated this forum has been great for that purpose.

No cost loans to get on the list? no way.
Anyone under 18 should probably be allowed to sign up either as when
getting on the list we are performing something of a contractual
agreement, and as such should be legally able to uphold that contract.
An adult at least 18 years of age.

Here's something inflammatory for thought. If it is the intention to
get people without the skills on the river, and manage to maintain jobs
in the river industry, how about licensing true free lance guides that
can hire on at one or two per private permit. That fee to a freelance
would still be a whole lot cheaper when added to the full cost of the
trip than taking a family of four down river for 18 days at $2500-$3000
a pop.

Incessant rambling and hot buttons. enough. Take care everyone and see
you down river. BG Tackett
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