This is the Email I sent to my Fl. State Representatives
 

Concerning my FAVORITE Subject, Manatee protection! :(

Dear Representatives,
Please vote YES on this legislation Senate bill (SB1614) and the House bill (HB1473) as it will HELP SAVE MANATEES, allow boaters to still use the SOVEREIGN State of Florida water ways, Protect our Property Rights, and force the Save-The-Manatee club, FFWCC and hopefully the USFWS to open their mindset to different ways to PROTECT the Manatee, other than Manatee Zones/sanctuaries. These bills will give the local communities/governments more of an input into these decisions and I APPLAUD the Florida State Legislative bodies for trying to give the power back to the PEOPLE!
Manatee No-Wake zones don't work BECAUSE Manatees CAN'T HEAR the boats coming, especially the Barges/Tugs, and all the other commercial vessels! These SAME Commercial vessels are mostly EXEMPT from Manatee No-Wake zones . It's not recreational boaters who are killing Manatees, it's the commercial tug/barge/boat traffic! One of the best solutions to this WHOLE problem, is the Manatee Underwater Acoustic Warning device that is proposed in the Acoustic Research Study.
The Acoustic Research Study, http://www.acoustics.org/press/142nd/gerstein2.html which as co-funded by CFW Brevard and Standing Watch, CLEARLY shows that Manatee NO WAKE ZONES are the worst possible thing for Manatees!! But the FFWCC, STM Club, and the USFWS WON'T even look @ this Acoustic Study as a possible SOLUTION!
Plus the fact that, the POLLUTED warm water discharges from the Power, Pulp, Sewage Treatment Plants through-out Florida., are TERRIBLE for the Manatees. Are all these Chemicals and POLLUTANTS from these plants good for the Manatee to live in? I doubt it very much!! Ask yourself WHY does the FFWCC and the STM Club want to keep these warm water discharges going? They will tell you that that Manatees will die by the scores if we cool the discharges, BUT the fact of the matter is that Manatees die every year, when we have COLD Snaps in the winter time! This approach is just MAGNIFYING this problem and it is a DISASTER waiting to happen!!
Here in Brevard Co., we have Manatees DYING, (7, so far, I think) and the biologists are finding Balls of WORMS in their stomachs and they don't know WHY? Well, I think it's safe to say that having a Manatee sit in WARM WATER AFFLUENT Discharge is probably a good source for these "Worms/Larva" to come from. A simple law requiring that "ALL WATER RETURNED TO IT'S ORIGINAL SOURCE, SHOULD BE THE SAME TEMPERATURE AS IT WAS WHEN IT WAS DRAWN OUT OF SAID SOURCE", should resolve this whole issue by allowing the Manatee to return to it's NATURAL Migration Patterns, and also help the rest of the aquatic life in the waterways.
The Endangered Species Act, (ESA) states it is ILLEGAL to impede/change in any way, the MIGRATION PATTERNS of any Endangered Species. Yet that is exactly what these plants do! How can the State of Fl. and the USFWS continue to do this, and "By-Pass" ESA?! Plus, the overall question of how can the Manatee still be considered ENDANGERED when it's population has grown from roughly 700+ in the 1980's to over 3200 in 2001?! The American Bald Eagle was removed from the Endangered Species List with LESS of a % of recovery than the Manatee has attained!! This whole "Manatees are on the Brink Of Extinction" issue is nothing more than a BIG FAT LIE coming out of the mouths of the Save-The-Manatee club executives. They are really MORE worried about their jobs and livelihood, than they are about the Manatees!
The Save-The-Manatee club is nothing more than a lawsuit slinging, Political lobbing, machine that started out with good intentions BUT has grown into this out-of-control ECO-RADICAL Group that uses Bad, FALSE data to protect their jobs! Let's use TRUE SCIENCE to help the Manatee, not misleading propaganda, Lawsuits, false data, and fear-mongering from the STM Club.
Please do the right thing for the Manatees and Vote yes on this legislation.
Thanks for your time,

Dean Ferry
1440 Centaurus Ct.
Merritt Island, Fl. 32953

Well, that's about it guys and gals, and I HOPE this thread doesn't turn into a name calling tirade! This is the GREATEST thing about living in the USA, Each individual expressing his/her right to petition their Gov't and to HOPEFULLY be heard by their ELECTED OFFICALS!! Man, I LOVE the USA!!!
MD

[ 02-12-2002: Message edited by: Dean Ferry ]

Right on Dean!!!! Exercise your rights!!! The fact that not everyone agrees with a person's views is VERY important. That's how a democracy works -- dissenting views come together to form a consensus. The best citizens, in my opinion, are the ones that make everyone think seriously about an issue. :D

Sean :)

I applaud your efforts, Dean!
My sentiments, exactly...I think I'll write one today, too!

However, the sad thing is that more often than not if you're letter doesn't include a big, fat, generous "campaign contribution," it's falling on deaf ears!!! :mad: :mad: :mad:

Dean...Some kind of noise making device IS the answer.Looks like these are placed in the water where they are needed..There also could be a device that could be placed on a hull of a boat..Kinda like a deer whistle..The water temp. issue could solve some of the problem , but the manatees have already developed certain habits that may take a long time to break....Your letter looks very good..And it does look like the problem will be fixed before it's to late. :) ..Good luck with the courts :rolleyes:

Way to go Dean!!! Its good to know that other people are passionate enough about certain things to take the time and effort to express their views.....Good Job

Here's what the STM CLub has to say about it. http://www.savethemanatee.org/talegislative2.htm
I Noticed a couple of things right away,
1. How it's the RADICAL GO-FAST BOATER'S groups who are behind this! I guess we have gotten their attention! :D
Actually the NMMA is sponsering these bills too!
2. How they ask members to get ANYBODY who can "Fog the MIrror" to write a letter denouncing these bills. Even people who live OUTSIDE the state of FL.! :mad:

I think we are close to bringing some common sense to this issue and HELP the Manatee @ the same time!
MD

That's exactly what we are talking about, An underwater "Manatee Whistle" that would do the same thing as the deer whistle. They, (Dr.Gernstein and Dr. Blue) have already proven that it can work, it would be a Hull mounted, 14-16,000 Hz Tranducer, pulsed 2 Hz rate.
MD

Give em hell Dean :D As someone who longer lives in Florida I agree with you buddy, I like Manatees as much as the next guy but let's get real here and do what is right, I think you are dead on with your comments. Keep up the good work :D

Here is a link to Senate Bill SB1614 and House Bill HB1473 as they presently stand in the Florida Legislature.

[ 02-12-2002: Message edited by: ForrestC ]

I just sent my opinions to our Reps!
I feel better now!

Way to go BD, I hope the rest of the Fl. Powerboaters here on OSO take a few minutes and send a couple of E-mails to tell their ELECTED OFFICALS how they feel about these bills, VOTE YES! :D
Did you check out the STM Club's web site? I think they are starting to realize that with the help of the www/OSO that they are entering a new era of Political LOBBYING and that, we, as Powerboaters are getting more organized and that we will be heard also.
MD :D
NOW, TAKE A LOOK @ THESE GUYS, they are really scarey! :mad: http://www.bluewaternetwork.org/

[ 02-12-2002: Message edited by: Dean Ferry ]

I wne to the STMC site and ran across this comment;

"Both bills are being pressed by a coalition of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, other marine industry interests, radical go-fast boating groups, and Florida's development/building community."

Radical go-fast boating groups????
OSO members????? :D
Gee, I never thought I'd be a member of a "radical" group. Kind of makes us notorious doesn't it?
:D :D

Ya, I read that too, Iggy.
Makes you go Hmmmm...

"Radical go-fast boating groups" :rolleyes: :p ;)

The incredible part of the STM Club "Go-Fast Boater" Mentality is that they think 25-35MPH is Go-Fast!!! The STM CLub doesn't want any speed on the water to be more than 25-35 MPH?!
MD

No...No....No.
RADICAL GO FAST BOATERS..You guys earned that name..

Donzi mitch."If you have one manatee,and you slice it in half with your prop,You have two manatees"

Waterfoul."Manatees taste like chicken"

Shorgasm."Not only are they fat and lazy,they are stupid as hell"

Donzi Mitch."I think we should begin to market manatees as a appetiser"

Baja Daze.Manatees..The other white meat"

DirtLawyer."Manatees..Not just for dinner anymore"

Dean ferry.-Passing out bumper stickers
1. I love Manatees,The other
white meat
2.I love Manatees,with mashed
potatoes and gravy

Shorgasm."F**k those little bastards..Anybody for freshly prop chopped manatee simmering in a bowl of turtle soup"

Dean you will never be taken seriously with this kind of atmosphere
This list goes on and on and on...
Instead of RADICAL..they should have said Manatee terrorists..

Dude, supercrash!
What the **** is your agenda, anyway? Why are you here simply to offer your twisted contradictions to our views. I haven't seen you agree with anyone on this board even once! What gives?! Seems like you only show up when you see oppourtunity to piss someone off! :confused: :confused:

Easy boy...Everyone seemed to forget why they might be called RADICAL..So I refreshed their short memories..Don't get crazy now...Do you really think Dean is worried about the manatee..NO WAY..Just look at the bumper sticker on his car..At least trying to save the manatee is a noble cause...unlike being worried about where you will boat..

For real Dean....someone that claims to be trying to help the manatee doesn't look good driving around with a bumper sticker that reads..I love Manatees,With mashed potatoes and gravy

[ 02-12-2002: Message edited by: supercrash ]

Crash.......I'll say one thing for ya......you pay attention......what do you do, log this stuff down???

No bumper sticker on my vehicles, just @ the TIKI bar! :D
BTW SC, I think it's safe to say that these little one liners are just JOKES amoung friends.
"Donzi mitch."If you have one manatee,and you slice it in half with your prop,You have two manatees"

Waterfoul."Manatees taste like chicken"

Shorgasm."Not only are they fat and lazy,they are stupid as hell"

Donzi Mitch."I think we should begin to market manatees as a appetiser"

Baja Daze.Manatees..The other white meat"

DirtLawyer."Manatees..Not just for dinner anymore"

Dean ferry.-Passing out bumper stickers
1. I love Manatees,The other
white meat
2.I love Manatees,with mashed
potatoes and gravy

Shorgasm."F**k those little bastards..Anybody for freshly prop chopped manatee simmering in a bowl of turtle soup"

UPDATE:
This is the response i just got from my local state Rep. Bob Allen's WIFE, (The REAL BOSS!)

Mr. Ferry,

Thank you for your support of my husband's attempt to do something environmentally prudent and responsible for the preservation of a species. I look forward to working with you for the betterment of our state and county.

Sincerely,

Beth Allen.

Well, Well, I guess someone is taking me seriously!
MD :D

[ 02-12-2002: Message edited by: Dean Ferry ]

Where, when, why, with who, with what, for how long, with how many others will we be boating next is probably one of the single most important things that each and every one of us on this board think about. I think it's noble enough! :cool:

[ 02-12-2002: Message edited by: Baja Daze ]

BTW, supercrash, I am going easy. It's all good, friendly debate. :p :D ;)

BD.. :)

Well I can't wait for the results :cool:

This is my reply back to Rep. Allen's office

Mrs. Allen,
No thanks needed, it is I who is thankful for your husband, the honorable Rep. Bob Allen, for truly LISTENING to his constituents and the SCIENTIFIC community outside of the STM CLUB. We really appreciate Rep. Allen's efforts to try to bring some reason to this HIGHLY emotional issue. Please feel free to contact me for anything that Rep. Allen needs support on, I feel it's my duty as a CONSERVATIONIST to help the Manatee and as a CITIZEN of the great state of Florida to help when called upon by my government.
Sincerely,
Dean H. Ferry

USA,USA,USA,USA :D

That's awesome, Dean!
I'm amazed at just how many replies I've actually gotten back already today. In the past, when writing my reps and senators it was unusual to get feedback!

BD,
Congrats, I too have gotten about 6-7 responses back today. I just posted Rep. Allen's reply because he is our Rep. I think the Reps. are becoming more educated on this issue and when we as citizens, not just boaters, get involved, it gets their attention! They know we are watching HOW they represent us in these decisions!
MD

[ 02-12-2002: Message edited by: Dean Ferry ]

FYI... Big article in today's NY Times science section about the manatee problem in Florida. Nothing new, but interesting.

Thanks Crash......for going out of your way to mention me twice.......You know what you can do with your opinion.... ;)

I have come to realize that youR agenda is your own selfish inconsiderate mind.........That's right selfish.....cause if you ever thought of any one else you'd SHUT YOUR F!@#ING TRAP!!! :mad:


Do you treat all you friends this way or do you just live under a bridge??????

Maybe you name should be Supertroll....

:rolleyes:

you know just wait till someone comes along and reach out and trip them....

Sorry shor..The search brought up more quotes made by you than anybody..
I know you are watching me..I said I will be nicer to people..not that I would conform my thoughts and step in line with the rest of the sheep....And calling me selfish???
I'm fighting for the right of the manatee...
you guys are fighting for "your own"boating water...and I'm the selfish one???

Here's a direct quote from the NY Times article. The STM club's lead liar, I mean Lobbyist, Patrick Rose

"Patrick Rose, a lobbyist in Tallahassee for the Save the Manatee Club, unabashedly called manatees "the best, most effective growth-management tool that exists."

Enough said, that's what this is all about, coastal growth management, it's not about the Manatee @ ALL!!! Man, I HATE THE STM CLUB!!
:mad:
MD

Yup and you should see how many times your name and various four letter words come up....... :rolleyes: I am sure you'll check.....and you'll be there for a while...

Seriously dude.......you're gonna have to make up your mind.......Boats or *****ing????which one's it gonna be??????

Screw the politics.......Screw the STM......Screw the bull****....and screw your attitude!!!!!!

I don't run over manatees and would do everything possible to miss one of these fat little slugs.......I can only imagine the damage it would cause on your drives......and I would never harm a creature deliberatly......unless of course it was a troll...... ;)

Dean..if we didn't build right on top of the manatees home there would never be a problem..That is a lesson that should have been learned by now..But hasn't :( ..That is why they would use the manatee to slow developement so as to not create even more problems...With the current manatee problem do you really think more developement is the answer to the problem???

...Manatee problem... :confused: :confused:

What Problem :D ;)

Yes....please Crash.....where's the problem here???????

They are stronger than ever......They are safer than ever.....and it had NOTHING to do with powerboaters..... :p

The new problems the manatees are just proof they are not be harmed by US.....oh....I mean everybody exept the perfect Supertroll.....who for some reason thinks he can walk on water..... :rolleyes:

Pal you need a reality check and quickly!!!!!! :cool:

So let me get this straight. First Supercrash you say you are fighting to protect the Manatees, implying they are endangered. Then you go on to say that we are building on top of their home and that is the problem. Let me enlighten you to a little FACT! Manatees are NOT native to Florida or the USA! They have migrated here as have HUMANS! Clearly Dean and the others are looking out for both the Manatee and their own personal rights. Boaters and Manatees are not mutally exclusive and can co-exist. However, you and the STM club are goign after the WRONG CULPRIT! The power plants have CLEARLY altered the Manatees natural migration habits and are causing more of a problem than are recreational boaters. You are using jokes and puns like the bumper stickers and other quotes you referenced as serious. OBVIOUSLY these are light hearted in nature and were meant to lighten up a serious topic. You need to learn to seperate FACT from fiction. I suppose that you believe that there really was a VAST RIGHT WING CONSPIRACY since that was on a bumper sticker too!

Too Old,
Trying my best. Are you going to race that Skater or What? Did you repower it?
MD

[ 02-12-2002: Message edited by: Dean Ferry ]

Dean,
Check your email or email me direct

[email protected]

Shane,remove foot from mouth..Fact and fiction???You are going to enlighten me???
The manatee has been in Florida for 45 Million years...Unless you were saving a spot for your boat back then I would shut up..

Crash,

45 million years does not guarantee rights. Especially when the manatee can't comprehend what rights are. Get over it with the rights issue. The manatee or any other animal does not have rights. Rights are a human invention because we have the brains to understand the concept. You are just trying to confer that upon animals and use it as reason to protect them.

Mankind is a part of mother nature and it looks like mother nature has selected the manatee for extinction. Ever since man has arrived on this planet we have been interacting and endangering other animals. Humans understand this. As I've said before, should we protect the manatee? YES. But at the expense of not being able to go boating on the waterways of Florida? NO! Don't tell me the manatee was there first. It doesn't matter - it's a non-issue. Mother nature doesn't care who was there first.

If the manatee has rights to the water then we have those same rights. I'm sorry if humans are too smart and we invented the boat and internal combustion engine to the detriment of the manatee. But with those same big brains we have we are trying to resolve that problem of human/manatee interaction. It's just that most of us on this board don't want an all nor nothing solution that benefits manatees only.

Com on shane...you jumped on me!!..Can you handle the fact that you are totally wrong!!Now be a man and admit it ...before you take my advice to shut up...you posted like you really belived that bull****..Next time do a search before shooting your mouth off..Thank you..

To the top to foil Puder!!! :D