Plagiarize this post!

True,
Here is my opinion e-mail to the Coast Guard regarding the "safety zones" (Ha!)
Let your readers freely plagiarize it, or just use it to inspire their own comments in the last three days. Let our voices be heard: E pluribus unum.
Nancye Belding


U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security
United States Coast Guard
Chief Rob Lanier
E-mail: http://dms.dot.gov/.Docket #25657
Fax: Docket Management Facility at (202) 493-2251

Friday, November 10, 2006

Dear Chief Lanier:

I am writing to express my objection to the proposal for live gunfire exercises on the Great Lakes in the so-called “safety zones,” a misnomer if ever I heard one.

There are many reasons for my urgent concern, among them:

1. First, the use of lead and other toxic metals in the firing exercises violates existing regulations; lead causes harmful effects to fish, wildlife and even humans who may consume lake products. Fishermen are no longer permitted to use lead sinkers, and for good reason.

2. Second, mayors on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border are appalled by the proposal. It violates a long-standing treaty between the U.S. and Canada outlawing weapons of war along the longest peaceful border in the world. It insults our friends and terrifies our own citizens.

3. Third, the exercises are entirely unnecessary; there has never been a single terrorist who has entered the country from any point along the border or the Great Lakes. In the unlikely event that some were to arrive, they would almost certainly have proper documentation and simply cross the border legally.

4. Fourth, the exercises will threaten the lives of small boaters who will not be aware of the postings intended for large vessels and will, sooner or later, certainly fall victim to the barrage of gunfire.

5. Fifth, my extensive reading from many news sources about present military and Homeland Security policies has revealed that the U.S. is planning to send some Coast Guard ships to the Middle East in preparation for war with Iran. This will surely be opposed by huge segments of our population, who would rightly view another U.S. war of aggression as a signal for other world powers to join the fray and create a new world war on an unprecedented scale. In short, this is no excuse to train the Coast Guard to kill in peaceful territory.

6. Finally, my most important reason for opposing these war games is that they create a climate of fear and aggressiveness where now there is only peaceful enjoyment of our waters and friendly relations with our Canadian neighbors.

Please, reconsider this dangerous and disastrous proposal, and continue the long and noble Coast Guard tradition of guarding the safety of our waterways in a peaceful manner that is respectful of the environment and all living creatures.

Sincerely,
Nancye Belding
Grand Marais, Minnesota