N&O The Roots of CAMA and the CRC

Nice piece on Milton Heath in the N&O about a week ago. Mr. Heath was the only lawyer working on the state's original Coastal Area Management Act or CAMA. The elements of the act have been extremely important in limiting development on the NC coast.

"When the act passed in 1974, North Carolina helped to set the bar for coastal protection in the United States.

'It opted for a different kind of development than the more intensive, right-up-to-the-water kind of development that you see in other places,' says Bill Ross, secretary of the State Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 'You notice a big difference between North Carolina's coastline and the way the coastline is managed or dealt with in places like Virginia Beach or Myrtle Beach.'"

When you read this piece you get the impression that the adoption of the CAMA was a free will act by the state and the limits it imposed were entirely self imposed (and drafted by Milton Heath). The facts are somewhat different. In a letter to the N&0 Mr. David Bosly, of Grifton correctly points out the genesis of the CAMA was a federal mandate

Two years earlier, Congress passed the "Coastal Zone Management Act" (PL92-503), which required federal activities in coastal areas to be consistent with federally approved plans adopted by the relevant states. As no such plans existed, that act appropriated money to assist states in developing them and listed a dozen or so specific items they should address. CAMA essentially codified what Congress asked for. Some 30 states found their own Milton Heaths to do the same.

Development trends in NC owe a great deal to their timing. The areas of the Atlantic coast everyone now views as overdeveloped saw heavy development in place well before the mandates that lead to CAMA. (Everyone except Dr. Pilkey that is who thinks everything is overdeveloped) In fact it was the realization that high rise oceanfront development was a disaster waiting to happnen, led to the rules. Of course that early development has long had sufficient threatened property value to make beach nourishment a fiscal nobrainer. You don't let billion dollar buildings fall in the sea, just billion dollar towns.
I love the development patterns we have chosen in most of coastal NC. I think they fit the area, make a great place to live and are broadly sustainable in envirionmental terms.
What I don't like is being punished for making wise decisions. Early in the permitting process for the moribund federal shoreline protection plan for Nags Head and KDH, the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) presented a map showing where the property value was sufficient to justify the ocst of nourishment, areas that had a positive cost benefit analysis. The areas did not include the most threatened areas in either town, just the most developed. We were being punished for developing along the lines mandated by the Feds. Had we lined the shore with high rise condos the beach would be a half mile wide by now.
I have asked a lot of Federal bureaucrats to explain the disconnect between the two programs and none have had an adequate explanation beyond "that is what Congress has said". Not an adequate answer.
Milton Heath and the CAMA helped our state make good decisions about development. It forced local governments to think about their development decisions in a broad context. It banned the one thing everyone (almost everyone [see note 2 below]) agrees damages the public beach, permanent seawalls. But Milton Heath and CAMA were not unique and affected only new development they couldn't role back the clock or level the playing fields. Think about that the next time you hear someone complain about overdevelopment.

Ciao
Note: I am not going to publish comments that debate the wisdom of beach nourishment so don't even send them. Comments on the roots and impacts of CAMA are welcom.
Note 2:Carteret County News Times (3/30/08)

No man’s life, liberty or property is safe while the legislature is in session — Mark Twain

In a recent Tar Heel of the Week column, Milton Heath is recognized for drafting the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). With various degrees from Phillips Exeter, Harvard, Columbia and stints at the governor’s office in Albany, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government attorney “… wound up being the only lawyer serving the legislature’s environmental committee.” According to the article, CAMA has been an outstanding success “because Carolina Beach doesn’t look like Myrtle Beach and cottage owners were not allowed to build seawalls.” According to Robin Smith, assistant secretary to Bob Ross at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), “… seawalls cause the beach to disappear at high tide.” Todd Miller, executive director of the N.C. Coastal Federation, heaped more accolades commenting, “The seawall ban was Heath’s most important legacy.” I am not a coastal engineer or geologist. I have no law degree. I don’t even have a government or nonprofit organization position. However, I know a seawall when I see a seawall. Ms. Smith, Mr. Miller, we have seawalls on the Crystal Coast. No Ms. Smith, the beach doesn’t disappear at high tide. There’s good reason why Mr. Ross, Ms. Smith and Mr. Miller did not know about the seawalls. They are buried under sand! CAMA did not put the sand there. The N.C. Coastal Federation opposed putting the sand there. With all due respect to Mr. Heath, Mr. Ross, Ms. Smith and Mr. Miller, Tar Heels should thank Cap’n Jim Willis of Atlantic Beach. He held the N.C. Ports Authority and the Army Corps of Engineers accountable for the sand they proposed to throw offshore after gouging the pristine estuaries of Beaufort Inlet to unnatural depths to accommodate commercial shipping that will never arrive. Thank you Cap’n Jim. Mark Twain would be proud of you. – Joe Exum

Officials: Birds may be contaminating swim area | StarNewsOnline.com | Star-News | Wilmington, NC

I have been following a pollution story unfolding in Wilmington. A popular swimming hole has been put of limits due to high bacteria counts. The source was originally believed to be a faulty sewer line but the otherwise Wilmington Star-News reports otherwise. The sewer pipe has been tested and ow a new culprit has surfaced.

"Now the most likely cause of the contamination are the water fowls that congregate in the area, Cahoon said. But just because the source may be birds doesn't mean the area is safe for swimming."

Makes you wonder if its safe to swim around Cape Point, what with all those plovers around.
Ciao

ORV Why Derb Carter May or May Not Win

Looking around the Island Free Press site I found
this background piece. It lays out the history of the ORV issue up to this fall when the SELC filed its lawsuit. There is lots on this blog about the now. Here is the before. Reading it it will help you figure out how we got to this point. It lays out a lot of history of the National Park Service not adopting ORV rules. It leads up to the tenure of the current Superintendent then makes the following observation:

"It does seem ironic that the superintendent who has done more in not quite two years to straighten out the Park Service’s previous legal oversights than his predecessors is the man who may have to oversee closing the seashore beaches to vehicles.

It’s a further irony that the events that could lead to a closure were set in motion not by a powerful and well-funded environmental organization, but by the actions of one irresponsible ORV driver.

He was fined $100, but the rest of us may pay more dearly if the beaches are closed to ORVs.

We should remember that the next time we are driving on the seashore’s beaches – assuming, of course, that we have that opportunity."

Read the background then decide how important access is to you. If you think it matters then start making some calls.
Ciao
Note: The current situation and more background can be found in my last post on this topic

ORV Why Derb Carter may not win Part IV

Ok, maybe just maybe there is a ray of hope in the battle to forestall an injunction banning ORV traffic at several locations within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. (see note below for background links). Attorneys representing Dare and Hyde counties and several ORV groups (the intervenors) have filed a response to the Southern Environmental Law Center's (SELC) motion for a preliminary injunction banning beach driving from many of the most popular fishing spots in the CHNS. To my eye it is everything the NPS response was not. The Island Free Press again has an excellent article explaining the brief.

In their brief opposing the temporary injunction, the intervenors’ attorneys argue that:

• The interim process was the equivalent of the process for adopting long-range rulemaking on ORV use.

• The environmental groups will not suffer irreparable harm if no injunction is granted.

• The intervenors and defendants will suffer significant, immediate, and irreparable harm if an injunction is imposed.

• The environmental groups cannot show a likelihood of success on the merits of the request for the injunction

• The public interest favors leaving the interim plan in place until a longer term rule is devised by the negotiated rulemaking process.

The brief goes on to cite extensive legislative history about the role of recreation and beach driving in the park. It argues strongly that the requested injunction would have severe economic consequences and attempts to refute the claims of the SELC related to the Endangered Species act both on legal and scientific grounds. From the IFP again:

• The assumption that ORV use is the primary threat to seashore wildlife is a position not supported by the facts. Other factors affect the populations, including predation, climate, and other human activities, including pedestrians.
• The interim plan will adequately protect seashore wildlife until a long-term management plan is in effect. And, therefore, the environmental groups cannot show irreparable harm based on shortcomings in the interim plan.
• The intervenors would suffer “significant, immediate, and irreparable harm” from an injunction. The brief and supporting documents address the economic impact of closing the most popular areas for fishing and recreation and claim it is “far worse than the Plaintiffs assert.”
• Finally, the intervenors’ response addresses the public interest in leaving the interim plan in place until there is a final rule on ORV use.
• “Finally,” the response states, “it is in the public interest for this Court to refrain from issuing an injunction. First, the public has a strong, Congressionally recognized interest in open governmental processes and the ability to participate in decision-making that affects individuals’ daily lives….An injunction would trample this process.

Contrast this with the NPS response which says there is no plan (basically an admission of guilt) and make no attempt to refute the SELC claims.
The question now is will the NPS and the Department of Justice pick up on the legal work done by the intervenors. If that happens there is a chance that the judge will rule in favor of the NPS. Certainly the intervenors' brief gives him a solid legal framework for such an action. What is not clear is what happens if the NPS and DOJ don't pick up on the intervenors' lead. The Judge gave little weight to arguments from the intervenors' attorney at an initial hearing. In fact he was quite dismissive, asking why should he accept arguments from the outside parties if NPS, the primary defendant, wasn't making the same arguments.
Still the case for maintaining the status quo got a big boost and that is a good thing. What is needed now is pressure on the NPS to mount a defense. The best way to apply that pressure is for interested citizens to call their elected leaders and ask for them to contact NPS and DOJ and demand that they embrace the intervenors arguments and briefs. If enough pressure is put on in DC it could make a difference. If you are local here are the numbers:
Senator Elizabeth Dole (R- NC) 202-224-6342
Senator Richard Burr (R- NC) 202-224-3154
Representative Walter B. Jones, Jr. (R - 03) 202-225-3415
Do not email, they get thousands. A phone call is much better. Ask them to respond back to you when the action is taken.
If you are not in eastern NC try this link to get your contact information.
As I have stated in previous posts, I think the NPS leadership wants the preliminary injunction as a way to get them off the hook for severe ORV limits. That position won't change unless the Administration wants it to change. They won't want it to change unless Congress thinks it is important. Congress won't get involved unless they think the public is watching. If you want ORV access maintained or even if you want a fair negotiated rulemaking process you need to call now. Not tomorrow, not next week but right now. All the lawmakers say they support ORV access now they can prove it.
You can read the full text of the brief on the IFP website. Thanks again to them for providing very good timely coverage of this issue.

Ciao
Note: This post follows several other posts. For background you can read the following posts.
Judge Boyle rules ORV use illegal
Why Derb Carter will win (Part1) (Part 2) (Part 3.141...)
All of these posts and more on the issuce can be found this a Google search of the blog for the term ORV. Not all the search results are relevant but several have good background.
The blog Outer Banks Republic has also written about the issue as has Bill's Outer Banks Beach Life. I strongly recommend both these sites as regular reading. They have lots of good current info and (mostly) well reasoned opinion.

ORV Why Derb Carter will Win Part 3.14159265

Island Free Press ... reports that the NPS has filed its response to the Southern Environmental Law Center's (SELC) request for an injunction banning ORV use at Oregon, Hatteras and Ocracoke Inlets and at Cape Point. The NPS filing does nothing to challenge my initial take on this suit. The NPS states plainly that they have not adopted ORV rules. This means that SELC meets a major legal hurdle, the likelyhood they will prevail in their suit.

Federal Defendants do not dispute that, pursuant to 36 C.F.R. 4.10, the NPS regulation implementing Executive Orders 11644 and 11989, ORV use is unauthorized at the Seashore in the absence of a special regulation designating ORV routes and areas. See United States v. Matei,2:07-M-1075 (E.D.N.C. July 17, 2007); United States v. Worthington, 2008 WL 194386 (E.D.N.C. January 2, 2008). Accordingly,Federal Defendants do not dispute that Plaintiffs have met their burden of showing a likelihood of success on the merits [emphsis added] with respect to the alleged violation of 36 C.F.R. 4.10. On this basis, the Court could find Plaintiffs are entitled to a preliminary injunction, pending adjudication on the merits of Plaintiffs' remaining claims and on the scope of any appropriate, permanent injunctive relief. See The Scotts Co., 315 F.3d at 271.

The NPS response leads by challenging the legal tests the SELC proposes for the judge to use in considering the injunction. I am not qualified to parse which is more accurate but even using the NPS test its clear that it would be not hard to make a case that continued ORV use near endangered species nesting areas meets the test. Here is the standard the NPS

“‘(1) the likelihood of irreparable harm to the plaintiff[s] if the preliminary injunction is denied,(2) the likelihood of harm to the defendant[s] if the requested relief is granted, (3) the likelihood that the plaintiff[s] will succeed on the merits, and (4) the public interest.’”

The SELC brief makes strong assestions that ORV use is doing irreparable harm to endangered species. Their brief minimizes economic damage to the area and makes legal arguments against using an economic test when considering harm under the Endangered Species Act. The NPS has given them #3 and enforcing the ESA is clearly in the public interest, as are the mandated ORV limits that the NPS has failed to adopt for about 30 years. Game, Set, Match to the SELC et. al.
The NPS make no claims about the other parts of the standard other than to argue that the court need not find harm solely based on a violation of the Endangered Species Act. This type of legal wrangling can go either way depending on how the judge is leaning. We already have some sense of that from Judge Boyle's earlier rulings and the scheduling hearing. This guy is pissed and the SELC has given him a platform to do something about it.
What is not in the NPS brief is equally telling, no discussion of how the current plan protects endangered birds, very little refutation of the SELC assertions about what actions the ESA requires. The brief makes no arguments on the scope of the requested injunction either. It does not assert economic harm to the area nor defend ORV access under the legislative mandate of the Seashore. All this issues are raised in the SELC brief and the NPS has no answer. Not a good sign.
All this makes the response from lawyers for Dare and Hyde county critical. Judge Boyle had little use for this side of the case during the scheduling hearing. As one wag wrote "it sounded WWE Friday Night Smackdown on the "CW" Network!. " They have a big hurdle trying to make arguments that the NPS doesn't join. As Judge Boyle points out the decisions about the seashore are the purview of the NPS not local government.

The NPS response only strengthens my belief that the NPS management actually believe the ORV ban is the correct action under the ESA but they don't have the guts to do it on their own. By mounting a weak defense to the injunction the NPS will lose, Then they get the protection they want for plovers yet they don't have to defend the closure. They can simply say 'Hey, the judge did it not us'. Once the injunction is granted and the new standard is in place look for the rulemaking process to drag on. With their environmental goals met the NPS and the SELC and partners, have NO incentive to negotiate anything more than the access granted under the injunction. Why should they give up what Judge Boyle is about to give them? Absolutely no reason.
My advice to those who want access: Cut a deal right now before the injunction. You have all the leverage you are going to get, Your opponents know this. Don't surrender but sit down and accept some closures and very tight rules about how you access the beach. and make the call today. If you wait you are going to find yourself in a very very weak position with no way to level the playing field.
I don't expect anyone will take my advice. The injunction was part of a strategy to polarize the debate and make sure that no one wants to compromise. It has done its job. There will be no concessions and sometime in late April there will be no ORV access to the prime fishing locations in the CHNS. This does not please me but I don't see anything that can stop it, certainly there is nothing in the NPS filings that will help.
Ciao.
Note the Island Free Press remains the best online source for news on the issue. If you get the Coastland Times you can benefit from their excellent coverage but you can't get it online unless I get another gift from Mary Helen.

KYScoast

While we're on the topic of local blogs here is another one that has come to me. Got some comments from the bloggers then ran into one at a function recently. Short story long here is a great post about riding bikes on the OBX today. Written by 2 locals this site is a grown up look at some of the things that make the Outer Banks special and some of the problems that come with it. Not politics per se just observations

"But at a time when there are more reasons than fitness and racing for us all to be riding bikes, I find there are many incidents regularly occurring on the roads of our community which will eventually result in someone's death. I've witnessed and even been involved in several of these incidents myself.

I was hit by a car while crossing Limulus Street in South Nags Head and while riding on the 'bike path' in 2004: Contusions, concussion (even with a helmet), torn jersey, bent wheel rims, ambulance ride to emergency room.

I've had numerous drivers make vehicle maneuvers intended to provoke and intimidate a cyclist. I'm a builder here and I'm ashamed to say that almost without exception, virtually every one of these incidents was carried out by someone driving a pickup truck or van."

The piece goes on to talk about why some bikers shouldn't be riding on the path. As one of the people involved in the development of the early "multi-use paths" and someone who rides a beach cruiser on the path regularly I can only agree. I love the paths but they are not right for all riders. Even as a walker on the path I have experienced harassment from passing pick ups (always pick ups). Stupid stuff.
I am tempted to draw parallels between stupid drivers on the beach road and the stupid (criminally stupid) drivers on the beach (ORV issue) but I will leave you to enjoy the observations at KYScoast instead. You will have a much better time.
Ciao

Bill's OBX Beach Life: Windsurfing and the Price of Gas

If you want to see what blogging is about check out Bill's OBX Beach Life: Windsurfing and the Price of Gas. The sense of community and conversation is just stunning, as is the real time truth about the impact of gas prices on the OBX economy. Check out the entire dialog including comments. Here is a taste.

"At 9:12 AM, Anonymous ted said...

Kiting + civic = 35-40mpg, non hybrid. No need for a trailer when all my gear fits in the trunk, including my board! Only downside is that I cant park at any turnouts and I can barely put 1 tire on the side of the road without fear of getting stuck :)

At 9:13 AM, Anonymous Ted said...

...forgot to mention...LOVE the blog! Keep up the good work."

This blog is special in a lot of ways. It is really focused. It provides great content in very real time. The relevant content drives comments the participation and dialog. Besides,the video stuff just rocks. This is what blogging can do, content, community and conversation.
Thanks for the inspiration Bill, we are waiting for the next 360 video and the next challenging issue.
Ciao
Note: All that stuff aside this video in tis post should be my theme song. Just one more thing that Bill does better than anyone.See the poll results and entire post here.

ORV Why Derb Carter will win Part 2

From the Island Free Press, a link to a transcript of the hearing to schedule oral arguments on the injunction sought by the Southern Environmental Law Center. You can get some background in Part 1. The hearing has a definite tone and it only reinforces my sense that the injunction will be granted. Here is a sample. This comes after the SELC has outlined their case and the NPS lawyer has said they are not asking for a dismissal. (the transcript is all caps)

THE COURT: YOU ARE ONLY IN THE CASE BY LEAVE OF THE COURT. YOU ARE IN IT NOW BUT THAT WAS DISCRETIONARY; YOU ARE AN INTERVENOR.
MR. LIEBESMAN: THAT'S CORRECT.
THE COURT: YOUR CLIENTS ARE THE COUNTIES. THEY DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF THE NATIONAL SEASHORE; IT'S FEDERAL SOVEREIGN PROPERTY. SO YOU'VE COME IN AND NOW YOU'RE COMPLAINING ABOUT THINGS THAT THE UNITED STATES ISN'T COMPLAINING ABOUT. I MEAN, HOW DO YOU GET -- WHERE'S YOUR STANDING TO DO THAT?
MR. LIEBESMAN: WELL, I THINK --
THE COURT: -- THIS IS NOT THE SOVEREIGN SEASHORE OF DARE COUNTY, IT'S THE NATIONAL SEASHORE. IT BELONGS TO THE UNITED STATES. WHAT INTEREST DO YOU HAVE ANY MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE IN IT?
MR. LIEBESMAN: WELL, I THINK, AND WE WILL CERTAINLY ARTICULATE THIS IN OUR RESPONSES ON THE PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION. WE REPRESENT THREE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS THAT HAVE A VITAL INTEREST IN THE ECONOMY OF THE OUTER BANKS' CONCERN TO ACCESS THE RECREATIONAL COMMUNITY. WE'RE IN THE CASE AS A PARTY AND I ALSO WANT TO ADD, IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THE GOVERNMENT IS TAKING THE POSITION NOW THAT THEY ARE NOT MOVING TO DISMISS. I DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S A FINAL POSITION AS TO WHETHER THEY WOULD EVER JOIN IN OUR MOTION TO DISMISS OR REQUEST FOR DISMISSAL. I'M NOT SURE OF THE GOVERNMENT'S DECISION AT THIS POINT.
THE COURT: THEY'RE THE REAL PARTY IN INTEREST. THEY'RE THE ONE WHO HAS THE LEGAL RIGHT OR OBLIGATION TO DO THESE THINGS, NOT THE COUNTIES. IT JUST LOOKS A LITTLE DISTRACTIVE FOR YOU TO COME IN AND BE MAKING COMPLAINTS ABOUT SOMETHING THAT NO ONE IS TRYING TO DO TO YOU.

It strikes me that the NPS might like nothing better than to have the court impose strict limits on ORV use. It takes them off the hook for the rules and lets them say "Hey don't blame us, blame Judge Boyle". All they have to do to accomplish this is lose the preliminary injunction hearing. The NPS lawyer said all of about 10 words during the hearing and Judge Boyle's anger about the issue comes through loud and clear. Just glance at the transcript to see it.

BTW. The Island Free Press has provided great coverage of the issue. Good place to go for the latest info including this excellent piece on the recent negotiated rule making committee metings.

I like tongue

I was raised beef tongue, admittedly an acquired taste even in my mom's wonderful raisin sauce. Its a bit tough and hard to swallow but it does have taste and texture. I write this because I as much as I enjoy beef tongue I know how much it hurts when I bite my own tongue by mistake. I know this because I occasionally stick my tongue into my cheek, this makes me laugh and I have a bad habit of biting down when I laugh.
I wanted to write this piece but I knew that I would bite my tongue. Besides this way its more like beef tongue, good taste and texture.
Part 2
There is no public access to the Southern Shores canals that I can find. Public funds should not be used to dredge them.
My advice: Raise property taxes and use the additional occupancy taxes you steal from the other towns to pay for the project. On the other hand you could just let them fill in and lose the tax value and economic benefit. We all know the canals only benefit "rich canal front property owners" anyway. Why should we care?
Ouch that hurt.

Thanks Monty I owe you one.
Ciao

Rhetoric, why speeches matter.

Just got done watching John McCain painfully claim victory in the Republican race. His speech after his win in NH was painful. It seemed he couldn't grasp the words. He labored through tired words with no passion and even the audience, his strong supporters seemed relieved when he stopped.
His speech tonight was not as bad but when you contrast it with Obama or even George Bush it is inadequate. Bush and Obama found their voice long ago. They are different voices but they are clear. Each speaks with language and style that represents their persona. The political persona they have chosen. Bush is a Yale grad. He can pronounce "Nuclear" but it serves his purpose not to. Obama is a powerful speaker, he understands pace, rhythm and the use of symbols. His simple speeches are powerful stories that can inspire. When he exerts himself he will affect you. Its not just message but technique, technique John Mccain lacks or even avoids.
Maybe the strategy is a kind of "White men can't Jump" deal. McCain will just be so white that people underestimate him or set the bar so low that he fail. All I know that it is just painful to watch.
Play the Obama cut first. It shows the power of his presentation, the check out McCain.

Here is the first part of the NH speech. If you can stand it here is the second part.

Maybe we aren't quite so bad....?

I have been seeing signs lately that perhaps the most of the Outer Banks is not quite as bad as some of our greatest detractors would have us believe. The first sign came from Uncle Jack, who wrote from Destin Fl.

It’s good for Uncle Jack and Mrs. U.J. to visit a more advanced seaside resort once in a while so they can be reminded of just how far the Outer Banks has to go before it reaches a state of utter ruination. They have been vacationing in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area of the Florida panhandle this week and he can tell you it has been a sobering experience. The developers down here make ours look like a bunch of undercapitalized amateurs<

Jack goes on to detail a host of problems related to overdevelopment that make SoNag sound like the paradise it really is.
This story from the southern NC coast points out just how remarkable our program our beach access is. It is easy and more relevantly free to go to the beach in most parts of Dare County. That is not true in other parts of the state. Maybe Mayor Smith could reduce taxes in Southern Shores (AKA The Town That won't let Me Go To The Beach or TTTwlMGTTB for short) by installing meters, of course they might have to add more waiters.
The final straw in this story of success is pretty personal. I walk every day. Some days I walk for several hours. As I have grown older I find that I appreciate public comfort facilities more and more. This time of year its just too cold to jump in the coean for a little relief. It may not mean much to you that Nags Head has porta-johns at its major beach accesses in the off season and has restroom facilities available at almost every beach access all summer long but it has save me a lot of trouble. We don't think much about it (unless you live in TTTwlMGTTB where I hear they have installed pay toilets at the private access) but if you live or visit in other areas of the NC coast you might find our plethora of porta-johns propitious.
Ciao
Note. All these stories and a lot more came from the Carteret County Shore Protection Office Beach News email newsletter. You can view it online or get your own subscription. Congrats to Rudi for the national recognition he picked up recently.

N&O Jones: Not interested in ACLU's thoughts

From Under the Dome, the latest bizarre Walter Jones story. Its not enough that Ron Paul is helping his fund raising, now the ACLU apparently thinks they can shift him away from the Republican caucus. The ACLU is running ads urging Jones to vote with Democrats on a telcom bill that would not grant immunity to phone companies who have previously violated privacy Jones isn't interested. Here is what he says about the ACLU

"'They’re ads are wrong and need to be stopped,' Jones said. 'While the ACLU is playing politics, the threat of terrorism is very real and must be addressed.'

His primary opponent, Joe McLaughlin, claims the ACLU ad is designed to help Jones.

'Obviously all of Walter Jones work on behalf of the 'Blame America First' crowd is paying off as the ultra-left continues to pour money into our district to support their new found friend,' McLaughlin said."

This primary is going to be great fun.
Here is the latest on Jone's results from the Ron Paul fund raising email. I found some interesting numbers on fundraising for this campaign as well. Both Republicans have raised good money. Adame is lagging way behind. Jone's seat is labeled as a "safe" Republican seat so there is no effort to bring national money to bear on the race. Too bad.
Ciao

Cherryflava: The day before...

A post in the Photowalking Pro blog led me to Cherryflava: The day before...: Here is how Photowalking Pro describes the post:

The Day Before and the photographs are part of an ad campaign from the Cape Times, a Cape Town newspaper in South Africa. The ads show images that look very simple and plain in nature until you know the context of what they represent. There is a photo of a park full of people enjoying a beautiful day with the twin towers in the background. The date of the photo? September 10, 2001. Following that is an image of an Asian mother and her son dated August 5, 1945, an image of JFK and his children in the Oval Office, November 21, 1963, and a group of African children walking to school dated June 15, 1976. I think most of you know the significance of the images but if you don’t, they are all from the day before a significant moment in history; 9/11, the bombing of Hiroshima, the assassination of JFK, and the Soweto riots. The tag line for the ads reads “The World can change in a day, don’t miss your daily edition of in-depth news”.

It is a powerful way to send an important message, no not go buy a paper, make each day matter, we don't know what tomorrow will bring.
Ciao
Note: The images are not pure, Kennedy was in Texas the day before he was shot and there is no guarantee the images are chronologically honest but the message still resonates.