[Chaos-l] Farrinton permit

[Robert Nielsen]

Mark,

I look at it slightly differently ... but agree that I would like to 
live in a place and time where we don't have to show papers.

The "papers", in this case, are not because of restrictions, 
regulations, and legislation ... per se.   I see the papers more as a 
reaction to the litigious nature of our society.   The Farrington Point 
area, as well as many other places, were open to anyone's use - until 
someone abused the privilege.   Once the shenanigans started at one of 
the other sites on Jordan Lake, the (predictable) response from those in 
charge was to stop access for everyone ... otherwise they will get sued 
for something.   If I remember correctly, the original complaint 
included legal wording about minors being exposed to lewd behavior, 
etc.   The folks in charge tried to figure out how to stop the 
shenanigans ... and the tool at their disposal was a "permit".

Once we got approval to use Farrington Point, I haven't had any ranger 
even ask us for a permit.   I also am guessing Jayme had NO TROUBLE 
getting a permit for this year.   So the "knee jerk" reaction has passed 
... until the next incident, when it will all arise again.

But it is also true that there is just less land here in North Carolina 
than in the west.   Low population density has its advantages in keeping 
people separated and keeping conflicts down.   But there also is 
advantages in having folks around that can all congregate and observe 
together.

Robert

Mark Lerch wrote:
>
> Has anyone ever been out west, specifically, the southwest?  I was 
> struck by all the open, public land, free of fences, free of ‘no 
> trespassing’ signs, open and available to everyone, for all uses.  
> Vast, vast stretches of land.  I’m speaking of the ‘Bureau of Land 
> Management’ lands – BLM.  For someone who has lived their entire life 
> in the east, it was a real eye-opener that there are places still in 
> this country where those in power don’t exert draconian control over 
> every little patch of earth still left for public use, where the mere 
> possibility of ill use isn’t met by restrictions, regulations and 
> legislation.
>
>  
>
> I kayak out at Jordan.  The idea that to set my telescope up to look 
> at the stars out there when I am there must be accompanied by special 
> permission pains me as a citizen.   I also boat out there with 
> friends.  The misuse of the land at Jordan comes largely from boaters.
>
>  
>
> And to be polite, I now must apologize for the public rant, I know 
> we’ve talked about it all before.  And I’m sure the whole idea can be 
> spun that it’s actually for our safety, to benefit us.
>
>  
>
> But there are places in this country where land is still free.  If God 
> is willing, one day I will live in a place where I don’t have to show 
> my papers to the authorities when I want to witness the wonders of the 
> night sky.
>
>  
>
> Mark
>
>  
>
>  
>
> *From:* chaos-l-bounces at rtpnet.org [mailto:chaos-l-bounces at rtpnet.org] 
> *On Behalf Of *Jayme Hanzak
> *Sent:* Tuesday, January 27, 2009 10:46 AM
> *To:* CHAOS
> *Subject:* [Chaos-l] Farrinton permit
>
>  
>
> I have the new permit for Farrington. It will be available at the next 
> meeting to current club members. If you need it before, let's make 
> arrangements.
>
> Jayme
>
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