Blizzard in the news again

[Skip]

More hearings and appeals ahead regarding the State's decision and upholding of the suspension of Blizzard's boating privileges.

Apparently this too will be headed to Superior Court for a final decision.

Article can be read HERE (http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100814/GJNEWS02/708149931/-1/CITIZEN) in today's on-line Citizen.

[MarkinNH]

Who cares ? She's old news.

[Skip]

Who cares ? She's old news.

Actually I find this particular aspect of the case interesting and very pertinent.

This issue could set precedent regarding the State's ability to indeed suspend or revoke a boating certificate issued by the State, and hence suspend a boat operator's privileges.

This would be very significant case law covering anyone who boats in New Hampshire.

So yes, count me as one "who cares". :)

[Jonas Pilot]

Thanks for sharing Skip.

[hazelnut]

Count me in as disappointed in the dredging up of this topic.

I'm sorry but Skip I usually agree with you in many circumstances but after your last diatribe calling for forum civility why on earth would you post this? I believe that people who care about this subject enough will follow it on their own. We don't need constant reminders. This is a highly controversial subject that has caused many arguments on this forum.

[John A. Birdsall]

I am not referring to the Blizzard case, but to the people that operated there boat at 100 MPH last weekend.

I would think that since the state(s) have points on drivers license that they would put points on boating certificates (and they should be seperate issues) and after a determined amount of points they loose there right to operate on NH waters. But those that are flagrently violating the speed limit they should have there rights to operate suspended on the spot, and there boat confinscated by the state. I am not saying that the state keep there boat, but rather the MP's take it to Marine Patrol Headquarters, hauled out of the water, and stored at owners expense until they come and pick it up. All at the owners expense.

Maybe after a couple of times this being done and publicised on the lake people would take the law seriously.:confused:

[fatlazyless]

As I understand, her state privilege to pilot a boat was revoked by the Marine Patrol for three years. It's my interpretation of the ruling that this does not include non-motor boats like, don't-ya-know-it, a KAYAK, so all is not lost for poor Erika because while motorboating is now a three year no-no......she can still hit the Winnipesaukee waters in a kayak:D!

Attn Erika: the friendly people at Irwin Marine in Laconia have many many kayaks, all set out on their parking lot for a great big weekend price reduction sail-a-bration....going on today and tomorrow. Good time to be think'n Old Town Kayak what with its' inherent no license-no gasoline-no registration-and apparently no loss of personal use directed individually to you! It's just you and a paddle!

a keep-a, keep-a, keep-a on paddl'n!

:banana::cheers::banana:

Who knows, maybe she'll discover the simple fun and exercise of kayaking, and lose the need for twin 650-hp inboard-outboards powering up a 32' luxury Formula boat?

[Waterbaby]

Actually I find this particular aspect of the case interesting and very pertinent.

This issue could set precedent regarding the State's ability to indeed suspend or revoke a boating certificate issued by the State, and hence suspend a boat operator's privileges.

This would be very significant case law covering anyone who boats in New Hampshire.

So yes, count me as one "who cares". :)

I couldn't have said it better myself! Thanks, Skip.

[Bear Islander]

Personally I wonder why people feel the need to post that they are not interested in a thread. Every day I skip over dozens of threads because I am not interested in the topic. It's like reading a magazine or newspapers, if the subject doesn't interest you, move on.

Obviously the member that starts a thread thinks it is worth posting. And if even one person gives a reply then they were correct.

Posting you are not interested in the topic is just plain rude.

[SAMIAM]

Really getting tired of people ponding on her.

[sky_nh]

Really getting tired of people ponding on her.

Perhaps if there had been at least the appearance of justice, more people would not be "ponding" (sic) on Blizzard. To many people, myself included, it appears like another case of "the best justice that money can buy." It worked for O.J. and it's working for her.

-- Sky

[Skip]

Obviously this is not "old news".

There have been many posts on this site, in various threads, where the subject debated was whether or not a lifetime boter safety certificate could be revoked by the State for just cause.

Some folks here agreed, and others were adamant in their belief that a lifetime safety certificate could not be revoked.

This is the first case that has arisen, that I am aware of, that the State has revoked a certificate.

Now that the hearing on that particular matter has been held, and the State prevailed at the first level of appeal, it appears a further ruling will be requested at the Superior court level.

Depending on that outcome a final appeal could go as high as the State Supreme Court.

This is precedent setting news. If the State prevails then look for them to start revoking certificates on a regular basis for just cause.


If the State loses, look for additional legislation to be filed in the future to strengthen the State's position that it can revoke certificates.

Either way it will have far reaching implications for all boaters on all bodies of water in the State. Because of its wide ranging implications and the fact that it is a complicated legal matter I posted it here in the general forum for the widest audience reach. If Don feels it is more appropriate in the boating forum, or he feels this thread is inappropriate I am sure he will take the appropriate action.

As a final note I offer no opinion whatsoever on the original case or person it pertainsd to. I should have then, and will respectively ask now, that comments in regards to this issue be about this issue, and not the personalities or other aspects of the case.

The ability to revoke or suspend the boaters certificate for cause, which results in the loss of your ability to operate a boat, is a very powerful tool of Government. As such it behooves all of us that boat to watch this particular aspect closely and understand its implications as it winds through the Court system!

[tis]

I think it is relevant in that we were told we were getting a Safety Certification not a license. My understanding was that if you pass the course you have the certificate and it means nothing more than you have passed. So how can they take it away? Course taken, passed, the end.

[robmac]

Skip I hope can correct me if I am wrong Tis but,the certificate much like a drivers license you are tested and is a privilege not a right. Having been found in violation that right can be taken away. I think this can and will be a very big legal issue to be settled by the courts. JMHO.

[Skip]

Skip I hope can correct me if I am wrong Tis but,the certificate much like a drivers license you are tested and is a privilege not a right. Having been found in violation that right can be taken away. I think this can and will be a very big legal issue to be settled by the courts. JMHO.

You and I are in agreement.

Below is the RSA in question and I have highlighted in red the subsection that the State believes allows it to revoke the certificate for just cause after the appropriate hearing.


270-D:13 Issuance of Safe Boater Education Certificate. –
I. The commissioner or designee shall issue a safe boater education certificate to a person 16 years of age or older who:
(a) Passes a safe boater education course approved by the commissioner in accordance with the criteria of the National Association of State Boating Law Administration. A classroom course shall provide a minimum of 8 hours of instruction. Passage of a safe boater education course shall require successful completion of a proctored examination administered by a person authorized by the commissioner in accordance with rules adopted by the commissioner. The minimum passing grade for the examination shall be 80 percent; or
(b) Passes a safe boater equivalency examination administered by persons approved to offer boating safety education courses. The minimum passing grade for the examination shall be 80 percent. A certificate issued to a person passing the equivalency examination shall specify that the certificate is issued as evidence of satisfactory completion of a safe boater examination and entitles the holder to operate a vessel on the public waters of New Hampshire.
II. Once issued, the certificate of safe boater education shall be valid for the lifetime of the person and may not be revoked by the department of safety or a court without cause and a hearing in accordance with RSA 541-A.
III. The commissioner, or designee, shall replace a lost or destroyed certificate upon written request of the person entitled thereto and payment of the prescribed fee, and such copy shall have the same form and effect as the original.
IV. Any person who successfully completes a safe boater education course or safe boater equivalency examination after reaching the age of 15 shall be issued a safe boater education certificate upon attaining the age of 16.

[VtSteve]

Personally I wonder why people feel the need to post that they are not interested in a thread. Every day I skip over dozens of threads because I am not interested in the topic. It's like reading a magazine or newspapers, if the subject doesn't interest you, move on.

Obviously the member that starts a thread thinks it is worth posting. And if even one person gives a reply then they were correct.

Posting you are not interested in the topic is just plain rude.

Have to agree BI. If everyone felt that way, there would never be any issues in any forums. How dreadfully refreshing.

[SIKSUKR]

It probably is forum newsworthy and I am also a big supporter of Skip's contribution to this forum. It does appear to me however that Skip has been piling on with his Erica threads.

[jmen24]

If this is so important to the boating community. Why was it not posted into the boating forum?

[Skip]

If this is so important to the boating community. Why was it not posted into the boating forum?

Answered in post #12 above.

[Lakesrider]

So a 16 year old can get into a boat and go 100 mph in his/her fathers boat and not get any points on their license....because they don't have one, but if I go less than a 150 feet away from a dock I can get a citation that gets put on my license.
BTW...Boaters are not really tested. They go to course, hopefully pass the test, and get a certificate. No one is ever taken out on the water and proven to be a responsible, safe boater. Just hop in the boat with your fresh new certificate and off you go to create havoc on the lake....Once they have drivers ed for boats...that is when they will be tested.:D

[Skip]

So a 16 year old can get into a boat and go 100 mph in his/her fathers boat and not get any points on their license....because they don't have one, but if I go less than a 150 feet away from a dock I can get a citation that gets put on my license.
BTW...Boaters are not really tested. They go to course, hopefully pass the test, and get a certificate. No one is ever taken out on the water and proven to be a responsible, safe boater. Just hop in the boat with your fresh new certificate and off you go to create havoc on the lake....Once they have drivers ed for boats...that is when they will be tested.:D

Actually DMV will create a record for the individual, even if they don't yet have a license.

When they attempt to get a license, or actually procure one then the violation you use as an example will transfer over and possibly affect their license status and insurance rates.

Finally pre-drivers (teens in particular) that commit gross vehicular offenses, or a boating offense as you describe, usually find that their privilege to operate a motor vehicle is revoked/suspended until their 18th birthday at a minimum.

[hazelnut]

Personally I wonder why people feel the need to post that they are not interested in a thread. Every day I skip over dozens of threads because I am not interested in the topic. It's like reading a magazine or newspapers, if the subject doesn't interest you, move on.

Obviously the member that starts a thread thinks it is worth posting. And if even one person gives a reply then they were correct.

Posting you are not interested in the topic is just plain rude.

You missed the point. Skip recently went off about forum civility and lectured the entire community on keeping winnipesaukee.com a more civil community then he goes and creates a thread with a subject that has been considered one of THE most controversial in the history of this site. :confused:

So do as I say not as I do? I'm just a bit confused is all.

I probably wouldn't have commented if you BI or any other forum member on this site posted this thread. It is just in light of Skip's recent thread condemning the rest of the contributors for causing trouble I was surprised to see him post this.

Carry on.

[Lakesrider]

Good to know. Lots of kids get to take Dads toys out, whether they are cars or Boats, and never really learn to respect a vehicle simply because it is handed to them. My father made me buy my first car and pay for every aspect of ownership. I was in Wolfeboro the other day and watched several teenagers in a Sea Doo boat. The driver simply hit reverse and never looked behind him almost hitting an incoming boat to the docks. Makes me cringe to think of what is going on elsewhere on the lake.....:eek:

[jrc]

Actually DMV will create a record for the individual, even if they don't yet have a license...

30 plus years ago (God I'm old) I tested this by getting three motor vehicle violations before my 16th birthday. They were on my drivers license when I got it.

[SAMIAM]

Skip seems to have an obsession with the Blizzard case as shown by his scores of posts on the subject.......never mind what the courts have decided.Skip seems to know better.Hopefully,Skip never makes a mistake in his life.
Why not just leave it alone and let people heal a little.It was a mistake....a skrew up that anyone could have made.
I grew up on the lake and old timers that I talk to tell me that it could have happened to anyone at the right moment....even Skip.

[NoBozo]

Since the Verdict..I have had the impression that Law Inforcement was NOT Happy with the Jury. Funny thing..The very next day....Erica gets grabbed for...speeding....what a coincidence. :look: NB

PS: I didn't bring it up. Just my thoughts.

[Yankee]

Skip seems to have an obsession with the Blizzard case as shown by his scores of posts on the subject.......never mind what the courts have decided.Skip seems to know better.Hopefully,Skip never makes a mistake in his life.
Why not just leave it alone and let people heal a little.It was a mistake....a skrew up that anyone could have made.
I grew up on the lake and old timers that I talk to tell me that it could have happened to anyone at the right moment....even Skip.

Well said, Sam.

I have pretty much stayed away from this discussion, but you've hit a nerve. As another who grew up here, I know every nook and cranny of this lake as well as anyone. I admit that I made my share of mistakes on this lake in my youth, and look back at my younger days and realize the poor choices that I made and thank my lucky stars that I came through it mostly unscathed.

So I for one will cast no umbrage regarding this tragedy. I too tire of this play-by-play regardless how important some think that the legal precedents need to be publicised.


Has it really been that easy for so many of you to throw those stones?

[Jonas Pilot]

"So I for one will cast no umbrage regarding this tragedy. I too tire of this play-by-play regardless how important some think that the legal precedents need to be publicised."

What does umbrage mean?

[Yankee]

What does umbrage mean?

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/umbrage

[Jonas Pilot]

Thanks. Now I understand. You threw me when you said cast.

[Skip]

As this case continues to unfold, and its ramifications spread throughout the boating community in the entire state, I will continue to post it's progress.

As Bear Islander stated, if you are disturbed by this case then my only advice is to avoid the threads I post in reference to case law generated by this crime.

I started this thread and politely asked that we keep it on the subject at hand, that being the determination if indeed the State will ultimately be able to suspend or revoke a "lifetime issued" boating safety certificate for Just Cause.

It is ultimately up to the webmaster to determine the worthiness of this or any subsequent thread in regards to this subject.

That said gentlemen, can we please keep this thread on subject?

Thank you in advance...

Skip

[VtSteve]

:rolleye2:

[secondcurve]

Skip seems to have an obsession with the Blizzard case as shown by his scores of posts on the subject.......never mind what the courts have decided.Skip seems to know better.Hopefully,Skip never makes a mistake in his life.
Why not just leave it alone and let people heal a little.It was a mistake....a skrew up that anyone could have made.
I grew up on the lake and old timers that I talk to tell me that it could have happened to anyone at the right moment....even Skip.

Sam:

I think Skip's record speaks for itself. This is an important issue. I for one hope the state has the authority to permanently revoke boating certificates in cases such as this and I am watching the outcome carefully. I also will note that this wasn't a youthful mistake and heavy alcohol was involved so I disagree with your conclusion that this was a screw up that could happen to anyone.

[gtagrip]

As Bear Islander stated, if you are disturbed by this case then my only advice is to avoid the threads I post in reference to case law generated by this crime.
Skip

Where have I heard this before? :rolleye2:

[XCR-700]

As this case continues to unfold, and its ramifications spread throughout the boating community in the entire state, I will continue to post it's progress.

As Bear Islander stated, if you are disturbed by this case then my only advice is to avoid the threads I post in reference to case law generated by this crime.

I started this thread and politely asked that we keep it on the subject at hand, that being the determination if indeed the State will ultimately be able to suspend or revoke a "lifetime issued" boating safety certificate for Just Cause.

It is ultimately up to the webmaster to determine the worthiness of this or any subsequent thread in regards to this subject.

That said gentlemen, can we please keep this thread on subject?

Thank you in advance...

Skip


Hummm,,, Now lets see what were the comments I got recently,,,

Will this never end? :(

Ha! Since we're using this thread as a means of airing our grievances, I would like to express my utter dismay at this site's smileys selection. For example, this one would come in mighty handy on occasion

http://www.arboristsite.com/images/smilies/deadhorse.gif

Now we are bickering over bickering.

You just don't get it!

No need to be repetive and redundant.

Ever since this thread showed up out here, I've been reading along and just praying to God to keep my mouth shut!....

you probably haven't seen other Lakes Region forums regularly purge their entire Boating forums

You've posted x times in this thread alone. I think you've made your point.......can we move on? Blue Thunder

Dude. Seriously. The opinions HAVE been heard. About 8000 times.

Let's give this a rest and go moderately about our enjoyment of the lake and this web site. sliding off box of soap now...

Take your pick, as they all seem to fit! :eek:

[Skip]

30 plus years ago (God I'm old) I tested this by getting three motor vehicle violations before my 16th birthday. They were on my drivers license when I got it.

Thanks for the personal confirmation...:D

Sorry for the circumstances.

Anyway, not only does NHDMV open a file for a New Hampshire resident regardless if they have a license, they do the same for out-of-State resdents.

Why is this important?

Many other States do not recognize a boating offense as a driving offense like has been recently ammended here in New Hampshire.

But if you are from out of State you must abide by NH rules while in NH. Therefore the boating offenses you may incur as a visitor to this fine State will reside in your NH folder. It is possible that you could retain enough points to eventually have your right to operate in NH suspended or revoked based in part or in whole on those violations. You could still be valid in your own or other States, but have lost your privilege here in NH.

Additionaly while your home State may not recognize boating offenses as driving offenses, they may reciprocate with NH when NH suspends your license in our State for boating points.

Yep, it gets pretty murky and adds further reason why this new aspect of the case bears close watching and eventual analysis.

And people sometimes woinder why we have so many attornies! :rolleye1:

[MAXUM]

Sam:

I think Skip's record speaks for itself. This is an important issue. I for one hope the state has the authority to permanently revoke boating certificates in cases such as this and I am watching the outcome carefully. I also will note that this wasn't a youthful mistake and heavy alcohol was involved so I disagree with your conclusion that this was a screw up that could happen to anyone.

I agree, can we please decouple the issue at hand which is revoking safety certs issued by the state and whatever case may have brought this issue to be argued by the court system. Good grief folks this is a legit thing to be following and certainly a great topic of discussion. I personally don't think that the details of the Blizzard case are relevant here, only to the point of what the courts may sight as justification for considering revoking said certificate which clearly the law suggests they have the authority to do.

This will be precedent setting for sure no matter what the court decides. Burying your head in the sand because this is "to controversial" to discuss is not going to stop a decision from being made.

I can see where this may go, since the section highlighted that addresses possibly revocation is vague, look for that to be possibly clarified to site specific circumstances where action can be taken.

[Yankee]

That said gentlemen, can we please keep this thread on subject?

Thank you in advance...

Skip

No thank you required. I have, and did.

From the World English Dictionary:
forum (ˈfɔːrəm)

— n , pl -rums , -ra
1. a meeting or assembly for the open discussion of subjects of public interest
2. a medium for open discussion, such as a magazine
3. a public meeting place for open discussion
4. a court; tribunal
5. (in South Africa) a pressure group of leaders or representatives, esp Black leaders or representatives
6. (in ancient Italy) an open space, usually rectangular in shape, serving as a city's marketplace and centre of public business

So, am I to understand that anyone who has an opinion that differs from the OP of a thread (especially when the OP is skip) should not post in said thread? Other than a having a mutual cyber hand holding kumbaya moment, how would any discussion take place?

I'm not going to get into any banter here with those who disagree. THAT would be off-topic.

I will NOT not stop politely, respectfully, expressing my opinion to a topic in a public forum!

[VtSteve]

I agree with Skip, this is an important issue to settle.

But at least a few on this board, Skip included, could possibly grit their teeth at past actions during other sermons. It's just not OK to tell everyone how to act or not act, and then expect different treatment elsewhere.

No offense Skip, but you earned this one because of the thread title. I like BI's suggestion, which was to turn the page if you don't like the content. It's too bad that rule only applies to some, and not all.

This was almost laughable, even though I agree totally with him on it.


Originally Posted by Skip
As Bear Islander stated, if you are disturbed by this case then my only advice is to avoid the threads I post in reference to case law generated by this crime.
Skip


So maybe some should get off that 20 foot high horse and take their own advice?

[NoBozo]

So, am I to understand that anyone who has an opinion that differs from the OP of a thread (especially when the OP is skip) should not post in said thread? !

YES: NO post. The rules are the rules. :D :D :D NB

[ApS]

Really getting tired of people ponding on her.
The article is in a newspaper that most here don't subscribe to, but have occasionally found interesting and what matters to us, ultimately, is less about her and more about Attorney Jim Moir, of Concord.

(Esquire).

:rolleye1:

[VtSteve]

This is/was the headline

State defends suspension of boating privileges

http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100814/GJNEWS02/708149931/-1/CITIZEN


I read that newspaper, and I don't live in NH. Ultimately, this issue is about the State's right to suspend boating privileges.

Yankee, I think the move to the boating section answered your question, and NB's as well

[pm203]

I am not referring to the Blizzard case, but to the people that operated there boat at 100 MPH last weekend.

I would think that since the state(s) have points on drivers license that they would put points on boating certificates (and they should be seperate issues) and after a determined amount of points they loose there right to operate on NH waters. But those that are flagrently violating the speed limit they should have there rights to operate suspended on the spot, and there boat confinscated by the state. I am not saying that the state keep there boat, but rather the MP's take it to Marine Patrol Headquarters, hauled out of the water, and stored at owners expense until they come and pick it up. All at the owners expense.

Maybe after a couple of times this being done and publicised on the lake people would take the law seriously.:confused:

A little harsh, don't you think?

[VitaBene]

A little harsh, don't you think?

PM, In the case that BI started a thread regarding the boat that blasted through the NWZ outrunning MP, the penalty would not be too harsh. A fine will not stop someone with deep pockets like him/her, you need to inconvenience them.

It is very similar to the laws of the road, there is a big difference between speeding and operating to endanger.

[fatlazyless]

Today's Friday, August 27, Union Leader-page A8 has an editorial guest opinion article titled "A conversation with the real Erica Blizzard," written by Fergus Cullen of Wolfeboro, former chairman of the NH State Republican Party and Union Leader editorial page writer. It's about 15 paragraphs, and if you have been following Erica's motorboat accident and what, if any effect, it had in getting the Lake Winnipesaukee speed limits law passed, it is an interesting and thoughtfull opinion article.

1st paragraph-
"You know Erica Blizzard. She's the Laconia party girl from Lifestyles of the Rich and Reckless, the one with a need for speed who got drunk, smashed a $500,000 trophy boat into an island on Lake Winnipesaukee at 2:30 a.m., killed her best friend and got off easy."

middle paragraph-
"Was it a tragic accident - or a crime? Although the Beaudeoin family had mixed feelings about prosecution, Erica was charged with negligent homicide and aggravated driving while intoxicated. Receipts indicate Erica had three vodka drinks over three hours at the restaurant. The jury acquited her on the most serious charges, but found her guilty of failure to maintain a proper lookout. Facing 15 years, she was sentenced to one year in the Belknap County House of Corrections, eligible for work release after 30 days."

last paragraph-
"What purpose would be served by that? Stephanie is gone and nothing will change that. It takes more strength to get up each day resolved to make something of it. That is the choice Erica has made."

[archstanton]

The only thing sadder than the whole Erica story is that someone actually thought writing and publishing that article was a good idea. You have got to be kidding me!

[Skip]

I am not sure why FLL cherry picked three paragraphs instead of simply providing the link for everyone to read the whole opinion piece in its full context.

On second thoughts I am quite sure....:rolleye2:

Anyway, this is an opinion piece by occasional contributor and former NH GOP party head (and some are alleging high school friend of Blizzard) Fergus Cullen. Cullen was formerly from Wolfeboro but now calls Dover his home.

THIS (http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Fergus+Cullen%3a+A+conversat ion+with+Erica+Blizzard&articleId=8889794a-f9e1-414c-96b2-db8af9d85476#commentspanel) is the column referenced.

[Newbiesaukee]

I followed Skip's link and read the column and comments. Even as an Op-ed column it really is unbelievable . I do not know the author or the politics behind it, but, IMO, even the most casual and uninformed reader would smell something "fishy" about the column and the motivation behind it. The comments by the Union Leader readers make the winnipesakee forum discussion about the case seem a "love-fest."

[VtSteve]

Some of the comments, as always, are off the charts.

But one from Unwind, NH pretty much nailed it.

Responsibility. Perceived or real, that's what the angst is over.

[fatlazyless]

Thanks for posting a link to the entire article Skip, and you simply give me too much credit about cherrypicking the paragraphs. And, once again and for the record, the comments from F. L. Less in the Union Leader email comments are not from me, but from someone else who choose a similar alias for some reason known only to themself.

So far, there must be about 25 different email comments in the Union Leader and are definately worth a look-see.

You know, it is probably highly unlikely that former Governor John H Sununu, current chair of the NH State Republican party and successor to Fergus Cullen would write a column like that.

Isn't Fergus a graduate of Yale College(?), and it's a different type of an article than what is usually seen in the Union Leader, so here's hoping that the Union Leader runs more Fergus Cullen opinions moving ahead into the future. Let me see....the U.L. costs 50-cents.....as opposed to 2.00 for a NY Times or a Wall St Journal....so Fergus Cullen would be a welcome addition to the New Hampshire Union Leader.

[Skip]

Due to a witness being called up for military duty, Blizzard's hearing on the Negligent Driving charge she received is now continued until November.

Union Leader story and comments can be read HERE. (http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Blizzard+trial+continued&articleId=0659602e-a036-494b-8693-421acac8834d)

[trackeer]

WOW,

Love the comments and in fact find it interesting reading that someone who commited a crime, served some time, and now brings to light a flaw in the system that issues a "right to operate a boat certificate" in NH and folks are PO'd that someone keeps those of us to lazy to follow the headlines abreast of the fallout of this "pityful persons accident". Very well said Yankee, that is what makes us American's, you know the Freedom of Speech thing, I'll assume some of you have heard of it?
Skip brings a valid point up and if he post numeous items relevant to this tragic affair he is mearly conveying what is either printed or spoken news that is obvious news worthy, I suppose for those who might find this news annoying or perplexing maybe you should avoid Skip's comments and change the channel or dispose of the paper you might find offending or annoying. Skips right to speech is equal to yours not to listen!!!:D

WOW, my first post to this site, thanks Skip