Howdy, I keep watching, reading, digesting the great information on the continuous drive to get the Delta Queen the exemption. I've had the great opportunity and support from our statewide leaders, which have supported me through the local muck from five sorrowful ?men?......I don't don't know what else to state. ANYWAY, when I brought up to some Indiana state leaders about the Delta Queen exemption, and to our office of Indiana State Senator Richard Lugar, they all agreed that this is a Federal issue.
Now, construe that how you want. Every issue needs grass roots to get it on the table, get it passed, get it done. We have to have a grass roots effort. But, the nuts and bolts of it all, draws down to the United States Coast Guard in the end. So, does that mean some passion expressed to them.
I made contact with our Deputy Secretary of Commerce David A. Sampson who referred me to someone in his Economic Development division. The sentiment is to not forget two important factions that need to know about the passion for the exemption of the Delta Queen:
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the US Coast Guard.
Now, the Dept. of Commerce is active in the Advisory Council of Historic Preservation, and since 9/11 the Dept. of Commerce isn't involved with the steamboat inspections as it's authority is under the US Coast Guard which is now a part of Homeland Security. So, we can wave the flag at some overwhelmed congressmen, but we also have to be aware of how the system works. Who makes the final decisions no matter what bill is passed. Just because a bill is passed doesn't mean it will go into play.
Oh, Congresswoman Julia Carson, of Indiana, age 69, did pass away and she was on Oberstar's committee. SO, that vote will have to be relooked at when that position is filled early next year, 2008. Up in air between some names who will fill that position, maybe a grandson, who knows.
It is great to do the footwork for grass roots, but all angles have to be looked at as it is different times than in 1960, 1970, 1980. I hear about the good old days, but, folks, times are a tad different than years past. Trends come and go, cities rethink their market plan, cities relook how they want to spend their time and money, a lot has changed. Some basics don't change, not ever. But, all angles have to be looked at.
Advisory council on Historic Preservation
1100 Pennsylvania Ave.N.W., Suite 803
Old Post office building
Washington, D.C., 20004
and the
US Coast Guard Headquarters
Commandant, US Coast Guard
2100 Second St., SW.
Washington, D.C., 20593
Hang in there and only time will tell what goes on with the Delta Queen. It is America's boat, but the Corporation that owns it has the right to do what they need to do with the boat. Be it right or wrong in whoever's eyes, it is a business. Helping to steer the course is always the American way. So, keep in there, and time will tell what does happen. Mary
