460 0 #26 June 30, 2006 The whole idea of doing protest jumps will lead to failure in negotiating with NPS and traversing the tenuous legal system. The courts have upheld the use of the NPS statutes but abuse of these statutes through civil disobediance such as a (legal) parachute packing ceremony may make those laws vulnerable. If there was a mass jump, the NPS would be justified in bringing out more police and rightfully arresting the whole lot of jumpers. And they would claim they were so beseiged by criminal jumpers that more enforcement would be necessary. Look what happens during riots. The cops usually try to come out in such full force to squash it in its tracks. The NPS would do that if people did large group protest jumps. It would escalate into a conspiracy charge which can be much more severe than the original charge. For example, and I don't recall if this law is still in force or has passed its sunset period, but in Texas, it is illegal for anyone to sell realistic looking phallic sex toys. Possession of 6 or more of these toys puts the owner at risk of breaking the law for "intent to distribute." It's a felony, for God's sake. Until recently, fleeing the police in a car, was a misdemeanor by comparison. So one person had the idea to do a publicized show of a juggling act using a large number of phallic sex toys in anticipation of being arrested. The idea was to be arrested and challenge the constitutionality of the law by claiming the arrest is in violation of free speech, since the police stopped a ridiculous but legal show, legal in the sense that every other U.S. region is not that draconian. There are advantages and disadvantages to a legal system that moves so slowly. The advantage being that if a law is overturned, it may take a long time to have another law enacted to deal with the issue, if Congress decides it's worth their time during this rocky and busy Congressional season.Looks like a death sandwich without the bread - Steve Deadman Morrell, BASE 174 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bps 0 #27 June 30, 2006 Quote...Have some people running around and kiting their canopies just to get attention, etc. Can you believe that the NPS arrested some paragliders awhile back and charged them with aerial delivery just for kiting their canopies in Tuolomne Meadows? If I remember correctly, it may have been posted here on this forum. Bryan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Helmut 0 #28 June 30, 2006 I FREAKING HATE the ACLU but it may definately be worth a shot. I know we have some attorneys in our midst. Maybe they might have a fellow ACLU attorney friend. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkyDaemon 0 #29 June 30, 2006 QuoteHopefully NPS wouldn't do it, or the public wouldn't put up with it. That's been said about many things with regards to the NPS and a multitude of other government agencies... little has come of it thus far. -=Raistlinfind / -name jumpers -print; cat jumpers $USER > manifest; cd /dev/airplane; more altitude; make jump; cd /pub; more beer; Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NickDG 23 #30 June 30, 2006 I never understood people "hating" the ACLU . . . Can't you see they argue for all liberties and on behalf of all that are oppressed - and not just the freedoms you like and agree with - and that's what makes it work. They will argue you should be able to jump El Cap in the morning and on another's right to burn the Flag that same afternoon . . . Have a happy and fun 4th, everyone . . . And oh yes, that has something to do with freedom too . . . NickD BASE 194 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MB38 0 #31 June 30, 2006 QuoteQuote...Have some people running around and kiting their canopies just to get attention, etc. Can you believe that the NPS arrested some paragliders awhile back and charged them with aerial delivery just for kiting their canopies in Tuolomne Meadows? If I remember correctly, it may have been posted here on this forum. BryanHmm, scratch that part of the plan then. NPS = Fun Police. Why don't they just ban climbing while they're at it? They act like little kids who need the whole sandbox to themselves.I really don't know what I'm talking about. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomAiello 26 #32 July 1, 2006 QuoteWhy don't they just ban climbing while they're at it? They've tried, on several occasions, by various methods. Climbers are far more numerous and better organized, and the NPS backed off.-- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ImagethisPhoto 0 #33 July 1, 2006 Hang Gliders in the Park The Pilot must meet certain criteria to gain a permit to fly the park. Yes a permit is required along with advanced ratings. Its a pretty tight arrangement, and those whom get to fly, know how lucky they are. Tom about hit the nail on the head regarding USHGA and the NPS. The Yosemite NPS knows if they allow Paragliding, then BASE is next. However much time has passed since then, and the pressure is on again. USHGA is again trying to gain access for Foot Launched pilots in NP's. I'm trying to stay optimistic Yes a group of Paragliders were busted for kiting their wings in the park. Climbers get busted for dropping gear/haul bags from the walls. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MB38 0 #34 July 1, 2006 QuoteQuoteWhy don't they just ban climbing while they're at it? They've tried, on several occasions, by various methods. Wow, I never thought that my "yeah right" comment would actually make me lose more respect for them. Do the anti-fun measures filter down from a single big cheese or a board of medium cheeses?I really don't know what I'm talking about. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MB38 0 #35 July 1, 2006 Re: the packing protest idea... I just want to make it clear that I'm just messing around, fishing for a few chuckles on the internet. Don't worry I really don't know what I'm talking about. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmsbase 0 #36 July 1, 2006 so your sayin that climbers are better than base jumpers ... and thats a joke for those who dont see ...blaine Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dploi 0 #37 July 2, 2006 QuoteYes a group of Paragliders were busted for kiting their wings in the park.Prominent figures in the sport, at that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dploi 0 #38 July 2, 2006 QuoteTalk to the public and have a few well-spoken members of the community talk to the news about how much traffic it brings to TF and - accordingly - how much it would bring to Yosemite... which would be a big help considering that the NPS is struggling a little lately. The NPS doesn't want more people there. Federal land is different than a city run by folks like you and me. When we go to Twin Falls, we're welcome because we stay in their hotels, drinks in their bars, eat in their restaurants and pay sales tax on it all. National Parks don't get money the same way. There are permits to do anything there specifically to limit the number of visitors. They don't want more people there. If they did, there'd be an increase in staff (security), which is obviously bad. It's best to just eat away at the slow, slow process of making them forget why they don't want us there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Calvin19 0 #39 July 2, 2006 I cant remember, but as i thought the reg they violate us under also sais 'use' of aircraft.(so, kiting would also be illegal, as i remember from that post was the paragliders were kiting for awhile, and now and then would 'bounce' or be 'lifted' by their wings for a half second or so. so,,, then i guess they would be doing just as 'illegal' air delivery as BASE jumpers do) but im not sure. somebody post the rules and stuff. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gaper 0 #40 July 3, 2006 Congratulations to everyone that made the list. There are only 2 spots left. Remember the rangers insist all paperwork must be completed before you are allowed to jump, including but not limited to, your H.I.V.. test results and proof of penal size. Also all felonies must be posted on the board, stop sending me pm's damit! Many more requirements to follow including a clear picture of you under canopy. Thanks Eric RydeGo forth now, to the promised lands, and swear much unto each other, with mighty profanity and many personal attacks. T.A. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
badenhop 0 #41 July 3, 2006 Hello, Great news! Bank of America is in on the festivities. Stop at any branch on Tuesday, mention you're on your way to the park, they'll give you a crisp $100 bill.================================== I've got all I need, Jesus and gravity. Dolly Parton http://www.AveryBadenhop.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites