---------------------------------------------------------- RV4-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Fri 12/12/03: 2 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 04:51 AM - Re: Re: Our tax dollars (WMartensJr@aol.com) 2. 05:59 AM - Re: Re: Our tax dollars (rob ray) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 04:51:12 AM PST US From: WMartensJr@aol.com Subject: Re: RV4-List: RE: Our tax dollars --> RV4-List message posted by: WMartensJr@aol.com Actually, I disagree. Breaking my lurk mode here for a moment, I think the NSF has provided ample assistance considering the limited space available on some of those flights and the man-hours involved in supporting transporting an extra person and his aircraft. Not a small undertaking. This is a long standing policy regarding treatment of private expeditions in distress in a hostile environment and not any lack of support for Mr. Johanson. I personally wish they could have assisted him but if they had it would set a bad precedent for every wildcat who wanted to set a record. Mr. Johanson's effort seemed well planned and executed so I'm not calling him a wildcat but there are others out there not so responsible as he is. The NSF can't afford to allow scarce resources for contingencies that unknown individuals might place upon them. The funds simply don't exist. If you want that policy to change contact your congressmen to support greater funding and private ventures. If a group of supporters wants to assist him, Mr. Johanson, it would have to cover the cost of privately transporting fuel and any other support needed to get him and his aircraft on their way without assistance from the NSF. It's doable. It merely depends upon your conviction expressed with dollars. Not wanting to start a flame war here but agencies have to work within guidelines. If you want those guidelines changed speak with your vote and pocketbook. Sincerely, Walt In a message dated 12/11/2003 9:33:48 AM Pacific Standard Time, pperryrv@hotmail.com writes: > Our government is spending millions to conduct "engineering and scientific > research" in Antarctica while Jon J. is doing it for free. > > I'm ashamed that the US can't spare the $500 worth of fuel and time to help > an Ausie who has done more per dollar in the area of engineering research > than they ever could. > > This particular RV-4 aircraft is destined to spend eternity in a museum (if > he ever stops setting records with it) and the pilot will be in the history > books of aviation forever. This should be like the next best thing to > having Lindbergh land in your farm field and our Gov is treating him like a > vagrant pilot. ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 05:59:25 AM PST US From: rob ray Subject: Re: RV4-List: RE: Our tax dollars --> RV4-List message posted by: rob ray Walt, I agree with your assessment of the NSF. Having been a government employee most of my adult life, I know how reality is constantly reinforced in situations requiring venturing beyond the bounds of regulations. I still think the funds could be acquired by other means, either by donation or a simple loan. It would be a sad note to our society however when we turn our backs on adventurers and record-setters in this computer age. I salute anyone attempting to explore the unknown or break records. Rob Ray WMartensJr@aol.com wrote: --> RV4-List message posted by: WMartensJr@aol.com Actually, I disagree. Breaking my lurk mode here for a moment, I think the NSF has provided ample assistance considering the limited space available on some of those flights and the man-hours involved in supporting transporting an extra person and his aircraft. Not a small undertaking. This is a long standing policy regarding treatment of private expeditions in distress in a hostile environment and not any lack of support for Mr. Johanson. I personally wish they could have assisted him but if they had it would set a bad precedent for every wildcat who wanted to set a record. Mr. Johanson's effort seemed well planned and executed so I'm not calling him a wildcat but there are others out there not so responsible as he is. The NSF can't afford to allow scarce resources for contingencies that unknown individuals might place upon them. The funds simply don't exist. If you want that policy to change contact your congressmen to support greater funding and private ventures. If a group of supporters wants to assist him, Mr. Johanson, it would have to cover the cost of privately transporting fuel and any other support needed to get him and his aircraft on their way without assistance from the NSF. It's doable. It merely depends upon your conviction expressed with dollars. Not wanting to start a flame war here but agencies have to work within guidelines. If you want those guidelines changed speak with your vote and pocketbook. Sincerely, Walt In a message dated 12/11/2003 9:33:48 AM Pacific Standard Time, pperryrv@hotmail.com writes: > Our government is spending millions to conduct "engineering and scientific > research" in Antarctica while Jon J. is doing it for free. > > I'm ashamed that the US can't spare the $500 worth of fuel and time to help > an Ausie who has done more per dollar in the area of engineering research > than they ever could. > > This particular RV-4 aircraft is destined to spend eternity in a museum (if > he ever stops setting records with it) and the pilot will be in the history > books of aviation forever. This should be like the next best thing to > having Lindbergh land in your farm field and our Gov is treating him like a > vagrant pilot. ---------------------------------