lifewithoutanet

It's interesting that this happens today. Last night I began writing a challenge to other jumpers to ask why more of them hadn't stepped forward to join or support the ABP. Much of my speculation hinged around the dynamic personalities involved, but cited the various and diverse board members as an example of a broader form of leadership. So you don't like Robin? Maybe you don't like Tom or Jason Bell, either. Hell, I'm a member, maybe you don't like me. Maybe your dislike is well-founded, maybe it's frivilous and personal. That's up to you and certainly your right, but look past the people you dislike and it's hard not to find someone in the organization you trust. Jimmy, Marty, Todd... I'm glad I didn't finish it... It's time I won't get back, but the reflection and thought I put into it stays with me. Not sure if this is your quote or Jason Dawson's, Tom, but I agree. We are leaderless. In a community that lacks organization on a greater scale, perhaps an organization has to strike out on its own. It's effectiveness will just have to be observed over time. If it continues to gather momentum and gain victories--however small or large--and it acts in accordance with what you believe in, go ahead and support it. If it doesn't, don't. Personally, I'm not sure what to think just yet, so I'm going to let time and the ABP's success or lackthereof help me make an informed decision. -C.

Sorry to hear that you weren't able to jump it, but based on those pics, it doesn't look like the trip was all for naught. Looks like a lot of fun and some beautiful backcountry to experience. Really makes me miss Home. -C.

Good job, Tom. Nice shirt, too. -C.

My deepest condolences to family and friends. Blue skies, brother. -C.

I'm surprised you didn't start with "These are a few of my favorite things." Sounds like something you'd write, direct and star in, Dom. -C.

Okay, the more I think about what you're saying, the more I agree. I guess my point is that getting spectators to contribute (financially) to our plight against the NPS, seems a little far-fetched. -C.

Nick, At one point, I think Jason was looking into setting up an attraction at BD which would compell spectators (and probably a few jumpers) to open their wallets and donate to a charity. I'm not sure where this idea went (Jason?), but perhaps if we were to raise money for a charity and show ourselves as contributing to worthy causes (other than our own), it would help us garner more support. For our own purposes, yeah, we could each toss in a few bucks towards our own cause, but I think a donation from Bridge Day BASE jumpers and spectators surrounding the day's jumping would really help to get us some more public sympathy while involving the spectators a bit more. -C.

I think you mean grammar police. -C.

I don't know, man. Everybody's jumped on that bandwagon and frankly, most of them have far greater-reaching causes than ours. I think we need something unique, but I'm not quite sure what it is. -C.

Congrats! -C.

What's been the format of your responses? Phone call? Letter? Care to divulge the specifics of what they said? I ask because I know someone who got a Voicemail response to his inquiry once. -C.

I kind of replied to this in the end of my response to BASE763. No one's trying to alienate anyone, but we do want to maintain some sense of operational security. This isn't so much the decision process, as much as the final details. And remember, this is all a work in progress. This is something I'm hoping someone else can speak to, at least as far as a precedent is concerned, but otherwise, yes...it is high risk/high reward. This is one area where some ideas have already been discussed. "Don't grandstand." "Don't low-pull." "Leave your personal agendas at the gates of the park." "Be current with the gear you're jumping." And so forth. Are there other ideas that can help mitigate the risk of another stain? Probably, yes. I, for one, would love to hear them! -C.

Well, again we get into a semantic argument, and one I share partial guilt of by my use of the terms 'jumpers' and 'non-jumpers'. Still, the initial poll even had the option "Willing to go help, but not jump and get busted." Some posts have implied 'jumpers only', but I think that's been a general oversight by the posters, with no malicious intent. Again, I'll admit to being guilty of that simple oversight. Yet still, some people have stepped forward to lend their assistance as Ground Crew and even volunteered their "Aunt Bessie"s, willing to aid and abet, but not jump. Perhaps in 'us' and 'them', the 'us' would be better represented by 'The Jumping Community', which as I know it, includes non-jumpers, as well. 'Them' would most likely refer to the NPS. No one is claiming to speak for all of BASE, but yes, some of us are willing to speak for those of us who wish to protest. I don't see anything wrong with those of you who disagree and urge you to continue this kind of civil debate and discussion. I don't think anyone claims to have the 'perfect solution'. What ends up working will likely be a mix of ideas. Those ideas cannot surface unless people voice their concerns, regardless of their level of participation. There's no intent to alienate jumpers who wish to not take part. The invitation is here, and it's up to everyone how far they want to take it. -C.

Good point, but is the differentiation between us and rangers really the issue? I'll agree with the "You're allowed in" or "You're not" point when it comes to BASE jumpers, but I don't think we're really there. It's 'us' and 'them', not 'us' and 'us'. If you're taking my "approved/denied (for some of you)" statement earlier, well, that's just my poor ability to make a joke. Our only purpose in a private forum is to separate jumpers from non-jumpers for planning purposes, just as much as the NPS wouldn't invite us to an internal meeting of how they might deal with such a protest. Still, could this create a further problem between us and the NPS? Perhaps, if taken too far. I, for one, don't think we've approached that point, yet. I'll give you a little, there. But the NPS has their formal, government subsidized treehouse...while we're spread all over the country and the world. -C.

It was a joke. I was just too lazy to . -C.

And you're completely entitled to feel that way, man. But would you mind substantiating that and saying why? Not looking to pass judgement, but a statement like that sparks some curiousity. Is it divisive simply because it differs from your opinion? Polarizing because it puts us on opposite sides of a sport? -C.

Sorry, folks...forgot to respond w/ "PM Sent". Jamie's been busy in Europe and hasn't been following events on this side of The Pond (lucky bastard). -C.

Yeup! Worked great for you on Saturday, that's for sure! -C.

Thanks, man. Bigger (BASE) canopy made for an easier landing in this case. I'll upsize back to my Sabre150 next time I'm at the DZ, if that is, I don't just pack one of my BASE canopies into my old skydiving rig. Look forward to seeing you again. Cya, -C.

Hey, all. Just got a call from Abbie (Cornishe), who asked me to post this. He's been offline for a couple of days and will be processing/approving/denying (for some of you) your user account requests for the private forum tonight. Just so you know he's not ignoring you. -C.

Hey, all. Just got a call from Abbie (Cornishe), who asked me to post this. He's been offline for a couple of days and will be processing/approving/denying (for some of you) your user account requests for the private forum tonight. Just so you know he's not ignoring you. -C.

Yeah, man. That was awesome. What a way to end two months of no jumping. I do the coolest shit when I hang out with you!

There are a lot of really good ideas flowing here. Should we take these plans to the private forum for more discussion? Obviously I have no right (nor wish) to censor this board or prevent people from stating their opinions, but if we're on the same level and working together, we might want to try and keep some of this a little more secret. Just my $.02. Flame away. -C.

Yes. Congrats, dude. See you at another US exit-point soon. -C.

I'd say you're spot-on with your planning. Keep it up. -C.