From todays ESA meeting. The room was very bright and not from the lighting
[img]http://www.sandbros.com/gallery/esa_meeting/P8183574.JPG[/img]

Then this was the ONLY protestor (except the guy next to him who is holding a sticker, upsidesown, that says 'Got Milk Vetch'., he didn't know it was upside down for a while)
[img]http://www.sandbros.com/gallery/esa_meeting/P8183573.JPG[/img]

Before the meeting started they booted him, he left yelling "God Bless America Senator". On my way home he was standing on the corner with a gag around his mouth. Again the ONLY protestor.

Meeting seemed to go good, all pro-ohv folks talked.

Right on Mike! Too bad I have been working since Friday night. Hopefully I will be finished by 2 or 3 am tonight.

Any reports on what went on?

Perry

It was a very interesting day. The witnesses who testified made me even more proud to be an off-roader.

Although there were a lot of moving things said and some very strong testimony for our side, it was not the right kind of place for clapping and shouts of support. That was probably the hardest part of the day... having to keep from jumping to our feet and yelling "hell yeah" when something great was said.

The need to amend the endangered species act was really driven home. On a personal note, I was disappointed when I ran into a friend there (one of five environmentalists in attendance) and she said "all you all want to do is dismantle the endangered species act." That is absolutely not true. All we want is to add common sense to it and that's all any of us have ever presented. Of all people, she should have been able to grasp the difference. Very sad.

The amount of money that has been spent on lawsuits (the CBD/PEER/Sierra Club lawsuit alone has cost $9 million in 3 years) was also driven home. The two Congressmen really absorbed what a waste that was.

Pombo asked some excellent questions. You could tell he'd done his homework and was prepared to make the most of the day.

Everything was going well and was held to professional standards until the Court Jester, Congressman Bob Filner, entered the room. Oh, but not before he held court for the handfull of reporters stalking the halls.

Filner is the Congressman who is nothing more than a Boxer wannabe and unfortunately, he is our representative for Glamis. Not only did he behave badly in this environment, by rolling his eyes, dismissing testimony with a wave of his hand, smirking at the witnesses, but he also attempted to convince the audience that he was purposely left out of the hearing, as was reported in the Imperial Valley Press. Both the IV Press and the Court Jester were dead wrong, and he was publicly corrected.

Protocol does not dictate that he receive a personal invitation. The proper procedures were followed, the proper people received notification, and they tendered, in writing, and on his behalf, their refusal to participate. If anyone should feel slighted it would be our side, because we didn't have the opportunity to share our problems with the anti-access representatives and they are the ones who really need their eyes pried open.

I was personally appalled to see someone of his stature behave in such a boorish manner. I was disgusted enough that I was moved to discuss it with him, taking a moment of his time out in the courtyard. His bad manners continued beyond the walls of the hearing, so I know they weren't just for show.

I certainly hope people in Washington don't judge the Imperial Valley by the antics of our Court Jester. What an embarrassment he is.

But enough ranting :rant:

Mike Pool (State BLM) held strong and firm for our side during his testimony and when answering questions. What a pleasant surprise that was!

The reception that evening was also a success and I came away convinced that the common sense public land access supporters have a true ally in Pombo. He comes from "common folk" and seems to take a genuine interest in what we are fighting for.

I'm sure others in attendance have more to add...

Vicki