Coast Guard Proud

Amazing images from Morro Bay, CA where the USCG 47' Motor Lifeboats (MLB) train on the big waves of the Pacific. Makes me want to re-enlist.

Happy Birthday FBI

The FBI originated from a force of Special Agents created in 1908 by Attorney General Charles Bonaparte during the Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. The two men first met when they both spoke at a meeting of the Baltimore Civil Service Reform Association. Roosevelt, then Civil Service Commissioner, boasted of his reforms in federal law enforcement. It was 1892, a time when law enforcement was often political rather than professional. Roosevelt spoke with pride of his insistence that Border Patrol applicants pass marksmanship tests, with the most accurate getting the jobs. Following Roosevelt on the program, Bonaparte countered, tongue in cheek, that target shooting was not the way to get the best men. "Roosevelt should have had the men shoot at each other, and given the jobs to the survivors."

Roosevelt and Bonaparte both were "Progressives." They shared the conviction that efficiency and expertise, not political connections, should determine who could best serve in government. Theodore Roosevelt became President of the United States in 1901; four years later, he appointed Bonaparte to be Attorney General. In 1908, Bonaparte applied that Progressive philosophy to the Department of Justice by creating a corps of Special Agents. It had neither a name nor an officially designated leader other than the Attorney General. Yet, these former detectives and Secret Service men were the forerunners of the FBI.

Today, most Americans take for granted that our country needs a federal investigative service, but in 1908, the establishment of this kind of agency at a national level was highly controversial. The U.S. Constitution is based on "federalism:" a national government with jurisdiction over matters that crossed boundaries, like interstate commerce and foreign affairs, with all other powers reserved to the states. Through the 1800s, Americans usually looked to cities, counties, and states to fulfill most government responsibilities. However, by the 20th century, easier transportation and communications had created a climate of opinion favorable to the federal government establishing a strong investigative tradition.

Ham Radio Operators

Dan Does It Again

We hit the Rappahannock at Motts Run about 2pm today. I dicided to head up river this time so we paddled about 20 minutes to the head of the pool and then took three hours to work our way back. We had never fished this section of the Rapp. before and the water was a bit discolored from the recent rains. We stuck with dark colored lures. About 3:30 we switched to a dark green pumpkin Case Magic Stik bait. Dan's 18 inch smallmouth came in on the third cast. He worked it to the boat and I grabbed his line and swung the fish into the boat, just as the line snapped off at the hook. Dan is good and lucky. We changed his line as soon as we got home.

I Love Telephoto Lenses

Lake Raystown, PA water park fun, Memorial Day weekend reunion.

(Click on any image for more laughs)

Brian just finished a can of spinach

I'm a Foooooord man

No sweat, no water

Uncle Eddieeeeeeeeeeee!

Doah!!

OOOh solo meoooooo

Emerald Isle Yaking

All packed and ready to qualify a new U.S. Island. Notice the windsock. There was about a 2 foot chop on the sound. I paddled out about 150 yards and was forced to turn around.

I spent a morning fishing the Bogue Sound.
(click on any image to enlarge)

Molly and I had a nice paddle right near the house on Hurst St.

Maggi and I paddled the ICWW and the dredge spoil islands across from Swansboro.

Old Guys Rule

We spent last week on the beach at Emerald Isle, NC. Valerie called me down one afternoon to see this guy kite boarding. I am guessing he was about my age.