<x-tad-smaller> Part 2 (please read Part 1 first).</x-tad-smaller>
<x-tad-smaller> The assumptions that underlie these common insults are based, as far as I can see, on fundamental ignorance of how the CBBT works and why it has recently enhanced its security measures for all those who cross it. First: Yes, of course, shoppers and boaters can damage the facility or people who use it. In the case of shoppers and tourists, there are now cameras that monitor their activities (those who have crossed recently will have noticed the cameras), just as there are in Wal-Mart, etc. Boaters fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security, in particular the U.S. Coast Guard. If certain birders feel that attacking fishermen's proximity to the islands is an intelligent way to regain unrestricted, unmonitored access to the northern three islands, then they should at the very least direct comments to the correct agency - not to the CBBT administration. In my opinion, birders would do more harm than good in a harangue against fishermen in this case. Second: Questioning the good intentions and honesty of the CBBT staff and administration in regard to the new birding protocol is unlikely to win their trust and friendship, much less to loosen the rules of access. It has been dismaying to me to read accusations of this sort - including one email that referred to the security personnel as "jack-booted thugs." If we lose access altogether because of this kind of behavior on the part of fellow birders, I would wager that the bad blood would persist for decades. Name-calling is the very nadir of ignorance in such situations. Third: We assume that birders are birders and that we pose no one a threat. As the security people have pointed out, repeatedly: they cannot distinguish a birder from a nonbirder, much less a birder from a terrorist. Their new protocol cannot even make the distinction; they are checking backgrounds and identification cards in an effort to make it less likely that someone slips through security (as would have been easily done before the new regulations), but it is still possible for security to be breached. This, in their view, is a concession to birders, a conferral of privilege that no other group enjoys. </x-tad-smaller>
<x-tad-smaller> There is a new Executive Director of the CBBT, as most of you know: Jeffrey B. Holland, who is quite young (mid-30s) and very pleasant. He has not been involved in past meeting on the birding issue but will be this year. I'm sure that he would welcome friendly, intelligent communication on the matter at:</x-tad-smaller>
<x-tad-smaller>Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel District</x-tad-smaller>
<x-tad-smaller> 32386 Lankford Highway</x-tad-smaller>
<x-tad-smaller> Post Office Box 111</x-tad-smaller>
<x-tad-smaller> Cape Charles, VA 23310</x-tad-smaller>
<x-tad-smaller>fax:</x-tad-smaller>
<x-tad-smaller> (757) 331-4565</x-tad-smaller>
<x-tad-smaller> (part 3 to follow)</x-tad-smaller>
