Recent WA restrictions - do they affect boat ramps?

[Peter & Judy]

Here in Alberta I only know of one boat ramp that has been shut down, that being at Lake Minnewanka, in Banff National Park. All the National Parks are closed. The other ramps are open as far as I know, but you have to remember that the lakes still have a foot of snow over three feet of ice. I wish I was living somewhere I could even consider taking the boat out now. The ski hills and many of the cross country ski trails still have great skiing, but they are closed. We have cancelled our April trip to Vancouver Island, so will have to wait until May to get on the water in our kayaks and later in the C-Dory.

[Stearmandriver2]

[westward]

Paul, re: tradespeople being able to work in Washington state: the plumbers and electricians you mention can still work if they choose, because they perform necessary/emergent repairs. Same goes for other construction workers if their work is urgent, emergent, or being done to serve a publicly required purpose (road repair, IT infrastructure/telecommunications, marine transportation, etc.).
Many are furloughed because the end customers have directed the work to be shut down. And of course, nonessential construction and remodeling needs to be shut down, (including a project that I am doing with my son which I would really like to proceed on but can’t).

It is frustrating, but as you and I well know, infection control on job sites is often an afterthought, and workers must often work shoulder to shoulder due to the nature of the work itself.

I am very much a critic of Governor Inslee, but I believe in this case he is making the right call. In fact it seems to be working. Hang in there!

[localboy]

[westward]

Localboy:

I absolutely agree about the dangers of government infringement under the color of emergency authority. I'm sure the gun shops could stay open by appointment with strict infection control, whereas I question how essential pot shops really are to our civic well-being, at a time when pulmonary health is at a premium.

We've seen examples throughout history of government using a crisis (or even contriving a crisis) to achieve ill-intended goals. I believe this situation warrants social restrictions, but I have also noticed some selective enforcement choices.

Here's hoping we get over the infection hump quickly, and have our civil liberties restored fully.

[smckean (Tosca)]

I've seen a number of derogatory comments in this forum about pot shops being open during these virus lock downs. Allow me to inject a possible thought into your criticism. For many people, marijuana is a necessary medical treatment. Pot shops may be open for the same reasons pharmacies are.

P.S. On a personal note, my best friend of 60 years died a couple of years ago of lung cancer (he was not a smoker). He did not enjoy smoking pot during his life. But in the last 2 years of his life, especially while on chemo, we talked him into to trying it. Pot made a huge difference in his like. He re-gained his appetite, he could sleep again, his zest for life recovered a bit. I guarantee you he would have needed a pot shop open were he still alive.

[westward]

Sandy,
As an acute and intensive care therapist who works with oncology patients, I’m well aware of the medicinal value of marijuana for nausea and pain relief. I think what we’re talking about, however is recreational pot shops, Which by definition provide a product intended for recreational use. It’s curious that most other forms of recreational business have been temporarily banned, But pot shops remain open.

It’s also interesting to note, that in so-called red states governors have declared gun shops to be essential, due to their arguable role in helping citizens self defend. But in blue states, governors are prioritizing the closing of gun shops and ranges. Of course the inverse is true with pot shops, though they don’t tend to exist in red states to any significant degree.

I Don’t personally have a problem with medical marijuana remaining available, especially in the edible or tincture form, which do not damage lungs.

The point isn’t to debate the value of marijuana or guns, but to note the tendency of various governmental leaders (of all persuasions) to use crisis as an opportunity to further their pre-existing agendas. My rights abridged today might become your rights abridged tomorrow.

[dotnmarty]

for those of you who are worried about running out of guns or ammo during this public health emergency let me know. I can't promise anything but I'll see what I can do.

[localboy]

[localboy]

[localboy]

[hardee]

[dotnmarty]

[Stearmandriver2]

Can't imagine what the political silliness had to do with anything. There is humor - or at least irony - to be found though, in the fact that those complaining about politicians managing to use anything as an excuse for their political agenda managed to turn a thread about boat ramps into a place to espouse THEIR political agenda.

Thanks for the link, Harvey. I just saw it in the other post too. Good stuff...

FWIW, I drove by the Port Orchard boat ramp yesterday. No blockages, no signs, nothing to indicate a closure, so I'm going to interpret that as it being open. Especially in light of the P.O. fuel dock also being open.

[smckean (Tosca)]

westward,