guest
October 24th, 1999, 08:23 AM
Jan's actions speak louder than any words.
Two years ago, she said that one of these days,
she was going to march up to the top of El Cap,
and jump off in spite of the governments ban,
and let them know she thought it a ridiculous ban.
That was long before "they" killed Frank.
And even longer before "they" contacted me.
So she was really the first to stand up.
It's unfortunate that during the negotiations, the
government backed up on their words, and decided to confiscate the gear. It had been my plan to fly an ILL VISION canopy across the valley. But when they said "Oh no, we're gonna take that from you",
I decided to use a more disposable canopy.
Those that volunteered to take a stand all knew the score, and the possible outcomes. As jumpers we all know the next leap could be the last.
All the Yosemite protesters were wearing gear that
they were willing to give up, not their newest or prettiest, but nevertheless, functional and airworthy. We all are inevitably responsible for our own actions, and Jan knew what she had to deal with, and took it on with joyous enthusiasm.
That she cooperated with an oppressive government shows her integrity, that they made little concession shows their remiss.
To the anonymous naysayers, no one else was willing to take a stand, and "our" stand is not over! This is a tragic set-back, but not the final chapter in the fight against discrimination.
If you say that your chances now of ever making a legal jump in Yosemite are over, I say, what were YOU doing to ensure that one day you would be able to make that jump? Nothing I suspect.
Jan was qualified, current, and capable.
Her ability was unquestionable.
What happened was a tragic accident.
She was a beautifull, wonderfull person, and will be dearly missed. If the tables were turned, she would write similar words about another, and then she too would continue to fight for the cause.
My deepest sorrow is for Tom.
My deepest sorrow is for Tom.
Two years ago, she said that one of these days,
she was going to march up to the top of El Cap,
and jump off in spite of the governments ban,
and let them know she thought it a ridiculous ban.
That was long before "they" killed Frank.
And even longer before "they" contacted me.
So she was really the first to stand up.
It's unfortunate that during the negotiations, the
government backed up on their words, and decided to confiscate the gear. It had been my plan to fly an ILL VISION canopy across the valley. But when they said "Oh no, we're gonna take that from you",
I decided to use a more disposable canopy.
Those that volunteered to take a stand all knew the score, and the possible outcomes. As jumpers we all know the next leap could be the last.
All the Yosemite protesters were wearing gear that
they were willing to give up, not their newest or prettiest, but nevertheless, functional and airworthy. We all are inevitably responsible for our own actions, and Jan knew what she had to deal with, and took it on with joyous enthusiasm.
That she cooperated with an oppressive government shows her integrity, that they made little concession shows their remiss.
To the anonymous naysayers, no one else was willing to take a stand, and "our" stand is not over! This is a tragic set-back, but not the final chapter in the fight against discrimination.
If you say that your chances now of ever making a legal jump in Yosemite are over, I say, what were YOU doing to ensure that one day you would be able to make that jump? Nothing I suspect.
Jan was qualified, current, and capable.
Her ability was unquestionable.
What happened was a tragic accident.
She was a beautifull, wonderfull person, and will be dearly missed. If the tables were turned, she would write similar words about another, and then she too would continue to fight for the cause.
My deepest sorrow is for Tom.
My deepest sorrow is for Tom.