By John Jefferson

 

 

 

You’ve probably heard that saying before. It originated as the battle report of a naval encounter during the war of 1812. The U.S. Navy Commander, Oliver Perry, stated to his superior that, “We have met the enemy, and they are ours,” among other versions. It meant the enemy was vanquished.

Perry’s report was shorter, more poetic than those authored by General George S. “Blood and Guts” Patton during WW II, and considerably less gory.

In 1950s or ‘60s, popular cartoonist, Walt Kelly, used a modified version of the saying in his comic strip, “Pogo,” to show how WE are to blame for a lot of pollution and other problems like the Vietnam war.

As a legislative correspondent in the ‘60s, I never heard that phrase used to justify social legislation. But it could have been.

This was driven home last week when I called Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) for information on citations issued by game wardens and state park police officers during the Memorial Day weekend. It had been projected as the busiest boating event ever.

My wife had crossed Lake Austin that Saturday and said vehicles with boat trailers were parked along Loop 360 for almost a mile on both sides of the highway, supporting the

busy boating prediction. Good weather after a stormy week brings people out to play.

Assistant Chief, Cody Jones, called me back with information before the TPWD press release about the number of citations issued was transmitted.

Cody and I have been friends for years and I have appreciated seeing him rise through the ranks. Although I had called the main Law Enforcement number, he was the one who returned it since he heads the Marine Enforcement section.

According to Jones and the TPWD press release that came later, 379 wardens conducted 11,609 vessel checks, and issued 1,528 citations for boating safety violations. Thirty-seven people were arrested for boating while intoxicated, and four for driving (vehicles) while intoxicated. Another 55 people were arrested for various other crimes. A busy weekend for wardens and state park police!

The past legislative session amended the boating while intoxicated law to make it a state jail felony for a boat operator to be intoxicated while operating a boat with a child under the age of fifteen on board. This matched the DWI offense with a child passenger. A recent DWI case involved a mother and her child near Austin. Sad. The punishment for that felony is six months to two years in state jail and a maximum $10,000 fine.

How many of US have driven a vehicle or boat like that? Thinking about it makes me shudder.

One BWI arrest on Memorial Day weekend included having a child on board.

Wardens also handled seven boating accidents, one boating fatality, and broke up multiple fights (several arrested). The fatality occurred when the boat struck a concrete bridge. The boat driver was hospitalized, and the incident is still under investigation.

We’re blessed with plentiful waterbodies. But we also have serious responsibilities.

JJ