> Not normally given to editorializing on NGs, I would like to share with you a message from a
> Kentucky resident. It has been sent to several members of Congress to bring scrutiny to the plight
> of the Delta Queen as she fights once again to gain exemption from S.O.L.A. (Safety of Life at Sea
> Law):
>
> "As a constituent and concerned citizen, I am appealing to you, Sir, in the
> most earnest manner I am capable of to elicit your support in saving the
> steamboat Delta Queen.
>
> As a Kentuckian, I know her significance, especially every May during the
> Derby Festival. One of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen was driving
> along the Ohio River near Maysville, in the pouring rain, coming up on a
> hill, and was met with the beautiful sight of that boat with the calliope
> playing, going up the river. I had to pull over to the side of the road and
> get out to take pictures. It was just me, the river, and that boat. I never
> dreamed I would actually see her going up the river like that. It was one of
> the most magical moments of my life that I will never forget. I know as a
> Kentuckian that you, too, can appreciate her.
>
> Please do not believe the unmitigated hog-wash set forth by Rep. Oberstarr
> in his attempt to rob the American public of this most valuable National
> Historic Landmark. The Delta Queen is no more "unsafe" than any other
> modern vessel on the waterways of the United States. Rep. Oberstarr's
> reference, before Congress, to the Sultana disaster of 1865 was a stupid
> charade and a blatant insult to the intelligence of its members.
>
> In addition to employment for its citizens, the US will have lost a vital
> piece of history if the Delta Queen is killed off in a shallow and shameful
> display of politics. No! Safety is no more an issue now than in the past
> eighty two years, during which the Delta Queen has been certified by our
> Coast Guard for safe operation.
>
> Very sincerely"