Blizzard in the news again

[pm203]

Originally Posted by John A. Birdsall

I am not referring to the Blizzard case, but to the people that operated there boat at 100 MPH last weekend.

I would think that since the state(s) have points on drivers license that they would put points on boating certificates (and they should be seperate issues) and after a determined amount of points they loose there right to operate on NH waters. But those that are flagrently violating the speed limit they should have there rights to operate suspended on the spot, and there boat confinscated by the state. I am not saying that the state keep there boat, but rather the MP's take it to Marine Patrol Headquarters, hauled out of the water, and stored at owners expense until they come and pick it up. All at the owners expense.

Maybe after a couple of times this being done and publicised on the lake people would take the law seriously.

A little harsh, don't you think?

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by pm203

A little harsh, don't you think?

PM, In the case that BI started a thread regarding the boat that blasted through the NWZ outrunning MP, the penalty would not be too harsh. A fine will not stop someone with deep pockets like him/her, you need to inconvenience them.

It is very similar to the laws of the road, there is a big difference between speeding and operating to endanger.

[fatlazyless]

Today's Friday, August 27, Union Leader-page A8 has an editorial guest opinion article titled "A conversation with the real Erica Blizzard," written by Fergus Cullen of Wolfeboro, former chairman of the NH State Republican Party and Union Leader editorial page writer. It's about 15 paragraphs, and if you have been following Erica's motorboat accident and what, if any effect, it had in getting the Lake Winnipesaukee speed limits law passed, it is an interesting and thoughtfull opinion article.

1st paragraph-
"You know Erica Blizzard. She's the Laconia party girl from Lifestyles of the Rich and Reckless, the one with a need for speed who got drunk, smashed a $500,000 trophy boat into an island on Lake Winnipesaukee at 2:30 a.m., killed her best friend and got off easy."

middle paragraph-
"Was it a tragic accident - or a crime? Although the Beaudeoin family had mixed feelings about prosecution, Erica was charged with negligent homicide and aggravated driving while intoxicated. Receipts indicate Erica had three vodka drinks over three hours at the restaurant. The jury acquited her on the most serious charges, but found her guilty of failure to maintain a proper lookout. Facing 15 years, she was sentenced to one year in the Belknap County House of Corrections, eligible for work release after 30 days."

last paragraph-
"What purpose would be served by that? Stephanie is gone and nothing will change that. It takes more strength to get up each day resolved to make something of it. That is the choice Erica has made."

[archstanton]

The only thing sadder than the whole Erica story is that someone actually thought writing and publishing that article was a good idea. You have got to be kidding me!

[Skip]

I am not sure why FLL cherry picked three paragraphs instead of simply providing the link for everyone to read the whole opinion piece in its full context.

On second thoughts I am quite sure....

Anyway, this is an opinion piece by occasional contributor and former NH GOP party head (and some are alleging high school friend of Blizzard) Fergus Cullen. Cullen was formerly from Wolfeboro but now calls Dover his home.

THIS is the column referenced.

[Newbiesaukee]

I followed Skip's link and read the column and comments. Even as an Op-ed column it really is unbelievable . I do not know the author or the politics behind it, but, IMO, even the most casual and uninformed reader would smell something "fishy" about the column and the motivation behind it. The comments by the Union Leader readers make the winnipesakee forum discussion about the case seem a "love-fest."

[VtSteve]

Some of the comments, as always, are off the charts.

But one from Unwind, NH pretty much nailed it.

Responsibility. Perceived or real, that's what the angst is over.

[fatlazyless]

Thanks for posting a link to the entire article Skip, and you simply give me too much credit about cherrypicking the paragraphs. And, once again and for the record, the comments from F. L. Less in the Union Leader email comments are not from me, but from someone else who choose a similar alias for some reason known only to themself.

So far, there must be about 25 different email comments in the Union Leader and are definately worth a look-see.

You know, it is probably highly unlikely that former Governor John H Sununu, current chair of the NH State Republican party and successor to Fergus Cullen would write a column like that.

Isn't Fergus a graduate of Yale College(?), and it's a different type of an article than what is usually seen in the Union Leader, so here's hoping that the Union Leader runs more Fergus Cullen opinions moving ahead into the future. Let me see....the U.L. costs 50-cents.....as opposed to 2.00 for a NY Times or a Wall St Journal....so Fergus Cullen would be a welcome addition to the New Hampshire Union Leader.

[Skip]

Due to a witness being called up for military duty, Blizzard's hearing on the Negligent Driving charge she received is now continued until November.

Union Leader story and comments can be read HERE.

[trackeer]

WOW,

Love the comments and in fact find it interesting reading that someone who commited a crime, served some time, and now brings to light a flaw in the system that issues a "right to operate a boat certificate" in NH and folks are PO'd that someone keeps those of us to lazy to follow the headlines abreast of the fallout of this "pityful persons accident". Very well said Yankee, that is what makes us American's, you know the Freedom of Speech thing, I'll assume some of you have heard of it?
Skip brings a valid point up and if he post numeous items relevant to this tragic affair he is mearly conveying what is either printed or spoken news that is obvious news worthy, I suppose for those who might find this news annoying or perplexing maybe you should avoid Skip's comments and change the channel or dispose of the paper you might find offending or annoying. Skips right to speech is equal to yours not to listen!!!

WOW, my first post to this site, thanks Skip