The Great Outsmores

What do bail money, national parks, base jumping, and political action have in common?

Imagine climbing thousands of vertical feet with loads of gear, topping out on a majestic mountain view, and then throwing yourself off the other side. As you scream past ancient granite walls, accelerating towards a stunning river valley, you tug on the pull cord seconds before impact and float leasurely down to one of America’s most pristeen wilderness.

But the adventure is just beginning. Now you have to run for your life, well, your freedom anyways. See, law enforcement will be gunning for you like you just threw your buddy off without the living saving chute. BASE jumping is illegal in the national parks, and jumpers will be detained no-questions-asked. My problem with this is: who are they endangering? Park visitors? Park staff? Animals? No, just themselves. Whether you think the practice of jumping off inanimate objects is stupid, crazy, or brave - why are we legislating this? Americans all to often these days try to outlaw all forms of crazyness, even if they pose no risk except to those initiating the crazyness. I argue that this is not only wrong, but out right Un-American! We are still the land of the free, aren’t we? After all, risk takers like this:

1. came over on boats to the colonies
2. sent the English packing, and formed this country
3. built many of the businesses that dominate the global economy

Rock climbers, paddlers, and many others can risk their lives in our national parks, without fearing of jail time. Hope fully somebody can explain the difference, but with the recent budget cuts and ever increasing park visitors, it seems like we could use resources for a better cause. Now, enter UHUCK. UHUCK is an organization dedicated to raising awareness of this issue, and helping to get this stupid law repealled. Their planning a massive protest jump September 6, 2008, from none other than El Capitan in Yosemite NP .

How can we non-BASE jumpers help out?

• Visit their website & spread the word.
• Donate money for their legal defense fund (bail money)
• Check out one of forty concerts being put on around the country on their “Bail Money Tour”

Disclaimer: No National Park Service employees were hurt by writing this article. We love you guys & gals, and know you all don’t make the rules - just enforce them.

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