SALEM, MO – Today, August 21, 2013, Congressman Jason Smith sent a letter to Ozark National Scenic Riverways Superintendent Bill Black seeking answers on news that the Ozark National Scenic Riverways will now require a permit and 48-hour notice before baptisms can occur in riverways. “Federal agencies are truly out of control. First they try to regulate children working on their family farms and now they are trying to regulate Baptisms,” said Smith. “I am going to fight these rogue Washington agencies that seem intent on regulating every aspect of our life here in Missouri.” “…Why have traditional baptismal services been singled out? Individuals are free to fish on the river, or float it, without providing two-days notice. Why does the use of the river for a baptism, a simple service that may only take a matter of minutes, require a special use permit,” asked Smith. “One would hope that the answer is not, ‘Because the National Park Service wants to limit the number of baptisms performed on the river.’” The Park Service said in an article from a newspaper near Salem that they have had that particular rule for about 25 years, but began forcing it in 2006 in order to keep from having too many activities — such as weddings and baptisms — scheduled at the same time and conflicting with each other. OK, Bollinger County readers, what do you think?
Posted on: Wed, 21 Aug 2013 18:44:14 +0000
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