Thread by @altNOAA

I'm a non-essential person. Although, my job is quite essential. I hold multiple degrees, which were paid for by serving as a combat operator, and yes, I had to exchange gunfire for my edu. My undergrad studies were in meteorology, my postgraduate work is in another discipline.

I have in the past worked as a forecaster, but for several years, worked on the ocean, or better stated "in" the ocean (mostly). For the past year, I've been working on Harmful Algal Blooms off the Florida coast. Maybe I should have stayed in weather and been "essential".

It seems that some believe that non-essential people are "non-important". Let's take my job for example: In the past year, algal blooms in FL have killed dozens of dolphins, hundreds of manatees and millions of fish. That's right, MILLIONS of fish. Those fish are important.

Those fish power the Florida economy! Tourism is Florida's most important economic driver. More than agriculture. More than Industry. Much of that tourism happens because Florida has fish. Without healthy coasts, Florida turns into North Dakota. Who vacations in N.D.? Exactly.

There are non-esstiential employees (and contractors) across the government who might not be needed to make today's wheels turn, but without them, we'll have a flat tire tomorrow. That's what I do, I'm trying to solve a problem to put some air back in Florida's tires.

We are looking for the solutions to end Florida's toxic algae problems, both along the coasts and in their fresh water systems - because those two problems are related. But science is only half the solution. The other unfortunately is politics.

We can find the solutions, but they mean nothing unless a group of politicians act on that info. The same is true for Climate Change. Scientists know what must be done to solve it, but politicians are self-serving, and usually unwilling to implement policy that solves problems.

Only the voting public can decide. Do you want a "slim government" that allows for industry to pollute environmental systems, which eventually collapses, or do you want responsible government that employs and listens to scientists and engineers for a better economic future?

I'm sick of hearing that non-essiential people are not important. I'm sick of hearing we only need truck drivers, pilots, farmers, and ship captains. Because those people "need" forecasters, cartographers, engineers, geologists and ecologists in order for them to even have a job!

My job also requires me to be a licensed mariner (captain). And that is another thing I'd like to bring up. All licensed mariners need USCG licensing offices open in order to maintain their licenses. Those offices are closed. The USA has captains whose licenses are expiring.

These are people that make our economy turn. Charter captains are needed in the tourism sector. Ship captains are needed to deliver fuel and goods to our ports. This shutdown IS affecting them! Truck drivers who need a TSA issued TWIC card may also be affected.

I'm not going anywhere. I may not be getting a paycheck, but I have a military retirement so I can wait this out. However, most others cannot. But, if this shutdown continues, the PUBLIC, yes, "you" are going to be the ones most hurt.

This shutdown has dragged on for long enough. I encourage you to call Mitch's office and demand a floor vote of the House bill. I think it may be beyond that time though, it may be time to get into the streets of D.C. and make our demands heard. Let's end it!

Signed,
The Captain