The nastiest people I've ever seen

NEWS-TIMES

Published: Wednesday, July 8, 2009 3:05 PM EDT

Smyrna, N.C.

July 4, 2009

TO THE EDITOR:

Recently Jerry Chapman wrote a letter concerning litter around the sand ramp area near the North River Bridge. Along with other commercial fishermen I use that area for access to the river. I have long been aware of the way this area has been used and abused. The commercial fishermen that use this area not only carry their trash away with them but often pick up other people’s trash too. After reading Mr. Chapman’s letter I decided to try to do something about the situation.

*

Some people that read this letter are going to say I am politically incorrect, a racist, a bigot, a troublemaker, self-centered and a host of other unattractive things. Hopefully someone who agrees with me. Either way, I will tell the facts and you can be the judge.

Wednesday, July 1st, I called the Sheriff’s Department and they sent a deputy out to investigate trash that had been left there. There was no evidence that could link the litter to the ones that left it. Deputy Mason told me he and other deputies would keep an eye on the place and try to curb the litter. Later that day I called the law enforcement division of Marine Fisheries and spoke with Lt. Knudsen. He told me they would do the same. I also called WCTI-TV 12 and left a message for the news desk. They never called back.

Thursday, July 2nd, I decided it couldn’t wait any longer and made plans to clean the area up. I contacted Cheryl Burke at The Carteret County News-Times and she said she couldn’t do a report on such short notice on Independence Day but would try to do a story later. However, she said you would run a notice of the clean-up effort I had planned in Friday’s edition. I called WCTI again and spoke with someone from the news desk, and she said she would pass the story on. I never received a return call.

Later I called the Sheriff’s Department and left message for Sheriff Buck. Shortly after that Major/Chief Deputy Raper called me back and agreed to have someone there for traffic safety reasons. Also on Thursday, my wife called the county manager’s office trying to see if we could get some trash bags for the clean up. They told her they did not have trash bags and she should try to contact the DOT office. She tried many times but could not get an answer on the phone.  Later that day I went to the store and bought trash bags and gloves.

From Wednesday until Friday night I called people and talked to most everyone I saw trying to get volunteers for the clean up.

Saturday morning, as scheduled I arrived at the North River Bridge with my oldest son and his girlfriend. Moments later Lt. Barber from the Sheriff’s Department arrived and shortly after my wife arrived with four of our other children and one of their friends. These were the only people to show up.

We grabbed some bags and rakes and went to work. We spent the next 90 minutes cleaning up 19 bags of trash. Then we carried them to the dump and unloaded.

This area is obviously near the water. Everything that hits the dirt hits the river. Even if it didn’t this is still a pollution problem on land. The list of things we picked up included paper, plastic and glass bottles, socks, cast net packages, cast nets, diapers, sanitary napkins, clothes, dead stingrays, plastic bags, plates, plastic forks, shoes, beach chairs and other assorted trash. There was a tiller there Thursday but someone removed it. It looked to be in too good shape to be thrown away, possibly left there by a thief until it could be sold and then picked up.

End of story? Not. Here’s the real story.

Out of all the trash we removed, not one single piece of it could be linked to commercial fishermen. If it wasn’t commercial fishermen, who left the trash? It must have been the other people using the area.

Who are these other people? There are a few wind surfers and a very few local recreational fishermen. The biggest majority of the people using the area are Hispanic and Asian using the area for camping and shrimping. I am not using their nationality or ethnicity to group these people. They are when they come in large crowds and abuse the area like they have been doing.

I am personally witness to what they are doing and can tell you for a fact they are the ones doing the largest part of the polluting of this area along with that they’re catching and keeping anything that comes out of the water. I have seen them take fish as little as my pinkie finger along with shrimp less than 2 inches long. They hide them in the brush so they don’t get caught with illegal shrimp and fish. They have been trying to take the meat out of periwinkles that are as small as a pencil eraser, then leave the ones they can’t get to lying on the beach to die by the hundreds.

I witnessed one man using his hand to wipe after relieving himself on the shore, then going back to heading shrimp. I also saw a woman let a diaper go in the water after changing the baby on the beach. On Saturday morning my son witnessed a man throw his soda can out before driving off. These people doing this have got to be the nastiest people I have ever seen.

When we arrived there were about 35 people there. Every one of them was either Asian or Hispanic. I am not saying that makes them nasty people. The way they are destroying the area says they are nasty people. The whole time we were there many of the people there walked by us and not one offered to help us clean up. Often in the past I have asked them to clean up their mess before they leave and it seems that was too much to ask then too. The same thing is going on at the Ward’s Creek Bridge.

Although it was on short notice, I was very disappointed that WCTI did not call me back. It was also disappointing the county manager’s office couldn’t help us with trash bags, and we couldn’t even get in touch with someone at DOT. This is compounded with the disappointment that only one adult other than my wife and son showed up, and the 35 or so lazy, nasty people there wouldn’t help. We spent a small part of our Independence Day cleaning up behind people that are not even from this country. Where was all the help?

Something has got to be done about this. I trust the Sheriff’s Department and DMF will try to help here but I am sending a copy of this letter to the state attorney general, Department of Immigration, Carteret County Sheriff’s Department, Division of Marine Fisheries, WCTI, WNCT, WITN and anyone else I can think of that might help. I also am making it my mission to take pictures and get license tag numbers to report these polluters and abusers.

We have done a real good job of cleaning this place up and will be doing the same thing in other places along the water. We will be putting a page for these events on our Web site www.thepollutedloon.com this week or you can contact me at 241-9557 and thepollutedloon@gmail.com for information about upcoming events.

I send a “Thank You” to Cheryl Burke and The Carteret County News-Times, Asa Buck, Greg Mason, Ken Raper, Dennis Barber, and the Carteret County Sheriff’s Department and Harold Knudsen and the Division of Marine Fisheries.

I send a special “Thank you” to volunteers who showed up and helped in many other ways: my wife Christina, my son David Jr., his girlfriend Amanda Baracos, our daughters Randi Wescott, Kai Ellenburg, Marissa Wescott, our son Fairley Cessna and their friend Shayna Willis.

God Bless America and Happy Independence Day.

DAVID A. CESSNA SR.

“Clammerhead”

July 5, 2009

This is an update on the pollution of North River and other shoreline areas.

After putting much effort into cleaning this area, we stopped to check out the area on our way to watch the fireworks celebrating Independence Day. When we arrived about 7:30 p.m. we were appalled to see the area had been trashed again. Most of the trash was beside the cars of people cast netting for shrimp. My children were outraged and hurt by this.

I went back several times today, Sunday, July 5th, and the amount of trash had grown each time. The last time my daughter and I returned, there were two vehicles camping with toddlers in the vehicles while they cast for shrimp. Beside each was trash that was obviously theirs. This included shoes, socks, cereal bags, water bottles and diapers. The trees and bushes had been filled with trash also — all this in one day.

I called the Division of Marine Fisheries and they told me I should call the Sheriff’s Department, and their officer patrolling the area was in the boat and they would have him call me. I never got a call from him.

I called the Sheriff’s Department and they told me the officer for that area was on lunch break but they would have him call me when he was done. He called me about 30 minutes later, and after telling him what was going on he said they have been getting calls about this on this area, Ward’s Creek, and the area near the Harkers Island Bridge. He also told me it would probably come down to shutting the area down to public use because of the difficulty of policing it. He said he would stop and check things out on his way Down East but they had other things going on also.

I went back to the area again about 8:30 tonight. The trash was still there. One of the vehicles was parked on the other end of the North River Bridge. It was surrounded by the same kind of trash as when it was parked at the sand ramp. There were people in the water cast netting for shrimp and kids left alone in the vehicle as before. This is obviously the same people doing the same thing.

These people are not commercial fishermen. They are recreational fishermen from another country. They come here and pollute our land and waters. They are breaking the laws on the limits, size and species. (One of them caught and cleaned a sea gull.) They are bringing their nastiness to our area and there seems to be no stopping them.

I have called a newspaper, TV station, Division of Marine fisheries, and the Sheriff’s Department. The newspaper said they might do a story on it later. The TV station never called back. The Division of Marine Fisheries said they would keep an eye on the place. I have been by there well over two dozen times and not seen a fisheries officer there since I first called Wednesday. I even clammed there over five hours a day for two of those days. No fisheries officer showed up while we were there cleaning up on Saturday. Yet they are there many times each day when commercial fishermen are using the area during the winter. The Sheriff’s Department investigated the area Wednesday, sent an officer for safety reasons Saturday and agreed to investigate again Sunday. The county manager’s office was no help at all and the state DOT could not be reached.

What is wrong with this picture? Everything.

I hope that writing this letter and the phone call I will be making this week will prove to be more effective than a bunch of kids cleaning up the shoreline. That obviously did little good. However I am very proud of them for trying, and they want to go back and do it again.

We have a government staffed with people to handle problems like this and the best case scenario is to shut this area down from use? What about writing these people tickets for the litter directly beside their vehicles, extra patrols, checking IDs, putting up “no littering” signs and trash cans, walking the shoreline looking in the bushes for their illegal catch?

What about some real news coverage on both the problem and what are our government officials doing or not doing about it? Maybe our commissioners can come up with an idea for preventing this from continuing.

There has got be a better solution to this than shutting the areas that locals have been using for time untold to access the water for both work and play. Why is it always the commercial fishermen and other locals that have to pay the bill for people from other areas and even other countries? If the county and state can put so much time, money and effort into making the tourist feel welcome, to be sure they can do something about preserving these types of areas for our commercial fishermen, other locals and tourist alike.

This abuse of both our environment and people has got to stop. I am doing what I can but I cannot do this with just a few children to help. Some of you other people have got to jump in and help too. At the level this problem has reached you are either helping to fix the problem or helping the polluters by letting them get away with it. I challenge everyone that reads this letter to become active in every way possible.

Reader Comments

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of carolinacoastonline.com.

Marshallberg Commercial Fisherman wrote on Jul 9, 2009 9:15 AM:

" Very good article Dave. Some people are too lazy to clean up after themselves. If that is how they are near public accesses, I would hate to see what their homes look like. For those who do not have any idea of what Clammerhead is trying to say, let me spread a little light on a few things.

For years, marine debris was considered a harmless eyesore. But recent research proves that debris has serious effects on the marine environment, wildlife, the economy, human health and safety, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The following are interesting facts about marine debris.

• The majority of marine debris comes from people's mishandling of water materials while on land.

• A glass bottle takes one million years to break down in the environment.

• Every day, the average American discards 4.5 pounds of trash.

• Seabirds and other marine mammals are affected by ingestion of, and entanglement in, marine debris.

• An aluminum can takes 80 to 200 years to break down in the environment.

• Marine debris entanglement and ingestion has been reported among six out of seven sea turtle species worldwide.

• Debris can be blown into the water or carried by creeks, rivers, storm drains and sewers into the ocean.

• A plastic bag takes 10 to 20 years to degrade in the environment.

• It is illegal to dispose of any plastics in all U.S. waters and anywhere at sea.

• A cigarette filter takes one to five years to break down in the environment.

• In 2005, collisions with floating and submerged objects caused 269 boating accidents, resulting in 15 deaths, 116 injuries and $2.9 million in property damage.

• A newspaper takes six weeks to degrade in the environment.

Trash on the beaches and shores are a threat to birds and other animals who mistake it for food. Trash on our shores and waterways do not fall from the sky, it falls from the hands of inconciderate people who cares about nothing. It can be prevented though. Simple steps like properly removing trash, reusing packages, removing discarded fishing gear when no longer usable can make a great impact on preserving our natural environment. People claim that the majority of our economy evolves on tourism but who wants to hang out on a nasty beach. Now the DMF needs to patrol more around fishing sites commonly used by tourist and check them for licenses and to check their catches and the nearby areas for illegal catches. If they are caught with illegal catches or no licenses, they should have their gear confiscated and a fine dropped on them. Recreational fishermen as well as commercial fishermen frequently get checked by DMF Enforcement and get fined if they are not in compliance. Shore fishermen should be treated the same as the others. Like I have said in numerous other postings, the water is there for everybody to use at their leisure but we all need to be more proactive at keeping the area clean for others to use also, both locals and tourist alike. "

Ima wrote on Jul 9, 2009 10:11 AM:

" Well here goes Clammerhead again. Telling it like it is. Thank you and those with you for your efforts in writing about and cleaning up the trash. Now we just have to get the authorities to do there part in cleaning up the trash. "

Box wrote on Jul 9, 2009 10:33 AM:

" Eating sea gulls? That is nasty. "

UNDERSTANDING LOCAL wrote on Jul 9, 2009 11:32 AM:

" It is unbelievable how our government agencies spend their time and money. While they may view this issue as minor to all the other problems they have to deal with, it is extremely important to those of us who grew up down east, who want to ensure those who use the area respect it. I don't live in Carteret County any longer. I live in Carolina Beach, NC and I see the same thing happening around here. "

justalocal wrote on Jul 9, 2009 12:40 PM:

" you won't find a DMF officer anywheres but a convienence store parking lot, or see their vehicles and boats in their front yards. "

DownEaster wrote on Jul 9, 2009 12:40 PM:

" ClammerHead:

I feel your pain Sir. I voluntarily cleaned up at Wards creek bridge about a month ago. I did it for one reason that is I fish there (recreationally) and was sick and tired of standing ankle deep in garbage while doing so. A month later it is not quite as bad as it was before but the trash is coming back for sure. I went to the DG there in Otway where I live bought some trash bags and took 9 bags out of there. Trash included beer bottles, water bottles, old crab lines, old diapers (DISGUSTING), fishing line (wads and wads of it), chip bags, baby bottles, 4 syringes(I doubt for diabetics) ETC ETC ETC. You know personally how long this list could get.

While I was there cleaning up some people of Hispanic origins showed up and stayed over on the grassy aera where I had already cleaned. After they left there was trash there a 40 beer bottle and a nabs wrapper,not much, but that adds up over time and it is dispicible in the fact that I know they saw me cleaning, I would guess they saw the place cleaner than last time they visited but still proceeded to litter. (DISGUSTING) On a positive note though a 3 people (white I might add) showed up and went around where I was and went fishing on the other side of the bridge, about an hour later as they were leaving they had collected a bag of trash in a trash bag I guess they had with them. When I thanked them they said no problem and said they wished more people would do what I was doing. Glad to hear someone is. THANK YOU ClammerHead!!

I would hate to lose this resource as a fishing area as it has produced some nice fish for me I think it is a bad day when a place that my GrandDaddy frequented when he was young might be shut down because of some nasty people. I am not being biased here but the majority of people using these spot are as ClammerHead said of Hispanic or Asian decent that definatley does not mean there are not nasty people of Caucasion or African decent using and trashing these areas to I am just going by the majority. It is a shame that the masses are going to pay for the (take the M off of masses).

ClammerHead I will volunteer my time that I can (I work 2 jobs) to help you in anyway possible in this endever that you are undertaking. Please let me know how to get you my contact information as I really dont want to post it on here. Again THANK YOU for your efforts and I feel the exact same way. Let me know how I can help.

Brent "

Jose wrote on Jul 9, 2009 1:03 PM:

" don't get down us for polluting and trashing the area. It is our right as illegals to do as we please, take undersize fish and we do as we want. We also drink many beers and wine there by the water. I dont like white man telling me how to behave. I do as i please, "

George wrote on Jul 9, 2009 2:36 PM:

" The trash is there not because of the fish, fowl, or beasts that inhabit the area but because of human beings. Whether these humans are Asian or Hispanic or purple with pink polka dots has absolutely nothing to do with the issue. "

John wrote on Jul 9, 2009 2:43 PM:

" You may be wondering why you have not gotten much of a commitment from local media about this issue. If you presented it to them using race/ethnicity as labels then you have your answer. Trash on a beach may get attention but if you say that a particular race or ethnic group is largely responsible, then the media is going to run for cover- even the conservative News-Times will shy away.

Good for you on taking a stand Clammerhead but your point will be better made if you keep the race/ethnicity observations to yourself- especially when dealing with the media. Those are hot buttons they do not like to touch. "

Mike wrote on Jul 9, 2009 3:05 PM:

" Hey now we can't go bad mouthing illegals or foreigners. The ACLU or someone like that may get on us. We could be thought of as a bunch of clanish, downeastern, inbred, southern bigots and we wouldn't want to affect tourism in Carteret County with that kind of nonsense. To be serious for a moment, thank you to Clammerhead and his crew and to DownEaster for your efforts. Maybe it's time that a group be formed with a voice for the waters and the people of the Crystal Coast. They have the river keepers why not the Coastal Keepers? The Sheriff's Dept, DMF, and the Officers from the Wildlife Commission aren't very helpful with the problem but, I could see how getting tangled up in this mess could get blown out of proportion by some group screaming about someones civil liberties or racism. It's probably not high profile enough for the TV news yet. Hey maybe we can say we saw Michael Jackson throwing trash out of the window of his limo and get some interest in the cause going. Anyone got a sparkling glove? "

Thare ya Have it wrote on Jul 9, 2009 8:25 PM:

" Well ClammerHead I was going to say I'd wade in to this one, however if the water is the way you say... hum... Waders may not be welcome.

Once again, with cutbacks... I can hear those Marine Fish fellows saying hey we can not afford to get our SUVs down that way.. so we could not call on them... The sheriffs dept... could not come they are too busy busting sick old white guys from Atlantic and Joy ridding foolish trespassers on the Open grounds farm and making it sound like the crime wave of the century to come and do something after all can you really see Mr. Buck on the nightly news with some trashpiler brown person holding a baby shrimp not so much.. hum So I guess CH... and your wonderful folks who did what you did will have to do for now… We will just have to count on you... But in some kind of fairness... please note... Sometimes the Atlantic Harbor has looked more like the oil bay at Jiffie Lubs... and lots of trash is found there...now I know they are working men...and women but you have to be fair about some things.. We all throw trash, we all over use our earth, and WE are all guilty at some point.. As for the other issue...I cannot say what I think.. This week on Fox 10 news twice the Marine Corps Ad for a few good men was done in Spanish.. I for one do not think I should have to listen to Spanish... but.. once again they are the ones we want to fight poor under educated brown.. I bet there is some stat out there about the number of people who are white in the war to the number of people of color...but I now have jumped into the ACLU end of the pool...so toss me a life ring CH...I too think that the race card is a hot button.. Maybe you should have said you have seen little green men from a planet far far away..or elf’s..well just a after thought...

Very good letter... very good point too bad.. we have to deal with this whole mess..Thank you David... fellow clam... foot still deep in the sand ...keep the Faith.. "

downeaster2 wrote on Jul 9, 2009 9:09 PM:

" And to think that this is the way the Mexican population feels,,, is they can do like they please.. Get real people u all need to get back where u came from... "

Mary Louise Jones wrote on Jul 9, 2009 9:18 PM:

" I am very proud of you and your family, David. (my family) Why does everyone have to be such pigs ? Sit there with your camera and get real proof of who is doing this mess. Is Jr. still home ? "

Joey Cuddington wrote on Jul 9, 2009 10:06 PM:

" Sounds like someone needs to do a little detective work and just watch these people...it won't take long to see which folks it is. What I am about to say now is a fact. The Hispanics that fish the Neuse River across from my home leave trash behind most every time they leave. I watch them and notice what they leave behind. Trash, feces and fires are a given. I'm getting about tired of them messing up common areas that others would like to use too!!! "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 9, 2009 10:32 PM:

" Well, I done gone and did it now. I up and told the truth again.

First let me thank the many, many people that have called, e-mailed, and posted on here with support. It is very refreshing to see such an outpouring of support. We will be working on the website tonight putting up a page for event updates and information. Again I say Thank You.

Secondly, I see that some people are noting the actions of different people involved. When I wrote these letters I tried to include all the facts and actions involved. I did this to make sure that everyone had a clear picture to understand all of the problems with the whole situation, and not pick just one fact, person, or group to blame. There are multiple problems here, and many things that can be fixed. Please remember this when thinking about what is going on.

Lastly, all I did was state the facts. I am very sure I got them correct. I did make a mistake in one of the volunteers names, but she is ok with it.

Don't blame me for what anyone said, did or didn't do. Likewise don't blame me for what country, state or town these people I witnessed polluting are from. Nor, can you blame me because they come in large groups and do the destruction that they do.

You can't even blame me for getting this whole thing started. Jerry Chapman started it with a letter he wrote. All I did was what he wanted someone to do. I made an effort.

Simple as that.

Clammerhead "

The Lorax wrote on Jul 10, 2009 1:34 AM:

" We can all play the blame game and split hairs until we feel like we have absolved ourselves of responsibility, but simply put, that is not the answer. Spread concern throughout your social circles and your immediate community, lobby the local politicians, by all means, but please for the sake of the waters, the people, and what's right, heed these words: Get off your duff and make a change! How many officers are on duty per shift? I went to (local) public school and even I know that it is next to impossible for those few to police the entire populace. They can only be expected (hah!) to enforce what they find to be undisputable, and if they stayed at the North River Bridge all day long, then the looters and polluters would only migrate. To elaborate on a point made by someone else earlier in this thread, imposing heavy, harsh fines is one of many things that should be done about this. Think of the long term effects, and ask yourself if the average Joe (or Juan, or Chou, what have you) ruining the local waters for not only the current generation, but generations to come, is okay with YOU. As far as this county is concerned, politics are growing almost grossly out of proportion and sadly, issues like this one are no where near priority. Think back to the civil disobedience tactics employed by MLK Jr., can we not also be aggressive within the confines of the law? I for one am in favor of approaching every individual on the scene, as to spread awareness, or even feelings of guilt and fear of legal repercussions. Granted, you might have trouble without a translator. Also, I have had the displeasure of meeting several disgusting and reckless Caucasians in my short days, but I myself have counted anywhere from 19 to 32 people of color at any given time when I have rode past the area(s) in question this past week. That many people, for good or ill, are a force to be reckoned with. To those of you who are finding the race topic as an easy out are just as bad if not worse. Scorn the evil-doers, yes, but above that we must fear the indifference of good men. Ride through and take a look for yourself, or are you scared that you might not have any right to evade the real issue any longer when your politically correctness is made moot by obvious fact.? Race was never brought up to pigeon hole an entire demographic. Instead, it is being used to identify a large group of people who, in this particular instance, are truly doing the damage. If you can gather the humility to go by and just look, why not pull over and spend a few minutes doing some clean up as well? What do I know, though, I speak for the trees…..

X

p.s. yes granny, im still home "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 10, 2009 2:08 AM:

" I am also a man of color. I am American Indian maroon/bronze.

I don't care what color these people were, they were still nasty people.

I also love foods from most other countries, but I ain't eating a seagull when there is a burger joint 6 minutes away. They could have caught enough clams right there to take it's place in what time they picked the feathers.

Clammerhead "

Dave wrote on Jul 10, 2009 6:44 AM:

" Clammerhead,

The trash issue is everywhere not just North River. Did anyone ever consider putting a couple of trash barrels there?? Marshallbury Park has a couple and people do use them. How about the county putting up a sign that says litterburg could face a fine if caught. On the county website there is a litterbug hot line to call if you see someone littering. I pick up trash every day at my home in Gloucester. People just either don't care or they have no pride in where they live. What about a bottle deposit bill. This would curb the amount of cans and bottles thrown about the roadside. Keep up the good work!! Hopefully more people will get on board with you and make Down East a once again beautiful place to live and visit. "

DownEaster wrote on Jul 10, 2009 7:48 AM:

" I must say that I submit to the racial undertones in the hurting of this quest. It is really hard not to point fingers when we know the who the majority of the cause of this problem is. Like I said in my previous post they are not soley to blame just seem to be the majority of the problem. Anyone Red,Yellow,Black, White, Brown, Green, Pink w/ Purple Polka Dots there is always someone among all races and backgrounds that do this sort of thing. THE WRONG THING.

I personally thought about putting a trash barrel at Wards Creek but I fear that I would not be able to keep it emptyed before the trash would overflow and we would be back right where we are now.

The worst among ALL of us makes certain tasks like this a seem like a a fools quest but hopefully perseverance will endure. I would like to give one other prime example I know of the pier on Radio Island. they have no less than 8 nice lidded trash containers there but go out there early any morning and you will find it trashed all the same. Fishermen seem to firmly grasp the relevance that if we do not police after the worst among us that it will result in the loss of a asset for all. They have already removed the lights from the pier to try and curb after dark activities and close the rest rooms from 7-7.

I agree in the fact that we need to get organized somehow someway to try to combat this nasty attack on our home waters. I seriously doubt that we can count on little if any support from the governmental organizations that should be there to help with this venture. So I am now putting it out there I will help in anyway I can with the organization, fund raising, funding, and most of all work to get somthing going so that we can keep these places availible to all. "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 10, 2009 9:00 AM:

" We already have a group to fight pollution Downeast. It is called The Polluted Loon. We are working on it and starting to make some headway. Volunteers are starting to call and e-mail. As far as funding, we have applied for status as a non-profit origination. Until we receive that we can not ask for any funding from the public, private organizations, or the government. I have talked to and traded e-mails with several people in high profile government positions that assure me they are on-board with us.

In the meantime we must show due diligence in cleaning this and other areas where pollution has become a large problem.

We added an events page to our website last night. It is up but not complete. We hope to have it finished tonight and have another clean up scheduled.

Y'all keep commenting here and in public. You ARE making a difference.

Clammerhead "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 10, 2009 9:04 AM:

" Anyone that wants to give me contact information privately can e-mail me at www.thepollutedloon@gmail.com.

Clammerhead "

Chris wrote on Jul 10, 2009 9:23 AM:

" Why not pick Clammerhead to be in charge of a org. to clean up the river. He has been doing it for a long time already. And he is smart enough to get it done. "

AnAmerican wrote on Jul 10, 2009 10:43 AM:

" This is an important debate about America. The assumption made by many is that the people trashing the water accesses are not legal residents of this country, much less the county. It is perfectly logical then to assume that if people will break the law to get here, they will not respect the law once they are here.

Illegal aliens are neither citizens with a stake in this country, nor are they guests to whom we have extended certain privileges. They are, in fact, foreign invaders who have occupied our communities and dare us to do anything about it.

I want to clearly state that I am not opposed to immigration. I am opposed to ILLEGAL immigration. And I do not hold accountable just the men and women who break the law to come to this country. I believe those who are in our country illegally by crossing the border or overstaying their visas should be prosecuted and deported. Period. But the problem is bigger than that.

I also fault the politicians who consider illegals as a constituency to be pandered to. I also fault those who undermine common sense measures like the voter ID program to protect our voting rights. And I especially blame my neighbors who look the other way when local businesses hire illegals under the table, rather than pay a reasonable wage to their fellow Americans desperately trying to keep their families fed, sheltered, and clothed.

The answer is simple. It is called the truth. The truth is:

- A nation that protects and defends its borders will stand.

- A nation that protects its citizens voting rights will stand

- A nation that punishes lawlessness will stand.

- A nation that upholds the rule of law will stand.

- A nation that defends the freedoms of the individual will stand.

- A nation that gives a hand-up not a hand-out will stand.

Today America is under violent assault from both within and without. The internal assault is by a small cadre of true believers who are determined to reform America into a European socialist state in which the citizens are wholly dependent on the state. The threats from without are real and immediate.

The signs are too obvious to ignore. It is time for you and me to stand up together for America. This is not about political party or personality. This is about today and tomorrow. We hold our future in our hands. No one can take it from us if we refuse to let it go. How firm is your grip? "

WillyNilly wrote on Jul 10, 2009 10:47 AM:

" I agree that trash is a issue all over N.C. coast. I too would like to thank all the White men for picking up the trash and I would also like to thank the ONE maroon/bronze American Indian and his family too!

Your right "Clammerhead" you do sound like a racist & a bigot.

Even knowing that you are maroon/bronze racist & bigot does not make it any easier to take.

Sign,

Dark Brown/bronze American "

zz wrote on Jul 10, 2009 11:54 AM:

" thank you clammerhead and your family for cleaning up the trash, willy nilly clammerhead is not a racist nor a bigot. "

The Lorax wrote on Jul 10, 2009 12:12 PM:

" I say we keep throwing this race issue around, it seems to be drawing a slight crowd, and a little bit of passion too. Take the bait, ya'll, and say what you will about who you will, but guess what, now you have no excuse, you cannot say you did not know, and are thus charged with the responsibility of being proactive. Anyone in the know, who simply passes the buck to legal and political groups, is only fanning the fire. This is not a new problem it is out of control, and shame on anyone who can scoff or turn a blind eye now. "

Logical Thinking wrote on Jul 10, 2009 12:29 PM:

" let me try to help Clammerhead out here. It seems that his identifying known perpatrators is being mistaken for a racist and bigot remarks. I am black/brown, African American who fishes around the area in which he is describing. I too see the same people which he is describing doing exactly what he is saying. I have tried numerous times to ask these individuals to pick up their trash when they were leaving. All I got in response to that was the finger or a blatent F#$K YOU. I have also done some night fishing there and even seen some white people flinging beer bottles and take out bags on the ground. So it seems like Clammerhead left out those individuals which was a mistake I'm sure. Regardless of what you may interperet from his article, if you still think of him as being a racist or a bigot, I challenge you to venture out to these areas and see for yourself and see if the majority of the people you see there is accurate. Just because somebody uses an ethnic background to describe somebody or a group of people doesnt make them racist. I am not a Down Easter but I have alot of Down East friends and I respect them greatly. Thank you Clammerhead for the article that was so well written. "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 10, 2009 12:41 PM:

" For the record; I am neither a racist or a bigot.

I find it easy to dislike the actions of anyone that pollutes our country. Be it hard dirt, wetlands and rivers. I simply identified these people by what I saw. Likewise I do not know if they are here legally or not.

However they were defiantly not from America and like so many others that don't care about our country, they trashed it.

Anyone that thinks I am a racist or bigot can come along on the next clean-up and see for themselves who has been doing the polluting.

Even though I am not a racist and bigot, I am very proud American and want to live in a clean country.

It would have brought tears to my eyes if some of those people there helped us to clean up the trash, even if it wasn't theirs.The hard truth is ; not one of them did.

It's not like I called them at 3:00 am and asked them to get there quick. They were there and saw we were cleaning up and sat beside piles of trash and would even look me in the eyes, much less help.

For that reason alone, I feel like they don't respect America, therefore don't deserve my respect. I feel the same about anyone born in this country also. If you doubt that, litter in front of me and see how long it takes me to pull out my phone and report you.

Clammerhead "

Susie wrote on Jul 10, 2009 4:01 PM:

" You know, I'm not grouping people, but I used to feel safe until I read "Helter Skelter". That's when I found out all of the members of the Manson family are white. Now when I see a group of white people together I know I have to be on guard. Although I'm not grouping people and I am certainly not a racist, I'm simply recognizing the basic facts. Every member of the Manson family is white therefore it's natural that when I see a group of white people together that I have to be extra careful. I especially won't go out at night around groups of white people. I am not a racist of a bigot!!! I'm just stating the facts!!!

I am praying for all of you.

Susie "

downeaster2 wrote on Jul 10, 2009 4:37 PM:

" I have known clammerhead for many year.. I have never thought he was racist.. He just telling it as he sees it.. Doesnt matter if its the white,, blacks or mexicans or whatever,, they dont need to pollute the area.. I use to be a vistor to that area.. It was never trashed..All of a sudden people is going there and its even stated here that they dont care.. My opinion if they cant respect the water and shoreline,, stop them from going there.. As usual the local have to pay for what illegals r doing.. U might ask how do i know they r illegals there.. I go into Beaufort from the downeast area at least 3 or 4 times a week.. I got 2 eyes and can see..Some times i wonder are they taking up resident there?? "

Thare you have it wrote on Jul 10, 2009 5:17 PM:

" It was at closing, the lone person came in just as I was locking the door, Please may I just get this ... I said ok, I was over taken in the next second .. on the floor bound and gagged... The cops came

Q Well, Sir, what did they look like

A a human

Q male or female

A on or the other

Q what did they have on

A cloths

Q How tall

A Not too short not to tall

Q how old do you think they were

A old enough to know better

Q what color were they

A not green nor blue

Q did they have any speech or marks that you could ....

Well you see where this is going.. We all the time are asked to describe people.. A crime was done at this bridge, ClammerHead was telling us what those who did the crime looked like.. What would you have had him to say? "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 10, 2009 6:34 PM:

" I understand Susie. There are a lot of white people that scare me too.

Clammerhead "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 10, 2009 6:48 PM:

" Logical Thinking, Yes I have seen white people littering there also. However after many years most of the white people from around here that use those spots know that if I see them I will do something about it. Some of them have learned the hard way.

I try to spend my nights at home with my family, not patrolling the riverside parking areas. However, if I am out and about i do often pull in and let the people there know they have been seen there. The County doesn't give me one thin dime to do it either.

If the County wants to give me a little jingle in my pockets, a ticket book, and let me bring my own stick, I can assure you that the litter problem around the 3 bridges and a few other places will be MUCH less.

Clammerhead "

Chris wrote on Jul 10, 2009 6:56 PM:

" What about the children being left in the cars. It is hot and there are a lot of insects that bite them. Has anybody called DSS on them? If they are illegal they still have a right to be protected from bad parents the same as American born children. They are probably already in the system for food stamps and Medicaid anyhow listed as Juan or Ching Doe if they are so poor they have to live by the river and eat seagulls. "

Clamerhead wrote on Jul 10, 2009 9:47 PM:

" I went looking this afternoon and sat at the North River Bridge. While I was there I saw 2 people urinating along the edge of the bushes. They were both Asian. There was a large amount of trash there that was obviously from camping, hook-n-lining, and shrimping. There were also a couple of beer bottles from people partying.

Then I went to Wards Creek Bridge. There was also a large amount of camping, hook-n-lining, and shrimping trash. There was even less trash that looked to be from partying than at North River.

After that I went to the Harkers island Bridge. There was almost no trash there. What I saw would fit into a 5 gallon bucket.

I took a head count of the people there at each place.

North River Bridge - 6 Asian, 2 White

Wards Creek Bridge - 7 Hispanic

Harkers Island Bridge - 12 White

You do the math. I have already done it for you and some people still don't get it.

Clammerhead "

Chyna wrote on Jul 11, 2009 7:53 AM:

" Thank you Clammerhead for yours and your family's diligence and respect for the areas you cleaned up. As a long time angler, it has irritated me and my husband to no end to see garbage in the areas we fish. We too have policed the areas before, during and after our fishing trips. People see us do it but don't lend a hand and they are of all ethnic backgrounds.

I have 1 observation and 1 question.

Observation: I think poster "Jose" was someone's tongue in cheek post and not an actual person.

Question: For DownEaster, thanks for your efforts also, but when you saw these individuals littering while you were cleaning up, why didn't you say something to them? I ask only because I have no problem opening my mouth and would not hesitate to tell them to "hey, pick up your trash"! "

downeaster2 wrote on Jul 11, 2009 10:15 AM:

" Chyna.. Its not the people responsible to say anything to these people.. They dont give a crap,, and wouldnt only cuss them or stick there middle finger up at the person.. My opinion its only showing there ignorances.. its the responsible of the law and the DMF..Peaing in the bushes how dang disgusting.. Then we wonder why our water r so polluted.. I know for a fact that the seafood that comes out of the North River waters is not as good as the seafood from other areas down east.. Im not saying this is fully the problem,, but its not helping... "

frankie wrote on Jul 11, 2009 10:30 AM:

" I looked at the litter my self. DISGUSTING!!!!!!! "

Bill wrote on Jul 11, 2009 10:40 AM:

" I too would like to know why "clammerhead" did not engage these people about littering ? I have seen people from all nationalities, young or old, male or female litter. Whenever possible, I would say something to them.

It sounds like some of these people are here recently or illegally. They came from cultures that allow trashing the environment. Therefore, it is up to us "Americans" to educate them and let them know we will not tolerate them "trashing" our lands.

This is hard enough with our own citizens because of a lack of Patriotism and the fact that our pathetic School Systems do not teach the basic citizenship lessons that I was taught. Why ?............Have you observed the kind of teachers who are teaching our kids today ? These people don't have the first clue how to be respectful and to be good citizens. That is how they were brought up.........No, not all teachers..........but way too many of them !!! "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 11, 2009 11:37 AM:

" Bill, I have engaged these people many times. They just look at you like you are speaking a foreign language. Then they flip you the finger. That is as far as I can go unless Asa hooks me up with a set of credentials, and a ticket book. Like I said before, I will bring my own stick.

You can ask anyone that knows me, I ain't afraid of anything except spiders, snakes, and yellow headed women. ( I married 3 yellow headed women )

As far as the kid thing, you have a point. The schools are in bad shape. However it is the parents job to raise their own kids, not the schools. That is what I did and look at where my kids were.

The answers don't lay with the efforts of just one person. It is up to us all. That must start with individuals demanding that the government back them on their efforts to protect our land and waters.

Clammerhead "

Mary Louise Jones wrote on Jul 11, 2009 2:32 PM:

" People carry GUNS. Say what they think is the wrong thing and you could get SHOT. You could DIE. This is a police issue. Police carry guns and can shoot back. David, do not speak to these people. Keep calling the sheriff's office. Call Asa at home. Stay alive. Heck, everybody call Asa. "

Mary Louise Jones wrote on Jul 11, 2009 2:34 PM:

" Another thought. Why won't the News-Times take pictures of this disgusting mess ? "

Jonathan wrote on Jul 11, 2009 4:46 PM:

" I completly agree that is is disgusting. I'm in the Boy Scouts and we pick up trash 4 ties a year. It is totaly rediculos that people can't just carry their trash home and dispose of it there. The Sheriffs department should do something about this, but I relize they have bigger problems. I just wish some people wouldn't be so nasty and would clean up after themselves "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 11, 2009 8:27 PM:

" In the process of working and running erands today I went back to the bridges again. After taking measure of the people there and what trash has been left, I have come to the same conclusion about who is doing the littering as before. Once again the cleanest area was around the Harkers Island Bridge. Which brings me to my next point.

There are no parking signs along the sides of the road and every space between the signs were filled with trucks that had boat trailers attached. None of them had tickets on the windshield. Why not? Could it be because they are tourist? That has got to be the only reason.

The way they were parked had traffic slowing down to pass safely. I wonder how long before one of these illegally parked trucks is going to be involved in a wreck.

I also wonder what are the odds that I could park my truck there and not get a ticket or towed. "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 11, 2009 8:30 PM:

" To MLJ, don't worry about the gun thing. The one they might have weren't the only one made that day.

As for the CCNT, the reporter I spoke to said they would try to do a story when she came back from vacation. As you know, I can be very patient sometimes. "

downeaster2 wrote on Jul 12, 2009 7:41 AM:

" Bill,,, talking to these people is not the thing to do.. Jose stated here they dont give a chit.. My opinion it would be a waste of time saying anything to these people.. They r from a country where they dont care and they r going to do the same thing in our country.. The way i see it all we can do it like it or leave.. They r taking us over... "

Marshallberg Commercial Fisherman wrote on Jul 12, 2009 12:09 PM:

" I know that the Sheriffs Dept. has alot on their agenda. I agree that alot of them actually do what people think that they are not doing. But a lawbreaker will be a lawbreaker and quite a few of them will get caught eventually. However, littering is a crime that often goes unpunished unless you are busted by a State Trooper. Alot of Deputies live Downeast and have to pass by these areas almost 2-3 times a day throughout the week. Very seldom do they stop at these affected areas and tell those around to pick up the trash. You can't expect the DMF to do anything when they actually stop to look in these areas. They may have to get out of their climate controlled vehicles. It seems like a few ounces of weed take precidence over other laws. I am all for the busting of druggies but other violators need to be busted as well. Sheriff Buck can add these areas of interest to his Deputies agenda when they come on shift, during, and after their shift. All it would take is just a few seconds of their time to help enforce the litter laws. For those who are not aware of what the law and punishments are, I took the liberty of putting it on here.

General Statute § 14-399

§ 14-399. Littering. (a1) No person, including any firm, organization, private corporation, or governing body, agents, or employees of any municipal corporation shall scatter, spill, or place or cause to be blown, scattered, spilled, or placed or otherwise dispose of any litter upon any public property or private property not owned by the person within this State or in the waters of this State including any public highway, public park, lake, river, ocean, beach, campground, forestland, recreational area, trailer park, highway, road, street, or alley... (c1) Any person who violates subsection (a1) of this section in an amount not exceeding 15 pounds is guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00). In addition, the court may require the violator to perform community service of not less than four hours nor more than 12 hours. The community service required shall be to pick up litter if feasible, and if not feasible, to perform other labor commensurate with the offense committed. Any second or subsequent violation of subsection (a1) of this section in an amount not exceeding 15 pounds within three years after the date of a prior violation is an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than two hundred dollars ($200.00). In addition, the court may require the violator to perform community service of not less than eight hours nor more than 24 hours. The community service required shall be to pick up litter if feasible, and if not feasible, to perform other labor commensurate with the offense committed. For purposes of this subsection, the term "litter" shall not include nontoxic and biodegradable agricultural or garden products or supplies, including mulch, tree bark, and wood chips.

Lets set aside all the alleged racism/bigotry and come together and help find a solution to fix this problem. Whenever we see somebody doing the wrong thing like what was discussed and identified by Clammerhead and the others, and they refuse to pick up their refuse, too easy, just write down their vehicle information and especially the tag number and an accurate description of the persons involved and contact the Sheriffs Dept. I am almost certain that a Deputy is somewhere close by and could respond as long as an emergency prevented them from doing so. "

Rob wrote on Jul 12, 2009 12:41 PM:

" Hey doesn't the prison have a work detail? Heck if they can do area beautification and ride on the back of town and city trash trucks, why can't they walk along the bridges and shores and police that mess up. Even if the court places someone on community service for their punishment for a crime, they can be assigned one area per day until their punishment is over. Why can't we start a group like Adopt A Highway except make it Adopt a River or Creek or Bridge. Obviously you will never stop these pigs from trashing our waterways and tributaries. Heck if i was a judge and someone was caught littering these delicate areas, I would slam them with a stiff fine and bar them from Carteret County for 20 years. I would much rather be poor and have a clean wetland, rather than be well off and can not enjoy what the Crystal Coast has to offer due to inconciderate slobs like those spotted trashing everything. "

Kenneth wrote on Jul 12, 2009 12:55 PM:

" Lets take a moment to thank our elected commissioners for all that they are doing. Give me a break. What have they done actually? If it isn't something that will draw more tourist here so that they can get their salary, then it isn't important to them. Oh they will support new boat ramps, that cost more than what they are worth, build docks that locals can not use, and spend alot of money planting flowers and trees on Radio Island so that the railroad tracks won't cause such an eyesore. Here is one thing that I can not believe. They will not support putting waste cans near areas where people stop to camp or fish. They can build and support anything that will boost the economy but nothing to keep are coastal water clean and pristine. How many times has citizens expressed concerns that were blown off? How many times have complaints to John Langdon regarding the mosquito plague Downeast been blown off? Too many stinking times. They sure have alot of excuses but never enough solutions. If they can support a prison detail to ride on the back of city and town trash trucks, then they sould support the areas that get trashed. If private groups are going to clean these areas, then they should get support from the county with trashbags and a county vehicle to come by and pick up the collected trash. They also need to make sure that the law enforcement officials are checking these areas and to start fining people who are caught. These officials need to start listening to the locals more rather than to turn the cheek to them. Clammerhead, maybe you should run for Commissioner. At least you are not afraid to state the facts and put it all on the table. "

Trotie wrote on Jul 12, 2009 3:57 PM:

" Hey, do I need to call in my cousins, The Anty brothers? Virgil & Vigil. They guarantee their work! "

Thare ya have it wrote on Jul 12, 2009 6:16 PM:

" ClammerHead for Commissioner... "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 12, 2009 7:48 PM:

" I went back to the bridges several times each again today. Things looked to be about the same. There were a multitude of people at each location, the trash was piling up and most of it was around where the Asian and Hispanic people had gathered, and there wasn't anyone being ticketed.

However there was a couple down there cleaning up. They were white people, and one of them sounded as though she had a foreign accent. Imagine that, someone from another country cleaning up litter in America.

BTW; The Events page on our website www.thepollutedloon.com is up and a new clean-up date has been set. We will gather at the North River Bridge at 8:30 am and work our way East. For more information go to the website and click on EVENTS .

Clammerhead "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 12, 2009 8:07 PM:

" To Kenneth; It has been mentioned that I run for Commissioner before, and I am considering it. However we need a answer to the pollution and litter problem now. We cannot wait until 2010.

Our County Commissioners work for us. If they know what we want they should be able to come up with something.

Here's an idea, Everybody email them a link to this page and let them see what the citizens of this county want. They can be reached at www.carteretcountygov.org/comm.asp I am sure they would love to hear from us ALL.

Trotie, Thanks but we need our government to handle the enforcement part. Should Asa give me a set of credentials and a ticket book, I will put in a word for your cousins. He might have something for them too.

Clammerhead "

R wrote on Jul 12, 2009 9:51 PM:

" I saw the trash there today and got really mad. Why don't the people take the trash with them when they leave? Do they think it is O.K. to leave the trash for others to clean up? That is wrong. The people should clean their own mess not leave it for others. "

Chris wrote on Jul 12, 2009 11:18 PM:

" Commissioner Clammerhead. Has a nice ring to it. I would vote for you. That ought to stir something up. I am sure Pete Allen would welcome you with open arms. Seriously Clammerhead, go for it. "

Kenneth wrote on Jul 13, 2009 9:03 AM:

" Clammerhead, we have been waiting for answers for a long time. If we have to deal with unanswered questions then so be it. I know Jonathan Robinson lives in Atlantic and he also has to pass these areas from North River all the way to Atlantic and I am sure he sees it. You can't email him because he doesn't have one. All in all, if I have to wait until 2010 for us to finally have the stones to do the job right, then I will join the others who get on here and complain about stuff like this. Seems like you and MCF are the only ones who are actually voicing out with some well done research and putting it on here for everybody to see and hopefully understand. You both keep up the awesome work. "

Mary Louise Jones wrote on Jul 13, 2009 9:22 AM:

" I think he would make a fine commissioner. I've been saying that for two years. Go for it. "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 13, 2009 9:48 AM:

" I find it hard to disagree with Chris and R. However we need to get something done about this problem now. Y'all can be as loud and as effective as I can. Use your voices and be heard. We will see about me becoming a commissioner later down the road.

Clammerhead "

DownEaster wrote on Jul 13, 2009 9:52 AM:

" ClammerHead you have my support!!!

Well as ClammerHead mentioned the problem lies with the worst nasty among us. I stopped by North River early 6:00am on Saturday morning on my way to the beach going fishing. There were 28 people I could see in the water. The problem has no doubt risen to a new level while there I did not see anyone littering but I was focused on the 2 hispanic males walking beside a net set they would look around and then a fish went in the basket. So if anyone fishing North River had an empty net you now know why. While I do not support gill nets they are leagal method of catch and alot of commercial fishermen make their living this way and to set there and watch money being stolen from this net was enough to disgust me thouroghly. I called the DMF line they said they would get someone out there but no one showed up in the 45 minutes I waited I proceeded w/ my plans.

I see the litter as the main problem here trash that ends up in the river then in the ocean where it kills Turtles, Fish, Birds, porpises ETC. Maybe w/ enough support somthing will be done about this where these places are not going to be barred from use. "

Paul wrote on Jul 13, 2009 10:54 AM:

" Interesting how this story changed from an environmental one to one of race relations. However as someone pointed out a few posts back, that will happen when you bring up race these days.

As for Clammerhead running for county office- I know, it is a separate issue but it is one you are wise to think about carefully- VERY carefully, before tossing your hat into the ring.

Sure, if you are loaded and want to build condos on every available space in the county, it can be a very lucrative gig. Several of our recent past and current commissioners will likely leave office with their wallets considerably fatter than when they first went into office. But if you just want to be a commissioner because you honesly want to help make the county a better place, then it can be a lonely and often thankless job.

And goodness help you if you should fall afoul of the News-Times as they will blame you for everything since the attack on Pearl Harbor. You could walk on water, discover a cure for disease, and rescue babies from a burning hospital and it will make no difference- they will still hammer you in each edition.

Good luck whatever you decide to do Clammerhead but be sure you understand fully what you could be getting yourself into before you make that leap. You seem like a nice person who really cares. How many people in politics today does that describe? "

Richard wrote on Jul 13, 2009 12:40 PM:

" Very well written and of an interest to anyone who uses the waterways and oceans. I live in PKS, and see this same issue on our beaches, however not to the extent of this description. No one else will say it, but thank you, I even now, with my children only 6, 5, and 18 months, am teaching them to respect the nations outdoors. People who do not should be jailed, oh wait, that would mean that the sheriffs office, the mayor, and maybe the news stations would have to do their jobs (that we pay them for, in this thing called taxes). I find it disturbing that none of them would take any real action on this issue. DMF and the state need to get involved in this, it is illegal and what we pay them for. "

Jeff wrote on Jul 13, 2009 2:12 PM:

" Clammerhead- did I understand you to say you have been married 3 times? If so, do NOT go into politics. You, my friend, have suffered enough! "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 13, 2009 8:21 PM:

" It's ok Jeff, I picked a good wife this time. Besides, after the first 2 wives and over a dozen kids I can deal with almost anything. Even the Carteret County Commissioners. I have been dealing with them for years already. The big difference is they will have to deal with me for a change.

Jeff; as for those people stealing fish, that is the way some people are. Thieves. Sadly enough, that is what we are dealing with. People with no respect.

We all know it is hard to catch a thief in the act on something like this, but I must agree that 45 mins. is giving them quite a head start.

I did get a email from Sheriff Buck today saying that he has sent a memo to his deputies about the area. Hopefully this will help curtail the problem.

Paul, as I said a few paragraphs above, I can deal with them, can they deal with me is the real question. Believe me, I have been weighing the pros and cons of being a County Commissioner and it seems that it is the only way I can get their attention. It has become obvious that a poor ole commercial fisherman does not capture them as an audience.

Thank you for the comment about me being a nice person. Still that doesn't mean I can't hold my own when it comes to dealing with this bunch. You must remember that they are held hostage by their agenda. The future of my family and neighbors is my agenda, and as many have begun to realize, I can be very aggressive when necessary.

If I do run and get elected it will be because of people that want a honest, approachable, concerned commissioner that will do what is right for the county and it's citizens. These are the same people I will call on to help me do a good job. It is a community effort that will make the difference, not just one man with a funny name.

Clammerhead "

Box wrote on Jul 13, 2009 8:39 PM:

" Would you expect someone that eats a sea gull to be honest? I do believe eating sea gulls is illegal. So it should come as no surprise they will steal from a net. "

Ronnie G. wrote on Jul 13, 2009 8:39 PM:

" Those who are tired of inconciderate people trashing our communities need to start raising h*ll toward out county officials. Litter on our shorelines is just as bad as the mosquito problem. It isn't painful but simply aggravating. If the law enforcement doesn't take this seriously, the litterbugs won't either. With no repercussions from littering, there's no real reason for people who don't care to stop. The act of littering is hard to spot. The crime happens in an instant, and law enforcement officers. aren't likely to see it. Some Downeast citizens don't buy that. Inconsiderate people throw trash from their cars or leave trash behind because they have little fear of penalty. Apparently the sheriff's department and Division of Marine Fisheries in North Carolina feel it is beneath their office to give the required attention to catching litterers. Violators should be arrested, fined, and publicized. This would make many others think twice before intentionally littering. Many shorelines and bridgefoots are strewn with discarded cans, bottles, cups, fast-food bags, cigarette butts and discarded fishing line,. Fueled by a growing population, and inconciderate slobs with little respect for public land or private property, highway garbage has become a rising menece to our waterways. Alot of vacationers drive past these areas exploring to known beauty of our coastline only to see it strewn with trash and other eyesores. We need for this mess to come to a screeching halt before it becomes such a problem that these areas become off limits to everybody. Excellent comments from Clammerhead and Marshallberg Commercial Fisherman. "

Suncat wrote on Jul 13, 2009 9:07 PM:

" Here's an idea to bring this problem to the general public and media's attention. Film what you see and put it out on You Tube and send copies out to all the medial outlets. Nothing will every be done unless you let others know what is going on. "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 13, 2009 10:27 PM:

" Yes Ronnie G. it is hard to catch them in the act of littering. Even so, if they are seen breaking the law, why does it take 45 mins. to get a officer there if one shows up at all. I have no reason to doubt that they were seen taking fish from a net. Likewise after the last week of not seeing fisheries officers at either location, I don't find it hard to believe DownEaster saw someone stealing fish and waited 45 mins. before he left.

I like Suncat's idea about Youtube, but who would watch a video like that?

What we need is for local media to get in on this and take advantage of the story that is here. I am still waiting for the reporter from CCNT and WNCT to call me back. I wonder how long that will take. I am sure they realize that the longer they ignore it, the more involved they are.

However I understand that there are more important stories than one that contains things like , pollution, law breaking, stealing, public nudity, public defecation and urination, racism, locals losing access to public waters, commercial fishermen hardships, protected birds being eaten, undersized fish being taken, conspiracies to commit these crimes, lack of law enforcement, un-responsive Commissioners, citizens being ignored by county and state offices, public outcry, and the fact that the only news coverage it can get is on a comment column in the editorial section of a local newspaper.

I don't know a whole lot about the news business, but I still think I could come up with an interesting story with so much to work with.

Clammerhead "

taildrag wrote on Jul 13, 2009 11:03 PM:

" Clammerhead,

Your pains in taking care of the community should be better appreciated.

I'm sure everyone is thankful.

As in some of your other endeavors to help preserve the quality of life here, bureaucratic indifference, for whatever reason, seems to be the major impediment.

Mary is right. Why no photographs in the media? Are they afraid pictures may put off potential tourists? What's affecting us more right now, seeing our community trashed, or global warming and Obama's alleged socialist tendencies?

Wait till the population of NC increases another 20%!

If littering is, as you say, disproportionately a Latino and Asian problem, perhaps local officials and religious leaders should make a presentation at the churches and other centers in those communities to discuss how this problem is affecting the folks.

That's been done in other areas, where local issues which might not be correctly understood by those from other cultures have been aired, and bad practices changed.

Know what? Saul Alinsky's techniques (the ol' "community organizing," ya know) might actually help with this problem.

For that cretin who wrote "Jose's" comment, how clever! Exacerbating a bad situation with stupid tricks like that just make things worse. Crawl back into your hole.

And to the gun guy. Don't go there. "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 14, 2009 10:47 AM:

" Taildrag,

Of course they are afraid that pictures of the Catastrophic Coast will hurt tourism. That is one of the reasons that they don't want to publish pictures. It is the same mentality that has left the cedar tree growing in front of the " NO Water Contact " sign near the Beaufort sewer pipe. Everyone is trying to ( as Obama says ) put lipstick on the pig.

What do they think people will think when they are touring the shoreline and see the trash on she riverbank? They don't care because by time word gets around, there will be another set of tourist coming in to take the place of the ones that have witnessed the pollution. As long as the line keeps forming there is no problem, right?

There is no doubting that the litter is disproportionately from the Asian and Latino groups gathering there. I have seen it myself many times over and so have many other people.

To go to the community and church leaders would do no good, and we all know that. Why would they help these groups, many of which are illegal trespassers in this country and then pretend like they care about the laws and protection of our lands? Should we believe these groups that hide illegals care about the damage they are doing.

There is no changing the practice's of someone that can set down in the shade while a bunch of kids work in the hot sun cleaning up litter around their feet. So don't try to make them out to be non-understanding. It all boils down to they don't care and we all know that.

FYI, I am not a politically correct, tree hugging fool that thinks there is good in everyone. Some people are evil and I am wise enough to see that.

I am also wise enough to know that these are not the only Asians and Hispanics in in our area. These people just happen to be the ones doing the damage. I do wonder why there is not more of the others speaking out against the bad name these people are giving them. Could it be that many of them are illegal and afraid to speak out? To be sure not, if there were any illegals in our area they would have been taken in and returned to where they came from, right?

As for Saul Alinsky, give me a break. He was Marxist nut job and would join sides with the ones doing the polluting, claiming that the government should clean up the litter they have a right to leave.

I don't think any of us believe that the " Jose " comment was by a Latino. It was just someone's dark humor used to make a point about how these people doing the littering feel. That kind of humor is not always correct in real life, but if it was done on Saturday night Live or Mad TV, it would get laughs and boost ratings.

Don't worry about the gun Taildrag, I never shot anyone that didn't need shooting

Clammerhead "

Mark wrote on Jul 14, 2009 11:17 AM:

" Obviously, this is an issue for local law enforcement. Clammerhead has done a great service to all of us by making us aware of the problem but now, there is little more he can do on his own.

At first thought, I liked the idea of taking photos of the people littering but unless law enforcement is going to indeed enforce the litter laws, you can take as many photos as you like and it will make no difference. And my guess is that until the law gets involved, the local media is not going to either.

I agree with Taildrag- unless it concerns the Great Global Warming Hoax or Obama's socialist agenda, the CCNT will show no interest in trash on a beach.

The solution? Again, Clammerhead has pointed us in the right direction- call the sheriff, call the DMF, call your commissioners. Maybe if they hear from enough of us, they will actually do something about this important issue- even if it is only to stop all of the calls they keep getting. "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 14, 2009 11:53 AM:

" Thank you Mark. So true. Call them all and good luck. Atfer all of the emails I have sent and phone calls I have made, the only ones that have contacted me back have been, Jean Preston, Pat McElraft, and Asa Buck. Asa said he put out a memo, Jean said she was forwarding the letter I wrote to people here in the county, Pat said she hates litter and picks it up too.

Clammerhead "

Dave wrote on Jul 14, 2009 1:01 PM:

" I can't believe how many people have written comments on this issue. You know Clammerhead, was is it that so many have said they have seen people littering Downeast but never said anything only to turn their head on now jump on the bandwagon. It really amazes me. All you have to do, is if you can, get a description of the person, license plate number, time of day and report it. At least you would be makine an attempt to stop this ongoing problem of littering. We have the laws and resources to do this. We need to become more active in our community. Littering is not the only issue here, but the biggest. So, instead of writing comments about a few citizens that are try to make a difference, join in and help. "

taildrag wrote on Jul 14, 2009 1:38 PM:

" Why are you so sure going to the community and church leaders would do no good? Has it been tried and failed?

Do we even know who the leaders in those communities are?

Seems worth a try. Nothing else seems to be working.

Alinsky tried to organize communities to solve local problems. Littering is obviously a problem here.

What about all those ministers who suddenly became politically active during the last election? Don't they know any churches and community organizations which concern themselves with the burgeoning Latino and Asian groups here?

Maybe they could point people in the right direction.

Gee, maybe the litterers are from out of town too! Probably not. If they live here, they actually might be interested in solving the problem caused by a relatively few individuals who are placing the blame on all of them. No community wants that. "

DownEaster wrote on Jul 14, 2009 2:17 PM:

" Well ClammerHead it does truly look like we are on our own here or at best more research is needed I took your advice and passed on the concerns of the citizens to the Commissioners and I give it to them the fact they do have a good quick turn around but here is the reponse I received copied directly from the reply e-mail...ENJOY

Mr. Griffin,

Thanks for the info. You might want to check in depth but at first glance it looks like the areas in question at North River and Ward's Creek are privately owned. Unless the owners want to post NO TRESPASSING signs I would think the county would have difficulty enforcing anything on private property and I doubt law enforcement could selectively enforce this.

Doug Harris

Guess we are gonna have to look further into this one. I am starting now. As ClammerHead would say...........More to Come "

Dave wrote on Jul 14, 2009 2:29 PM:

" The local police won't ticket the hispanics because they know they won't pay the fine.

Its too easy to pull over someone they know will pay the ticket (a responsible US citizen)

Illegals (hispanics, asians, whaever race or color) usually have no real paper trail, live 8, 9 10 to a trailer in beaufort or morehead, and probably don't even have a real license. How do you enforce any laws on these people.

I have numerous friends that have been hit by these illegals without any car insurance. Who do you think is always left holding the bill when it comes to an illegal alien. The law abding US citizen. "

Alicia Quinones wrote on Jul 14, 2009 2:44 PM:

" As an individual who cares about our beaches and our communities I read this letter and found it admirable that someone was willing to not just complain about it but actually do something. And then I read this:

"Who are these other people? There are a few wind surfers and a very few local recreational fishermen. The biggest majority of the people using the area are Hispanic and Asian using the area for camping and shrimping. I am not using their nationality or ethnicity to group these people."

Actually, you are using their nationality and ethnicity to group all asians and hispanics into the same lump. It's almost as if you're implying that if these people went away, then so would the problem.

" do wonder why there is not more of the others speaking out against the bad name these people are giving them. Could it be that many of them are illegal and afraid to speak out? "

Not all hispanics are illegal. Not all hispanics are ignorant or rude or nasty as your article seems to imply. Some of us actually do care about the environment, some of us do believe in personal responsibilty and do not care much for being judged solely on the behaviour of a group of individuals with whom we have nothing in common with save for our ancestors who came from Spain. And why should I worry about being given a bad name for any other reason except for my own behaviour? That premise is as ridiculous as holding all white americans responsible for the actions of the KKK. Granted this may not be quite on the same level, but my point is this people - those individuals littering our beaches are doing it NOT because they are asian or hispanic, but because of two qualities that can be found in any shade of skin anywhere on this planet - ignorance and selfishness. "

Marshallberg Commercial Fisherman wrote on Jul 14, 2009 5:17 PM:

" in reference to Mr. Harris's reply to Mr. Griffin, do you think that a no trespassing sign is going to keep people off these private areas? look at all the bridges that are posted with no fishing from bridge and you can see people perched all along the rail of the bridges. by the time law enforcement people get there, they are all gone like roaches when the light is turned on. a sign is nothing more than a target for people to shoot or throw bottles at. look at the road signs all along US 70 East. some look like swiss cheese. Downeaster, I too am researching all that I can to help Clammerhead fight this war over ignorance and selfish people just as Alicia Quinones said. "

Robert Dawson wrote on Jul 14, 2009 5:23 PM:

" Today I read all the articles and comments on here and wrote to Walter at the newstimes. I did attach all the comments that were posted on here and told him something had to be done to support the efforts that the locals are doing to resolve this problem. He stated that he would get some photos of the North River area but it wasn't going to solve the proble. Well, it may not solve the problem but it will most definately get the peoples views on this destruction of private as well as our environment. Clammerhead, Downeaster, Marshallberg Commercial Fisherman, and all others who are voicing out against this situation, you guys keep up the good work. Teamwork and local unity will prevail eventually against the scum who trash our wetlands and seashores. "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 14, 2009 9:07 PM:

" Here we go, y'all hold on now.

Alicia Quinones; It was very nice to quote me about grouping these polluters and lawbreakers. The next time please include the rest of the lines concerning the statement, in this case the next line would be " They are when they come in large crowds and abuse the area like they have been doing." ( That is how these people were grouped.) I only described them.

You have accused me of using these polluters to lump all Hispanics and Asians together. That is a perfect example of you using race to as a battle weapon. You forgot to include the part about me saying " I am also wise enough to know these are not the only Asians and Hispanics in our area. These people just happen to be the ones doing the damage. " Then you quoted me saying " I do wonder why there is not more of the others speaking out against the bad name these people are giving them. Could it be that many of them are illegal and afraid to speak out? "

This is a one sided way of looking at the issue. When you hand pick the statements you want to use and ignore the rest it really makes you look bias and non creditable.

I never implied anything. You and others have done enough of that without me. As I stated in my letter I told the facts, you be the judge. However, I will say " If these people went away the problem might not go away, but it would certainly be much less severe. " That is not racism, That is a fact. Until you go to the bridge and see for yourself don't say it isn't so.

Holding all white responsible for the KKK has nothing to do with this. The use of this reference once again shows your bias. You cant get on here and use references like that and not expect to be labeled a racist yourself. Not to mention how childish that was.

If you want to judge me by my race, I am not just white, but Coree Indian also. So next time please use both as I am proud of both.

I have already stated I would be called many unattractive names and now it has become so. Evidently you could only read part of what I have wrote because there are a lot of parts you have left out or ignored. Please re-read ALL I have written for your own benefit. I don't hold anything against anyone for where they came from. My problem is with what they are doing now that they are here.

If you don't think there are illegals in our area and they won't speak out against crime because of that fact, then not only are you mistaken but part of the problem also. I have dealt with many illegals in construction and know that they are here and afraid to speak out even when the crime is against them.

I don't know if these polluters are legally here or not, but I do know none of them could or would speak English when I tried to talk with them. Whether you like it or not , that is a sign of being a person in this country illegally. Although it is not proof it is a "marker " used by law enforcement.

If you have any doubts about anything I have written here or still think I am a racist , please come join us at 8:30 Saturday July 18th, at the sand ramp near the North River Bridge and you can help us clean up while you are there.

Clammerhead "

Downeast resident wrote on Jul 14, 2009 9:23 PM:

" I can see we have a very concerned community downeast and want to try to keep it clean..I am so glad that you wrote in on this clammerhead. I was wondering myself why there had been nothing done when if it were me or my family we would have been told NO a long time ago..Why are they being able to use this area as they please and catch what they want with nothing being done? We have to stick together as a downeast community and protect what we have left..I am behind you 100% clammerhead. "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 14, 2009 9:48 PM:

" Yes, Taildrag, the people I have described are definitely from out of town. I haven't gone to the church and group leaders to see if they can re-program these nasty people. What would be the use? It seems you read my earlier post and as I have said already, there is no changing the practices of someone that will sit in the shade and let a bunch of kids pick up trash from around their feet. They already knew doing that was wrong, just like they did when they littered. As someone else posted they are ignorant and selfish.

I am not going back to the Alinsky reference except to once again repeat myself; He was a Marxist and a nut job. What you see myself and others doing now is real community rallying. I hope the trend to be community active will continue.

I won't try to pick the flaws in your post apart one by one. Instead let me make it simple and complete. These people are the ones doing the damage and there is no reasoning with them. To play " O please , you poor misunderstood, uninformed people try to clean up your litter " is not the answer and if you think it will work then by all means please do so instead of trying understand them. What part of lazy, disrespectful, thieving, litterbug don't you get.

BTW, you too are invited to come clean up with us Saturday and not only can you see first hand, you can help keep our County clean.

Clammerhead "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 14, 2009 10:09 PM:

" DownEaster, Don't go by too much of what Doug Harris emailed you. Part of the land being used is State right of way, part is power company right of way , part is private property( which the owner has so graciously let us use ), and part is public when the tide falls.

On any property it is illegal to pollute the rivers or cause them to be polluted.

It is illegal to steal fish from someone's net.

It is illegal to defecate or urinate on anyproperty in the view of the public.

It is illegal to harm, much less eat sea gulls.

It is illegal to take more than 100 shrimp with a cast net in those areas.

Most of the laws being broken are being done by people that have been there doing it before and doing it in a group.

That makes it a conspiracy, and that is a felony.

Email that to Doug and see what kind of a response you get.

You can email Pete Allen too, but don't hope for too much.

Clammerhead "

R wrote on Jul 15, 2009 11:51 AM:

" All of the laws being broken Clammerhead mentioned are still laws being broken. Whyn does it matter whose property it is on? Why does it matter who they are? Lock them up. "

Chris wrote on Jul 15, 2009 1:57 PM:

" I agree with R. It's illegal, lock them up. A night in the county jail might make them rethink their actions. "

J. Rose wrote on Jul 15, 2009 8:56 PM:

" Clammerhead: bless your heart. You have the guts to tell it like it is, describe a bad situation, and many people pick it apart because you referred to ethnic groups. Shame on them. Cudos to you for having the guts to air your concerns over an important issue. "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 15, 2009 11:18 PM:

" Y'all ready for some more racism? Today I went to the Wards Creek Bridge. As I pulled in I immediately noticed a man taking a leak in the parking area beside the ramp there. He was making no attempt to hide himself either. By the time I got my camera out he was done and zipped up. This man was Hispanic and so were the other people there. Now that I have described this person, you can call me a racist. I guess i could have described him by other means, but who wants to go around looking for a man created less than equal? I know I don't want to see what he was showing ever again.

I might have said he was brown, short, had brown hair , brown eyes, and was slightly overweight, but that describes a lot of people. There was a short, slightly brown man that didn't appear to be Hispanic on the other side of the road. I don't want anyone to be confused of who it was I saw should they have seen both men there.

The man I saw urinating has been there before and will be there again and do what he was doing again. He will probably be there with the same people that were there today. I don't know about the guy on the other side of the road, I haven't noticed him there before.

Since nobody emails or calls me to let me know if they have ticketed anyone in these areas, I can only hope that the law enforcement officers in the area have been able to catch these guys polluting, urinating, and breaking other laws.

If not maybe they can use my truck or van to stake them out. They don't seem to fear my rides or hide their crimes from me.

Clammerhead "

Marshallberg Commercial Fisherman wrote on Jul 16, 2009 9:45 AM:

" Clammerhead, as I have read every post on this forum, I have noticed the increase of you being characterized as a racist. Why is describing somebody or a group of people concidered racism? Here is the defination of racism.

–noun 1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.

2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.

3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.

Honestly people, how many times has Clammerhead belittled any race here? Is a description of a person concidered racist? I have not seen a single ethnic slurr on here just alot of misinterpretation misperception. Now I know that alot of ethnic groups recieve alot of stereotyping but when they are seen and identified by knowledge and the description is given out, where does the bigotry and racism come to play. So my next question is this, If Clammerhead gets an actual photograph of the perpetraitor and shows it on the Polluted Loon website for any and everybody to see with their own eyes, how many times will he be accused of racial profiling, or just trying to target one or two groups of people. Clammerhead just like J. Rose stated tells it like it is and yet people try to slam him for the truth. Why is this, are you guilty of committing the same acts that he and others are witnessing? Have you drove by the said locations and took a gander for yourself to see if his observations are accurate? Have you even stopped by there and tried to get these people to pick up their mess? Probably not. Dave aka Clammerhead is a very straight forward and to the point person and isn't afraid to voice his opinion or stand up for what is right. Neither am I. I will always take the hard right over the easy wrong even if it ruffles some feathers. Those who get offended by what he is saying will just have to get over it and move on, just like we all have to do when we get upset and things don't go the way we want or expect it to go. In closing, cry racism when it is a bonafide racist discrimination or remark or slander towards another race or culture not when it is used to decribe somebody or a group of individuals. "

Bill wrote on Jul 16, 2009 12:10 PM:

" Come on people!!!

We all should know by now why "clammerhead" is being called "racist"!!!........The Democratic party has used the "Politically Correct Doctrine" to beat everyone else over the head with in order to acquire power over the years.

For all I know, "clammerhead" is a flaming Liberal being assaulted by his own people. That doesn't matter to those attacking him........afterall......the most important thing is the power that the Democratic thinkers can accumulate through protecting/making excuses and being "Intellectually dishonest" when it comes to "Miniorities".

And so it goes, as long as people are "dishonest".........we will never be able to solve even the smallest of issues...........like stopping people from littering our planet and screwing it up for the rest of us. "

Mike wrote on Jul 16, 2009 5:57 PM:

" I have been monitoring this post since Clammerhead made it on Saturday and figure that it's time to speak up now. I made joking post earlier because I knew that the whole racism issue was going to come into play but this one is serious. First off thank you Clammerhead for posting this letter and for all of your hard work. Thank you to everyone who has cleaned up anywhere. How can anyone here be mislabeled as a racist? You are using the persons/ groups race to describe them. I go down east a few times a week and I have seen the ethnic groups in question there many times. I have also seen the litter. I have seen more than just Hispanics and Asians littering too. It just happens to be that the majority of people in those areas are Hispanic. Go to Flanners Beach in Craven County and tell me who you see illegally taking shellfish, building fires, and doing their business on the beach. There is a sign at the top of the steps leading to the beach stating that it is illegal to take shellfish there in English and Spanish. These people should be able to comprende the rules. Si? Sadly the Jose post is they way a majority of that ethnic group feels. It is a "it's not our country and you can't tell us what to do" mentality. This is first hand from several Hispanics that I know personally.Now taildrag, how can you organize a group that doesn't care? The county, state, and the local law enforcement agencies need to step in and help enforce the laws. If the law is being broken then book-em Dan-o. I feel that our media agencies have failed us in reporting on this problem as well. I fear my friends that eye witness news 9 is not on our side today. I have come to expect this kind of behavior from the county commissioners. Most of them are as worthless as a sack of paper buttholes. Clammerhead and MCF we all seem to be cut from the same shrimp trawl. I too am not afraid to shake the hornets nest when necessary and will clam on top of the hardest shoal when necessary. So here so I go with my shaking. If I see your group out when I go buy I will stop and help pick up trash but I cannot agree with only looking out for Down East. I am a Salter Pather by birth and I live in Newport along the river. All and all I am a Carteret County native with family history all over the place. We need to look out for all Carteret County not just Down East. These are our beaches, sounds, rivers, and forest. I propose we create a group that will look out for the County. It can start right here online. We can create a voice for our beloved county. Our voice will rise louder than the breakers during a hurricane and we will look out for our coast as a lighthouse does. Anyone with me? "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 16, 2009 10:38 PM:

" Let's get off of the race thing and move to other issues intertwined into this multifaceted story.

Let's talk about the tourist.

I stopped at Wards Creek today and met a very interesting lady from Goldsboro. She had an easel set up and was about to paint the marsh line there. After we talked for some time she said she was very interested in knowing more about what was going on. She also pledged to pick up some of the trash before she left. Imagine that, another tourist helping clean up our wetlands.

Later today I met Cheryl Burke from the CCNT at North River. She took some pictures and notes. She gave no promise of what kind coverage they would give us, but they would do something.

After that I talked to a man and young boy there and thanked them for not leaving trash as they left.

All toll, I spent about a hour at each bridge and guess who I didn't see there.

Earlier today I talked with David Livingston from the DOT office in Newport. He has agreed to give us some trash bags, some orange vest, and come pick up the bags if we want them to.

Does anyone recognize what is going here?

There are people that haven't been involved in this situation stepping up to solve a problem. Instead of waning as usually happens with issues like this, support is building.

Much of this can be attributed to awareness and persistence. We have gathered for a common goal and accomplished much, yet we still have a long way to go.

The last few weeks have proven we can make a difference. Let's continue to make phone calls, and send emails to anyone that will listen. If they can't help us, ask them if they know anyone that can. Contact your Government, media, and neighbors.

Continue to discuss it in this arena and anywhere else you can be heard.

It is a good thing we have started here and let's keep it going.

Clammerhead "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 17, 2009 9:15 AM:

" Mike, I am with you . That is why I started The Polluted loon. It started with Beaufort and now seems to be moving Downeast. In our original mission statement I stated that we are going to work on Beaufort and branch out. It seems that Beaufort has been more of a challenge than other areas, therefore we have ended up working on the Downeast area.

It is my full intention to work on the whole county and branch out through the entire state. The day after this letter was published I received a call from an elderly lady in Mill Creek and she was willing to do what she could to help with our area, I told her we were going to try to get down her way too.

We are working on getting confirmed for the Adopt A Highway program. We will be targeting highways along our wetlands and rivers.

Mike, please don't be discouraged if it takes us a little while to get to the rest of our county. We are working on it. I do suggest we concentrate on the Downeast area and spread out from there.

If anyone has a particular area of interest, please go to our website and send us an email and lets see what we can do about getting it on the agenda.

I am not trying to be a "Glory Hog", but I think we should plan our route very carefully and make sure we can keep up with what we are doing here, as to not get overwhelmed. A slow drip can fill the bucket, just as a slow leak can sink the boat.

We are working on a guest book and sign-up page on the website and hope to have it up soon.

Bill, I am not a flaming anything. I am just a man that says what is on his mind. In this day and age that is all it takes for someone to attack someone else.

If I can get on the ballot for 2010, I will be unaffiliated with any political party. I am not interested with helping out any political party. I want to help the people of our county. However if a Democrat, Republican, or anyone else has a good idea or a need that will help all of our citizens, let me know and we will go from there.

Clammerhead "

Carl wrote on Jul 17, 2009 10:21 AM:

" This comment is a bit off-topic but I have to write it. I think Clammerhead has just entered the Guinness Book of World Records. He has set the record for total number of posts in response to his own entry to "Letters To The Editor".

I think congratulations are in order. "

Aurora wrote on Jul 17, 2009 11:52 AM:

" This comment is a bit off topic but on topic with Carl's-

Hey Carl, did you write a letter and not get a good response, or just jealous?

So back on topic a bit- Carl What do you think about the litter? Do you have an actual comment on this letter? Or do you just like to see your name on the computer screen Carl? Well Carl, I do have a real comment on the subject. Thank you everyone who goes and cleans up the messes of others,even though they should be cleaning up after themselves and teaching their children to do the same. Back to Carl, so Carl what kind of person are you? Do you clean up after yourself? Do you clean up after those around you who do not? Do you not care about the trash around you and continue on after it falls out of your truck? So which is it? One who cares only about himself, one who cares for all, or one who does not care about any?

Thank you all for those who care about all.

Thank you Clammerhead the Great Guinness Book of World Record Setter.

And Carl Thank you for informing us about Clammerheads post, we may have not noticed since so many people have been reading this comment section.

Aurora "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 17, 2009 12:17 PM:

" Thank you Carl. "

Sarah wrote on Jul 17, 2009 12:50 PM:

" I can' t believe I live in a place where people still use "race" to point fingers for problems. Let me guess, the newspaper, the news channel, and the couty are all a bunch of hispanics & asians too??? You are no better than those spreading garbage, your spreading hatred. Shame on you. Mighty white of you sir, to write such a letter of concern. "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 17, 2009 1:26 PM:

" Carl, I was trying to be sarcastic with my last post.

I apologize.

After some thought, I realized that I had written a letter that had got people involved in cleaning up our wetlands and positive banter about many issues. I feel pretty good about it too.

True I have commented quite a bit on this site about things people are interested in, either in response to or inciting others to become active.

Even you Carl, and yes I get your point. I hope you get mine. This is what it is all about. People are talking, people are taking action, people are making a difference.

I counted about 25 comments from me and 75 from other people. That is a ballpark average of about 3 comments from others to 1 from me.

If everyone commenting could get the same results in getting help to clean up our county, it wouldn't be long before it would be spotless. Posting on this site doesn't clean the land, however it is spreading information and getting people involved.

If you come with us to clean up Saturday morning, we can talk in person and then post about it on here later. In the name of fair play, if you write an interesting letter with room for discussion, I will try to help you challenge my record by giving you something to comment back about.

In all sincerity, I say thank you for bringing to light something I didn't realize and giving me fuel for thought.

Clammerhead "

Bill wrote on Jul 17, 2009 3:07 PM:

" "sarah"

I guess its alright to blame "white people" for all the troubles in the world. This hatred toward "white people" that seems to be so popular from those on the "left" will do nothing but harm race relations in all communities.

I am "white" and you need to get a clue !!! We are not going away !!! I don't judge any man by the color of his skin, but by the garbage the "particular" man leaves behind.

People like you will trash a white man in a New York minute and ignore reality when it hits you right smack in the face concerning a person of color. Guess what? Human Beings do bad things everyday and a good percentage of them are people of color. Pick up a newspaper and read!!! I think your problem could be you are watching the Liberal main stream press that routinely will not report the color of a criminals skin unless he happens to be a "white man".

By the way, if you had read all of "clammerhead's" posts, you would have used the term "Mighty white/American Indian of you sir". Your ignorance does not excuse your judgemental comments. "

Carl wrote on Jul 17, 2009 4:13 PM:

" All's well, Clammy. I , too , was being a bit sarcastic with my comments. No need at all for an apology. Keep up the good efforts.

Although, I think you might want to consider a response to "Sarah". I sense a wee bit of concern on her part. "

Aurora wrote on Jul 17, 2009 4:37 PM:

" Hey Carl,

Just read the latest edition of the paper and guess what, Clammerhead is on the front page. So are you jealous about that also? Maybe we can get him (Clammerhead) to write another letter after this Saturday's cleanup, telling us how things went.

Hey Sarah,

I am not going to point fingers at a certain race but I will point my finger at nasty, dirty, disgusting, ignorant, and rude people. Including those who break the law(s).

Aurora "

Carl wrote on Jul 17, 2009 4:46 PM:

" Geeez, "Aurora' , calm down...take a chill-pill. Clammerhead and I are simply having a bit of fun. You know what that is, Auroua? Well, do you? Huh?

In all seriousness, I think what Clammerhear wrote has planted a very much seed. And, yes, I hate it when others cannot or will not clean up after themselves. "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 18, 2009 11:45 AM:

" Come on now, play nice.

Sarah, Carl and I have exchanged ideas before. We are kind of like friends that will say things that most people won't. We are ok with each other and agree to speak our minds. Some might even call us "Real People".

Aurora, I don't think Carl is jealous. At least I hope he isn't. If he is he has nothing to worry about. I am sure he could get into the GBWR if he wants to. Maybe even the CCNT if the desire hits him.

BTW, Carl made the 100th comment on this story. Cool beans, Carl. ( SHOUT OUT TO CARL.)

O.K. off this topic and back to the letter.

We did a clean-up today and had good and also interesting event. I will post on that later.

Thank you to those that showed up.

Thank you to all of you that have posted on this letter and are speaking your mind. This is a very important part of the process even if people don't like or agree with what you post. The conversation is the pulse of the cure.

Clammerhead "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 18, 2009 3:32 PM:

" WOW, what a day.

We went to the bridge today and had a great time cleaning up behind some really nasty people. There were some new volunteers there to help with the clean-up also.

When I got there at 8:00 am, Mike and zz were there already and ready to get started.

There were also about 15 Asians and one White man there.

We passed out some bags and tools and cleaned the area around the boat ramp from the little creek on the West to the rocks on the East. We also cleaned the North side of the road along the same margin.

We gathered about 20 bags of trash containing the same type of items as the first clean-up, a muffler, and along the way to there Mike found a shopping cart.

At one point a commercial fisherman that works that area frequently and knows who is littering, came in from the water and spoke to the people there and let them know he felt they should clean up their trash.

After that we went to the East side of the bridge and picked up 9 more bags of the same kind of trash. We also found a wad of "crime scene tape" big enough to fill a trash bag, along with a huge metal rod covered with rags. While we were on that side of the bridge DownEaster showed up and pitched in. He later followed me to the dump to unload.

We were there a little over 2 hrs. and not one of the people there, Asian or the White guy offered to help us clean-up. However I did loudly thank them for all of their effort. The thank you was worthy of the effort they didn't put in.

Shortly before we left an Officer from DMF arrived and investigated the people fishing and wrote some of them a ticket. I will say I was very happy to see the Officer there. I hope his presence and the continued presence of law enforcement can help curb the pollution and fishing violations.

Almost all of the trash there was the type of trash left by recreational fishermen and campers. A very small portion of it was possibly left by commercial fishermen. To the commercial fishermen that left trash there I say; What is your problem? Stop leaving your litter.

I thank the ones that showed up today and ask the anyone else that reads this to show up for the next clean-up. It is a great way to make some good friends and do a valuable service to our area. Keep checking our website for event dates.

When we left it looked really good there. I cannot remember a time it was ever that clean along that area of the river.

We are making some progress here and we can keep it going and growing. Don't stop talking, posting, emailing, calling, and inviting. This is one of those things that has the potential to be a history making change to the way things are done the good to come from it.

I want to give a special thank you to Cheryl Burke and the CCNT for a wonderful article on our situation. You have done this area and it's citizens a great service.

THANK YOU to those that showed up and the fisheries officer that made an impression on myself and some law breakers.

Clammerhead "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 19, 2009 12:03 AM:

" CORRECTION: In my post at 11:45 am today I made comments to Sarah. After the play nice part, the rest of the comments were meant for Aurora, not Sarah.

As for Sarah, You can call me a racist and say I am hateful, but have you been there and seen the groups of Asians and Hispanics that are doing the damage? I know you weren't there today helping us clean up. Just like the lazy White man that didn't help either.

Get this through your head; I am not a racist for identifying what I see. I also have stated that today there was a lazy White man there that did not help us either. However I didn't see him littering.

If you expect me to call the people Non-white, or even not identify them at all, then you have no idea of who I am or how I operate.

When you called me a hate spreader, you became the one spreading hate. Don't try to fool yourself or anyone else. Being politically correct is only good for politicians and their followers that don't want to face the facts. It serves no useful purpose in the real world, and only gives people an excuse to deny their social obligations.

If you want to accuse me here or anywhere else of being a racist , by all means go ahead. It is your right and I support that, but you are only hurting your own image. If you want to find out who I really am, just come along with us for the next clean-up and I will take time to talk with you and then you can decide if I am a racist.

A new clean-up date should be posted on our website www.thepollutedloon.com by tomorrow.

O.K. now to my original agenda for this post.

I went back just before dark and there was nobody at the North River Bridge ramp area. There were a couple of African- Americans on the other end of the bridge and I saw no noticeable new litter there. There was a small amount of litter already. It included 3 pair of shoes, some plastic bottles and a bait container. Although this was too much litter, it was considerably less than after the first clean-up 2 weeks ago where there was more than 2 trash bags full in a few hours. I don't know if it was because DMF was down there, because all the people had left and not come back, the litters had a change of heart, or just coincidence, but those are the facts. There was less litter. Hopefully it was because the litters had a change of heart and are going to stop littering. That is the only real solution, what ever their motivation may be.

I did notice some trash that looked as if it was thrown out of or blew out of passing cars along the highway leading up to the bridge. This too is unacceptable.

Clammerhead

p.s. Carl, don't forget to count his post for my stats with GBWR. "

Carl wrote on Jul 19, 2009 5:35 AM:

" Aurora wrote , in part:

" Hey Carl,

Just read the latest edition of the paper and guess what, [sic] Clammerhead is on the front page. So are you jealous about that also?

Dude! (or, Dudette, whatever the case may be) , WHAT is your problem and where are you getting this obsessive mentation on jealousy? "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 19, 2009 3:35 PM:

" TEST

Just checking to see if this forum is malfunctioning or I have been censored.

Clammerhead "

Mary Louise Jones wrote on Jul 19, 2009 5:14 PM:

" Sounds like some progress is being made. I am surprised that DMF showed up. Maybe the Cheryl Burke article shamed them into action. I thank all of you who are helping my son with these cleanups. "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 19, 2009 9:31 PM:

" V for Vigilante, WHOA DUDE!!!!

We are talking about stopping litter, service from our government, citizen involvement, fair media coverage, and respect for our local people. We are not talking about harming people.

What you are talking about is ridiculous. Hurting people and taking lives? What is your major malfunction?

You are a true racist. Your kind of thinking is poison. We have been trying to solve some problems and you come here spreading this kind of junk. Obviously you have no respect for the people we are trying to stop from destroying our area, but what they are doing is not worthy of what you are talking about doing. You have made it plain that you have no respect for our effort either. If you did you wouldn't be spreading this hate talk trying to make people think we are like you.

WE ARE NOT LIKE YOU.

We will handle our situation through legal and effective means, not the way you are suggesting.

When I started The Polluted Loon it was to teach my children and others that if we use our heads and the laws we have, we can correct our problems. You don't seem to believe that or you wouldn't be saying the things that you are. There are laws to deal with these people destroying our area. We can and will make them work.

Your problem is in your head and needs to be corrected.

THE POISON YOU ARE SPREADING IS FAR WORSE THAN THE POLLUTION WE ARE FIGHTING.

STAY AWAY FROM MY FAMILY.

STAY AWAY FROM MY CLEAN-UP EVENTS.

CHECK YOURSELF INTO SOME KIND OF FACILITY FOR PEOPLE THAT NEED THEIR HEADS RE-ALIGNED.

Webmaster, By all accounts this fools rambling and threats are not only dangerous and alarming, but are against the rules of this forum. They go far past the realm of free speech and venture into the illegal. I suggest to you that you ban this dangerous fool, identify his I.P. numbers and report him or her to the local authorities.

Clammerhead "

straits wrote on Jul 19, 2009 10:36 PM:

" Chill V these people can be taken 8bout Legaly "

WOW wrote on Jul 20, 2009 12:31 AM:

" GAME OVER "

Alicia Quinones wrote on Jul 20, 2009 12:37 AM:

" Clammerhead, I could care less if you're white, indian, blue, black or red. You took an otherwise worthy cause and detracted from it by highlighting the race of the offenders with the full knowledge that it would incite people. You wrote the original letter, you introduced the issue of race and nationality and yet you have the temerity to accuse myself and others of using race as a weapon. You accuse me of handpicking statements and misinterpretation when in fact there is nothing that you have stated anywhere in the letter, or in your replies, that contradicts those statements I quoted (in spite of your many protestations that you're not a racist while continually pointing out the races of the offenders.) Who cares if they are hispanic, white, asian or black and blue? You then go on to accuse me of being childish and racist for saying whites should be held responsible for the actions of the KKK, when what I said in fact was "That premise is as ridiculous as holding all white americans responsible for the actions of the KKK." Note the use of the word of ridiculous. As far as assisting in cleanup, I was ready to do my part until you brought up race and judging by not only your comments but some of the other comments here, why on earth would I want to subject myself with such negativity and hatred when really this should be about promoting beauty in our community. And if you really don't understand why some people would view some of your comments as racist and exclusive then there's nothing more to be said. "

Elmo Blatch wrote on Jul 20, 2009 8:47 AM:

" Clammerhead wrote on Jul 16, 2009 10:38 PM:

" Let's get off of the race thing and move to other issues intertwined into this multifaceted story."

Sounds like an EXCELLENT idea. "

V for Vigilante wrote on Jul 20, 2009 9:38 AM:

" I'm not a racist, I'm just a misanthrope who has lost most of my faith in society's ability to make changes without being forced to via extreme measures.

By the way, what do you think is the reason we've had any wars in the last 1,000 years?

Wake up and smell the stench society at large has become. It's a lot worse than just the trash you are picking up. The people out there are and the way their disregard for everyone and everything gets pervasively worse is why my brand of vitriol in action will generate the only true change in the future.

Be optimistic if you want, but your faith you can handle it your way shows that YOU are the one who has a major malfunction and is the one who is delusional. I'm perfectly sane thank you very much.........

I'm curious; did you discipline your kids when they were growing up?

<<<Webmaster, By all accounts this fools rambling and threats are not only dangerous and alarming, but are against the rules of this forum. They go far past the realm of free speech and venture into the illegal. I suggest to you that you ban this dangerous fool, identify his I.P. numbers and report him or her to the local authorities.>>>> "

Mary Louise Jones wrote on Jul 20, 2009 9:57 AM:

" Is V really serious, or is he/she just trying to discredit you Clammerhead ? I have not heard such hatred espoused in a long, long time. As for Ms. Quinones, Clammerhead was simply identifying the people he saw littering. If a Hispanic robbed you, would you tell the police it was a man 5' 9'' tall wearing pants and a shirt. Or, would you say it was a Hispanic man 5' 9'' tall wearing jeans and a tee shirt ? Clammerhead was doing the same thing. When a wrong has been committed you give the best description available. The fact remains, the people seen littering were Hispanic and Oriental. Don't be such a racist yourself. "

Webmaster wrote on Jul 20, 2009 10:12 AM:

" In the interest of time and intelligent discourse we will discontinue posting on this subject. Nothing new is being added of value. Thank you for your thoughts and observations. - Webmaster "

Trotie wrote on Jul 20, 2009 11:55 AM:

" I was just kidding about my cousins, the Anty brothers! Identifying one's nationality does not make someone racist. I spoke to a close friend who is Hispanic about this and was told that 'these people might be Hispanic but, they're not one of us.' It doesn't matter if you're White or otherwise, if you abuse your surroundings like this, you're scum and you need to go somewhere else! "

Ima wrote on Jul 20, 2009 1:13 PM:

" To Alicia Quinones,

There are plenty of other places that could use your hands in cleanup efforts. We will not be at all of them. "

Rev. Jeanne wrote on Jul 22, 2009 7:45 AM:

" So many comments.....too many focused on the "wrong" issue. The main point here is protecting our wildlife and keeping the environment naturally clean. If there are a regular group of people using a public area as their own personal lot and not respecting the land, nor the rules (written/unwritten) - then someone in authority should be there to explain them, regardless what color/gender/age/ethnicity they are.

Remember, our country started out with a handful of concerned citizens....and then it grew.

Things get unmanageable when there aren't rules as well as people who care, and closing the area down is not a solution....it's merely putting a bandaid on. Taking photos would certainly help....even if a person has to take them while this "practice" is going on in full view. It might make the folks who are throwing the trash....nervous or ashamed and might change the situation. Just a thought.

I'm grateful there are people who love our country and care enough to keep it clean. Thank you to all of your efforts. "

slippy wrote on Jul 22, 2009 7:50 AM:

" webmaster doesnt want any more negative stuff posted, getting some heat arent you? "

Big Fat Drunk Republican wrote on Jul 23, 2009 11:41 AM:

" While we are at it, can we tell smokers throwing their butts on the ground is also littering?

Littering has no race. Living in a community/county that is around 90% white with 95% white tourist. Do we really need to point at another race for the problems?

Just a thought. "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 23, 2009 3:52 PM:

" BFDR,

Yes that is a thought to be considered, however I have witnessed the people doing the polluting . Therefore my accusations are not just thoughts. They are facts.

I do agree that it is not all their doing. White people, both local and tourist are littering our beaches. Just like other people of other races and cultures. It is not just the Asians and Hispanics at that location.

Likewise , Not all or even a large majority of Asians or Hispanics are litterers. This just happens to be the people I have seen there littering and the trash I recognize as theirs. If it was a bunch of big fat drunk republicans or little skinny stoned democrats, I would still be upset and trying to resolve the problem.

That is not the only thing they are doing wrong or the only law they are breaking.

Before they decided to make that area their meeting spot there was a litter problem. The difference back then was that the people that use that area regularly could keep up with the amount of litter there. When these people are gone there will still be work to do and we will do it.

Clammerhead "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 23, 2009 4:01 PM:

" Oops, I almost forgot to say thank you to the CCNT and the people there for re-opening this forum. THANK YOU.

Let this be a lesson to us all. If we stick together in name of a just cause, we can prevail with reason, words and action.

We presented our case to the ones in charge in a civil manner and they responded in our favor.

The people spoke, they were represented justly, they were heard, and they achieved their goal .

The cream on top of the milk is that it didn't cost taxpayers one red cent.

REPRESENTATION WITHOUT TAXATION.

Imagine that, only in America. "

zz wrote on Jul 23, 2009 8:18 PM:

" folks this is why we need clammerhead to run for commissioner. zz "

Chum wrote on Jul 23, 2009 9:09 PM:

" Thanks again clammerhead and ZZ "

dingbatter wrote on Jul 23, 2009 11:53 PM:

" BFDR - This is what I was trying to point out in the article last week. Has anyone tried to communicate w/them? Do they speak english? Someone should tell them that they must pick up all their stuff (including human droppings). I carry poop bags for my dogs everywhere i go w/them. We're only seeing the focus on this one spot. I never see latinos on HI, but there is a lot of trash. It's the locals too...and some tourists, I'm sure. "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 24, 2009 4:28 PM:

" dingbatter,

Once again I will repeat myself.

I, and others I know have tried to communicate with them and they pretend they don't understand. I am aware that some if not all of them do not speak English, but if they can pass a N.C. Driving License Test they should be able to understand what I am trying to communicate when I show them by my actions and hold out a bag for them.

If they can't pass the NCDL test, they broke the law getting there. You might want to remember that some of these people are not community leaders.

I agree with you about there being some trash at the H.I. Bridge, but it is a drop in the bucket compared to the other places I have mentioned. BTW, there are people of many colors and creeds there too. It is just like anywhere else. People of all types gather there.

Keep in mind it isn't one or two types of people doing the damage. It is just mostly the same people, over and over again, and they just happen to be Hispanic and Asian. Y'all people keep forgetting that it is the peoples actions that group them together, not their race.

Clammerhead "

dingbatter wrote on Jul 24, 2009 9:50 PM:

" I wonder if the CNT has a linguist that can communicate w/them...

And, I wasn't talking about near the HI bridge...I was speaking about the island as a whole... "

The Lorax wrote on Jul 25, 2009 2:44 AM:

" Whew! When i saw this thread was closed, i got scared for my trees. Naturally this debate will not subside, so i for one am in favor of a paper free sysetm of communication! Sadly, and more to the point, why is this a debate? Why is anyone here arguiing with Clammerhead? Every point he has made is valid, every single one of them! How can any of you feel justified in denying that? Has the anonymity of this gone to your heads? I don't care if someone wants to pick up trash so that space creatures have a nice place to land, THE POINT IS, PICK UP THE TRASH!!! Chide the law enforcement into doing their jobs, sure, but for those of you who live in this community, contribute to your society, without any excuses, and lend a helping hand to those who are at the forefront of these generous yet essential volunteer services. It doesn't always have to be court mandated, ya know.... "

Carl wrote on Jul 25, 2009 5:59 AM:

" dingbatter wrote, in part:

" BFDR - This is what I was trying to point out in the article last week. Has anyone tried to communicate w/them?"

Obviously, "dingbatter" hasn't bothered to read the previous posts on this topic. It apparently does no good, whatsoever, to try to reason with these people who would treat our shorelines so heedlessly. Shame, shame. "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 25, 2009 12:29 PM:

" I went back again this morning and there were 41 people and 13 cars at the North River Bridge. I stayed for 45 mins. and only saw people from one ethnic group. I was the only White person there. There were people changing diapers, and feeding kids in the back of cars. There were children running loose without any adults near them. Some of these children were playing in the bushes, trampling over litter and dead fish. I witnessed one child open a van door, look around and then throw trash on the ground.

I won't approach someone else's child about something like that. I waited for an adult to come to the car where the child was , and after 30 mins. no one did.

I had to go to work so I left. My job for the day was to paint a church, not babysit those children or enforce the law.

While I was there I also noticed several people relieve themselves along the bushes.

I realize I could have taken a video of that, but someone would want to add pervert to my racist label. ( plus I don't want a video of someone doing that anyhow ).

Clammerhead "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 25, 2009 12:52 PM:

" Oops again, I forgot something. Here's a quiz for y'all. Just post the answers if you know them.

This is a new quiz, not the one about the Pirate Invasion, but you can answer those too if you know the answers. I tried to make this one a little easier.

1- What law enforcement agencies did I see there? (count the ones in uniform and the ones undercover )

2- How many tickets did I see them write? ( only count today at this area )

3- How many of the people did I see pick up trash? ( count any trash, not just what they left before )

4 - Which Carteret County Commissioners were there? ( only count the ones there were on site, not the ones that were there in spirit )

5- How many plans to solve this problem did they share with me? ( count any so far, not just today )

6- How many T.V. Stations were there this morning? ( count the ones working in the open and the ones undercover )

7- How many mins of coverage have they given to this issue in this area? ( count the time on T.V., but not the times they told me they were interested and might do a story.)

8- How many of the answers do I expect to change by tomorrow morning? ( when answering this question use the word expect as in " I believe will " not as in " I believe should "

O.K. y'all, who has the answers?

Clammerhead "

Carl wrote on Jul 25, 2009 7:53 PM:

" Seriously, Clammy, don't you think it's about time to stop broadcasting the ethnicity of the ones who are fouling our shores? You've more than made your point, I think. They know who they are...and, thanks to you, so does everyone else. Truly, I appreciate your efforts in trying to clean this area up. Please, keep up the good efforts. We all really do appreciate it. One day soon I hope that I, too, can help in the clean-up effort. "

zz wrote on Jul 25, 2009 8:27 PM:

" clammerhead, make sure that we have plenty of trash bags, cause I belive that there will be a lot of trash to pick up, see you august 1 at the wards creek bridge, any body that would like to help clammerhead and his crew are more than welcomed to join us. zz "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 25, 2009 10:34 PM:

" Carl,

In case you missed it, I did a couple of post ago.

not because I have a problem with saying what ethnic group they come from, but because at this point there is really no reason. If there should be need to use those identifying terms in the future again, I will with no shame.

I will have made my point when the mass polluting and littering has stopped. That is why we need you to come help us clean up. The more people these litters and thieves need to see that we citizens of Carteret County will keep coming back until they stop what they are doing.

zz,

We have bags bro, we do need more help though.

Clammerhead "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 25, 2009 10:44 PM:

" Just thought I should throw this out for y'all to know.

I went back this afternoon, and there was more litter left again. However the most of it was the items I saw being used and in the locations of 3 vehicles in particular.

2 of them were white Toyota minivans, and one was a faded little blue Ford something or another. I am not exactly sure what, but it weren't big or clean. ( inside or near the car )

I was pleased to see that even though there was more trash there than this morning, it was still far less that usual.

Clammerhead "

zz wrote on Jul 25, 2009 11:02 PM:

" clammerhead, just a thought what if you could have someone have signs put up at north river bridge and other places, in spanish and english,do not litter, littering is a violation, if caught there will be a fine or jail time, forgot to put the time to be at wards creek bridge,8:30 AM. zz "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 26, 2009 9:43 AM:

" zz, When they look around before they throw the trash on the ground and in the bushes, they know it is wrong already.

The same goes for them hiding their catch in the bushes. If they didn't know it was wrong they wouldn't be hiding it.

Besides some of them speak better English than I do. I have heard them. They just pretend they don't.

Clammerhead "

dingbatter wrote on Jul 26, 2009 6:01 PM:

" when did they become thieves?

...maybe hungry? "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 26, 2009 9:23 PM:

" Gee dingbatter, I don't know when. That is a question only they can answer.

If you meant why do I say they are thieves, I can answer that.

Some of these people have been seen taking fish out of nets on more than one occasion, by different people.( myself included ) That makes them thieves.

Some of them have taken more than their limit on different types of seafood.

They have taken immature fish and undersized shellfish.

When someone does that they are taking stock that should be left and is still a public resource. Not only are they stealing from the next person that should be getting a chance to catch that seafood, according to the State law, they can be made to replace that resource.

It may be because they are hungry, but most of them drive newer if not brand new vehicles. If they are so hungry they have to break the law to eat, maybe they should scale back a little on the shiny new rims.

Clammerhead "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 26, 2009 11:10 PM:

" My oldest son and I went clamming near North River Bridge this afternoon. When we got there there were some windsurfers there and a few other people catching shrimp.

While we were clamming we saw a Fisheries officer pull in and call some of the shrimpers in and write 6 of them tickets for illegal use of shrimping equipment.

While we were there we also noticed a woman changing the diapers on 2 children. She placed them in a spot that looked as though she was going to leave them. I went back later in the evening and much to my pleasure, they were gone.

I will give her the credit of being a clean person that wanted to handle her trash correctly. I still must consider the fact that she may have carried them away with her because of the increased presence of the Fisheries Officers lately. Either way, the diapers were not left there and that is good.

Clammerhead "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 28, 2009 3:49 PM:

" Come on now, y'all can't have been stumped by those simple questions. They ain't that hard.

Clammerhead "

dingbatter wrote on Jul 29, 2009 10:00 PM:

" well, well...not that the Fisheries have paid attention, then, maybe some of the nonsense will stop... "

dingbatter wrote on Jul 30, 2009 10:12 PM:

" i meant now...not not... "

Clammerhead wrote on Jul 31, 2009 6:02 PM:

" dingbatter, I kinda figured that , but thanks for clearing that up.

True that they have been around a bit more, but obviously not enough. The littering has continued, but not as bad.

Despite promises and emails received that the Sheriff Dept. would be down there also, to this moment I have not seen a Deputy down there since the first clean-up event. I have spent a large amount of time at the North River Bridge, I guess I must have just missed them. I know Sheriff Buck has not been on Headline News telling us about how many litters and seagull eaters they have busted.

Clammerhead "

dingbatter wrote on Aug 1, 2009 10:41 PM:

" That was pretty funny...headline news, indeed. "

frankie wrote on Aug 3, 2009 6:31 AM:

" Clammerheadline News ?

Film at 11:00........ 11:02.......11:05.........11:09.........11:11......11:15...... "

Clammerhead wrote on Aug 4, 2009 8:38 AM:

" 11:19.....11:22......11:28.......11:24.......11:39.......

Clammerhead "

Chum wrote on Aug 5, 2009 4:11 PM:

" How is clean up going? "

Clammerhead wrote on Aug 6, 2009 10:13 AM:

" Chum,

Things are starting to look up. I truly beleiive we have made a lot of progress, but still have a long way to go.

We have a new clean-up scheduled for Saturday August 15 at the North River Bridge.

Come join us if you can. You can bring friends too.

Clammerhead "

Clammerhead wrote on Aug 6, 2009 9:02 PM:

" Depending on which forum page you are reading this post on, it may be a bit off topic, However I don't care. I have copied this post and put it on several different pages, in hope the webmaster will publish it.

It doesn't take a lot to get me to speak out about something. It does take a lot to get me angry.

Yesterday I went clamming in North River. I left my truck parked at the sand ramp near the bridge. When I returned, I had discovered that someone had placed an ice bag full of empty beer bottles in the back of my truck.

I have been through many scenarios in my head about how and why they got there.

I have narrowed it down to two possible reasons. Someone was trying to tell me something or someone was too lazy to put their trash in their vehicle and take it away, just as they had brought it there. Either way, thank you for not throwing them on the ground. If it was someone trying to tell me something, sorry I missed your message. Next time leave a note. If it was someone too lazy to haul off their trash, you should know it is illegal to litter in someones vehicle the same as it is their land. You should also know that if I catch you I will have you charged for it.

This action has given me reason to be upset. but I am not angry about it, but if it happens again, I am sure I will get angry on purpose.

Now, I will tell you what I am angry about.

Some poor excuse for a human being has gone down to the sand area and dropped off at least two cats. One of them was a kitten about 14-16 weeks old. The other was a larger cat, possibly it's mother.

The larger cat was killed by a car last week. I had thought I heard the kitten in the bushes there Monday. I searched it out but could not get it to come to me. I kept an eye out for it all week. Today I saw it again. I called my wife and she came to help me get hold of it.

The little thing was mostly healthy, but it was hungry and dehydrated. We have it at my house tonight and the humane shelter will take it tomorrow. It is a sweet little kitten and has a fat belly now.

I hope whoever dropped it off is proud of them self. I am not proud of you. As a matter of a fact I would not shed a tear if your legs grew together, your wife took pictures of it, and your kids sold them at school for milk money. It is still far better than you deserve.

What is your problem, that you can't drop the cats off at the humane shelter, like I now have to do.

I have already lost several hours of work, with more to be loss. I have burnt gas several times to capture and deliver this kitten, with more to be used. My wife and children had to rearrange their schedule to help with capturing the kitten.

The older cat is dead and the kitten is very unsettled over the last few days of being left alone with no food or water.

I don't know if the heartless idiot reads this forum or not, but I hope that the useless person does. If anyone reading should hear about who did this, please turn them into the Sheriff.

I will end this post here, because the on-line editor won't print the rest of what I have to say to and about you anyhow.

Clammerhead "

Chum wrote on Aug 7, 2009 8:46 PM:

" I completly agree with you clammerhead...it doesnt matter what we talk about because we always go back to the topic.

Clammerhead can you put more Pictures on the pollutedloon.com - I would like to see what is going on like pictures of the cleanup and trash...

Thanks

Chum "

Clammerhead wrote on Aug 7, 2009 11:22 PM:

" Thank you Chum, I appreciate your interest. My wife is working on getting more pictures up this weekend.

Clammerhead "

dingbatter wrote on Aug 8, 2009 2:13 PM:

" Clam,

Did you contact that 60 minutes editor? "

Chum wrote on Aug 8, 2009 10:00 PM:

" "Thank you so much clammerhead... I can't wait to see the pictures"

Chum "

Clammerhead wrote on Aug 9, 2009 7:05 PM:

" I went to North River and Wards Creek today.

North River looks much better at the sand ramp. There was a lot of litter this weekend in the parking area on the North East side of the bridge. These are the same people that spend a lot of time at Wards Creek.

Wards Creek however looks almost as though we were never there.

I even found the carcass of another seagull. What is wrong with these people. They are the same people that I have been complaining about since the beginning.

I called the Sheriff Department. The dispatcher told me that he would report it to the Wildlife office.

Then I called DMF. They referred me to, then gave me the number to the Wildlife office.

Then I called Wildlife and they told me they would fill out a report and someone would get back to me.

I am trying to be patient, but it sure is getting hard to do.

Clammerhead "

Clammerhead wrote on Aug 10, 2009 9:05 AM:

" Chum, We put up a few more pictures.

Clammerhead "

Chum wrote on Aug 12, 2009 2:01 PM:

" thanks for the pics clammerhead "

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