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After much thought, this letter and my support for Mark has been pulled due to new information recently received. I just can't sit here and continue to support Mark after he mentioned that he wants few jumpers to attend BD 2015 so his team can "make laps" jumping all day.

Edited to remove my apology to Mark.

Bridge Day 2015 is a disaster which doesn't deserve BASE jumper support.

well, i can only imagine this will get mixed reactions, but i appreciate a positive outlook on moving forward.

maybe it's just because i'm an emotional pussy these days, but your letter and new stance makes me happy. glad it worked out.

best wishes for a safe and enjoyable event. i'm sure it will be great.

unfortunately, i still will not be attending, but mainly because i'm finally moving to the west coast next month. i'm burnt out on this side of the country.

hopefully i can make it there in 2024 for my 20 year anniversary.


~E

 

I'm digging this.

Hope the event is a huge success, especially since we're throttling back TF out of an abundance of caution and an aversion to idiots.

Jason stays on my list though.

Very disappointed to hear this. Just what kind of message is this suppose to send? A single individual decides to undermine the movement for better terms at BD and now we are suppose to all hold hands and sing Kum by yaaa? I just don't understand why that couldn't have been left to happen. It only had to be done 1 time. I hold no ill will towards anyone that is attempting to better the sport. I just don't think this is anywhere near the way to go about it. Jason yer a big boy and can do whatever you feel is right. You've always struck me as kind and generous. Everyone I know loves BD. We are simply fed up with the constant overstepping of the current LE's that are involved. The ONLY way that will change is if the event no longer is supported by those that make it happen.
Quite sure I speak for many when I say I won't be there again till a SERIOUS change is made

 

I never thought I'd be putting in so many hours dealing with Bridge Day stuff after my retirement. I understand and respect your statement. Every jumper can make up their own mind whether or not they want to attend. For me, I just got tired of being angry at Mark. Anger only makes life uncomfortable. Although it's pretty obvious I didn't appreciate how things went down in March, I was friends with Mark long before this issue. He and I do think differently, but we're both jumpers.

Mark has a lot of work ahead, and that includes making sure the State Police make some changes. At a post-BD 2013 meeting, I actually told the entire Bridge Day Commission that the event would be better off if the State Police were not a part of it. It's a problem that needs addressed THIS year, because we are not going to take their crap anymore. I'm in a better position now to make an even bigger issue of any law enforcement issues at the event and I'll make sure any future incidents get maximum visibility.

In my opinion, Mark needs to earn our trust. I think the best way he can do this is to tell everyone how he plans to personally address the issues that still plague the event. The State Police issue is probably a good one to start with. While the formation of a Bridge Day Committee sounds like a start, I'm curious if jumpers will be involved in these talks? In many situations, nothing is ever accomplished beyond the actual formation of a committee.

Personally, I think the State Police should publicly apologize to me and every jumper. That last thing Mark needs this year is another State Police threat to not let jumpers on the bridge on Saturday morning.

I will be coming to Bridgeday for my 4th yr and am just as stoked this yr as in yrs. before!!!
Love the event and will support it as long as I can
(getting old) !!!!

Somebody is just NOT getting the joke here. Perhaps it's me. I have experienced and have seen many times where less is more. And I think this cude have been a great time to do that. Please give ANY example of where dealing with, pleading, begging or any other method of communication with any of those on the otherside of BD has had a positive effect. The only thing I've seen is a consistent deterioration of the event year after year. In spite of all the incredible hard work Jason has thrown at this. All I seem to hear is how "We're gonna miss out" on the event. It's 1 lousy year. Geesh! Why not do as I suggested many years ago and get those that benefit from BD and take this fight on. I fail see how doing the same thing over and over is EVER going to change this.

I was happy with 2-ways all day with Tree if needed. Happy to see the community come back together in part...
C-YA @ Bridge Day!

Not being singled out? Did I miss something? They aren't demanding background checks or asking for fingerprinting from ANY other groups. It's ridiculous and completely ineffective. They wouldn't have to do ANY of that IF the event didn't happen. They can keep their 4 hr trip and bad mood and go shoot some dogs in their own neighborhoods. Take a stand, make a commitment and follow through. It's not that hard. This wishy-washy attitude just demonstrates how uncommitted this so called movement is (or isn't?). Citizens group? What's with that? I dont see how they have a fight here. Has anyone presented a case to the local businesses that benefit from BD and attempted to garner their support? Would seem that would be more effective than these avenues. Just an opinion.

 

RE: Citizens group? What's with that?
I dont see how they have a fight here.

Please note: I am NOT lobbying for or against BD2015,
but I do want to point out that most changes require
a good deal of buy-in or support from the majority.

Examples: tons of whites marched with blacks, smart
men were in favor of women being able to vote, able
bodied people were in favor of the ADA, almost all of
my friends are in favor of gay people being able to
marry and adopt kids, and so on.

We BASE jumpers are the minority, but with the support
of other Libertarians, hopefully meaningful change will
occur to provide us with equal access aka Equal Rights!

  " We have the support of the local businesses and citizens, but they do not have any way to affect the members of the Bridge Day Commission. It is a challenging political situation and we'll just have to work through it. Hopefully it gets resolved in the next year or 2 so everyone feels good about coming back to jump."
My point EXACTLY. So why didn't you simply let the Boycott play out? It would have only taken 1 yr of boycott to find this out. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Jason had it right, the majority of the BASE community had it right and somehow you are going to come along and magically change all that? Jason tried for years and it only got worse. Don't know what yer drinkin or smokin but, put it down. Yer not helping here. Either you have 1 hell of an ego problem or there is some other motivation going on. I'm really trying not to be just slinging mud on a personal level (not sure we have met) but, as far as I have seen, that has never been addressed. Do us and everyone else a favor and give us a real reason you're even getting involved in this.......

 "We have the support of the local businesses and citizens, but they do not have any way to affect the members of the Bridge Day Commission. It is a challenging political situation and we'll just have to work through it. Hopefully it gets resolved in the next year or 2 so everyone feels good about coming back to jump. "

I doubt this. If they knew the hoops the NPS and all the other LE's have been subjecting us to over the years, they would be just as fed up as we are. When nobody showed up and all of a sudden they don't have an event, they might take notice. And if they knew the BS we put up with, I can all but, guarantee they would be down at the NPS HQ with pitchforks and torches. Not to mention threatening the local politicos and their minions rite up to the governor's office. We had a tactical advantage for real change. You decided to eliminate that. I fail to understand why..........

What if, they fingerprint you and, they let you jump the bridge all year long?

Shit, for all that hassel, they should hand out "yearly pass bridge access Id card" or something.

So...

This sure has been, "interesting", quite interesting... reading the varying opinions and observing all the different developments/stages of all related matters/events; both with BD and Other BD.

I have wanted to comment for quite some time, as well as back in late January, I did manage to quickly go through the entirety of the first two threads and noted everything I desired to speak on.

However, still to date... I have simply not had time.

Prior to Tree's revelation of his individually decided upon endeavor, shortly after his "why I support" thread, we did have a brief PM conversation; said not to worry about the future of jumping at the NRGB (specifically regarding his anniversary of concern); as well as I filled him in on the reason(s) "I have simply not had time" to fully join the discussions. I do imagine he would completely agree, that that primary matter (as well as what will be occurring after its completion - though I was very vague on the latter; for Good Cause), is far more important than posting my opinion(s) regarding previous threads.

Like Jason, I do call Tree a friend... he is not remotely as close of a friend as someone who has been on staff for many years, and will be on staff again for 2015; but Tree, is, a friend.

Having not spoken any further since then: I will say though, I have some Very Mixed feelings about what has occurred; and am further vexed by seeing that all of his posts have been deleted.


So, Tree...

In lieu of commenting in full, and since BD 2015 is rapidly approaching... I have some questions:

1) Volunteer - No Contract

An initially raised concern, prior to the second vote and Jason washing his hands of the BDCs bull shit... was that even if "we" were successful in getting them to rescind the fingerprinting/scanning requirement, what would stop them from lying, and thereafter requiring it upon arrival.

My immediate thought was... Do you really think that Jason would not get that in writing?

Well, Tree, you don’t have a contract; or at least nothing in the capacity that Jason did.

So if my father and I decided to register for BD 2015, what would stop the BDC from screwing us over and requiring us to do so upon arrival? "Woops, sorry... the background check was shit, it didn’t cover the Terrorist Watch List, "apparently", so, we are gonna need your finger on the scanner."

2) CSC

Who the Hell... is CSC?

Yes, I can/did read their website... but why is this private corporation involved in any way?

Despite that question... First and Foremost, there is no fucking way I am signing that specific form. Nor will I be providing them with my information, nor permitting them to have any information obtained outside of criminal history; and it is clearly far more than criminal history that is received.

Secondly, if you read that form, they are not even the entity doing the background check. So again, if the other various LEAs will be in full force identical to previous years (vs CSC event control), and they are not the BGC entity... why are they involved at all and/or with registration?

Additionally, I see their form states that it is (and only authorizes) a "Consumer Report". If you review the website of LexisNexis Screening Solutions, I see no language on consumer reports, nor any indication that the "personal" check screens the Terrorist Watch List; but a "government/LES" check most certainly would.

So… back to question #1; "Woops"?

3) Background Check

A) In a previous (deleted) post, if I remember correctly: you stated that registration would be $25, and the background check would be in a similar range, with a total cost of around $50, still lower than the previous cost(s), even with the check; because the BDC was taking over the costs of insurance, permit, and so on. And as still listed on the Official BD website... if a jumper opted for the scan, there is no cost.

So now... registration is $50, the website lists the background check as $10 (quite cheap for a Terrorist Watch List check); however there is a "sponsor" taking care of the check costs, yet registration is $50.

How is that math adding up?

B) One Time or Annual

You have made it very clear that you are done after 2015...

So what have you aided in giving us; in "saving Bridge Day"?

Will this be a one time check like myself, my father and everyone else was required of, with Jason. Or is this bull shit (or finger scanning) going to be required every year?

C) Even so... why does any jumper who has previously had an FBI background check (Jason) and attended previously, need to submit to yet another background check, even if only one time?

I can truly only speak for myself... but I highly doubt my father, nor any of my multiple personalities have gone Derka Derka Sherpa Sherpa and want to take out the bridge; especially after attending Bridge Day for eight of the last eleven events.

Furthermore, in regard to us individually... having National Registry Paramedic certification, which you cannot maintain if you have a felony or are on the Terrorist Watch List; how about we send the BDC a copy of our cards and call it a day. Or at the very least, I’ll contact LexisNexis myself and forward the BDC my (necessary aspects of the) report. Because otherwise, this is some Bull Shit.

Pass or Fail... is all they need to know.

4) On a lighter note; the Antenna.

Will there be room up there to easily maneuver in a wingsuit?
.
.

Forgot about this; which is absurd...

Much respect to you Jason, before you stepped up a lot of crap went down in regards to this event and in particular when Andy C. sold everybody out (and we've been dealing with the repercussions of that ever since ). I feel once again that the BASE jumping community has been taken advantage of this year by individuals with their own agendas, but to each their own.
Truly, I kind of hope that the Weather Gods intervene and make the whole thing a non issue.
Regards, B.

Couple things here:
Marks credibility to handle this is questionable at best. Since he has such a stellar track record to begin with, he has sure dug a big hole he needs to climb out of. Don't hold your breath.
And Jason, why give the State Police the ABILITY to stop jumpers on BD 2015? If nobody showed, that threat is removed.
It was a simple matter of looking at this situation, realizing what action needed to be done and then have Everyone follow thru. Instead, once again, we have "Hope". Last time I checked that's the first thing in Hopeless......

The original plan was to boycott the event and wait for the BD Commission to come crawling back to us. It was working perfectly, with many important local businessman calling me and begging us to come back. Then, Mark (and I assume Marcus Ellison) worked their deal behind all our backs.

After several months of being mad at what transpired, I decided to support Mark because it appeared the event was going to happen regardless. This change of heart is what started this thread. However, since then I have seen the BD Commission lie to the media about me. Mark is absent and he simply wants to get through this year with his head intact. I'm hearing that the organizers are excited for no one to attend so they can jump all day with no line. This is NO WAY to run the event. I'm now regretting my decision to play nice. I will not be at the event as it'll be nothing but a true circus.

Gee, this was hard to see coming
Marks credibilty to pull this off was questionable when he 1st decided to "rescue" BD. Now its clear he has bitten off more than he could possibly chew. Removing all his posts, allowing mistruths to happen and generally Fucking up what could have been a cohesive movement for some real change. Nice job. Hopefully this cements in everyones mind how bad of an idea it was for him to get involved. At all. Perhaps there might be a positive to come out of this. Leave it to the Pros. Jason had a handle on this. My position has never changed. If everyone makes a decision to simply not show up, the message will (finally) be made clear.
No Jumpers
No Bridge day
Then and only then, can a REAL change happen

I agree with everything you said.

Could you direct us to a link or provide an example of these lies? I'm trying to put together a list of events that have taken place since BD14 ended on a sour note. This will probably, and more than likely be the last BD in WV because of all of the lies and disrespect on everyone's behalf and I am putting together a time line of why. Many of us, including myself thought the BDC would come crawling back to is begging for us to return if the boycott went through, however, this was, is not the case. Everyone knows that the State Police doesn't enjoy coming to BD, I've heard them say that personally, everyone knows that if BASE jumping isn't a part of BD, public attendance will drop and in a year or two BD will not be financially possible or worth it. So in the end, goodbye to BD. The State wins and we as jumpers lose. We lose a great object that is legal, even if it is for one day out of the year. The community in Fayetteville does need the extra income to last the winter months and with the rafting industry keeping everything in house, ie. food, lodging, and entertainment, the businesses will continue to lose out.

Jason, you expressed great concern about future jumping at BD when I discussed my plan for legal jumping that coincided with the boycott, so I know you still want BASE jumping to be a part of BD.

Since this community has been so divided we have accomplished nothing but make enemies amongst ourselves.

I'll admit that when you announced the decision for the finger printing last year, I took it as we would all be finger printed and the Park Service would be privy to these prints. Did I want that? Hell no! Now that I understand what is really going on, I don't mind a finger scan or another back ground check, hell, I had two back ground checks and was actually finger printed last year prior to BD. I undergo this every year and have never been arrested, not once, ever. I feel that a bit of paranoia was set in our minds and being ignorant to the facts made it worse.

You said you have retired from BD, so why do you continue to be involved if you are over it and want nothing more to do with it?

Thanks

Commission chair Sharon Cruikshank said 168 BASE jumpers have signed up, and while that number is half of what is typical, she expects registration will continue up until the day of the festival...

its probably more like 160 skydivers and 8 base jumpers have signed up

I heard you're now involved with Tree and Marcus at Bridge Day 2015? I guessing this may explain your odd question below. I still love Bridge Day......and while I'm no longer the organizer, I'll continue to comment on it as long as I feel it's needed.

Some call it a boycott, but I prefer to look at it as a bad business plan for me to get involved in BD2015 when polls show 95% won't attend. 168 jumpers signed up so far at $50 each is laughable knowing the expenses I had. We also had around 450 jumpers at this time of year.

In February 2015, plenty of local businesses were calling me and asking how they can help our fight. We had momentum. And then came Tree and Marcus, who sold us out. Money talks, and anyone with a brain could see that time would've allowed us to gain so much more. 13 years of working with the Bridge Day Commission allows me to say that I know best, and you know very little about the inner workings of the event. Sounds like you've gone to the dark side as well.

If you'd like to keep this up, I've got a great PDF/letter in my back pocket that'll shake things up.

Oh, please.....weren't you the guy who was quick to organize an event at the Perrine in protest to BD fingerprinting? You even bought hundreds of "The Other Bridge Day" T-shirts. And now you're "OK" with fingerprinting. Yeah, right.

The BASE community is only divided between the 95% who wouldn't get fingerprinted and the few who sold us out. You're on the losing team this year.

I'd like to see it. I'd also like to see these lies that the BDC and the media are spreading about you. If this is the case then you have a lawsuit that could gain sympathy for BASE jumping at BD, then we could jump on our terms. What I don't understand is why isn't this information being made public and brought to the surface?

 

I started the event because I was against FINGER PRINTING.

Then you came out and openly showed support for BD. Along with input from local(ID) jumpers, I decided to postpone it. Now you are against it, I want to know what is really going on to keep you so pissed off that you can't remain in 'retirement' and you have to keep letters in your back pocket. So, if you have a letter in your back pocket, I'd like to see it. Openly here where everybody can see it.

The way I understood it at BD14 was that it was going to be fingerprinting, something to be held onto, and yes, I was against fingerPRINTING.

Keep what up? I'm not starting anything, this has already been started Jason. It's obviously not over. I just want to know what the hell is really going on. There is way too much information being kept in the dark.

Sounds like you just can't move on. I have. Now you want to put together a list of events that have taken place since BD14 ended on a sour note? Why?

Mark Kissner (aka Tree) threatened to sue me a few months ago over some truths that I posted on www.bridgeday.info. He hired a lawyer and sent a lovely letter to me. At first, I planned on posting it here on the forums so everyone could see what a class act he was, suing another BASE jumper. Even though I was 100% right, I decided to take the high road and make peace because I felt things had gotten out of hand. That lasted only a few months until the BDC kept feeding lies to the media and Mark tells me he wants no jumpers to attend BD so he can "make laps" all day. That's just plain selfish. I regret ever supporting Mark and his team.

Not sure what your agenda is Alan. I assume Tree/Marcus have been in your ear lately. Notice that I've not really posted anything lately until you brought this up AGAIN.

Seeing how you all slimed your way into some worthless "BASE Advisor" slot this year, I'm confident that the event's best days are in the past.

This back and forth bickering is turning into image smearing pretty quickly. Please keep in mind the rules about personal attacks.

I fail to see any bickering and nothing that constitutes image smearing, especially if it is true. As far as personal attacks, I didn't see anything near what would be considered a personal attack. Is this actually Huma Abedin moonlighting as a BJ.com moderator?

I actually think this is a pretty relevant and informative discussion for most jumpers. There are certainly a lot of important facts being presented. I noted it because I think it would be unfortunate if it devolved into name calling.

Let's face a few facts here: Tree and whoever decided to get involved in this, made a HUGE mistake. There is clearly no defending that. It's time to recognize this and move on. Why Tree, Gauleyguide and anyone else would want to continue in this obviously wrong direction is pretty amazing. Wake the Fuck up! It's not working, won't work now or ever. Trying to "salvage" BD is a mistake. To the supposedly 168 registered jumpers, I can only suggest don't go. Ask for a refund (yeah, don't hold yer breath) and as for anyone defending or attempting to salvage this mistake, Just what are you attempting to achieve?

I think everyone on here is mature enough to not resort to name calling.

Jason,

I appreciate the work you put into this over the years. I don't think many people truly understand the complexity and logistical coordination Bridge Day requires.

I was torn on the issue of Bridge Day this year, mostly because I wanted to support a friend who would be there and needed my help. However, I will not be attending.

Your latest post regarding threats of litigation fit well with the version of Tree that I know. This is the guy that called me personally, five minutes after receiving news of Mario's death, gloating and excited that he was dead. Conveniently, the new jumpers at Bridge Day this year will be trained by Abby, who also publicly mocked not only Mario's death, but also his mourning widow. The entire thing was the single most disgusting thing I have seen since I started jumping.

I also know for a fact that Tree had a vendetta against Jason that stemmed back at least three years. Tree did not get Bridge Day waivers for at least one tandem student and exposed Jason to massive liability.

There are few ways to speak about someone like Tree without resorting to name calling. I have no desire to support or work with someone who has effectively sold out the BASE community and who willingly makes fun of a dead legend because he was a business competitor. Some bridges can't be rebuilt and I will never support Tree at any level.

Good luck in getting this sorted one day, Jason. If you take the reigns again, I will be back. Otherwise, I will happily spend my money somewhere other than West Virginia.

Not just publicly. He was sending gloating FB messages to Steph within hours of Mario's death. Harassing her in his sick celebration of Mario's death and her pain. What kind of a person does that?

Mario's crime? Asking Tree if he was interested in expanding TandemBASE and offering Moab jumps. What was Trees response? He immediately threatened to sue.

Karma has a way of dealing with people like Mark and Abby.

Not replying to you...

Next time I'm frustrated because Lauterbrunnen is turning into a circus and freak show, I will read this thread about bridge day and I will feel better right away…
Thanks guys for that!

I understand how you can see this for what it is, a Farce!

Instead of banding together when the opportunity presented itself for the BASE community in the USA to show solidarity and make some progress in dealing with repressive authorities, this opportunity was undermined by an individual whose only motivation is completely self serving.

As for his sidekick (A ) there are no words to describe just how disgusting, cruel, and vindictive his behaviour was in the wake of a tragic BASE fatality two years ago.

Mikki, I realize that Europe is not exempt from people of such low moral character as these individuals, but hopefully you don't have to share an exit point with them, just as any self respecting BASE jumper in the USA has the choice not to.

Regards, B.

+1000. I'm glad this is coming out now. To all people going to BD this year- just realize this is who you are supporting.

I think a new post on dropzone.com is warranted. I'm betting that most of the registered jumpers are skydivers who are largely in the dark on this.

We should educate them about the greater BASE community's stance on this event. I recognize that none of us speaks for everyone, but the registration figure alone demonstrates that the broader community isn't planning to attend this year.

Post it up!
With what Matt, Brendan and Chris said about his treatment regarding Mario's passing..... Hopefully the sky jumpers would realized the individuals their dealing with and cancel. I'd even pay for one of their cancelation fee's for the jump ticket only.

Rather than a 3rd party, I think it's more impactful for someone directly associated with the event to outline the argument which has been set out here.

I will happily second the motion that skydivers reconsider their participation.

fuck BD!
time to move on and appreciate a beautiful piece of history.

if we get 1000 jumpers to pitch in approximately 2000 dollars each, well have our own base mecca to build anything we want. slacklining, base jumping, paragliding, rock climbing, mx tracks, etc........

it will be even less if we get 2000 jumpers onboard.

http://www.ksl.com/...=moab+&ad_cid=12

I highly suspected this was the case.There is ALWAYS a reason for erratic actions such as this. The Russians have a great saying, "Everybody is trying to pull the blanket over to their side of the bed." IF the actions of Tree are true ( I cannot confirm nor deny. Though having more than 1 person confirm it, it appears to be true) it certainly brings into question what the real motivation was here. It appears to be clear now. These guys think they have this big business with the Tandem base. What a joke! This isn't even a hobby. How many do they do at BD? 10? How dispicable! I'd say these guys should be ashamed but, that clearly won't happen.
I have a saying
Skydiving/Base won't build your character but, it sure reveals it.
These Bozos have proven just how low the bar can be set by a group of self-serving wannabes losers.

Jason, I've respected you and really, really enjoyed my nine BD's. I'm sorry if I seemed pissed. Well, actually I am pissed. When you came out and said that you were showing your support for BD, I thought great, we can all go back, and then you changed your mind AFTER the TF thing was cancelled, that's what pissed me off. I try to take the high road and just lost my head, it's been boiling up in me for a while now and I guess I just let it all out. And for the record, I'm not on any kind of advisory board.

I tried to put a smile on my face and share 13 years of BD experience with Tree, but he's in it for the wrong reasons. Your TF event was all your own and if you believed in it, my thoughts/actions shouldn't have influenced it. The only person you should be mad at is yourself.

I heard you're on BD staff this year. Good luck with that.

Pissed? About what? Did you think what Tree did was ever a good idea? Geesh, no wonder this movement has had so many problems. Jason makes a stand, a few decide to go behind everyone's back and sabotage it. You support that. And then have the Fuckin gall (Gaul?) to even say this? Get a clue Fool. The enemy is not internal here (unless it's the few that are causing these problems) But, on the other side of this table. NONE of this would be an issue if you and Tree had simply done NOTHING. Enough already. It's time to realize it was just a mistake to get involved. Blaming anyone and everyone is simply childish and not helping. Be pissed, be whatever but just stop whatever you mite be thinking of doing. Let this play out like it should have from the beginning and let's make a real change.

Is this drama still continuing? Honestly it looks bad on everyone involved.

I suspect ten years from now the next generation of base jumpers trying to learn will probably come to the conclusion all sides of this squabble were dicks for not putting their individual egos above safe, legal access to an object with a very useful profile.

No one will care 10 years from now. BASE jumpers are lawbreakers by nature, so what do you expect. If you don't like the drama, don't read the forums. To some of us, this is an important topic that hasn't played out yet.

I disagree. Burning objects is immoral. Most would agree. And I think that is how all this drama around bd will be viewed once all the personal bs between everyone blows over and becomes forgotten history.

And conversely legalization is a pretty big deal.


This is in no way am attack on you btw. Merely a plea for calm and sanity and vision and some degree of strategic forward thinking.

It seem to me that sanity and strategic forward thinking is what Jason and boycotters try to do and then Tree and his buddies screw it up because they could not be calm.

C

Personally I find their actions played into all the ulterior agendas.

Cops want nothing more than for base jumpers to stop coming to bd. One less headache for them. And if we do it voluntarily as the result of internal drama, even easier.

They just had to pitch a meatball and watch us destroy ourselves.

None of this will be FORGOTTEN history.
Not by a long shot!

Keep in mind that any bickering between jumpers only began when Tree went behind everyone's back.

My fight began with the BD Commission and their fingerprinting plan. They eventually caved to some demands and the event continues. As mentioned before, I know BD better than any of you. There is too much money at stake for the BD Commission to remove the jumping portion of the event and evidence supports this. We could have gained so much more, but our attempt to stand together was only wishful thinking.

I know everyone is pissed because what Tree did really fucked up the boycott. However everyone arguing about who fucked up what won't solve any problems. What's done is done just like Jason said the only thing we can do now is try to inform as many skyjumpers, locals, and anyone who gives a shit about why they shouldn't go to bridge day to continue the boycott as best we can. I mean if everyone just posted to as many Facebook groups as they can I'm sure the message will get out even to those not on basejumper or Dropzone.

Seems like there's quite a bit of backlash in the skydiving community already. Nobody seems to trust, or want, Tree's posts on Dropzone.com . This post from dropzone brings up another interesting view on all this... From dropzone.com:

"Sleep in the bed you've made.
The responses here clearly state how the BaseJumpers feel about your endeavor.

and get a life, 50 fucking skydives.......
what the fuck is wrong with you?
grasping at straws are we? Laugh

do the manufacturers know you will be going against their requirements for beginners jump numbers? you do realize they require 200 to use their equipment right?

its apparent you don't care about the base community, manufacturers, or participants.
by supporting the idea of a 50 jump wonder jumping at this event.

please stop trolling the skyjumping forums for people to put in danger.

btw what rigs are you planning on loaning out to the 50jump wonders?

ill be sure to let the manufacturers know that you disregard their safety requirements and have no problem putting them at risk."

I personally think bd will be a big bust this year... just hope for no fatalities... Thanks again Jason for your work for so long with this event.

Here's a link to that thread:

http://www.dropzone.com/..._reply;so=ASC;mh=25;

Apparently skydivers don't like his sh*t either.

A toast to BD2105 - may it fail miserably!

The first link on the official BD website is for tandem BASE. $1000 dollars a jump at bridge day. Hmmm, wonder what the motivation for selling out the BASE community was? $$$$tree$$$$ moneyTREE.

It should be noted that Squirrel Containers and Canopies are not on the bridge day approved list of " jumpable " gear.

But you can jump your Triathalon in a Dolphin Container.

Has a dolphin ever exploded during deployment?

What we have here is an excellent example of a low information individual. Disagree all you want but, at least get a few facts straight. I have not seen any "personal BS" on these forums. Perhaps I missed it. This is, has always been and will always be about Improving the BASE jumping at BD. Apparently you missed the last 10 yrs of Jason's attempt to improve that situation. Let me attempt to clarify for you. Jason and the Base community decided to boycott BD15 and Tree and his merry troup decided to take advantage of that for what appear to be personal gain reasons. The actions were wrong and they are being called out. Nothing personal just business. To fix the problem you need to 1st recognize it. The original plan would have and may still work (if allowed) to play out. If you're in favor of that, support it. If not, by all means attend BD15.

"Each Tandem Base Pass will sell for $1,000.00 USD."

Holy shit. Didn't believe it, but it's true!

Hope you get a reach around at least

Hot "Super Star" escorts cost between $500-$1000 an hour. I would rather go that route than have Tree or one of his disciples strapped to my back for 30 seconds...even with a reach around.

Totes. For $1k I'll give you way more than a reacharound. You won't get any parachuting done, but you'll get way more than a reacharound.

it's not too late for a boycott

 The people of WV were proud of Bridge Day and wont be happy if it flops. Unfortunately the word hasn't got out enough.

I argued with the WV (L) party to not attend with no luck. I find it sad that they have put party over principle as they know what the deal is.

Well shit!?! I have been married for 15 years. The wife costs me far more than that a week and I haven't personally enjoyed a reach around in quite some time. You have me reevaluating my options now.

Is there still going to be a 23 foot Antenna ??

$1000 isn't that much for a Tandem Base Jump. Think about the cost to get that operation from TF to NRG. 2 days each way, plus fuel, Plus lodging, Plus food, Plus the BD Commissions Cut, Plus Gear. It really doesn't seem worth it financial wise based on tandem Revenue alone.

Some just don't get it. The "Fear" of the loss of a "legal" object is so great that they are willing to give up their freedoms and constitutional rights to attempt to "save" it. How truly pathetic. As my Mom once said. "You're free, white and 21." Make your own choice. If you are satisfied with a repressive, over-bearing group infringing on your rights so you can have the "privilege" of jumping on BD, so be it. Plenty of Sheeple out there and 1 more going to slaughter simply makes the whole thing work. For the rest of us who are capable of independent, critical thought, we choose to make a stand for change and follow thru. Please remember to wipe yer dribble off the seat when you squat to piss....

Please explain to me exactly what rights are being infringed upon?

I'm very capable independent thought, that's why I don't give a fuck what you say. I also don't care what your mommy said to you, my father said to me " You're a grown man, fuck what everybody else says!"

That's because your father's penis size is a half inch below the national average.

I see. It's OK. Clearly stating what is obvious to most has hit a sensitive chord here. Try to untwist yer panties and realize that for those capable of critical independent thought simply don't need it explained. This is not a dig at you personally but it is at what you are attempting to convey. The majority of the BASE community has decided to take a stand against supporting an ever increasing police state where you are guilty of something before you even show up. I find that offense and refuse to support it. If yer good with that, have at it. Yer Dad sounds like a sharp guy. Seems if you took his advice, you mite be telling those that are affecting BD in a negative way to Fuck off instead of directing it towards an individual attempting positive change for the better.

Not necessarily a response to you individually, but this [partial] statement of yours struck a chord with me...

However you stand for or against what's going on in WV and who is behind it for whatever reasons, a small contingent of us will be visiting Twin Falls, jumping, having fun, and laughing at Tom Aiello, the most hypocritical asshole "BASE jumper" out there.

We'll do this as good citizens and representatives in a community that's taken care of and welcomed us for a couple decades now. Because however misaligned and misrepresented you feel with what's going on in WV, worse has happened in Twin at the hands of this little site's fearless leader.

But in the meantime, keep bitching and attacking Tree or whoever else on this site. They're all "conspiring against Tom", so you're cleared hot to say whatever you wish without consequence.

how this feels rite now....

Boobies

Glad you refuse to support it!

What your selfishness refuses to comprehend (must be all that critical independent thought) is that Bridge Day is, nor never was about you or BASE....although we tend to think it is. It is about the people of WV coming together to support a huge accomplishment in American infrastructure history in tandem with their heritage and commerce. BASE just so happened to have piggybacked off it as a spectacle for those people to enjoy for decades.

I would argue that "THOSE AFFECTING BD IN A NEGATIVE WAY" are increasing it's positivity and security for the people whom Bridge Day is actually for. You are your own person, if you don't like the rules...so be it. Don't come. It's not always about you. The world is bigger than you, so if you think your anti-police state paranoia is more important than the people of WV enjoying your sport, than go ahead and starve them of the thing they enjoy watching. You win.

Signed,

https://youtu.be/TIMrFpnfvyI

Wow! The whole purpose of this boycott is becoming lost on everyone here.
This is all about taking a stand against the repression by authourities, historically, against BASEjumping in the USA.
This situation has presented the BASEjumping community with it's most powerful opportunity to stand up and make a statement in the national media on it's fundamental rights to the freedom to pursue this sport without harassment and persecution in the USA.
My God! Bridge day jumping was around before the NPS took over jurisdiction of the bridge. Doesn't anybody remember that the state of West Virginia told the NPS to stick it up their ass when they tried to shut down jumping at Bridge day after the NPS took control of the bridge?
BASEjumpers beat the NPS at their own game on this front, but have been losing ground ever since especially when Andy Callistrat gave in to them and provided jumper's personal info.
To every BASEjumper that has ever hoped to get access to jumping in the National Parks in the USA,..
You should know that the opportunity to make a huge public media statement has been sacrificed by the selfishness of the individuals who are willing to contribute to BASEjumping at this year's Bridge day.
Shame on them! They have done BASE jumping in the USA a huge disservice.

PS. Since we are lucky enough to have this years release of " Sunshine Superman " to show a little of the history of BASE...ask yourself? What would Carl do? Garaunteed, he would have boycotted.......

LMFTFY:


1) Fingerprinting/scanning... which is NOT gone, it's simply on the back burner; "optional", until it's not optional.

Additionally, a few hours ago, a friend (referenced in my questions above) said he contacted CSC and was told he passed the BGC. He however did not ask about the Terrorist Watch List in doing so, which from my research, I do not believe is being checked with the "consumer report" that is being done; only a standard National Criminal, that anyone can get online and hand to the BDC without sacrificing all their personal information.

So there is still the possibility of forced scanning; per my question above.

However, Tree WILL be doing the scanning, voluntarily, because he previously stated, "it looks fun."

He has also refused to read my questions... regardless of sending them to him directly.

2)


And... catwalk jumps during the rest of the weekend.


He absolutely would have boycotted; but, as we hear him say in the movie...

"Everything happens for a reason"
.
.
.

Dude.... your High. So Fuck'n High!!

Ironic how you use "tandem" in a sentence

Just a great example of another low information individual. Incapable of having a debate about a single subject, it has to be directed as a personal attack that I (we?) are denying the citizens of WV 1 of the biggest events they have each year. Just pathetic. I enjoy good banter but, this continuous reaffirmation of WHY I support the boycott is getting old. It's to get MORE BASE jumping. Not less. Better access to sites (like NRGB) and the parks. The authorities shut down the event in 2011. Remember? Did you accuse them of denying the kind folks of WV? If you feel this is wrong and you wish to attend, go ahead. I don't agree but, I'd be the 1st one to defend your right to do so. If they want me (or a LOT of folks) to attend, glad to do so. No personal info requirements, no cost and make it the whole weekend. Pretty sure they could double the revenue in that area. No doubt we need that support. I've been looking for it since '07. I haven't seen it yet. Perhaps the fear of loss of the event may change that. Clearly continuing to attend and tolerating more and more repressive rules doesn't seem to be. Attend because you want to but don't take the "I'm doing this for the People stand!"
Makes you appear as another fake poser.....

Security theater, you mean. They are not actually doing anything to increase security - not a damn thing.

~ Chris

All,

I recently received an anonymous email from geah76@yahoo.com that read:

You have taken a mundane request from a local government and made a big deal out of nothing. You will end and destroy this nice event for many people because why, you are paranoid? The government has information on all of us, screw them let them have it. Can't take being told what to do? Shoot yourself, leave the rest out of it..

The full headers of the email are attached, for those who are interested. My research tracks it to the Maryland area. I didn't spend much time with it because it came from someone so unimportant that they didn't even sign their name.

I decided to share this email with everyone because some of you just don't get it. I AM the most knowledgeable person about Bridge Day BASE jumping. I had a plan. The event was never in any danger of going away due to the money involved. Jumpers had the opportunity to address and obtain so much more (state police bullying, no rain date, fingerprinting, a complete lack of respect for jumpers, catwalk jumps beyond BD, excessive fees, etc.) if weren't for the new BASE advisors who "felt bad for Fayetteville". We owe nothing to Fayetteville. They need us.

Yes, the Government does have plenty of information on all of us. They already have my fingerprints from a security clearance and concealed weapon permit. The BD Commission already has my SSN and birthdate. At some point, you have to take a stand and say enough is enough. We're not going to jump through all these hoops and be subjected to state police fingerprinting just to make a BASE jump. There is strength in numbers and our unity was strong, until some of you gave in.

My family and I will be hiking Old Rag Mountain in Virginia next Saturday, instead of going to Bridge Day. If you're in the area, "shoot me" an email. Jennifer and I also plan to attend the Vegas gathering next year.

Disco.

May the BASE gods drop great rains and furious winds upon BD 2015 so not a single jump is made. That is, until after your 6 hour window closes. Then I hope the sun shines beautifully.

Jason,

I ran the IP addresses in the email headers you attached through reverse lookups and geo-locating services and came up with the following:

IP Address: 98.139.213.138
Hostname: nm18-vm0.bullet.mail.bf1.yahoo.com
City: Sunnyvale, CA; Lockport, NY

IP Address: 98.139.212.241
Hostname: omp1050.mail.bf1.yahoo.com
City: Sunnyvale, CA; Lockport, NY

IP Address: 98.139.170.182
Hostname: tm25.bullet.mail.bf1.yahoo.com
City: Sunnyvale, CA; Lockport, NY

IP Address: 76.162.254.110
Hostname: ironport-2.opentransfer.com
City: Columbus, OH; Durate, CA

What makes you think the email came from Maryland? Please explain your research.

Username "geah76" posted a review regarding a Hagerstown, MD business. Link:

http://www.theyellowpages.com/...&qk=10&qs=MD

Well, for the record, I like you as a person, I don't write anonymous emails, I've never used rotorooter, and I don't think you should shoot yourself ;-)

Hard to believe any of this can be real people doing this. I'm not doubting you at all Jason. Just difficult for me to believe anyone can be this stupid. More Kool-Aid!

Glad to see ya vent. Not sure how this relates to the subject in this discussion.
Love Twin Don't Die!

That's weird. I'm from Hagerstown. There aren't many Hagerstown jumpers that I know of.

I've removed the posts listing people's home addresses. Feel free to do all the research you want, but providing people's personally identifiable information on the internet without their consent isn't cool.

I hope he don't take the money and bail like 2013 BD video

It's public data you should take your gripe to those asshole tax authorities and their public access database!

I agree that they shouldn't be hosting that information on a public database, but I can't control that. Listing an individual's address is unethical and an invasion of privacy. Further, think about if someone just Googled their name "for fun" and found a bunch of BASE jumpers wanting to tar and feather them. I doubt that would end well for anyone.

Is it the tax authorities fault for publishing the records or is it the owners responsibility to protect what they don't want in the public? Kinda like giving our fingerprints away. There has to be some way for the public to trace the title of a property, otherwise you get properties being sold multiple times to multiple parties along with other shenanigans. A public database is needed but we as private citizens can protect our personal privacy by taking proper steps to protect it. Don't leave a fingerprint like your name on the title. A property can be purchased in a trust or other entity and therefore protect an owners identity.

I'm just thinking of how many youtube hits would come from a good tar-n-feathers video.... I bet it would end well for someone! I heard there's good money in youtubing.

To be fair, I did dump a full dox for the "mystery man".... and his entire extended family along side mention of pizza delivery and tranny hookers from backpage.com, and methods used fall into a grey area. I'm surprised it took as long as it did for the info to be taken off the board to be honest, and I don't blame them in the least for taking the posts down.

"The government has information on all of us, screw them let them have it." ~ "Mystery Man"

Yes, they do have your info "Mystery man", along with the info of your entire family and known associates, and far more personal personal info that wasn't posted because I'm not a complete douch. Since this guy is so eager to have us give up our rites to privacy, I have no respect for his. Most importantly, the lesson learned, if you don't know how to use a VPN that bounces threw non friendly countries, don't say anything you wont put your name on.

Is the Mystery man gonna be serving tacos?? Cause i want your Moms sweet ass instead...

she's recently single, come up to MI, she's all yours man, she could use it. no backing out once you meet her though, and take it easy, she's had a couple hip replacements.

Hey guys, please don't post on the bridge day Facebook page stating that BASE jumping has been canceled this year. It upsets people.

I wasn't aware I had a desire to find the fb page we aren't supposed to post on until now, can you please link the page we shouldn't post on so I know where not to post?

https://www.facebook.com/bridgedaywv?fref=photo

Last week, someone sent me a list of all Bridge Day 2015 jumper email addresses. Since I'm not attending nor involved this year, why was it so easy for me to obtain this information? I guess Mark failed to Bcc everyone, which is a bad business practice for any event, let alone one that's had so many privacy issues to begin with (fingerprinting). If you aren't worried about your privacy or safety, you picked a great year to attend.

About 148 jumpers per my quick count, much less than broadcast.

hmm I wonder just how much personal info can be drummed up from an anonymous email address ;)

If I do a tandem will I be fingerprinted?

finger somethin.....

That depend on how much time and expertness the drummer have.

C

Hahah, it is all silly. After calling Tree out, he informed me that karma was waiting for me behind a boulder on a rad proxy line. Fortunately, I don't believe in voodoo or malevolent unseen forces but it did reconfirm that avoiding Bridge Day was a good call. While a verbal response felt unnecessary, I did feel that this photo was an appropriate response.

Karma is waiting for treehumps in the form of a lawsuit when a passenger breaks an ankle or something, but as i wont lower myself to said douches level, I hope everyone stays safe.

What's gone on? Did anyone die jumping skydiving gear? Was there less spectator attendance?

I can't find any press about it, which seems unusual.

There's a snapchat story for BD '15... looks like about the same from the tourist perspective, except there's decent weather for once and fewer people.

+1

Mario was a hero

Tree is a profiteer

Will not participate until he is gone

Why call him Tree?
His name is Mark Kissner. Douche extraordinaire

Im so impressed by all of this shit that have floated around in all this treads, and now with an lawsuit against an blogger. Land of the free, yeah right.

So you have to pay property taxes on your home, to pay those you have to get a job that you also have to pay taxes on. The government borrows money and relies on its tax payers to cover the debt. I think the whole land of the free is not taken that serious. But we do get a lot of choices. Could be worse I guess. Its too far along now that I cant do anything. I played their game, when you do you can do pretty much anything, I chose BASE. Taking the whole world into account, nothing to complain about, except treejumps, which isnt even that big of a deal because nobody has stopped me from jumping what I want to yet.

Edited: Question Answered.

I think this has devolved into the same back and forth, basically beating the same horse to death over and over.

Assuming that Tree isn't interested in running Bridge Day again, this is now history and probably not worth re-hashing over and over.

If you want to discuss Tandem BASE politics, or next year's Bridge Day organizer, please start a new thread.

Let's move on.