I feel arguing who's right and who's wrong, the law enforcement officers or the storm chasers, is a waste of time. There is probably some of both, so there is no winner. However, with the declining reputation of storm chasing, I can assure you who will win that argument in the public court of opinion, whether rightfully or not.
This is a case of a clash of cultures and territorial rights/protection. A sort of microcosm of many, much greater ills of the world over centuries of time. The officers feel a sense of "ownership" of their territory, and thankfully so should you need their assistance as a victim of crime or accident in their area. At the same time, the chaser feels a sense of "ownership" of his/her right to exist in the area to observe storms, or for any other lawful activity for that matter. Each perhaps exercising their obligations and/or rights a little more than they should, and perhaps even breaking the law in some cases. So "
who dun what the worst" is a waste of energy and time.
Our storm chasing community has a very serious reputation problem, and its only getting worse. What I would give to be that
"fly on the wall" at the local coffee shops in these small towns the morning following a chaser convergence, or especially at one of the numerous statewide law enforcement conventions held annually. I bet it would not sound pretty!
I'm sure this has been proposed before, probably more than once, but its time we form an organization. This organization should focus, number one, on public safety; public to include the chasers, both members and non, and the general public. I suggest we steer away from catchy names with cute acronyms. Instead something simple like the
"International Organization of Storm Observers" or something along those lines. I suggest we leave out the word "
Chaser".
This organization should:
- Contain a well constructed, concise charter and / or mission statement
- Contain a well developed and consensual Code of Conduct
- Keep a role of those willing to sign up and commit to this code
- Develop a self-policing program with a method of enforcement of the above code (suspension or expulsion from organization perhaps)
- Be led by an active and committed spokesperson, willing to interface with the public media in the attempt to promote the image of storm observing and observers. Also to speak (and more importantly, LISTEN) at law enforcement conventions, etc.
- Furnish some form of visible identification to be placed on vehicles. This identification should NOT be large and flashy in an attempt to display importance. Why? Because typically, we are not. Instead, it should create a simple means of identifying your (insert acronym here) number for self-policing purposes, and most importantly, to make a statement that you are committed to upholding the (insert acronym here) Code of Conduct.
Chuck
