[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index][Subject Index][Author Index]
Re: BOZEMAN'S SVP
On Fri, 14 Sep 2001 19:26:08
Tetanurae wrote:
>Oliver brings up a good point. Although SVP's website has no indication of
>any changes to the meeting in a few weeks, it's good to keep in mind that
>things can change.
>
>SVP's website is:
>
>http://www.vertpaleo.org
>
>A good website to check to see if your (major) US airport is operating is:
>
>http://www.fly.faa.gov
>
>Bozeman's Gallatin Field is not among the listed airports unfortunately (ie,
>it's too small), so please keep the following telephone numbers available:
>
>Gallatin Field (Bozeman's Airport):....406-388-8231
>Delta Airlines:.................................800-325-1999
>Alaska/Horizon Airlines:...................800-654-5669
>Northwest Airlines:...........................800-441-1881
>United Airlines:................................800-932-8555
By all means, yes, make sure you continue to check with the airports and
airlines, especially if you plan to fly from out of the country. Although I
have no idea about what the situation will be in a few days, or in the case of
SVP, a month, but flights will likely be cancelled regularly and security will
be tight. Here in Chicago Midway Airport was closed today after a suspected
terrorist was found inside. JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark were closed yesterday.
I have no idea how long this may continue, but likely for some time.
I also believe that both Germany and France have grounded all flights to the
United States. Whether that ban has been lifted I don't know. However, anyone
coming from Europe or Asia (especially the Middle East...) should be very
cautious. I hate to say it, but it probably will be very, very difficult for
international paleontologists to make it to the meeting...
>
>The possibility does exist, however repugnant, that the domestic situation
>could deteriorate to the point that the meeting would have to be cancelled.
>There have already been numerous attacks on Arab and Muslim Americans
>throughout the USA, and even what have been described as race riots in
>Chicago, as well as countless other threats and acts of vandalism and
>violence perpetrated against Arab and Muslim Americans. Although Bozeman,
>and all of Western Montana is a pretty progressive and laid-back part of the
>country, we haven't been immune to this. Hopefully this will stop rather
>than get worse.
I don't know if the meeting will be cancelled (hopefully not), but Pete brings
up a very good point. I don't want to discuss this situation too much because
of Mary's previous message, but I feel as if I must set the record straight a
bit. I know of no race riots in Chicago per se. I have heard of one instance
where a so-described "gang" of youths (of Middle Eastern descent) were seen
praising the attacks and denouncing America in the streets of Chicago. In my
home city a local Indian teacher who looks very Middle Eastern has been hazed,
but other than that I know of no serious race riots in the United States. Of
course, there will be misunderstandings due to ignorance, and there will be
some problems. I doubt that the SVP meeting will be cancelled because of this,
but Pete certainly knows much more about what's going on in Montana than I do.
>Additionally, there is the threat of more terrorist acts, which although
>probably would not hit the Western Montana, they would surely disrupt any air
>travel, at the very least.
>
>I don't mean to freak people out, as I am very excited to have a hometown
>SVP, but please everyone keep a heads up in the next couple of weeks.
Yep, this thing certainly isn't over. For anyone coming to SVP, please be very
careful. I wish you all luck.
Steve
---
***************************************************************
Steve Brusatte-DINO LAND PALEONTOLOGY
SITE: http://www.geocities.com/stegob
ONLINE CLUB: http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/thedinolanddinosaurdigsite
WEBRING: http://home.wanadoo.nl/dinodata.net/
INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE SITE: http://www.geocities.com/stegob/international.html
****************************************************************
Make a difference, help support the relief efforts in the U.S.
http://clubs.lycos.com/live/events/september11.asp