I can relate to what Clayton said, because our next door neighbor is in the Coast Guard and he has a wife and three young children. He would probably give his life, if necessary to save someone in distress at sea. But why should he have to take that risk and make that sacrifice if it is not REALLY necessary? As with all our military service branches, I think my neighbor would feel better about dying while protecting our shorelines from terrorists than rescuing somebody out for a joy ride on a catamaran.

I haven't asked him, so it's just a hunch.