Hi Keith
The original polically targeting post with red xs and senators name in red across weather maps is a gross misreprentation of the issue -
The point of a forum is to respond to posts as presented -
If they had presented both sides of issues and the bill itself with good logical reasons for and against it would be encouraged and complimented --
The post however is not .
disclaimer --please excuse the typos -have bad eyesight and also can.t spell worth a #$%@
Thank you for your well thought comments -
Took a fresh look at the bill context as suggested--the long extensive legislative process in committee then after revision amendments etc ,then finally to the floor requires extensive testimony from all concerned .
-The NOAA -NWS and the vast network of meteorologists working in the commercial sector with TV radio phone telecommunications -and web oriented news and weather services mainly will provide reports and direct testimony before committees . NOAA is funded by congress and reports like the fair weather report then requested by NOAA pertaining to it,s oversight of the NWS.
The NWS as noted has a 50 year history of non competion -the 91 rules in effect which had essentialy BEEN IN EFFECT for this 50 year time frame were reversed by the current NWS in Dec 04 -just 6 months ago ,-sighting among other reasons a desire to expand the NWS and it,s being held to current strict definition in its purpose and mission statement-
Hope I stated that correctly -
It seems the fear -real or irrational --being played on is the restriction or loss of freedom of information --in this instance the NOAA weather reports -
As the freedom of information act is the LAW of the land which Guarentees access ,-this would not be possible .-Further the existing statement per commercial weather industry states no changes will be made to current practises --which again have a 50 year basis of coperative enterprize between public and private factions which have resulted in the best weather information system on the planet ,--and beyond for that matter.
The freedom of information and access to NOAA weather will be intact is the rational conclusion most would draw though your concern is a matter for debate by those working as meteorologists and those elected to oversee the govt entities and agencies , perhaps some addition or amendment will be added in commitee to further define or insure basic freedom of information ,-which I,m generally always an advocate for as well .
The fasinating legislative question arises from the debate which may set legal presitence as to degree of freedom of information and access vs the non competitive aspect of govt entities into the private sector .
The current practise of govt entities is not to compete with the private sector and to insure equal access to all information and regulatory aspects .-
I E-- being in MI ,-very few would want to see the US govt BEGIN to build cars ,{{a three year waiting line for govt issue vehicle }}
-Govt can set regulations for them , in a coperative effort to develop and continue to improve emmisions standards and safety standards,-the solutions and safety features actually developed in the industry itself ,but must allow equal access and guarentee equal treatment under law for them or new innovative companies that wish to begin ,--such as electric car mfg etc . The current admin has budgeted one billion dollars to help the US auto industry to develop alternate energy source vehicles like hydrogen for another example of GOVT and private sector function.
It is always best when there is constructive positive coperation in non copetitive form between govt and private sectors that benifit all which again is the current accepted practise.,--
The political disinformation post does not promote that and uses misinformation and distortion to discourage it and caters to the lowerest common denominator.
Thank you again Keith --
took a few mins. to respond in kind hopefully -
going sailing with the kids -
the weather looks a little iffy though
http://wwwa.accuweather.com/radar-l...mp;anim=STILL&type=re2&site=KPTK and equal time --
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/dtx/ 
