The Low-Tech Times

Even in this hi-tech day and age, low-tech crowd control methods continue to be used effectively. Yahoo has an interesting news photo posted from Denver showing mounted patrol officers in place for the Democratic National Convention.

The Denver police are using mounted officers to ensure safety and order amidst radical left-wing protesters.

Additional 2008 Democratic National Convention Coverage:

Democratic VP Nominee is a Passenger Rail Advocate

Steaming to the Democratic National Convention

Libby Copeland at The Washington Post published an interesting article today on Senator Joe Biden, Barack Obama’s running mate in the 2008 presidential election.  Biden is a regular Amtrak passenger and has developed good friendships with Amtrak staff:

Most often in recent years, Biden has taken the No. 2103, which leaves Wilmington at 7:35 a.m. and pulls into Union Station — barring delays — at 8:55 a.m. Amtrak has become a recurring character in the hearings Biden participates in. “Gentlemen, I apologize,” he told a Judiciary Committee hearing in 1996 when he showed up late. “One of those things that I keep telling my colleagues: If they fully funded Amtrak, I would not be late.”

Biden will be addressing the Democratic National Convention later tonight.

The Low-Tech Times may not agree with all of Biden’s politics, but like Biden, we would like to see a bright future for passenger rail service in the U.S.

Harpers Ferry, WV is one of my favorite scenic spots. Looking down at the town from Maryland Heights, the scene looks like an amazing model railroad layout. I’ve also enjoyed the view from Weverton Cliffs when hiking the Appalachian Trail across Maryland. Other remarkable views in the area include the vantage points at Loudoun Heights and Jefferson Rock. Jefferson Rock is named after Thomas Jefferson who described the scene:

“The passage of the Patowmac through the Blue Ridge is perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in Nature. You stand on a very high point of land. On your right comes up the Shenandoah, having ranged along the foot of the mountain a hundred miles to seek a vent. On your left approaches the Patowmac in quest of a passage also. In the moment of their junction they rush together against the mountain, rend it asunder and pass off to the sea…

…This scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic.”

Today, some of these historic views are being threatened by a proposed 190 foot tall hi-tech communications tower. Joshua Bowman reports for The Herald-Mail.com:

The proposed tower site, near the intersection of Keep Tryst and Sandy Hook roads, has angered many people who say a 190-foot tower there would obstruct views in the area.

The site is less than a mile from Harpers Ferry National Park, the Potomac River, the C&O Canal and the Appalachian Trail.

County officials have said the site is needed to provide reliable radio coverage south of Boonsboro.

The Low-Tech Times hopes Washington County officials can find a solution to their communication needs without erecting an eyesore in such a beautiful area.