Hello, I just wanted to share some pictures of our trip in May 2008 with our grandchildren. Twenty years ago my wife and I were lucky enough to have taken our daughter on the (Delta Queen )  in May. I just want to let all the congressmen and congresswomen that voted against the boat know  that if they would just take a look at the boat they would see it is the safest boat  on the rivers today. I have been lucky enough to have taken over 40 trips on the three boats 21 on the Delta Queen and I would never do anything that I thought was unsafe for my grandchildren. I beleive it is more dangerous to be on the road than on this beautiful boat. I have been over every inch of this boat as my best friend is the master of the Deltal Queen Captain Paul Thoeny we met in 1982. Our first trip to Pittsburg he was  the first mate. Through the years he has taken me over every inch of this wonderful boat. Please reconsider your vote and maybe someday my grandchildren will take their children also please think about all the lost jobs not  just on the boats but in every town these boats stop at. It is unreal to have a congreesman say it is a fire hazard but he would allow it to run during the day .DO FIRES ONLY START AT NIGHT? IF SO THEY HAVE THE BEST FIRE WATCH THERE ARE TWO WATCHMEN WALKING THE BOAT ALL NIGHT. Every room has sprinklers.  One last point the day of the NO vote the Delta Queen past with flying colors the coast guard inspection it seems like the is a hidden reason for this no vote. I have met thousands of great people on my trips. If anyone would like to contact me please do I have hundreds of photos and could tell you many great stories thank you for listning PLEASE SAVE THE DELTA QUEEN .

LARRY SHIVELY 108 RATHBONE TERRACE MARIETTA, OHIO 45750  (740-373-8430)