Save the Delta Queen Steamboat!!!

We, the people of the United States of America, want a PERMANENT exemption of SOLAS regulations for the Delta Queen Steamboat. These regulations were never intended for steamboats, as far as we are aware. The steamboat travels inland rivers, for the most part. To say that they are as dangerous, fire wise, as an ocean traveling boat is ridiculous. These boats are close enough to land on both sides, that if they were to catch on fire, the passengers could swim to shore. Making these assumptions about the steamboat not being safe for the overnight passengers is dumbfounding. It is about the same as saying that all wooden buildings that have overnight occupants should be torn down because of the risk of them catching on fire at night while people are sleeping.

The steamboat is part of our history, pure and simple. They are an American way of life. They are a living history lesson to our children. You should see a child's face light up when they see the same type of boat that they read about in their history class. The children are amazed at the boat, from the front deck to the paddlewheels. Then, the real joy kicks in when they hear the calliopes! The smiles spread from one side of their face to the other. Children now-a-days don't have enough to smile about. Please let them keep smiling for the Delta Queen! We do not need to see another American icon go to the scrapheap just because of politics!

Money that the tourism generates is what keeps some of the small towns along the Mississippi River alive. Without that revenue, many of these small towns are doomed to extinction. We need to keep small town America alive for our children's sake.

Mark Twain, along with many of America's forefather's, would be sadly disappointed about the fate of the Delta Queen. We are asking that you issue a permanent exemption of the SOLAS regulations for the Delta Queen, PLEASE.

I only started this petition because of my children begging mommy and daddy to please do something to make sure that the Delta Queen keeps coming to their town. I have tried to think of other things to do to ensure that they can keep hearing the call of the Delta Queen's whistle. In the past week, I realized that this, along with calls to lawmakers was all I can do. It makes me sad to see my children's tearful eyes when I have to tell them that we still don't know the fate of the beloved steamboat! Especially when my youngest child (even after 9 months of therapy) wouldn't talk. The first time he saw the Delta Queen-He yelled "Bye" at the top of his little lungs and waved his hand to the passengers with all of his might. That alone, made me want to do whatever I can to save the Delta Queen!!