Thought USFS-FIRE was exempt from shutdown layoffs? WRONG!

[DemoTex]

I came down from the mountain today, cold and tired (and sick as a dog) from yet another 5-day shift in the wilderness, to be told that I will most likely be furloughed on Tuesday, if the government is shut down. The Department of Agriculture/USFS has the list drawn up, and most USFS-FIRE 1039-TEMPS are on that list. I am a USFS-FIRE 1039 TEMP.

I'll give the US GOV a couple of days, gratis, in the lookout tower whilst I pack my gear. If I spot a fire, I will report it. I will do what any sane, responsible adult (but not a member of Congress) would do in a bad situation. I'll do my job, clean my workplace, and move out .. all for free.

I will not cheer the un-timely dismissal of some young, brave, seasoned wildland firefighters, also 1039-TEMPS. These are front liners. Some are elite Hotshot crew and smoke-jump crew members. Actually, all are very elite. But certain GOPers cheer this gross dismissal, and do so with whiskey in their guts. These are not front liners, they are REMFS (a term from Vietnam, meaning Rear Echelon Mother Fuckers). May they rot in hell.

And I'll clean the lookout tower it like it has never been cleaned before, on my own time. Why? Because even after the fucking teabagger Congress fires my ass, I'll be the one opening up the wilderness lookout for the 2014 fire season. And that is a promise.

[HeiressofBickworth]

1. So, to say the Republicans want to burn it down

they really mean it. Without people like you, how involved will a forest fire be before someone notices and is sent to fight it. The increased risks to the forest, properties, and people are not acceptable. Thank you for giving the forest another couple days -- perhaps the asses in Congress can clean up their mess before you leave.

[Beer]

22. You are being snowed!

Unless all republicans are environmentalists , you had better talk to more folks who see /know why the forests are being burnt down. Someone , not only republicans, is allowing fires to escape under the excuse that it is allowing the forests to be managed per 100 of years ago and further back in time. It's the 'Ol the Indians used to let the fires Burn syndrome ' which is partly true , except you don't use this tactic in the middle of summer on overgrown forests and Indians couldn't put them out anyhow. A shut down in my county would be good since we have had almost 3" of rainfall to date and the fires would all but crawl through most of the area. What I'm saying is " Wake up and smell the Roses folks" , find out what is REALLY going on with the USFS. Take a look in the phone book and check off the Government (Fed. ,State, and other gift.) you are paying for without any benefit , I found very few.

[gopiscrap]

23. Welcome to DU

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. My dear DemoTex...

You are such an honorable man. You keep your word, and you keep it beyond when most people would have packed it in.

I salute you!

[MADem]

3. Beautiful photo. I can't say I'm surprised.

I was in the thick of the last Newtie drawdown, and that was a blooming mess.

The hardest part was telling people who were good workers and wanted to stay and work for free that they had to go home because of liability issues (when I would have preferred to keep them on the job).

I remember very little sleep...a blur...and not much else. I crashed on the couch in my office for a time, I was working eighteen hour days. So stupid, so pointless. It went on over the holidays, too--I don't even remember New Years that year! And not for partying--I think I went to sleep at eight PM!

[uppityperson]

4. Gorgeous photo. Do you have a cabin you sleep, cook in or is it all up top?

[DemoTex]

5. I live in the lookout tower.

Kind of like Kerouac @ Desolation Peak.

[Jasana]

6. Thanks for the work that you do. I'm sorry it has come to this. nt

[freshwest]

7. Sorry Demotex and all the younger folks. I know some who want to serve the nation and do good.

But the GOP is determined to show them no respect, nor those they protect or risk their lives for. The term REMF is most apt.

[lapfog_1]

8. been there, done that

I was working for NASA, doing my job, working for less money because I thought I was contributing...

Furloughed during the last Repuke shutdown. Had to borrow money from my family...

I never liked Republicans before that, but after that I hated them... with a fiery passion. Still do. Hate these mofos.

That hate is still with me.

[pinboy3niner]

9. No matter what the teabaggers wreak, Mac, you'll be the one standing tall

As always, brother.

[Cha]

10. Bravo DemoTex! Muchas Gracias!

Awesome pic of Fire Lookout Station..

[panader0]

11. Here's to you DemoTex!

k and r

[blackspade]

12. +1000

This:

And I'll clean the lookout tower it like it has never been cleaned before, on my own time. Why? Because even after the fucking teabagger Congress fires my ass, I'll be the one opening up the wilderness lookout for the 2014 fire season. And that is a promise.

[joshcryer]

13. You are a hero.

I don't foresee a shutdown but what you're planning to do is so awesome. This needs to go viral. Post it to reddit or something with your pics!

[steve2470]

14. you're a good man DemoTex

You also take wonderful photos. Our nation and government needs more men like you. Sorry to hear all this ! Just know that THIS taxpayer really appreciates your work and your great attitude despite this BS that is being foisted on you by insane Republicans.

[Hekate]

15. You taught me a new term:REMFS, and it fits them like a bloody glove

I'm so sorry, DemoTex. I don't know why the godless, soulless, bastards (my term for them) want to tear down the fabric of our government and all that makes it decent, and all that makes it function. I don't know. I've given up even trying to understand them.

Reading this from SoCal, I shudder. Our fleet of "borate bombers" is falling to pieces one by one and not being replaced. It's sunny and dry.

I thank you and your cohorts for all your service to all of us.

[sakabatou]

16. "Have a forrest fire coming near you? Well, you're shit out of luck."

Signed,
Republicans.

[BumRushDaShow]

17. The damn media keeps repeating

"Well you know, the Statue of Liberty will be closed..." in order to minimize the ordeal, but they REFUSE to talk about all the OTHER critical activities that will be impacted by furlough like those handled by your job or mine.

There are 15 federal Departments and a number of independent agencies and each and every one will be affected.... the difference this go-around being that there were NO appropriations bills passed this year whereas in the past, at least a few Departments and agencies had appropriations and were not shut down.

[brer cat]

18. "sane, responsible adult"...

sounds like a Democrat to me.

Good luck, DemoTex if there is a shutdown.

[awoke_in_2003]

19. Part of me envies you...

I hope this doesn't last long- you folks provide a vital service. Plus, I like your pictures

[AnotherDreamWeaver]

20. Thank you for your service. Have a good winter too. nt

[hootinholler]

21. Be very careful "donating" time to the Fed

It is illegal for instance for me to do that. But I am under a contract.

If you are packing personal gear that is not working, but be careful how you talk about it.

[roamer65]

24. I am jealous of that nighttime sky.

Hopefully you will be back in the payroll soon.