From: Dan Spomer <dano@rockisland.com>
To: Makah Whaling Update List <makahwhaling@onenw.org>
Date: Friday, May 14, 1999 12:31 PM
Subject: Makah Whaling Update (Breaking News)


>
>=====  A message from the 'makahwhaling' discussion list  =====
>
>FROM WASHINGTON CITIZEN'S COASTAL ALLIANCE
>---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
>
>U.S. COAST GUARD: DRUG USE OK FOR WHALING TEAM
>
>MEDIA ADVISORY
>
>It is a matter of record that members of the Makah whaling crew are subject
>to drug tests. It is also a matter of record that the percentage of crew
>members failing these tests has been significant.
>
>An informed source within the U.S. Coast Guard has informed the WCCA that
>four Makah crew members failed the last drug test. Additionally, we have
>been made aware that the agency responsible for requiring these drug tests
>is none other than the U.S. Coast Guard. The source stated that the agency
>is attempting to shield itself from liability should an injury or death
>occur when the Makah discharge their military-grade weapons.
>
>The same USCG source also stated that Makah whaling captain Wayne Johnson
>failed the last USCG-required drug test, yet has still been cleared to take
>part in the whale hunt. Wayne Johnson is the individual responsible for
>carrying and discharging the Makah military-style weapons.
>
>The WCCA contends that this is a serious public safety issue for the people
>of Washington state, and we are continuing our investigation.
>*****