Latest news with #BoatBaltimore
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Editorial: Free speech can be rough sailing
Like the needle on a compass, politics is polarized. But there should be a difference between finding your way in rough seas and surviving our nation's stormy politics. Bobby LaPin, the owner of a Baltimore-based charter boat company, discovered just how stormy the latter has become. His crime? Simply questioning on social media whether the millions of taxpayer dollars spent on a military parade in Washington, D.C., might be better directed toward more pressing needs like fighting hunger or helping the elderly. A controversial opinion? Perhaps. The Baltimore Sun Editorial Board expressed similar skepticism about the estimated $45 million cost even before the parade celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th birthday on Saturday, June 14, even began. But what happened to LaPin, as reported by The Sun's Brendan Nordstrom, sounds akin to a pirate attack. The post drew thousands of reactions, good and bad, but the negative response ended up crashing down hard on his business. There were strangers posting fake negative reviews and, in the worst cases, issuing personal threats like the individual who pledged to burn down his boat. LaPin, a disabled U.S. Army veteran, has so far weathered the maelstrom. Indeed, his company, Boat Baltimore, has also drawn people rallying to his cause with some hiring him specifically to counter the attacks. We find that heartening. And we trust that people on all sides of the political spectrum will recognize that it's one thing to disagree, it's another to be disagreeable. And attempting to wreck someone's business or intimidate them? That's definitely on the disagreeable side. Clearly, business owners must understand that mixing politics with your livelihood carries risks and can drive potential customers away. But issuing threats? That's a potential crime. And there's no justification for it. Not by Republicans, not by Democrats, not by anyone. As we've noted before, this loss of civility is itself a threat to the nation. If we can't debate important issues freely and fairly, what are the chances we can self-govern? How can democracy work if people are afraid to speak out? So here's to 'Captain Bobby' for finding his way with his honor intact and to those who have already rallied to his side. Given one of the first local attractions one sees on his boat tour is the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, it's no big surprise that it takes more than social media rants (or the British Royal Navy) to sink a determined Baltimorean. _____
CBS News
28-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Baltimore's Harborview Marina to be auctioned after judge denies attempt to stop sale
A Baltimore judge Wednesday rejected an attempt to halt the foreclosure sale of Harborview Marina, clearing the way for the waterfront property to go to auction, according to the Baltimore Banner. The popular downtown ceased operations March 31, displacing dozens of boat owners who had to relocate their vessels. Richard Swirnow, a minority stakeholder in the marina, had his attorneys file for a temporary restraining order Friday in an attempt to stop the proceedings, the Banner reported. The public auction moved forward as planned at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Why did the Marina shut down? Marina management cited structural safety issues as the reason for the sudden shutdown. "We just received a report from our marine engineer advising us that this decision is required because of safety concerns about the current condition of the fixed pier," a post on the HarborView Marina website reads. Marina closure impacts Baltimore boaters The closure displaced those who lived at the Harborview Marina. Bobby LaPin, who operates the charter service Boat Baltimore told WJZ he previously lived on a 45-foot sailboat at Henderson's Marina in Fells Point, with his wife for six years. He now advocates for the city's maritime residents through his social media platform 'Sail Local'. "We choose to live on a boat because, well, honestly, it's cheaper and you have a great view. You're right on the water," LaPin said. LaPin said those at live on boats in Baltimore have fewer places to move, since most marinas don't allow living aboard.
