I should have narrowed my statement but I do stand behind the "Some" comments.
I have heard two loopers talk about how the economy of the towns along the canal will be destroyed if looping is restricted. I heard the talk even with the Illinois River locks being shut and I've heard it when discussing the electric fencing and controlling species. The problem is when they use the false premises to argue over funding for the canals, instead of other arguments. I've only heard two or three loopers make these claims and know of hundreds who would never do so.
I also witnessed a disagreement at a small local Erie Canal Ice cream shopped. The looper, a woman, insisted there should be a loop discount. The owner said there wasn't one. The woman then said, "You treat us like we don't matter and you'd never survive without loopers." She was then asked to leave and was refused service and left screaming and cursing. The store owner just said "what is it with loopers?" I have no idea what previous encounters she'd had. I know we didn't dare mention we were in the process of looping as we wanted our ice cream too much.
My point is not to put down loopers as we are also loopers. However, it is simply to say that economic arguments are not in our favor. I will continue to beg and plead for the Erie Canal to remain open annually and be usable for looping because I do understand that the finances are very negative and like much of national treasures and art and culture can never be financially justified as you can't put dollars and cents on contribution to our lifestyles.
