THIS ISN'T ABOUT FISHING

[bmac]

It's about our rights as Americans enumerated in our Declaration of Independence to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Life: Here in coastal Carolina, our lives are inextricably connected with the ocean, bays and rivers. Not all of us make our livelihoods on the water but our communities depend heavily on those who do. From the commercial fisherman to the restaurant owner, to the boat mechanic to the fishing guide or tackle shop owner, fishing puts money into our economy and helps us maintain the living standard we work hard to maintain for ourselves and our children. More importantly, the ocean and its treasures are woven into the fabric of our very being. Those of us who understand the changing cyles of season, tide, moon and the amazing drama of life that plays out each day in and along these waters, and we are many, we refuse to be mere observers and bystanders. We are participants in this. This is not a zoo or a museum. It is life itself. It is our heritage and our birthright. We will be responsible citizens stewards and pass it along to future generations. But it belongs to us, not our government or the elitists who think they understand it better than we do. This is part of our lives. Leave it alone or you will bear the consequences at the ballot.

Liberty: We are a free people who demand that our government restrain itself from imposing unecessary limits on our activities. This resource belongs to us-- The People. Our government has no right to interfere with our responsible usage by imposing restrictions that too often serve the interests of narrow interest groups with agendas that runs contrary to our liberty. We say yes to sound, objective scientific management of our fisheries and balanced harvest between commericial and recreational fishermen so long as it serves the public good and ensures the future of our treasured resource. We say no to arbitrary, agenda driven closures that restrict where we can fish as well as to punitive fees and taxes cleverly designed by bureaucrats and environmental extremists to advance their goals at our expense.

The Pursuit of Happiness. Fishing makes people happy. Whether it advances one's livelihood, puts a nice dinner on the table, brings family and friends together or just adds lore to a family's history-- it makes us happy. This is America. We are Americans. I'm a veteran, and the son and grandson of veterans who fought for these fundamental rights. We understand the meaning of sacrifice for the greater public good. We're also aware that the challenges of fisheries management in the 21st Century are different than they were in the America of our youths. But we expected that our children and grandchildren would have comparable access and opportunity to enjoy this resource in a responsible manner without undue interference from our own government. This is a lot more important to us than our elected representatives in Washington DC realize. We voted you in. We can vote you out.

[JD5652]

Very well written!......couldn't agree more!

[Reel Fanatic]

Perfect.

[Nauti Natured]

Well done.