2008, politics and Coldwater Fisheries

[Trout77]

Hi Folks,

Here is a one that hopefully wont become heated... As Non-profits such as Trout Unlimited are bound (under law) to not endorse any political affiliation, I thought this blog may be a good place to get some insight of other MA anglers... ;)

With the mid-term elections done; and the Democrats holding both the House of Representatives and the Senate, in addition to our state now under the leadership of a democrat, how do you think this may (or may not) affect Massachusetts environmental policy toward coldwater fisheries?

I havnt been in this country (orginally from Denmark<incedentally almost a socialist society>, let alone this earth) long enough to know how it was prior the 1970s when Vietnam took center stage in politics. As Im sure our current conditions (Iraq, Middle East etc.) since 2001 take a forfront, does anyone think a shift in legislature wil impart added political interest and funding in inland fisheries management and/or any changes (positive and negative) for our state?

[NatickDave]

I am confident that the new political landscape will have zero impact on coldwater fisheries management. I am holding out for some earnest activity on improving/saving our state parks and recreation areas from their current state of neglect and decline, but I fear the budget will not permit the kind of effort that is required.

My advice is to support your favorite non-profit conservation organizations (e.g. TU), volunteer in whatever way you can and pay for fishing licenses.

ND

[RogerStg]

As Non-profits such as Trout Unlimited are bound (under law) to not endorse any political affiliation,

I don't think that is true, though as an organization, IMO it is smart to stay out of politics.

[Trout77]

I don't think that is true, though as an organization, IMO it is smart to stay out of politics.


I respectfully disagree that we should "stay out of politics". We live in a democracy (althogh sometimes it dosnt feel like it (#$119) ) and politics is what dictates all. Only we can make changes, by our voting, complaining, educating, and sticking up blogs like this, and since politicians are nothing more than "talking heads" in my opinion, shouldnt we ask who they are "talking" FOR?

(FYI, I stole this quote from www.TU.org)

...as a non-profit organization, Trout Unlimited cannot endorse any political candidates. If you would like more information about the environmental policies of each candidate, please contact the League of Conservation Voters. (www.lcv.org)

[RogerStg]

I respectfully disagree that we should "stay out of politics".

I didn't write "we", I wrote "as an organization" - I was referring to the thread subject of TU steering clear of endorsing political candidates. Sorry if that was not clear enough. Personally I've been involved in the political process at various levels for some time, and encourage others to do the same, so we are of like mind there. ;)

[Trout77]

Personally I've been involved in the political process at various levels for some time, and encourage others to do the same, so we are of like mind there. ;)


As they say.... Great minds think alike... :-%


See you on the water! --127-3-