|
There are fish and wildlife management concerns all up and down the west coast of North America. You've been reading about them for years on TRN pages and unfortunately, you may have to hear about them for many more years if drastic changes don't happen soon.
Many of the resource management issues are instigated from the bowels of greed and personal interest that have nothing to do with true conservation, restoration or enhancement. There are huge financial resources to promote gluttonousness agendas and those dollars buy-off our elected officials in state capitols as well as nationally. Just take a look at the donations to political campaigns and you'll be amazed. Commercial and industrial operations (fishing, agriculture, power companies, tribal, etc.) are filling the war chests of those they wish to influence after future elections, fully expecting favoritism when it comes to voting and signatures in the marble canyons of lawmaking.
There are other groups out there that have financial influence to promote their ministry. Two of them are People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS.)
PETA is now taking their "anti" to the schools, telling kids that "Your Daddy kills animals," and "Fishing Hurts." They go on with explanations about how fishing and hunting are not peaceful pastimes and encourage the kids to write essays about killing/not-killing fish and wildlife, then they beg the kids to take the information to their family. PETA's funding mainly comes from donations and last year they were very proud of their revenue over $31 million.
Do you think that is a lot of money? Read further...
The Humane Society of the United States is NOT the same as the local humane society that we all grew up with, where you would adopt a pet or recover a lost loved one. They are running their own dog and pony show but it has nothing to do with any dogs or ponies. In fact, according to Mike Levy, past president of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, "In my opinion this group is NOT a "humane" society but a "militant vegan" cult with a cult-like following. This is the group that at one time urged the abolishment of domestic animals." He goes on to say that "...they have the passionate mind-set of medieval Crusaders." I agree.
HSUS is proud to broadcast their wanton and ridiculous agenda to "end all hunting and fishing" calling them "blood sports!" Between 1990 and 2006 they squared off in 38 statewide ballot campaigns (nationally,) winning 26. How did they do that? Money. On January 1, 2007 their total assets were nearly $219 million! Yes, a staggering two hundred and nineteen million dollars!! That ain't chicken feed.
Not to be outdone by PETA, HSUS is also in our schools directing children to become activists, talk about animal rights issues and contact lawmakers.
Can these organizations influence the lawmakers? On January 16, 2008 Barack Obama expressed his support of animal rights at a town meeting near Las Vegas.
Closer to home, HSUS has recently brought on their rights-fights involving the sea lion vs. endangered salmon in the Columbia River (see front page article by Larry McClintock; Equal Protection Under The Law, and Terry Sheely's Columbia River Region starting on page 15.)
A February editorial in The Seattle Times allowed a HSUS mouthpiece to expound on their corporate agenda. A senior VP for communications at HSUS, John Balzar, takes on all the issues of the Columbia River salmon problems (fishing, logging, hatchery, dams) but never addresses sea lion as a problem. He puts the blame on humans and calls the "majestic creatures" a scapegoat. Hmmm...
We have not seen the last of the "antis" and in fact, with their near limitless and ridiculous funds, I expect to see them a lot more. They are going to have the best lobbyists, attorneys and political representation available. They can afford it. We need to keep them in check, and we need to know who their checks are being made out to and from. They're trying to steal our heritage and rights and we can't let that happen – for our sake, our kids sake, and the sake of the resources.
SPEAKING OF A DOG & PONY SHOW...
For the first time in years I allowed myself to attend a few hours of the North of Falcon salmon season process last month. (I was committed to NEVER again offer this abuse, allowing those better versed and more knowledgeable than me fight that battle.) I was amazed that many of the "players" that were there years ago are still in the bleachers, fighting for the fish and the fisheries. Good for them.
I was also amazed at the complacency of the representatives from WDFW. They were there because the had to be and it was obvious by their watch-watching, ceiling staring, back-stretching and yawns that they certainly didn't have the interest (or intent?) of those in passionate attendance. Often questions were ignored, answers were delayed (if answered at all) and suggestions from "staff" were insufficient at best. They have truly mastered the art of bureaucratism.
We would like our readers opinion on the North of Falcon process, be it from your own attendance or from how you've received and/or accepted the salmon seasons and the process. Are we still in the throws of mis-management, being rail-roaded by greedy special interest. Does the department share OUR concerns or those of the co-managers and industry?
Please send you comments to thereelnews@comcast.net. 
|
