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Fly fishers have their own rites of passage - just the
decision to become a fly fisher is the first one. Catching
the first fish on a fly rod, losing the first big fish,
landing the first big fish, catching the first fish on a
fly you tied, being able to read the water, recognizing
which insect is relevant, becoming a hunter of fish,
selecting which fish you wish to fish for, instead of
just fishing. . . and there are more of course, but these
are some of the things which mark our progress.
As our abilities expand, we also become more aware of the
plight of the fisheries, watersheds, water quality, regulation
or lack of same, the things which influence our ability to
enjoy a particular way of life we have come to enjoy as fly
fishers. We feel a sense of responsibility.
There are other rites of passage throughout our lives. Going
to school, getting the first driver's license, becoming drinking
age, voting age, perhaps college, military duty, job, marriage,
children - and many more all mark a transition into another part
of our lives.
Again, each of those passages also signify more personal responsibility.
How responsible are you?
Do you remember the first Presidential election in which you
voted? Do you remember who was on the ticket? Would you vote
the same way today? Are you a registered voter? Do you know
where your voting precinct is? If you aren't registered, do
you know where you can do it?
We're a couple of weeks from what are usually very dull, boring
mid-term elections. A few weeks ago I wrote a column here
Politics and Fly Fishing
asking you to get involved in the upcoming elections because
there are local issues which are important to us as fly anglers.
All of us are still smarting from last years attack on New York
and Washington D.C. We now have some deranged murders singling
out random victims on the East Coast. Congress is about to recess
so they can go home and campaign. We don't have a Home-Land
Security Bill or budget. Our courts are jammed with overload
because Congress won't fill the empty judge positions. This
is just plain ludicrous. It is a huge disservice to all of
us as Americans.
Ok folks, here's the bottom line. If you are happy with how
things are in your local community, if you don't care what
happens at the Federal level, and the inaction of Congress
is just dandy with you, if you feel safe and secure stay home.
If not, get our your voters pamphlet, read the bloody thing,
and if you can't find the answers you need, pick up a phone
and call the local candidates and ask. Congress got you
knickers twisted?
Get out and vote. Maybe someone will get the message.
Our country is a risk and we've got politicos thinking they
are gods in their own minds. In my opinion Congress draws
its salary for doing a job. They refuse to do their job.
This crap has to stop. Many of them need to be fired.
Remember, they work for you!
Vote!
~ LadyFisher
If you would like to comment on this or any other article please feel free to
post your views on the FAOL Bulletin Board!
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