[mickrazz]

Originally Posted by Fishfish

NJFishing.com Regular

" RFA? Senators, & Governor-Who helped?
So couldn't all these fishing advocacy groups and with the NRA come together as The United Sportsmans? I think that already exists? I guess more money goes to the lobbying of keeping guns than to keeping fishing rods. As been said, unity as the largest voting block will be the only means to political clout. The numbers should be there as I believe hunting but especially fishing is recognized as a larger sport / group participation wise, than even baseball. Have not heard any comment or posts from any of our advocacy groups, official or individual. Except Angler Paul - thanks!Thats it? a done deal?."...........

...... and not one reply? First this is all NIMBY. Every individual and group here has a "personal" agenda, of which there is disagreement amongst like mined individuals. All the individual fisherman advocacy groups here have a different specific interests and some in common. At last years meetings in Toms River this was very apparent (the disagreement over size and bag) The NMFS went with the majority - a voting block. So you would think this year our voice would be heard, except it was diluted with the interests of the other states. And Mickrazz you got it right. This is all about money and votes - "pay to play"... and politics...look at what just recently happened to our menhaden quota and Christie: "I want to be president"
As far as this short fluke revolt, I don't think so. Under many forms of government, petitioning must be legally recognized and acted upon as "initiative and referendum". This would possibly help. Consolidation as a lobbying and voting block of all sporting groups is the answer. Money and agenda is the problem. Government controls when apathy and complacency sets in - the ultimate failure and downfall of all democracy/ republic society. So who called NJ Senators Booker and Menendez? Who mailed them all the written comments against regionalization? Comments from our NJ fisherman"s advocacy groups? Haven't heard many? And a lawsuit? on what merit? but thats what it will take! as a start.

Nice reply, very well thought out and explained. Sam had a great idea also. Politicians hate negative press. The perfect guy to get all this done is standing next to me in my avatar. God rest his soul.