Post by jigger on Dec 13, 2005 5:13:35 GMT -5
Your Fishing Rights
An Article by Ron Brooks
Somewhere back in grade school, it appears that a number of kids were never introduced to fishing. Their overprotective parents, who also never enjoyed angling, failed to introduce them to the real world. As a result of misinformation, and in an attempt, unfortunately, to gain fame, many of them have gotten together to form "Anti" groups.
The loudest and most famous is PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). This organization is organized, staffed, and well funded, and it is taking aim at fishing, hunting, and even eating any form of animal. Their take is that it is cruel and unusual, and that these animals, in our case fish, have rights. I'm not real sure where these rights came from, since we were made to have dominion over the birds in the air, the animals on the ground, and the fish in the sea (and this comes from most religious faiths - not just one).
To see some of their rhetoric, take a look at the article they published about Wheaties Cereal, the company that put Denny Brauer, a famous bass fishing expert, on the their cereal boxes.
An article in the Washington Post in 1997 caused quite a stir. I think it pointed out that there are some fathers who have not educated their kids, and probably have no intention of educating their kids on what life is really all about.
A number of rebuttals have been made against these anti-everything people. One one from the Detroit News shows what lengths the antis will go to to try and influence our kids. I find it interesting to hear one of the fishermen being interviewed saying, "Why don't they teach the kids to leave drugs alone and let them fish?"
PETA has continually quoted a biologist from a major university as saying that he "believes" that fish feel pain. One biologist disputes that claim in this article. He rightly notes that the mouth of a fish is stuck, poked and cut every day by the mere act of feeding. They heal fast, and never are the worse for wear. He even has found a fish's stomach with puncture holes caused by eating a catfish, and the fish was still none the worse for wear.
In an effort to confront these anti-fishing folks, a number of people have stepped to the forefront. Two college professors reply to a PETA effort, and how that effort is removing valuable scientific education from our children.
A number of articles are available to answer the anti's. One here by J. R. Absher, the Director of the WFLA, indicates that we can't just sit back and wait for things to happen. These folks are active and they are serious. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is an active participant in confronting these issues.
I present these sites to you, including links to PETA, so that you may become educated and aware that there is a very real threat to our fishing freedom. What can you do? Contact your local, state, territory, or federal government officials and let them know where you stand. If you are represented by an elected official, let them know what your desires are. We CAN make a difference if we work together and meet this well oiled challenge.
Many magazines, including Georgia Outdoor News, keep regular tabs on the "Antis". Monthly articles keep readers informed on activities.
In the mean time, I am going to sit back and have a chilled couscous summer salad with carrots and red peppers, and see if I can find out where the Lettuce Ladies are this weekend. Oh I do hope the carrots and peppers didn't suffer too long after they were picked. After all, they are living beings, and they too deserve ethical treatment.
Don't forget to take a PETA member fishing. They could enjoy the stress relief! (Using them for bait is definitely unethical!)
Ever been hassled by an "Anti"? Tell us about it
An Article by Ron Brooks
Somewhere back in grade school, it appears that a number of kids were never introduced to fishing. Their overprotective parents, who also never enjoyed angling, failed to introduce them to the real world. As a result of misinformation, and in an attempt, unfortunately, to gain fame, many of them have gotten together to form "Anti" groups.
The loudest and most famous is PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). This organization is organized, staffed, and well funded, and it is taking aim at fishing, hunting, and even eating any form of animal. Their take is that it is cruel and unusual, and that these animals, in our case fish, have rights. I'm not real sure where these rights came from, since we were made to have dominion over the birds in the air, the animals on the ground, and the fish in the sea (and this comes from most religious faiths - not just one).
To see some of their rhetoric, take a look at the article they published about Wheaties Cereal, the company that put Denny Brauer, a famous bass fishing expert, on the their cereal boxes.
An article in the Washington Post in 1997 caused quite a stir. I think it pointed out that there are some fathers who have not educated their kids, and probably have no intention of educating their kids on what life is really all about.
A number of rebuttals have been made against these anti-everything people. One one from the Detroit News shows what lengths the antis will go to to try and influence our kids. I find it interesting to hear one of the fishermen being interviewed saying, "Why don't they teach the kids to leave drugs alone and let them fish?"
PETA has continually quoted a biologist from a major university as saying that he "believes" that fish feel pain. One biologist disputes that claim in this article. He rightly notes that the mouth of a fish is stuck, poked and cut every day by the mere act of feeding. They heal fast, and never are the worse for wear. He even has found a fish's stomach with puncture holes caused by eating a catfish, and the fish was still none the worse for wear.
In an effort to confront these anti-fishing folks, a number of people have stepped to the forefront. Two college professors reply to a PETA effort, and how that effort is removing valuable scientific education from our children.
A number of articles are available to answer the anti's. One here by J. R. Absher, the Director of the WFLA, indicates that we can't just sit back and wait for things to happen. These folks are active and they are serious. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is an active participant in confronting these issues.
I present these sites to you, including links to PETA, so that you may become educated and aware that there is a very real threat to our fishing freedom. What can you do? Contact your local, state, territory, or federal government officials and let them know where you stand. If you are represented by an elected official, let them know what your desires are. We CAN make a difference if we work together and meet this well oiled challenge.
Many magazines, including Georgia Outdoor News, keep regular tabs on the "Antis". Monthly articles keep readers informed on activities.
In the mean time, I am going to sit back and have a chilled couscous summer salad with carrots and red peppers, and see if I can find out where the Lettuce Ladies are this weekend. Oh I do hope the carrots and peppers didn't suffer too long after they were picked. After all, they are living beings, and they too deserve ethical treatment.
Don't forget to take a PETA member fishing. They could enjoy the stress relief! (Using them for bait is definitely unethical!)
Ever been hassled by an "Anti"? Tell us about it