JUDAS’ FISHERMEN
“For greed all nature is too little.”
Lucious Annaeus Seneca (Roman philosopher)
Fishing has always been under tremendous pressure-greed being a real problem.
In the 70’s, the international fleet was the culprit. NOAA/NMFS’ mistaken solution was to subsidize our fleet. The cycle of overfishing continued compounded by mismanagement. The ENGO’s (environmental, non-government organization) appeared to have the public’s best interest by suing the federal regulators for lax laws.
The eco-fanatics fueled by corporate dollars soon morphed into eco-frauds. These groups are only consoled by money. Fishermen have little money, thus we can’t buy their “greenwash”. The corporate front groups lobby the politicians and have the media’s ear. Now they are buying fishing groups and individual fishermen.
US fishermen have endured decades of the most stringent fishing regulations in the world. We have been diminished to a skeleton fleet. Many of the guys left are in it for the love of fishing; the days of good money are gone. We have all sacrificed for years and reward is close at hand.
Unfortunately, the new ocean world order has little use for fishermen. Our government has decided corporate leasing for fish, windmills, aquaculture, and drilling should take precedence over real fishermen. Eradication of fishermen must continue; wholesome food providers have little value in their scheme.
Now enter on to the scene the traitor fishermen. He quickly joins ranks with the oppressors. He agrees with the false claim of too many fishermen chasing too few fish. What he does not say is-by getting rid of 50-75% of the competition-the fish are all mine. I will OWN the future fish too.
How clever of the designers of the “Catch & Trade” scam to pit brother against brother to eliminate fishermen. Don’t fall into this false sense of security. The corporate machine is only playing on your greed. When the time comes, you too may fall prey to being expendable.
There are solutions in fishery management. Elinor Ostrom, economic, Nobel prize-winner offers solid advice. She debunked the “tragedy of the commons” theory. Fishermen need to play a part in rule making and enforcement. Today’s fishery Councils are but a dog and pony show. Self-interest and greed have blinded the process. Why can’t we survey all the fishermen on important decisions? After all, NOAA has close to 13,000 employees. I wonder what the ratio of government worker vs. fisherman is?
I wish to expose the individuals or groups of fishermen who are selling their brothers “down the river” for self gain. I want to make it clear-the few winners in the Catch & Trade scam, do not speak for the majority of fishermen. To make the guys that pounded the resources the hardest while they were recovering is in essence-giving the greediest reward.
I would like for people to nominate the “Judas” fisherman of 2010 award. This may be an individual or fishing group. Deadline for nominees would be January 17, 2011. You may remain anonymous if you wish. We will then take the top 4 picks and vote for a winner. The votes will be tallied and on January 31, 2010 the overall winner will be announced.
At the same time, I would like to have a “Good Samaritain” award. The nominees can be individuals, or groups fishing related. They do not have to be a fisherman but has done out of the ordinary “service” to the fishing industry. Deadline for nominees would be January 17, 2011. We will again take the top 4 picks and vote for a winner. The votes will be tallied on January 31.
Judas, traitor, Benedict Arnold, apostate, back-stabber, backslider, betrayer, conspirator, deceiver, defector, deserter, double-crosser, fink, hypocrite, impostor, informer, miscreant, quisling, snake, sneak, snitch, snitch, squealer, stool pigeon, tattletale, traducer, treasonist, turncoat, two-timer, wolf and sellout.
ace, admirable, bully, choice, commendable, deluxe, excellent, exceptional, favorable, first-class, gnarly, great, honorable, marvelous, reputable, shipshape, splendid, stupendous, super, superb, wonderful, worthy