Fishing for truth, an answer, and fishing for my life

[Capt_Keith]

Copied from Fryingpantower.com
By Capt. Johnathan Mallette

Dear President Obama or to whomever this concerns, fishing is my life. I'm 30 years old with 22 years behind me of fishing for work. All I've done is fish and provide for my family by harvesting the sea. I've fished on all levels from digging oysters and clams from the NC sounds and estuaries, catching the extrememly high numbers of grouper and snapper off our coast, and even providing an unequaled recreational experience to tourists and NC residents alike as a charter boat captain here in our great state and other parts of the world. All I'm asking here is a few minutes of your time to explain to you what I'm facing daily.
First of all, I understand the need for conservation of our natural resources. There is no doubt that we as humans have done lots of things that may be seen as not so great for the environment. However, the biggest problem is that our Government is not as concerned about Americas' greatest resource....the American people. I could easily ramble on about all types of things going on that I see as wrong, but I won't do that. Making irrational decisions without experience and a clear concious is what got us in this mess. I'll stick to what I know and that's fishing. The Magnuson-Stevens Act for example is on a fast track to ruining one of Americas' greatest and most honorable professions for no good reason. Bad science, bad data, hidden agendas, and backroom deals are putting the American fisherman out of business at an alarming rate. The thought that fishermen want to overfish our resources is absolutely out of line. Why would anyone purposely put themselves out of a job? Many Americans that don't fish for a living still use fishing for Recreation. Recreational fishermen put billions of dollars into this economy every year. Recreational fishermen keep children in this country off the streets and with their families enjoying what nature has to offer. Recreational fishermen also show everyday how nature can provide for all of us in many, many ways. Please look more into what is happening with the Magunson-Stevens Act. If the right data is used, I'm sure you will be very surprised at what you find.
In your Presidential Addresses to the American people, you promised Hope and Change to this country. All I've noticed so far is a continuation of the same style of policy that got us into this mess in the first place. I'm not going to sit here and blame you for eveything that's going on, but I am going to say that your decisions on the people that you appointed to certain positions, especially in the Environmental Sections of Government were definately not a great idea. I believe that there are a lot of hidden agendas and uninformed decisions being made that are doing serious harm to the everyday lives of many American citizens. The good part is that after you hopefully look into what's going on with these people, you can still make some changes.
As far as Hope is concerned, let me explain to you how I see that in the near future. I hope that I can continue to make an honest living doing what I love to do. I hope that I can keep working so I don't have to depend on other already financially strained Americans' income to keep me afloat. I hope that the right science and research is done to keep people working and not adding to the already elevated unemployment rate. I hope that another great tradition in this country doesn't end due to so-called Environmental groups' agendas. I also hope that one day when I have children, I can tell them what kept me going day in and day out. If they work hard and stay focused in life, they can be anything they want to be.
When you were elected, you proved to alot of people of color that their dreams can be reached with hard work and persistence. This was proven on that day no matter what race, age, religion, or financial background you have. You proved that there is no reason to be held down and told what you can and cannot do for no good reason whatsoever. Unfortunately, that same feeling of dispair is coming back. The feeling of uncertain futures are coming back. The feeling of being looked down upon for no valid reason is coming back. This is because of something bigger than race, bigger than religion, and bigger than even money. These feelings are coming back because of lack of reason. The lack of people in power to use their minds and common sense instead of trying to win a popularity contest is bringing the people of this great country down at an alarming rate. Please do what you can in your time of Presidency to help the American people as you promised.
Mr. President, I didn't write this to make myself feel better. I didn't write you to prove that I'm on one side of the fence either for you or against you. I wrote this letter because I'm a hard working fisherman who has the time to write you this due to bad information in Fisheries law making. I would usually be out on the ocean fishing and creating income for myself and many others in this industry. But I'm sitting at home writing you sir. Not to complain, not to place uninformed blame, and not to dwell on the past. I'm writing you to save my life. Please help me Mr. President. Please help all of us as best as you can.

Thank you for your time,
Capt. Johnathan Mallette
North carolina Voter
captjohn86@yahoo.com
_________________
Capt. John Mallette
1(910) 934-2628

www.topsailfishingcharters.com
_________________
Admin of southcarolina-offshore.com
USCG Licensed Master
Captain Keith Logan
Longs SC
Cell: 843-907-0064
http://www.feedinfrenzycharters.com/
http://www.southchathamtackle.com/

[LR-Sportsman]

John that is an excellent letter. Hopefully they all of our letters will make a difference
_________________
Tight Lines
---Billy---
28' Grady White-Twin Yamaha 225's -"Fin Addict IV"
Seacoast Anglers Association Member