Coho,

I hear what you're saying and understand what you are trying get across. My issue is that there is not a dam on every river, but there are nets on most. I would like to see all players, tribes, sports, commercial, and power companies, play the game from the same rule book. That is not currently the case.

If you look at the folks who generally contribute the least amount for what they take, the tribes top the list. There are some tribes who do have hatchery programs, and I support them in their efforts, but entitlements are something that should be done away with. We get half of the fish, if that, but we pay more than half of the bill.

Most of the folks would probably agree that the tribes need to stop playing the victim. They now have the scales tipped towards them, what with Bolt and subsequent rulings, and the fact that our government pays a substantial amount to their sovriegn nations, and that our dollars go to pay for their attorneys. We just want the same playing field.

As for the power companies, they have to make business decisions that benefit their shareholders, and that keep them out of trouble with the Federal goverment, but they also contribute a lot to restoration of salmon runs, and associated programs. Power is a necessary evil, and hydro power is cheap. Do they need to improve their practices, sure they do. All parties do.

I feel your pain on the anklebiter issue, too. Luckily for you it won't be too long until you can get them out fishing with you. My five year old has caught salmon, and steelhead. That is something that we should all be focused on. The legacy we leave for our kids. Hopefully we get there together.

Take care, Andy

[ 07-23-2001: Message edited by: Dogfish ]