The reason I speak for WT is because it's my job. I can't imagine that anyone else would go through the frustration of entering this particular arena to speak for WT without getting paid.

These are not debates. I give WT's position or respond to specific queries, and then people accuse me of lying, or being guilty of something that they have apparantly made up out of thin air, or imply that because I advocate a position against their self interest , then I am apparently within a whisker of committing crimes against property and people, capable of doing harm to fellow citizens. (That wasn't "borderline," auntie?)

Future posts make clear that many people don't even read my posts before responding. I have attempted to summarize the science supporting WT's position, and invited readers to review documents on our web site. NOw auntie says that she hasn't seen any. She wants to know why we don't get involved in harvest issues or sue NMFS. I have responded to her several times to explain that WT has always and still is fighting to reform harvest practices in Washington. We did sue NMFS over salmon harvest in Puget Sound. We did not win all we hoped but we did win the public the opportunity to help shape harvest policy. NMFS will now have to prepare a full Environmental Impcat Statement before approving harvest plans in PS. The EIS has to examine a range of alternatives to the proposed plan, including significantly reduced, and even no harvest. Every one of you will have the opportunity to review and offer input to the EIS before it is approved. Enough credible voices will be able to influence the outcome. WT will be there. Who of you will be?

Smalma doesn't find WT's hatchery science credible, and he doesn't think nets are a problem. That should really suprise no one. What surprises me (though less and less) is that most of you are willing to treat his word as gospel on hatcheries, but seem to find him more fallable on harvest. Mark Twain said, "show me where a man gets his corn pone, and I'll tell you what his opinion is."

I have attempted to communicate WT's positions and mission as clearly and honestly as possible. I do not wish to force anyone to agree with either, but neither do I appreciate vilification for being an advocate. I absolutley can not take part in discussions that attempt to insert slanderous insinuations about WT the organization, except to deny them in the strongest terms. In the future I will attempt to respond when I can to civil inquiries, but I will not participate in baitings.

Ramon Vanden Brulle,
Washington Trout