Chapter Four
Animosity between recreational and commercial fishermen continues escalating as many stocks struggle under the strain of habitat degradation and increased fishing pressure. This friction is reminiscent of the deep divisions we see in politics as the loudest voices control conversations that often define entire groups in the view of others. Several years ago, a few misguided sportsmen demanded drastic actions giving them complete control of some seafood, making it illegal to sell. The response from most commercial fishing associations was to just say no without offering alternative solutions. This caused some on both sides to see each other as enemies when most of us simply wanted there to be enough fish for everyone to enjoy. Many fishermen on both sides remained silent for fear of being verbally attacked by those pushing extremes or nothing. Trying to get both sides to think about alternatives such as stocking was like herding angry cats. Most people didn’t necessarily like what was happening but felt obligated to support what their “side” wanted despite better options being available. It is easier to go with the flow than fight for something reasonable that benefits everyone. Does this remind you of today’s political discord?
Members of fishery management agencies that vote on policies are political appointments influenced heavily by connections and contributions. This creates the appearance of impropriety that leads to a lack of confidence in the system. A solution I advocate for is to let recreational and commercial fishermen pick who represents us on management panels. Some of our license fees could be used to set up official websites for each sector where we could securely log in with our license number and a password. The website would allow us to easily renew our licenses and vote on various issues. We could elect representatives who agree to abide by the votes we cast for each agenda item. Our representative would vote the way a supermajority of a suitable constituent quorum has voted. They would abstain or vote for the status quo if we fail to reach those thresholds. Sometimes doing nothing is better than the alternatives available. We could also use our websites to discuss different topics and come up with our own management plans. Ongoing polls could be held until we find compromises that pass the voting thresholds and have our representatives propose them at the next fisheries meeting. This practical solution would allow us to practice self-governance with official representation.
The concept of collective self-governing using Public Servants we direct can be applied to most elected offices within the Constitutional guidelines of our Representative Republic. Town Council and County Commissioner seats would be great places to start bringing political power back to the local level. These seats are often filled by people running unopposed and open to write-in candidates. We could work with local Board of Election staff to get our unaffiliated candidates on ballets and navigate options for setting up official websites to share information, discuss issues, and hold votes.
We should pick articulate, apolitical citizens who agree to follow constituent guidance while being paid their position’s normal salary. Each Public Servant should only serve one term in any position to limit the corrupting influence of power. A supermajority requirement for votes guiding our elected officials’ actions avoids mob rule while encouraging constituents to consider other points of view that help form equitable compromises. Everyone looking out for their best interest while working together for the greater good gives our individual liberties equal standing to any other topic.
There are details that will need to be worked out for different positions, but we could conceivably take this right on up to the United States House of Representatives. We could also influence outcomes in higher offices and across governing agencies when different constituent groups stand together with our elected officials using their public platform to speak for us. Enough people peacefully supporting or opposing something can turn the tide on any issue. We have power in numbers.
The internet gives us an opportunity to communicate and coordinate like never before. Relatively few concerned citizens could quickly make this idea a reality and set an example for future elections. We could break free of the two-party political system that leaves many voters wishing we had another choice. Independent voters are the fastest-growing voter block as more people grow weary of fear, envy, and even hate being used to divide us in so many ways. Our divisions subdue us.
We could also take campaign contributions out of political equations while limiting special interest influence to the same level as each individual voter. Our political system has been corrupted by money that all too often buys elections and legislation. Politics has become so toxic and full of vitriol that most decent people want nothing to do with running for office. Even well-intentioned politicians will almost always betray us along with their oath and honor if they hold power long enough. A prime example of this occurred several years ago when a retiring State Senator was convinced by a global corporation to introduce legislation letting them cage genetically sterilized species on an industrial scale in our Public Waters. Colleagues of the Senator voted for that Bill as a parting gift even though some admitted it was a bad idea. We paid the price for their unjust law with a little bit of our freedom as it delivered another one of a thousand cuts that are slowly killing our Sweet Lady Liberty.
The idea of using modern technology to practice self-governance with official representation may sound like a plausible plan with little chance of gaining enough support to become a reality. Unfortunately, the chances are slim as few will do much more than think about this while we are still relatively free and comfortable. The good news is that simply thinking about something is the first step to making it happen. Sharing ideas is the next step. Hopefully, we can start moving in the right direction before it is too late. Do you think the direction our politicians are taking us now will lead to more or less liberty?
Members of fishery management agencies that vote on policies are political appointments influenced heavily by connections and contributions. This creates the appearance of impropriety that leads to a lack of confidence in the system. A solution I advocate for is to let recreational and commercial fishermen pick who represents us on management panels. Some of our license fees could be used to set up official websites for each sector where we could securely log in with our license number and a password. The website would allow us to easily renew our licenses and vote on various issues. We could elect representatives who agree to abide by the votes we cast for each agenda item. Our representative would vote the way a supermajority of a suitable constituent quorum has voted. They would abstain or vote for the status quo if we fail to reach those thresholds. Sometimes doing nothing is better than the alternatives available. We could also use our websites to discuss different topics and come up with our own management plans. Ongoing polls could be held until we find compromises that pass the voting thresholds and have our representatives propose them at the next fisheries meeting. This practical solution would allow us to practice self-governance with official representation.
The concept of collective self-governing using Public Servants we direct can be applied to most elected offices within the Constitutional guidelines of our Representative Republic. Town Council and County Commissioner seats would be great places to start bringing political power back to the local level. These seats are often filled by people running unopposed and open to write-in candidates. We could work with local Board of Election staff to get our unaffiliated candidates on ballets and navigate options for setting up official websites to share information, discuss issues, and hold votes.
We should pick articulate, apolitical citizens who agree to follow constituent guidance while being paid their position’s normal salary. Each Public Servant should only serve one term in any position to limit the corrupting influence of power. A supermajority requirement for votes guiding our elected officials’ actions avoids mob rule while encouraging constituents to consider other points of view that help form equitable compromises. Everyone looking out for their best interest while working together for the greater good gives our individual liberties equal standing to any other topic.
There are details that will need to be worked out for different positions, but we could conceivably take this right on up to the United States House of Representatives. We could also influence outcomes in higher offices and across governing agencies when different constituent groups stand together with our elected officials using their public platform to speak for us. Enough people peacefully supporting or opposing something can turn the tide on any issue. We have power in numbers.
The internet gives us an opportunity to communicate and coordinate like never before. Relatively few concerned citizens could quickly make this idea a reality and set an example for future elections. We could break free of the two-party political system that leaves many voters wishing we had another choice. Independent voters are the fastest-growing voter block as more people grow weary of fear, envy, and even hate being used to divide us in so many ways. Our divisions subdue us.
We could also take campaign contributions out of political equations while limiting special interest influence to the same level as each individual voter. Our political system has been corrupted by money that all too often buys elections and legislation. Politics has become so toxic and full of vitriol that most decent people want nothing to do with running for office. Even well-intentioned politicians will almost always betray us along with their oath and honor if they hold power long enough. A prime example of this occurred several years ago when a retiring State Senator was convinced by a global corporation to introduce legislation letting them cage genetically sterilized species on an industrial scale in our Public Waters. Colleagues of the Senator voted for that Bill as a parting gift even though some admitted it was a bad idea. We paid the price for their unjust law with a little bit of our freedom as it delivered another one of a thousand cuts that are slowly killing our Sweet Lady Liberty.
The idea of using modern technology to practice self-governance with official representation may sound like a plausible plan with little chance of gaining enough support to become a reality. Unfortunately, the chances are slim as few will do much more than think about this while we are still relatively free and comfortable. The good news is that simply thinking about something is the first step to making it happen. Sharing ideas is the next step. Hopefully, we can start moving in the right direction before it is too late. Do you think the direction our politicians are taking us now will lead to more or less liberty?