I have long been know as an advocate for the water. Well not just for the water but for people's rights to access a clean, affordable resource that is bestowed upon us by whatever deity or supernatural you may or may not hold dear. The only power I don't view as having dominion over that resource is the Government.
Oh sure we need someone to guard the security and safety of our waters. And a good dose of environmental stewardship is not only necessary but in all likelihood a good thing.
But safety, security and environmentalism disguised as exclusion, elitism and out of control bureaucracy is no more justifiable to the common good and no more the right of Government than is the right of Governments to manage the bedroom, control a woman's body or determine a National religion. A little Government is a good thing, a lot of Government is against the rights of humankind.
And so this semi-erudite sailor, with a passion for the sea and pension for the pen, has decided to express my views not just on water rights of the poor and disenfranchised, but on all politics.
Not that I am political. I haven't held office, declared a party affiliation or otherwise taken a public stance on politics since I left the Governor's office in 1999. The fact is I don't agree with either party.
Oh sure there are things I appreciate on both sides of the aisle, but the fringe and faction have long soured me on either party. The Bridgeport Political Machine and the Republican Tea Party are to their respective caucuses as Al Qaeda is to the Muslim faith. They dont represent me, my thoughts or my feelings and I do believe they both foster a fascist tone to American politics.
But I do have political beliefs and when I cant haul in a sail or manage the pitch and roll of the decks of a vessel any more, I may in fact run for office some day. But not this day and not while beaches are still strewn with trash. While Keep off the Beach Signs still hang and while corrupt, know-nothing politicians decide who and who may not be allowed to hop a boat and hit the waves.
So as this blog develops, please know I may throw a dose of political banter in the mix. But rest assured I will continue to fight the good fight to open Long Island Sound to all regardless of income, residency or social standing for as long as I can.
Thats all I have to say about that. ( Until next Friday when I hope to update this blog again)
Oh sure we need someone to guard the security and safety of our waters. And a good dose of environmental stewardship is not only necessary but in all likelihood a good thing.
But safety, security and environmentalism disguised as exclusion, elitism and out of control bureaucracy is no more justifiable to the common good and no more the right of Government than is the right of Governments to manage the bedroom, control a woman's body or determine a National religion. A little Government is a good thing, a lot of Government is against the rights of humankind.
And so this semi-erudite sailor, with a passion for the sea and pension for the pen, has decided to express my views not just on water rights of the poor and disenfranchised, but on all politics.
Not that I am political. I haven't held office, declared a party affiliation or otherwise taken a public stance on politics since I left the Governor's office in 1999. The fact is I don't agree with either party.
Oh sure there are things I appreciate on both sides of the aisle, but the fringe and faction have long soured me on either party. The Bridgeport Political Machine and the Republican Tea Party are to their respective caucuses as Al Qaeda is to the Muslim faith. They dont represent me, my thoughts or my feelings and I do believe they both foster a fascist tone to American politics.
But I do have political beliefs and when I cant haul in a sail or manage the pitch and roll of the decks of a vessel any more, I may in fact run for office some day. But not this day and not while beaches are still strewn with trash. While Keep off the Beach Signs still hang and while corrupt, know-nothing politicians decide who and who may not be allowed to hop a boat and hit the waves.
So as this blog develops, please know I may throw a dose of political banter in the mix. But rest assured I will continue to fight the good fight to open Long Island Sound to all regardless of income, residency or social standing for as long as I can.
Thats all I have to say about that. ( Until next Friday when I hope to update this blog again)
Did you know that big government can protect access to and and environment of the sea? For example in the Netherlands. It seems to be the other way around mostly in the US... I'm not sure why.
ReplyDeleteGovernment can be very positive or a very negative force. Northern Europe has been a Global model for public recreational opportunities. Please see this documentary that aired on PBS "Unnatural Causes"(http://www.unnaturalcauses.org/video_clips_detail.php?res_id=213- )
ReplyDeleteIt delves into the way low income people have inherently shorter lives due to lack of self-determination, poor environmental conditions and heath promoting recreation- How can a family in Bridgeport expect to live a healthy life when they are bombarded by smog, contaminants, crime and obesity!
Thanks, will watch!
ReplyDelete