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From: Rick Bradshaw (no email)
Date: Sat Apr 30 2005 - 22:25:18 EDT
Ron,
I wish I could tell you. Boat US and such do some good things but i
think they are generally at a national level. I was in an area
several years ago where the city was trying to do some nasty things.
Can't remember exactly what now. The liveaboards and non-liveaboard
boat owners got together and formed a community organization to
represent all the boaters that wanted to join. Most that were at the
marina or lived there joined. They ended up getting at least one
person on, i believe, the city council or some other organization
that had some clout in the way things were done.
I think the country as a whole has gotten off on the track that if
you either aren't 1) extraordinarily wealthy, 2) belong to a large
organization with deep pockets, or 3) get elected to a high office in
the area in question or even higher at the federal level, that people
just don't "count" any more. Money talks. Power talks. Those that are
"average" just shut up and listen and feel that they can't do
anything and have to take it.
I'd suggest that the boat owners from mega buck yachts to the fishing
skiff and row boat/canoe owner and all the owners in between (maybe
even the marine businesses and businesses that are associated with
the marina and boaters) organize themselves and lobby the powers that
be. Get a few of the "mega-buckers" out there and the powers that be
might change their minds a bit. Get some of them to run for political
office and more could be done. It doesn't just have to be liveaboards
that go after this group. It's anyone that has a hand in the industry
and that doesn't want this to continue. They live, likely, in
different districts and could have a major impact on the city if they
all got together and ran for office. Not everyone would likely be
elected but possibly one or two might be and that could make a huge
difference.
HTH but in reality... I don't think the federal government or the big
organizations we pay taxes/dues to will take up the problem on a
local level. We're too small. But, on a local level, a large marine
industry and their associated businesses can have a large impact if
they organize and get elected. Be a rabble rouser! Start a local
lobby/political group!
Rick
>Rick,
>I have written to all of the politicos you cited. What I want to
>know is what has happened to the boating Political Action
>Committees? Boat US and the like. Would it be synical to believe
>that all those membership dues have simply provided marble floor
>offices for the Pres. and CEO?
>
>Regards,
>Ron Breen
>s/v DAnces With Wind
>(SW Florida)
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