Here is my question for you; did you vote on Tuesday, August 8th? Maybe you have an excuse: “I was too busy to vote.” “My vote doesn’t matter…the politicians don’t care what I think.” “I forgot to vote.” Or, worse yet, maybe you aren’t even registered to vote. If that is the case, then shame on you.It all matters. We live in the greatest country on the planet and in spite of all of its flaws, we have the opportunity to be involved in the process of change (or status quo, whichever turns you on). Don’t ever kid yourself into thinking your vote doesn’t matter. That is a cop-out. It is a way to rationalize your negligence to give a damn.
The big one on the ballot was Constitutional Amendment 1. It is important to note that ¾ of every dollar spent in Missouri to operate and maintain state parks comes from this part of the sales tax. This tax also helps to pay for the prevention of soil erosion across the state. It is equal to 1/10 of 1 percent (as part of sales tax). It was due to expire in 2008 and in the past, those who want it eliminated have had utilize a petition drive to qualify the reauthorization of the sales tax. This time around the Missouri Legislature put the measure on the ballot. It has been reauthorized the tax three times since its initial passage in 1984 (counting this election). Let’s never take it for granted.
The “unofficial” results on the Constitutional Amendment 1 were 484,839 votes YES and 200,157 votes NO. It passed with 70.8% approving, but it has to bother you that over 200,000 people don’t think the way we fund our conservation program is a good thing. It is a long way from being overturned, but a generation from now might just make the difference – in a very negative way. Our conservation program in Missouri is the envy of many other states. We have absolutely fantastic state parks and programs and we are very, very fortunate to have all of the benefits that we do. Let’s all work to keep it that way.
Around the country, some very strange things are happening that will have long-term implications for the fisheries and conservation. There are never ending battles between those who don’t care the least about the preservation of species and environment and those that care deeply about such things. There have been battles out west over “land-grabs” and the destruction of habitat for fish and other wildlife on land that was public but was developed as if it were private. The vigilance of a few good folks has helped stave of the destruction. There is a battle out east over the menhaden (a baitfish that stripers love to gobble up) being harvested as a source of protein and processed into pet food and other products by a large company owned by a Florida billionaire. They are putting a huge dent in this baitfish population and many believe it will have a very adverse effect on the striped bass population. Take the money and run…
We are all part of a bigger picture and what we do does matter. There are those that live their lives in a “take what you can get” mode. There are those that live their lives with the end in mind and they have a desire to leave a legacy – both for their own families and others as well. We all need to be mindful of what our legacy will be.
Okay, enough ranting…let’s think positive and constructive. Here are three things you can do to make a difference:
Take a kid fishing and explain to them the importance of conservation.
Talk to your friends and neighbors about the importance of conservation – be an ambassador.
Get involved in the political process and make a difference, no matter how small. If nothing else, at least vote.
Constitutional Amendment 1 passed – that is the good news. I meant to write about it before the election, but I got too busy. That is the only excuse I have. Shame on me…I will do better next time. I hope you will too. But, I did get out and vote. At least I have that going for me. You think about that. TL
