Activism versus passivism, not left versus right
would seem to be the real issue in this environmental discussion. I never met one sailor who would rather live in a polluted marina or anchorage than in a clean one and few if any who think our worldwide marine environment is getting any cleaner. At the same time, I never met more than two sailors (usually husband and wife)who fully agreed about the best type of anchor or storm tactic. So, I have no illusion about finding broad agreement about the best approach towards protecting our environment either.IMHO, none of the above has much to do with the political right or the political left. Rather, it is about differences between people who are trying to solve their problems and those who prefer to keep sitting on their most photogenic assets.I can respect everyone who comes up with a typical leftwing (e.g. increased government regulation or taxes) or rightwing (e.g. self-help neighborhood dog poop shovel brigade) idea and then puts the necessary energy in to see that idea through. However, I find it very difficult to take anyone serious who argues that Okefenoki swamp chicken farmers, or even whales and dolphins, aren’t doing their part either.Since when do sailors care what others do or don’t do? Aren’t we supposed to have a little bit off the Webb Chiles “Egregious” spirit running through our veins? Or are we getting way too strongly attuned to what others think of our vessels, our sailing capabilities, our political correctness (left or right) and the size of our wallet?The further one sails away from home the fewer sailors one encounters who are clearly identifiable with the political left or right; and none at all who prefer to sit in chicken harbor and take their cues from sitcoms, political show hosts and talking heads. If a couple or cruising vessels and their crews happen to meet in a remote anchorage and find the beach polluted with a bit of trash, chances are they will make sure to leave it behind cleaner than they found it without anyone even asking who made that mesh in the first place. Sorry for the rant. However, I strongly believe that cleaning up the environment should be just as natural as breathing or picking your nose. Have fun!Flying Dutchman