Give me a fish and I eat for a day.� Teach me to fish and I eat for a lifetime.

Now that the major party conventions are over, I�m dismayed� over the complete neglect of one of the most important industries and pressure� groups in America: recreational fishing and fisherpersons. As this is an�activity that is near and dear to my heart, I�ve taken the liberty to construct� what I believe should be included in party platforms.� I look forward to their additions at the next�conventions.

Democrats: To level the� fishing field, we must provide fish stamps to all persons earning less than� $250,000.� Fish stamps can be used to� purchase boats, motors and fishing gear.�� The poorest among us will qualify for FISHAID and also receive free bait�and fish cleaning services.� Newly hired�federal employees will provide these services. Growth in federal employment will carry the U.S. to prosperity. Remember,�you did not catch it yourself.

Republicans: Realizing the importance of recreational fishing and the teaching of� fishing so that people can eat forever, we will make all personal expenditures� on fishing-related items tax deductible. Some misguided economists have suggested that such a program is nothing� but a disguised subsidy program. It is� no such thing�it is a tax reduction designed to increase production.

Libertarians:�No� government in the boardroom, no government in the bedroom and no government in the boat.