As we enjoy the celebration of our Great Nation's Birth, it’s good to reflect back on some of what makes this country a beacon of liberty. The United States was founded on a Bill of Rights. Rights which the founding fathers felt were essential to the creation of a free and informed citizenship. In the very first amendment is Freedom of the Press! The importance of a free and un-censored press is at the very heart of our democracy. The press must be able to have access and report on all aspects of government, regardless of how uncomfortable it may make a situation. In relation to our fight for open and fair government in our fisheries, I find it appalling and disgraceful that our State and Tribal leaders condone, or dare I say, encourage secrecy by barring the press from access to their meetings. It is shameful enough to tell the citizens they are not allowed. To bar the press is unconstitutional in my opinion! We have reached a point in our great state where it appears money, influence and special interests have taken priority over transparency, ethics and moral courage. Our Fish and wildlife senior leadership speaks about transparency and openness in the course of business, yet, when the curtain is pulled back we see the windows have been painted black and the doors are locked. How long will the citizen sportsmen of this state continue to be pre-occupied by the diversions of our leaders, all the while being victims of the never satisfied greed? Our Nation was built on the principals of good men. Men who put country before all else. They were supported by ethical, morally strong leaders who made hard choices for the right reasons, rather than what was best for them personally. As we celebrate with our families and friends, as citizen’s of the greatest free nation on earth, let us not forget how much we stand to lose. God Bless America and the Citizen Sportsmen and Women of our beautiful State.