by Mark Silva
There are a lot of loud-mouths in Washington, but none with the large-mouths of the trophy fish that Alton Jones and Judy Wong have caught.
Jones, an angler from Waco, Texas, who won the 2008 Bassmaster Classic – and $500,000 – and Wong, an angler from Many, La., who won the Women’s Bassmaster tour and $60,000 in prizes (How is that for angler gender-equity?), arrived at the Oval Office this morning for some recognition by the angler-in-chief.
“I've got the fishing champs of this year,’’ President Bush said at the White House reception for the Bassmaters.
“And I thought it was important to welcome these champs here to the White House so that -- you know, to encourage people to fish,’’ the president said. “There's nothing better than fishing.''
(President Bush and Bassmaster champs Alton Jones and Judy Wong in the Oval Office today. Photo by Ron Edmonds / AP)
"This is a good, clean sport,’’ Bush said. “It's a sport that requires good conservation in order to make sure our fisheries are good, and I love to welcome the champs here. And so we're glad you're here. The people of Louisiana and Texas are proud of you.’’
Jones, who has fished with the president, said: “You know, fishing with you, I've got to say that President Bush is actually a very good fisherman and a great conservationist.
"And I'm really not sure who's working who here. I'm hoping to get an invite to fish on his lake in Crawford, and he's looking for a free fishing guide.''
“I would be glad to take you any day on Toledo Bend,’’ Wong told Bush -- inviting the president to bring his wife.
“I'm a good fisherman,’’ Bush said, “Sometimes I'm a good catcher-man.’’
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Comments
“There's nothing better than fishing.''
Imagine if Obama's former pastor had said this during a time of war?
Posted by: Paul | March 25, 2008 11:41 AM
Nothing better than catching God's animals on hooks and watching them writhe in agony. Yep this man sure is a Compassionate Christian. I would like to have a beer with him and kill some animals for our pleasure and enjoyment.
Posted by: Typical Republican | March 25, 2008 12:27 PM
"watching them writhe in agony"?? I think that might be a touch overkill. Don't knock it til you try it. It's a great activity to share with your kids... with anyone... OUTSIDE even!
Posted by: cbradley | March 25, 2008 2:37 PM
OK... I can understand why we have Mens and Womens basketball or tennis. But does the world really need seperate mens and womens fishing tournaments? Is there some biological advantage or disadvantage one sex has over the other?
Posted by: Carl L | March 25, 2008 4:18 PM
cbradley,
You believe they don't feel pain and the fish enjoy being snagged with a hook? Ok,then why the blood, why the squirming, why the elevated heart rate and other biological indicators of stress? Would catching kittens on a hook and line help you understand that animals feel pain?? Would you kids enjoy that?
Posted by: Typical Republican | March 25, 2008 5:08 PM
Note to "Typical Republican": You complain about abuse to fish. I presume you're a vegetarian, because it's hardly humane to see how cows are slaughtered for your steaks and burgers. And none of the salmon served in restaurants jump into the boat and die a peaceful death. Just let these folks enjoy their day in the sun without complaining. And have a great day yourself, too!
Posted by: Fletch | March 25, 2008 10:33 PM
Typical Republican-
You might want to educate yourself before commenting. I very rarely see blood when I catch a bass. Squirming: that is the nature of a fish. I'd be concerned if a fish didn't squirm when I caught it. The kids I've taken fishing love it. Not sure they'd enjoy sticking hooks in kittens' mouths, but then, I've never heard of anyone doing that. Bass anglers care a great deal about the well-being of the fish we catch and release.
Posted by: cbradley | March 28, 2008 6:42 PM