I wanted to share with you my experience Feb. 24, when I took a memorable bus trip to Washington, D.C. Fifty-five of us (80 percent from Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and the Little River area) met at Ocean Isle Fishing Center at 3:30 a.m. to begin our journey. The bus left Ocean Isle at 4:15 a.m. with us, our pickets, signs and props. We arrived in D.C. about 11:30 a.m. and could see the stage and large banner set up on the lawn in front of our nation's capitol. Fishermen and ladies were pouring in from every direction.
It was estimated that 4,000-5,000 people were there. They came from every state on the East Coast, the Gulf Coast, even from California and Alaska. At least 10 buses came from South Carolina and as many from North Carolina, also.
The rally started promptly at noon. Senators, representatives, mayors, governors, lobbyists and fishermen took to the stage to tell their stories. Democrats and Republicans stood side by side pledging their support for House bill 1584 and Senate bill 1255, which will provide flexibility in fishery reform. We recognized specifically Charles Schumer, Barney Frank, Scott Brown, Mike McIntyre, Kay Hagan and several others who took time to show us their support. I was disappointed that Jim DeMint, Lindsay Graham, Jim Clyburn and Gresham Barrett did not participate. Only Henry Brown was there representing South Carolina.