4x4Voice

Stay recreation healthy, exercise your right to vote

Much is said today about exercise as a way to stay healthy. Well, "exercise" and "healthy" come with many meanings. As 2008 is an election year, your best exercise to stay "recreation healthy" is your right to vote.

Time for a little "election year" pontification and starting from top down...

Federal:
The President does set an agenda. Also, the President does appoint some critical positions that can have a significant impact on access to public lands.

The Senate is a slow deliberative body that is prone to rhetorical discussion and seldom moves fast on any issue.

The House is a wildcard. They are up for re-election every two years and have a tendency to be more reactive to publicity issues of the day; especially, if they can turn it into a vote.

State: (this specific to California, other states are similar)
Governor: Like the President, they can set an agenda and they do have a number of appointments that can have an impact on access and recreation.

Senate: Similar to the federal in that the Senate is a slow, deliberative body that is prone to rhetorical discussion and little action. They are heavily influenced by special interests and public opinion polls.

Assembly: Similar to the federal in that the Assembly is more responsive to public opinion and polls than the Senate. They are prone to endless discussion and very responsive to special interests.

By: John Stewart
Managing Editor, MUIRNet-News and 4x4Wire.com

Organizations exist because people care about their outdoor recreation opportunities.  In the beginning,  organizations formed for social reasons which soon became political reasons to maintain outdoor recreation opportunities.  Organizations exist because of members.  Members are volunteers and important for the success and effectiveness of any organization.

Volunteers can be activists.  More and more, members becoming activists for a few minutes a month are making a difference.

Top Five Issues - 2008

The only constant is change. We are in the midst of rapid and massive change that will have a lasting impact on recreation. Now is the time to become involved. Membership in many organizations is falling off. Now is the time to examine your priorities and make your voice be heard.

As we move forward, the below list of five items represents my view of issues that will be major factors in the legal, legislative, and administrative processes affecting recreation opportunities.

MUIRNet-News Environmental Policy

MUIRNet-News supports environmentally responsible off-highway and trail related recreational activities.

MUIRNet-News advocates for a group of people who seek to experience the beauty and majesty of the backcountry and enjoy the clean air, clean water, and clean earth. Continuing to be able to do this requires preservation through stewardship, caregiving and a realistic understanding of the environment.

MUIRNet - Your Source for Access to Public Lands Information

Maintained by: John Stewart
Natural Resources Consultant - California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs (CA4WDC)
President - Tierra del Sol Four Wheel Drive Club of San Diego

Contact me: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Fair Use Notice

Beginning with the purchase of a 2010 JK Unlimited Sport just over two years ago, stage one of the 4x4Wire JK build is now complete.  Off the showroom floor, it did have a Dana 44 rear end; but, otherwise stock with air conditioning and a 3-piece hardtop.

The focus of this build will be to showcase products that increase off-road capability of the JK and stay within a budget.  While price is a consideration, quality is the primary focus.  Many of the upgrades considered do change the characteristics of the vehicle from the stock configuration.  All upgrades will focus on quality as that is a direct link to safety.

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