The New American Federal Government: Trying Desperately To Rid the World of Biodiversity
Living in America right now is like reading a bad dystopian novel, one in which it’s impossible to get engaged because no one could possibly suspend his disbelief that things could go so wrong.
Here’s a great example. Our Congress is poised to gut the Endangered Species Act, which will almost certainly result in the extinction of animals like the Leatherback Turtle and the Hawaiian Monk Seal (pictured). What’s the rationale here? Willful destruction of as many life forms as possible? Why? Are we going to start burning witches again?
From the Sierra Club:
During a shocking committee hearing, Senate Republicans complained the Endangered Species Act “is not working today.” Craig, the Endangered Species Act has a 99% success rate! It’s saved the gray wolf, Florida manatee — and, of course, our country’s most symbolic creature, the bald eagle. It’s working fine, and far more popular than the GOP Congress.
By ridding itself of the endangered species act any environmental review will not be encumbered by the need to look for rare or unusual animals as they are increasingly endangered by climate change and encroachment.
But this is a minor issue to the bill now floating around in congress to eliminate the EPA and the department of Education.
Craig,
Although every act or program should from time to time be reviewed, the laws protecting endangered species are essential,
While these laws are often misused by ardent, but poor informed, environmental action groups to frustrate farmers and developers, it’s still essential that worst effects of human society don’t obliterate other species.
Such laws should be enacted with bi-Partisan support and without political-ideological bickering. Commonsense and compassion should prevail over name calling and emotive self-interest.
I support laws protecting endangered species, although the laws must be guided by well conducted research.
Some years ago in my leafy suburb, an earnest and idealistic young Mayor was elected and startled the community by announcing the intention by himself and his Councillors to prohibit the keeping of domestic cats.
His passionate, mostly young, supporters had decided to pursue this policy to preserve native bird life.
Despite the anguish of residents whop love cats, including many elderly folk, the City Council pressed ahead with it’s policy until stopped by an injunction filed by myself other ratepayers.
While the proceedings were waiting to be heard, we commissioned a study into the danger to native species of bird life by predators.
The reports findings established although some domestic cats are prolific killers of bird life, 97% of their prey were introduced species. The report established that far from reducing native species, the cat’s were actually protecting the native from introduced bird live competition, in addition to rats and mice.
Removal of the cat population would have seen the extinction of the native species! (The matter resolved itself when his coalition fell apart and his faction lost it’s majority). (Today our local cats, bird and humans all co-exist happily, if warily).
Wildlife protection is not a subject for wild eyed idealism, or brutish selfishness but careful consideration and properly conducted research.