Raymond,
I don't disagree with most of what the environmental movement says in principal, what I do disagree with is the inconsistency and hypocrisy that often accompanies their statements, views, positions, etc... This really doesn't help further protection of the environment as a whole and in fact I believe it is detrimental to raising awareness on a broader scale. In the past election I seen different poles that placed 'the environment' low on the scale of important issues. There are perhaps different reasons for this but I personally believe that the 'average american' has lost interest in this issue to some degree simply because there is to much hype and spin accompanying the issue. (Yes I know, the hype and spin comes from the other side also)
As I said earlier, when Greenpeace was in Southeast Alaska last summer and I had the opportunity I engage their lead spokesman I really raked him over the coals pretty good. A number of times he had to acknowledge that something wasn't correct that they had put out or he didn't know the answer to questions I raised about a statement he had made. (Example, spokesman, 'we would like to see more funding going into thinning and culvert and ditch repair, upgrading etc... question by myself, 'what's the average number of acres being thinned over the last few years in the Tongass? spokesman, 'I'm not sure.' myself, 'If you are going to come here and say not enough is being done in this area shouldn't you know and be able to answer how much IS being done? spokesman, 'yes, I should have that information.)
By the end of our discussion he was clearly rattled and the crew traveling with him had that 'deer in the headlights look.' He certainly hadn't been in a situation at least recently where he had had to acknowledge that either the information they had lead their campaign with was not accurate or he didn't know the answers to some very simple questions that were raised based on statements he had made.
My point is if the environmental movement is going to make a statement, take a position, etc., it should be rock solid in true and principle. I do not believe the ends justify the means approach is in the best interests of the environment in the long run as it just leaves room for more questions.
I best stop, time for work and I hadn't intended to go this far when I started my reply to you.
By the way, I agree with your concern about the salmon industry. I've commercial fished for salmon in the past and am still involved, at a different level, in the industry today. |
