To: cosmicforce who wrote (7607 ) 3/6/2001 1:40:59 PM From: TimF Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 82486 If we don't grow up and become more circumspect, stalling development once in a while, the pace of development will become overwhelming for us and the planet. This isn't fear mongering, it is simple extrapolation based upon extinction rates for the last 10, 20, 40 and 160 years. I agree that development can cause problems and that extinctions are something we should be concerned with but I disagree with you if you think we are about to face some overwhelming catastrophe because of development. I don't think you are fear mongering because I think your statements here are honest not exagerated for effect. I just disagree with them.You say things, perhaps only half seriously or to make a point, that leads me to believe that, on many issues, you believe in clear cut answers and are not adequately informed about the possible ramifications of what you propose. It SEEMS cavalier. However, since this could be a persona, like the one X generates, and maybe it is only for your amusement. I don't like extremism and perhaps you aren't as extreme as your rhetoric and boilerplate arguments would lead someone to believe. Don't fall in to the trap of thinking that no one who disagrees with you can be informed and knowlegeable. I may be wrong but I am not particuarly ignorant either in general or on environmental and development issues. I don't see most of my beliefs as extreme though ofcourse I may be biased. <g> On this issue I am arguing for balanceing the concerns of the environment with other concerns such as economic growth and freedom. It is IMO more extreme to focus excessivly on only one of these things. To me it seems that you are more extreme. Note that is not an argument that you are wrong becaue it is quite possible that the extreme belief can be correct. As for my statements being a persona, obviously any one of us can get a limited picture of the others through this medium, but all of the positions that I take here are posititions that I honestly believe. I am posting as myself not as some made up persona with different opinions then those of my own. I also have seen things progress just as I've expected for the past 20+ years. The rate has been consistent and isn't showing any major reversal. Are you talking about the rate of species extinction? Tim