Bush Opens Roadless Tongass National Forest to Logging

JUNEAU, Alaska - Yesterday, the Bush administration put a “for sale” sign on trees in pristine roadless areas of the Tongass rainforest in Alaska - America’s largest national forest.

This move by Bush officials to reverse roadless area protections parallels two others made recently in national forests located in Idaho and Colorado.

Conservationists from across the country are indignant that roads will be punched through some of the nation’s last, best roadless areas to allow private corporations to log America’s public lands.

“The few remaining roadless areas of our national forests are some of the only safe harbors for America’s wildlife,” said Mary Beth Beetham at Defenders of Wildlife. “As global warming threatens to dramatically change the landscape we must have the foresight to preserve these last remaining pristine forests for future generations. It’s folly for the Bush administration, in its last few months, to work to destroy these areas.”

In December 2003, Bush officials “temporarily” exempted Alaska’s Tongass rainforest from the Clinton era Roadless Rule, designed to protect 58 million acres of roadless wild forests in 39 states.

The Bush administration’s new management plan for the Tongass National Forest will raise no revenue for the U.S. government, as the U.S. taxpayers will have to pay to build the roads the timber companies need to access the forest.

“With so much of our forest heritage already lost, every roadless acre counts. The spectacular roadless areas in Alaska deserve as much protection as those in every other state,” said Larry Edwards with Greenpeace in Sitka, Alaska.

“The Roadless Rule and the courts have sheltered many of the last, best places in our national forests, even during an administration hostile to forest protection. Now, with one foot out the door, Bush officials are looking for whatever way they can to give away the family silver,” said Franz Matzner at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Tongass logging fell dramatically in the 1990s, and for years now has existed at levels that do not require slicing roads and clearcuts into virgin old-growth forests, as the Forest Service itself has acknowledged.

“The new plan suffers from the same central problem as the old plan. It leaves 2.4 million acres of wild, roadless backcountry areas open to clear cutting and new logging roads,” said Earthjustice attorney Tom Waldo. “The Tongass is worth a whole lot more to the American people as a standing forest than it is as a sea of stumps and logs.”

The land management plan released today was ordered more than two years ago by a federal court which concluded that the old plan justifying opening Tongass wildlands for development was invalid due to several factors, including a gross overestimation of demand for Tongass logs.

Congress also has expressed concern with Tongass wilderness logging. The House of Representative has voted three times to stop taxpayer dollars from funding new logging roads there.

In September 2006, the federal District Court of Northern California ordered the Bush administration to reinstate the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule to protect almost 50 million acres of National Forests and grasslands across the lower 48 states and Puerto Rico from road construction, logging, and other harmful development.
Roadless area of the Tongass National Forest in southeast Alaska. (Photo credit unknown)

Judge Elizabeth Laporte ruled that the Bush administration violated both the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act by when it repealed the Roadless Rule and put into place another rule without any substantial analysis or need.

But the long term status of the roadless areas in the Tongass National Forest in Alaska was not settled by Judge Laporte. In 2003, the Bush administration exempted the Tongass from the roadless rule by creating a separate amendment that was based on the validity of the Tongass Land Management Plan.

“The Forest Service is losing money hand over fist on roads that Americans don’t even want,” said Christy Goldfuss of Environment America.

“Today,” said Caitlin Hills with American Lands Alliance, “the federal government, in defiance of the facts and the strongly expressed sentiments of the American people to protect all roadless areas, has answered ‘fire up the chainsaws.’”

“The Tongass is the crown jewel of our nation’s roadless wildlands,” said Trish Rolfe at Alaska Sierra Club. “Wild salmon, bears, eagles, and wolves thrive there among moss-draped ancient trees, along crystalline fjords and untamed rivers. It has nine million acres of roadless areas that lack permanent protection. The Bush administration has just put some of the best of them on the chopping block.”

“All over the Tongass there are roadless wildlands that local people and visitors hold dear, jeopardized by this new plan,” said Gregory Vickrey with Tongass Conservation Society.

“These are special places critical to the region’s incredible fish, deer and other wildlife, world-famous recreational opportunities, cherished subsistence practices, and the businesses and jobs that depend on the region’s natural treasures,” said Vickrey. “These are the very things that make Southeast Alaskans most want to live here.”

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52 Comments so far

lastsheep January 26th, 2008 2:03 pm

Disgusting. Unfortunatly the Bush family legacy gets stronger every day. Impeachment is not good enough. We need to take down the wealthiest 1 percent and divide up the loot. It will happen the only question is when and how. I am a peaceful man so I suggest we pull our money out of the ny exchange and move it into other investments and crank this recession into a depression. Sacrifice for justice.

bobpomeroy January 26th, 2008 2:08 pm

Once again, tax-payer-funded welfare for corporate giants. When will we wise up and apply the right-wing’s derrogative attitude towards “welfare mothers” to the corporate world. Our whole taxation system provides welfare for the rich. Their wealth is derived from those who do not hunger and thirst for filthy lucre.
Indeed, impeachment IS NOT good enough, and may, by double jeopardy, bar proceedings to hit them where it will hurt by extracting the ill-gotten gains and returning it to our common wealth.

jubalee January 26th, 2008 2:14 pm

If you are empathetic, it hurts to hear this news. It is so unnecessary. Lastsheep, those are good ideas. I assume you also travel the path of envirnmentalist groups and write letters, make phone calls, go to demonstrations, confront recalictrant representatives and senators. Somewhere I heard the meek shall inherit the earth. Well, pulling funds out of NYStockExchange is meek I think. It’s a matter of choice that we can all choose to do.

caroler January 26th, 2008 2:39 pm

One hopes, once again, that Congress will pass laws to override the Bush insanity, but of what good are laws and injunctions when Bush simply ignores them and gets away with it? Every minute that criminal is in office, he is ripping us off, destroying the economy, and destroying the environment. Last week it was Navy sonar and the whales. Wolf country has turned into killing fields again. When are we going to say ENOUGH? Did our forefathers die for nothing in fighing for our rights? Where are all the environmental leaders? I appreciate all the statements to the press (only covered here, I’m afraid), but we need much more. The Bush crime family has made sure that anyone blocking logging by direct action will be called a terrorist and jailed for decades. Every minute that we don’t fight back, the noose is drawn tighter around our necks. It’s very simple: it’s us or them, so which one will it be, people?

Rebel Farmer January 26th, 2008 3:00 pm

Somebody please tell me what to do. I feel like everything I do is just punching a ballon. Nothing changes.

Though I really like the idea, I don’t have any money in stocks, bonds, or even retirement funds. I did take my cash out of the bank and put it in the local credit union. And I don’t buy anything except the bare essentials. Will any of that help bring on the economic collapse that will wake up the sheeple?

Bozodriver January 26th, 2008 3:10 pm

On the “good” side…think of all the jobs it creates for truck drivers, heavy equipment operators and all their support facilities like strip malls, strip clubs, liquor stores, fast food franchises, etc…. Besides we might as well get the trees while we can before global warming destroys it all anyway. Don’t forget that the Chinese will need tons of pulp for paper and cardboard packaging of all the things we buy from them, and to use in building more homes for their growing economy (seems tlike hey ran out of their own trees years ago). Maybe we should sell them some creative mortgage financing too? It should be easier to harvest the animals when the forests are gone, because we’ll need to get used to Caribou burgers, after all of us have to move north to get a little relief from the heat, smog, and starving peasants. Another side benefit, is the extra business for drug and chemical companies, to help combat the increase in mosquitos, horse flies, ticks, gnats and associated diseases. Rodents will thrive so there should be plenty of protein to go around to feed the pets and servants. We will also have more space to lay out the solar panets and wind machines to help run the pumps to tranfer fresh water from what’s left of the arctic, and can use old oil pipelines after they run out in the next few years. America has always met it’s challenges (one way or the other) and that’s whats made us what we are today.
Well, gotta go roll another prescription, my tongue and cheek are starting to feel a little sore.

buminfl January 26th, 2008 3:27 pm

Yes, buying just essentials will send a message to the corporations that brand name everything and expect you to buy their crap. Instead, buy generics when possible. Shop in dollar stores for your soap, paper towels, etc. Buy at garage sales or thrift shops when you need more durable goods. Fix your car (by yourself, if able) instead of buying new a new one. Shop local mom’n'pop stores when you can. Plant a garden. Recycle. Get in the habit of being a Conservator instead of a Consumer.

jjpeter January 26th, 2008 4:12 pm

All bushcon cares about is “will it make them money?”

That, and that alone is justification for selling out their fellow countrymen, the principles this Republic were founded on, and the God they supposedly worship.

sandyk77 January 26th, 2008 4:14 pm

I didn’t vote for the rich BASTARD.
The ReThugs don’t give a damn about people or the earth.
Only money & power.
I agree with becoming an organic consumer and planting an organic garden, shop local and F____ walmart.
We need to stop them until we get sanity and a DEM back in the WH - soon to be the Mocha house!!!

ma77hew January 26th, 2008 4:57 pm

The Corporations have taken over. The Dems the Repugs, neither will stop this fascist rule because both parties are on the take and controlled by money from the corporations….

There is no way out our Government need to be purged of all corporate ties and revolving door politicians. The Government is no longer ours and when that happens the fore fathers told us we have a DUTY not a Choice but a DUTY to disband the government as it is and form a new one.

IT IS OUR DUTY!!

coco January 26th, 2008 5:30 pm

‘yesterday the bush administration put a ‘for sale’ sign on trees…..’ does this mean it’s possible to buy just one tree at a time? if so, i’ll buy one and leave it standing as a reminder of the once great national forest that was home to innocent creatures and made the earth beautiful.

bozodriver - too funny………..

hellodarling January 26th, 2008 5:36 pm

Bush sure likes to start fights among people.

papananook January 26th, 2008 5:46 pm

With the Republican Big Oil Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin in Office up here, the rape of Alaska is on the agenda…Now the Tongass to be clear cut…AAAAAAARRRRRGGGGHH! A$$holes!

ike kay January 26th, 2008 5:50 pm

DOES ANYONE THINK, EXCEPTING FOR A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE ANY OF THIS MEANS ANYTHING TO ANYONE? MOST WERE AFRAID OF WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THEIR 401Ks. WHEN THE ECONOMY LOOKED A LITTLE JITTERYTHE IDEAS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM AND CATASTROPHE WERE NOTHING.

IN ALL QUESTIONS TO ALL CADIDATES ASKED BY MEDIA
(2003) QUESTIONS JUST THREE CONCERNED THE ENVIRONMENTAL AGENDA.
THERE IS YOUR ANSWER!

Donkey Hote January 26th, 2008 5:55 pm

Folks, I too feel your outrage— but I do not expect anything to change— we are ruled by psychopaths, and this is what psychopaths do. By being psychopathic, they are by definition destructive of the welfare of others, and have no compunction about said destruction, in fact they thrive on it. The fact that it can profit them and their supporters is a side benefit.

Maine-ah January 26th, 2008 6:11 pm

Eat the Rich (before they eat you!)

NMBill January 26th, 2008 6:20 pm

“NO TREE LEFT BEHIND!”

chlorocardium January 26th, 2008 6:38 pm

The next year (well, 359 days) will be one huge greedy grab after another.

lillulu January 26th, 2008 7:42 pm

Alaska is run by a bunch of greedy knuckle-dragging Republicans. Last summer a bunch of tourists died unnecessarily in Alaska because Republicans are TOO CHEAP to pass safety laws in the backward state. If you go to Alaska on vacation, be sure you have life insurance

ticonderoga January 26th, 2008 7:54 pm

The answer isn’t protesting and it isn’t writing letters to your representatives, instead it’s buying as little as you can from big corporations. Buy veggies from your local farmer, don’t buy meat at all, buy beer from a microbrewery instead of from the big giants, drive as little as you can, buy used clothes from the Salvation Army instead of new ones from Macy’s, and so on.

And stop watching TV. Make those Nielsen ratings go WAY down. After all, TV has only existed for 50 or 60 years, and civilization has existed for thousands. We can live without TV.

The big corporations control the politicians, so the politicians are sheep just as much as we are. But if we don’t buy and don’t watch we can make a difference. Thing is, we all have to do it together. Then we won’t be sheep. Instead, we’ll be the shepherds.

Maybe someone should start a “Boycott TV” website. See if we can start a national movement.

Hey! And the best thing is that doing this will be easy and it will save us money, too! We won’t have to actually DO anything. All we’ll have to do is stop doing things that we don’t really need to do in the first place. How hard is that?

kelmer January 26th, 2008 10:06 pm

Jaguars at risk as US blocks their border crossing

* Robin McKie, science editor
* The Observer,
* Sunday January 27 2008

America’s determination to halt illegal immigration across its border with Mexico is set to claim an unusual victim - the jaguar.

The US government has just vetoed a plan to save the species, Panthera onca, one of the world’s most endangered, and beautiful, large cats - and activists blame the Bush administration for its determination to cut illegal immigration from Mexico.

‘The US is building a wall along the border to keep out immigrants. But that would stop jaguars crossing the border and entering the US. We wanted to set up refuges over here and create breeding populations that might save the species, but the government has said “no way”. It doesn’t want anything interfering with that wall,’ said Kieran Suckling, of the US Centre for Biological Diversity. ‘Yet the US is the animals’ best hope of avoiding extinction. Its numbers are declining alarmingly today. But now that chance has been blocked - for political reasons.’

Elisabeth January 26th, 2008 10:13 pm

I hiked my ass off in the Western United States. I have been to great heights in the Gila of New Mexico and spent weeks or more hiking the hinterlands there. I have hiked in the Kootnai in Canada. I have hiked in Eagle Cap in Washington. In 1981, I spent five days hiking in a cloud forests in Ecuador. I slept on beaches in Brazil when the rainforest still reached the sea shore. I have sat among mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
So what is my point?
I have done things our children cannot do, thanks to the work of politicians and the puppet-managing corpocracy that has them by the balls. Thanks to the complacent enablers and obsequious “patriots” the corporate pests have eaten away much of the land and disrupted the ecology of communities they neither understood nor comprehended. All they grasped was money in the bank.
So, I have worked at educational efforts to get the word out on saving the land. I have stood out in the hot sun demonstating my distrust, objection, and complaint in protest against our gov’t… Vietnam and Iraq. And to what end?
Ok, I feel good about taking a stand. I feel fine that I have made the point of standing for what I believe, but when it comes to impacting the outcome of an event, I have accomplished little or nothing. Why? Tell me, why…
What can we really do to make a diff? I want to know, so I quit wasting my time doing stuff that accomplishes nothing.
While I love what ticonderaoga says about watching no tv, indeed, I wonder, do we really have the luxury of time needed to wait till all come to the agreement that the tv is the big conduit of propaganda and must be blocked?
It seems to me that while we are contemplating the evils of mass media, the Tongass is being leveled, bears are going extinct and the global temp is rising.
So WHAT CAN WE DO!!??
elisabeth

thewonderingyou January 26th, 2008 10:16 pm

“Unless.”

pennerblu January 26th, 2008 10:22 pm

Damn him again! Wreckless

buffalo_ken January 26th, 2008 11:37 pm

all of these little things are not going to add up when the “little’ People decide the time has come….

redjeff January 26th, 2008 11:48 pm

A classic case of not seeing the forest for the trees. In fact, they don’t even see the trees–only millions of unsawed board-feet of lumber.

The Bush administration seems hell-bent on doing this, mainly out of spite. With a slump in new home building, there is certainly no demand for this lumber. The Forest Service says the roads aren’t needed. Congress has refused this scheme three times. It’s only being done for the pleasure Bushies derive from pissing on environmentalism.

ticonderoga January 26th, 2008 11:53 pm

Hi Elizabeth.

I salute you. You’ve done far more than most people have to fight this garbage. It must be frustrating as heck. Just imagine how frustrating it must be for, say, Noam Chomsky or Howard Zinn.

But I keep thinking about the Alexander Haig quote: “They can march all they want, as long as they pay their taxes.”

It really does come down to money, I think. And I also think that it just might work if we all got together and hurt them where it matters to them: in their bank accounts. And we really can do this, if we do it together. The hard part is getting Americans to get together, though.

I hope I get this link thing right. This is kind of what I’m thinking of: http://stopshoppingwatching.blogspot.com.

If it didn’t work, you can cut-and-paste it, or whatever the right terminology is. Wish I knew more about making websites and blogs and also more about how to get them out on the net.

Anyway, kudos to you for all your efforts. Maybe all we can do is keep on trying. After all, the politicians aren’t really stupid - they just seem that way. They know that what they’re doing is going to mess up the world, even when they deny it. My guess is that they’re just trying to find a way do what they have to do without having to admit that they’re wrong. At least I hope so.

hybridoma2001 January 27th, 2008 1:24 am

Anybody who has been to this amazing forest will feel even more upset than those who haven’t. There’s plenty to be said about this wilderness area. In my case, it was a feeling of fear, entering the dark woods. It was an even more powerful feeling than one feels upon entering a jungle in Southeast Asia (and also a more pleasant place to be – I prefer forests over jungles when camping and hiking). There’s a feeling that your place in the world, and the food chain, has changed. Danger is felt alongside the beauty and I suppose that is what makes it so thrilling to be there.

The variety of mammals, birds, and plants is astounding. The peace and quiet are a joy. No cell phone turned on (although it’s good to have in case of an emergency) and I can’t even listen to music, although it is a good idea to make noise so any grizzlies will hear you coming and not be surprised. I haven’t been there in 6 years, but just the thought of a road or the noise of a chainsaw makes me sick. It is one of the last places that both humbles me and takes me away from the world in which we live in today. It is truly a gift to have such places and it is a crime to give it up for profit and greed. And we are the ones who are supposed to pay for the destruction. As posted earlier –talk about welfare queens and kings! As if these corporations aren’t wealthy enough to pay for their own roads to rape and pillage.

How can this be allowed to happen? Who is so shortsighted and greedy that they can’t see the forest for the trees? Politicians. Or criminals. That’s who. The words are practically synonymous. And we are powerless to stop it.

If only these people who allow such destruction would visit these places, perhaps that might change their minds. But I’m afraid that even then, it probably wouldn’t help much. These people have lost their souls and so the decisions they make are soulless. Aren’t these the same men who put on some fancy hunting gear around election time and carry a shotgun to show their manliness? Their love of the outdoors?

If only they could get that feeling I get of humility and awe at the wonders and spiritual feelings a true wilderness area gives me, they might take the long term point of view and preserve these priceless wonders of Nature.

SSW January 27th, 2008 1:35 am

Once again the environment that we rely on for life is being raped and murdered along with the creatures that depend on it because george w bush (he doesnt deserve capital letters) wants a little more money.
Nothing new here and once again i am ashamed to be human.

ticonderoga January 27th, 2008 2:37 am

SSW, we have more to worry about than being ashamed of being human. We have our entire civilization to worry about, because whether George Bush knows it (I think he does), we are part of nature, and nature doesn’t really have any respect for us. And when we’re gone nature will come back, but there won’t be anyone around to clone our species back into existence.

But you’re certainly right: there’s nothing new here.

Doom n Gloom January 27th, 2008 4:41 am

The Presidents behavior is increasingly psychopathic. He appears to enjoy killing people and destroying things. His Christian supporters might be wondering if he is their Biblical Beast. His credentials as a monster grow each day.

coco January 27th, 2008 5:25 am

i’ve just read that a disabled u.s. spy satellite is heading for earth and they don’t know where it will land. it’s about the size of a small bus and contains some nasty toxic chemical sort of fuel. with a bit of luck it will land on the ‘grey’ house thereby killing two birds with one stone. (it’s due at the end of february apparently.)

thewonderingyou January 27th, 2008 8:09 am

I’m a little embarrassed now at having quoted from “The Lorax” since no-one has picked up on the “unless” post.

So…lemme try again: YOU DON’T NEED A THNEED AND NEITHER DOES YOUR NEIGHBOR!

You already know that, of course. Now go next-door and explain it to your neighbor. Nothing less than that is acceptable. You’ve seen them carting boxes and bags from the local big-box and low-price stores into their homes. Do you want to feel effective? Convince your neighbor enough to convince theirs. Start the fire. Be bold, be confident, be obnoxious if that tack works, but the fundamental part of it all is to convince your neighbor. Think about it…you know them pretty well, don’t you? Shouldn’t be too hard, should it?

thewonderingyou January 27th, 2008 8:10 am

Doom n Gloom: You are–finally–scaring me.

Ilof Musich January 27th, 2008 9:46 am

Doom and Gloom: I am a Christian NON-SUPPORTER, anti-NeoCon, Anti-Bush, pro-conservation liberal tree-hugger. More than once your thought has crossed my mind. He certainly fulfills the Revelation portrait of the anti-Christ. He has certainly fulfilled the “wars and rumors of wars” portrait. Every word and deed of his that rubs me the wrong way is classicly biblical in its description of the Beast. Wonder where the “666″ is hidden on him…Christians are biblically mandated to take care of the earth and its denizens. That leaves him out, doesn’t it! Him and all his gang, and the gas-guzzling vehicles they rode in on. Amen.

Ilof Musich January 27th, 2008 10:41 am

Correction: read “NON-SUPPORTER” in place of “NON-SUPPORTED”, though in reality, both terms are true.

greatbear215 January 27th, 2008 10:44 am

The White House, proving once again, that it is capable of destroying 2 countries simultaneously.

agave January 27th, 2008 12:27 pm

Yes! The Lorax!!!! Thank you so much for clariying and reminding. It is hard to think about children’s books when you are reading comments about the depressing state of the world. I have that book and I haven’t read it to my duaghter in a while. I think some progressive fimmaker should make a film based on the book. It could be a family film with a very strong message. As long as it remains an independant film and gets enough financial backing. Otherwise it will never get made, or WORSE, the story will get hacked-up by big executives who only want big profits for the film, and turn it into an insipid meaningless piece of garbage with no message left. Pixar’s “CARS” movie is a prime example. I happen to know the person who originally wrote the story that eventually became “Cars”. It was originally a story about a little electric car that no one understood or cared about. The story had an environmental message. But the powers that be at Pixar hacked it up. John Lasseter decided that he wanted it to be a regular car and have the story center around NASCAR. How horrid is that. The friend who pitched the original story idea no longer works there. I was happy when “Cars” did not win the Academy Award for best animated film, especially when Al Gore won the Academy Award for his very strong film with a big message. In the meantime I think it is a good idea to tell everyone that no one needs a THNEED.

wyote January 27th, 2008 12:38 pm

Hey to all,
Many of the posts here sound frustrated and otherwise stuck with the latest of the moves against us and the earth we live on and enjoy. And rightly so, for the article itself makes no suggestion for resistance. As a veteran of campaigns against the BLM and the oil industry rape of western America, allow me to suggest a method that sometimes works. Support litigation against these decisions! Find the organizations that are very good at court battles and support their efforts. We often team-up with Earth Justice, Natural Resource Defense Council or Sierra Club to bring lawsuits and motions to halt these serious crimes. Often these actions work. They can at least delay implementation of the the decisions. This is potentially a very successful strategy right now in the final year of BushCo and his minions in congress. You may be pleasantly surprised by the sophistication, determination and persuasiveness of these groups legal teams.
Regardless of how jaded your opinion is of a possible Democratic congress in ‘09, you will have a much greater opportunity to influence the repeal and creation of laws. Vote! Not all will (ever) be perfect in this world but don’t give up. We can shut the bastards up in court. Tie their hands and continuously dog their efforts until their last breath of power is exhaled. Then we begin work on the next set.
I have like many of you gone through years of frustration, anger and subsequent immobility with the local and national political politics. But when I connected with my local conservation group (Biodiversity Conservation Alliance) and joined in more sophisticated battles, I became encouraged and remain so.
Peace Out

lillulu January 27th, 2008 12:44 pm

Bush’s crusade against environmentalism is so Republican. Damaging the ecosystem of the Tongass National Forest also affects animals such as deer, bears, beavers, wolves, birds, etc. Salmon that spawn in creeks will also be affected. BushCo just can’t leave well enough alone. They have to go in and kill and destroy as much as possible.

The Tongass is a national forest. The trees provide oxygen and help the ecology of a world threatened by global warming. How sad that no one does anything to stop the psychos in charge of this country from continuing their destructive behavior. People like Bush grew up rich and spoiled and have no regard or compassion for anyone or anything.

MisoPretty January 27th, 2008 1:08 pm

“…Conservationists from across the country are indignant…”

Conservationists from across the country need to get MILITANT

buffalo_ken January 27th, 2008 1:29 pm

Indignant is better than militant as long as there is some action to go along with the indignation.

Militant is likely to trigger quite the backlash thus stifling progress.

Just my opinion.

Peace,
Ken

agave January 27th, 2008 1:37 pm

Hey, Wyote,
Thanks for the encouraging message. I often get depressed reading many of the comments on this forum. So many articles that are posted on Common Dreams are depressing. And then the comments are equally depressing because so many of the folks who post have a bleak and negative perspective and offer no solutions or a sense of hope. Most comments end up being dominated by argumentative debates over what is worse or causing the most damge. It just doesn’t seem to help and leaves the readers feeling very discouraged. Thank you so much for your suggestions. I would like to add my own suggestions that may help inspire folks on another level to get them to do something positive and feel like they CAN make a difference. There are many ways in which we can help. Not just our local forests, or the rain forests. But the way we think about how we live our lives.

The Pachamam Alliance ( http://www.pachamama.org/content/view/2/4/) has conducted symposiums all over the country as part of their education and awareness campaign, titled “Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream”. I highly recommend attending one of their symposiums if you can find one in your area.

http://www.awakeningthedreamer.org/

From the site:
“The Symposium explores the link between three of humanity’s most critical concerns: environmental sustainability, social justice and spiritual fulfillment. Using video clips from some of the world’s most respected thinkers, along with inspiring short films, leading edge information and dynamic group interactions, the Symposium allows participants to gain a new insight into the very nature of our time, and the opportunity we have to shape and impact the direction of our world with our everyday choices and action.

The aim of the Symposium is not merely to learn more about the world, but to grapple and come to grips with the very assumptions that underlie the way we ourselves see the world and our place in it, and with what each of us can do - both individually and cooperatively - to move the world in this new direction.

If you are ready to be disturbed, inspired and moved to action, if you are ready to be introduced to a thriving community of like-hearted, deeply committed cohorts who are actively engaged in awakening from and changing the dream of our modern industrial culture, we invite you to come to the next Symposium. ”

To find a symposium near you, or to host a symposium in your area, or even get training as a facilitator of a symposium, go to:

http://www.awakeningthedreamer.org/

And don’t forget - NO ONE NEEDS A THNEED!!!!!!
Children’s stories often have positive or hopeful messages that can really inspire or make you think. I felt very uplifted when the other poster, Thewonderingyou, made references to Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax”. An excellent story!

Quality Time January 27th, 2008 3:35 pm

Tongass is the legacy of Bush and the Republicans.

deadlyhyrax January 27th, 2008 4:46 pm

Having lived in Alaska since 1969, I can state that Bush is only serving at the pleasure of the corrupt Alaskan politicians. And I can also state that I am moving, having witnessed the degradation of Alaska firsthand, my heart is broken. When Ted Stevens, Don Young, and Lisa Murkowski finally ramrod the opening of ANWR through Congress, Alaska will be finished.

Samski January 27th, 2008 5:26 pm

The obvious thing to do is for us to benignly occupy the forests before the roadbuilding and logging commences.

Apparently, the trees belong to us. It’s also where we came from, monkeypeople.

Monkeys are also good at throwing spanners.

Samski January 27th, 2008 5:27 pm

Anyone know of any Rambos out there with an environmental bent?

rightlefthater January 27th, 2008 6:57 pm

its better to build houses for rich hollywood douchebags than to let it burn.

Dominick J. January 28th, 2008 1:18 am

yegads bozzodriver there is No Good side to this. How about making your money some other way eh?
Well I went back up to re-read your post before I hit submit.
Whew tongue in cheek huh?
Had me going there for a few.

thewonderingyou January 28th, 2008 10:51 am

Samski:

I think Edward Abbey had some pretty good ideas, and it’s nice to see that others have noticed him as well. These ideas work particularly well in remote areas, by the way, where there are fewer eyes to see the monkeys at work. Just please be careful, folks: corpses are really bad to leave behind as evidence.

coco January 28th, 2008 1:16 pm

THEWONDERINGYOU

first time i heard of edward abbey. he reminds me of hunter s. thompson….(as far as his burial/last wishes are concerned any way……..)

McNeil January 31st, 2008 11:11 am

Great post wyote. May the forest be with you and all of us.

lastsheep January 26th, 2008 2:03 pm

Disgusting. Unfortunatly the Bush family legacy gets stronger every day. Impeachment is not good enough. We need to take down the wealthiest 1 percent and divide up the loot. It will happen the only question is when and how. I am a peaceful man so I suggest we pull our money out of the ny exchange and move it into other investments and crank this recession into a depression. Sacrifice for justice.
bobpomeroy January 26th, 2008 2:08 pm

Once again, tax-payer-funded welfare for corporate giants. When will we wise up and apply the right-wing’s derrogative attitude towards “welfare mothers” to the corporate world. Our whole taxation system provides welfare for the rich. Their wealth is derived from those who do not hunger and thirst for filthy lucre.
Indeed, impeachment IS NOT good enough, and may, by double jeopardy, bar proceedings to hit them where it will hurt by extracting the ill-gotten gains and returning it to our common wealth.
jubalee January 26th, 2008 2:14 pm

If you are empathetic, it hurts to hear this news. It is so unnecessary. Lastsheep, those are good ideas. I assume you also travel the path of envirnmentalist groups and write letters, make phone calls, go to demonstrations, confront recalictrant representatives and senators. Somewhere I heard the meek shall inherit the earth. Well, pulling funds out of NYStockExchange is meek I think. It’s a matter of choice that we can all choose to do.
caroler January 26th, 2008 2:39 pm

One hopes, once again, that Congress will pass laws to override the Bush insanity, but of what good are laws and injunctions when Bush simply ignores them and gets away with it? Every minute that criminal is in office, he is ripping us off, destroying the economy, and destroying the environment. Last week it was Navy sonar and the whales. Wolf country has turned into killing fields again. When are we going to say ENOUGH? Did our forefathers die for nothing in fighing for our rights? Where are all the environmental leaders? I appreciate all the statements to the press (only covered here, I’m afraid), but we need much more. The Bush crime family has made sure that anyone blocking logging by direct action will be called a terrorist and jailed for decades. Every minute that we don’t fight back, the noose is drawn tighter around our necks. It’s very simple: it’s us or them, so which one will it be, people?
Rebel Farmer January 26th, 2008 3:00 pm

Somebody please tell me what to do. I feel like everything I do is just punching a ballon. Nothing changes.

Though I really like the idea, I don’t have any money in stocks, bonds, or even retirement funds. I did take my cash out of the bank and put it in the local credit union. And I don’t buy anything except the bare essentials. Will any of that help bring on the economic collapse that will wake up the sheeple?
Bozodriver January 26th, 2008 3:10 pm

On the “good” side…think of all the jobs it creates for truck drivers, heavy equipment operators and all their support facilities like strip malls, strip clubs, liquor stores, fast food franchises, etc…. Besides we might as well get the trees while we can before global warming destroys it all anyway. Don’t forget that the Chinese will need tons of pulp for paper and cardboard packaging of all the things we buy from them, and to use in building more homes for their growing economy (seems tlike hey ran out of their own trees years ago). Maybe we should sell them some creative mortgage financing too? It should be easier to harvest the animals when the forests are gone, because we’ll need to get used to Caribou burgers, after all of us have to move north to get a little relief from the heat, smog, and starving peasants. Another side benefit, is the extra business for drug and chemical companies, to help combat the increase in mosquitos, horse flies, ticks, gnats and associated diseases. Rodents will thrive so there should be plenty of protein to go around to feed the pets and servants. We will also have more space to lay out the solar panets and wind machines to help run the pumps to tranfer fresh water from what’s left of the arctic, and can use old oil pipelines after they run out in the next few years. America has always met it’s challenges (one way or the other) and that’s whats made us what we are today.
Well, gotta go roll another prescription, my tongue and cheek are starting to feel a little sore.
buminfl January 26th, 2008 3:27 pm

Yes, buying just essentials will send a message to the corporations that brand name everything and expect you to buy their crap. Instead, buy generics when possible. Shop in dollar stores for your soap, paper towels, etc. Buy at garage sales or thrift shops when you need more durable goods. Fix your car (by yourself, if able) instead of buying new a new one. Shop local mom’n'pop stores when you can. Plant a garden. Recycle. Get in the habit of being a Conservator instead of a Consumer.
jjpeter January 26th, 2008 4:12 pm

All bushcon cares about is “will it make them money?”

That, and that alone is justification for selling out their fellow countrymen, the principles this Republic were founded on, and the God they supposedly worship.
sandyk77 January 26th, 2008 4:14 pm

I didn’t vote for the rich BASTARD.
The ReThugs don’t give a damn about people or the earth.
Only money & power.
I agree with becoming an organic consumer and planting an organic garden, shop local and F____ walmart.
We need to stop them until we get sanity and a DEM back in the WH - soon to be the Mocha house!!!
ma77hew January 26th, 2008 4:57 pm

The Corporations have taken over. The Dems the Repugs, neither will stop this fascist rule because both parties are on the take and controlled by money from the corporations….

There is no way out our Government need to be purged of all corporate ties and revolving door politicians. The Government is no longer ours and when that happens the fore fathers told us we have a DUTY not a Choice but a DUTY to disband the government as it is and form a new one.

IT IS OUR DUTY!!
coco January 26th, 2008 5:30 pm

‘yesterday the bush administration put a ‘for sale’ sign on trees…..’ does this mean it’s possible to buy just one tree at a time? if so, i’ll buy one and leave it standing as a reminder of the once great national forest that was home to innocent creatures and made the earth beautiful.

bozodriver - too funny………..
hellodarling January 26th, 2008 5:36 pm

Bush sure likes to start fights among people.
papananook January 26th, 2008 5:46 pm

With the Republican Big Oil Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin in Office up here, the rape of Alaska is on the agenda…Now the Tongass to be clear cut…AAAAAAARRRRRGGGGHH! A$$holes!
ike kay January 26th, 2008 5:50 pm

DOES ANYONE THINK, EXCEPTING FOR A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE ANY OF THIS MEANS ANYTHING TO ANYONE? MOST WERE AFRAID OF WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THEIR 401Ks. WHEN THE ECONOMY LOOKED A LITTLE JITTERYTHE IDEAS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM AND CATASTROPHE WERE NOTHING.

IN ALL QUESTIONS TO ALL CADIDATES ASKED BY MEDIA
(2003) QUESTIONS JUST THREE CONCERNED THE ENVIRONMENTAL AGENDA.
THERE IS YOUR ANSWER!
Donkey Hote January 26th, 2008 5:55 pm

Folks, I too feel your outrage— but I do not expect anything to change— we are ruled by psychopaths, and this is what psychopaths do. By being psychopathic, they are by definition destructive of the welfare of others, and have no compunction about said destruction, in fact they thrive on it. The fact that it can profit them and their supporters is a side benefit.
Maine-ah January 26th, 2008 6:11 pm

Eat the Rich (before they eat you!)
NMBill January 26th, 2008 6:20 pm

“NO TREE LEFT BEHIND!”
chlorocardium January 26th, 2008 6:38 pm

The next year (well, 359 days) will be one huge greedy grab after another.
lillulu January 26th, 2008 7:42 pm

Alaska is run by a bunch of greedy knuckle-dragging Republicans. Last summer a bunch of tourists died unnecessarily in Alaska because Republicans are TOO CHEAP to pass safety laws in the backward state. If you go to Alaska on vacation, be sure you have life insurance
ticonderoga January 26th, 2008 7:54 pm

The answer isn’t protesting and it isn’t writing letters to your representatives, instead it’s buying as little as you can from big corporations. Buy veggies from your local farmer, don’t buy meat at all, buy beer from a microbrewery instead of from the big giants, drive as little as you can, buy used clothes from the Salvation Army instead of new ones from Macy’s, and so on.

And stop watching TV. Make those Nielsen ratings go WAY down. After all, TV has only existed for 50 or 60 years, and civilization has existed for thousands. We can live without TV.

The big corporations control the politicians, so the politicians are sheep just as much as we are. But if we don’t buy and don’t watch we can make a difference. Thing is, we all have to do it together. Then we won’t be sheep. Instead, we’ll be the shepherds.

Maybe someone should start a “Boycott TV” website. See if we can start a national movement.

Hey! And the best thing is that doing this will be easy and it will save us money, too! We won’t have to actually DO anything. All we’ll have to do is stop doing things that we don’t really need to do in the first place. How hard is that?
kelmer January 26th, 2008 10:06 pm

Jaguars at risk as US blocks their border crossing

* Robin McKie, science editor
* The Observer,
* Sunday January 27 2008

America’s determination to halt illegal immigration across its border with Mexico is set to claim an unusual victim - the jaguar.

The US government has just vetoed a plan to save the species, Panthera onca, one of the world’s most endangered, and beautiful, large cats - and activists blame the Bush administration for its determination to cut illegal immigration from Mexico.

‘The US is building a wall along the border to keep out immigrants. But that would stop jaguars crossing the border and entering the US. We wanted to set up refuges over here and create breeding populations that might save the species, but the government has said “no way”. It doesn’t want anything interfering with that wall,’ said Kieran Suckling, of the US Centre for Biological Diversity. ‘Yet the US is the animals’ best hope of avoiding extinction. Its numbers are declining alarmingly today. But now that chance has been blocked - for political reasons.’
Elisabeth January 26th, 2008 10:13 pm

I hiked my ass off in the Western United States. I have been to great heights in the Gila of New Mexico and spent weeks or more hiking the hinterlands there. I have hiked in the Kootnai in Canada. I have hiked in Eagle Cap in Washington. In 1981, I spent five days hiking in a cloud forests in Ecuador. I slept on beaches in Brazil when the rainforest still reached the sea shore. I have sat among mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
So what is my point?
I have done things our children cannot do, thanks to the work of politicians and the puppet-managing corpocracy that has them by the balls. Thanks to the complacent enablers and obsequious “patriots” the corporate pests have eaten away much of the land and disrupted the ecology of communities they neither understood nor comprehended. All they grasped was money in the bank.
So, I have worked at educational efforts to get the word out on saving the land. I have stood out in the hot sun demonstating my distrust, objection, and complaint in protest against our gov’t… Vietnam and Iraq. And to what end?
Ok, I feel good about taking a stand. I feel fine that I have made the point of standing for what I believe, but when it comes to impacting the outcome of an event, I have accomplished little or nothing. Why? Tell me, why…
What can we really do to make a diff? I want to know, so I quit wasting my time doing stuff that accomplishes nothing.
While I love what ticonderaoga says about watching no tv, indeed, I wonder, do we really have the luxury of time needed to wait till all come to the agreement that the tv is the big conduit of propaganda and must be blocked?
It seems to me that while we are contemplating the evils of mass media, the Tongass is being leveled, bears are going extinct and the global temp is rising.
So WHAT CAN WE DO!!??
elisabeth
thewonderingyou January 26th, 2008 10:16 pm

“Unless.”
pennerblu January 26th, 2008 10:22 pm

Damn him again! Wreckless
buffalo_ken January 26th, 2008 11:37 pm

all of these little things are not going to add up when the “little’ People decide the time has come….
redjeff January 26th, 2008 11:48 pm

A classic case of not seeing the forest for the trees. In fact, they don’t even see the trees–only millions of unsawed board-feet of lumber.

The Bush administration seems hell-bent on doing this, mainly out of spite. With a slump in new home building, there is certainly no demand for this lumber. The Forest Service says the roads aren’t needed. Congress has refused this scheme three times. It’s only being done for the pleasure Bushies derive from pissing on environmentalism.
ticonderoga January 26th, 2008 11:53 pm

Hi Elizabeth.

I salute you. You’ve done far more than most people have to fight this garbage. It must be frustrating as heck. Just imagine how frustrating it must be for, say, Noam Chomsky or Howard Zinn.

But I keep thinking about the Alexander Haig quote: “They can march all they want, as long as they pay their taxes.”

It really does come down to money, I think. And I also think that it just might work if we all got together and hurt them where it matters to them: in their bank accounts. And we really can do this, if we do it together. The hard part is getting Americans to get together, though.

I hope I get this link thing right. This is kind of what I’m thinking of: http://stopshoppingwatching.blogspot.com.

If it didn’t work, you can cut-and-paste it, or whatever the right terminology is. Wish I knew more about making websites and blogs and also more about how to get them out on the net.

Anyway, kudos to you for all your efforts. Maybe all we can do is keep on trying. After all, the politicians aren’t really stupid - they just seem that way. They know that what they’re doing is going to mess up the world, even when they deny it. My guess is that they’re just trying to find a way do what they have to do without having to admit that they’re wrong. At least I hope so.
hybridoma2001 January 27th, 2008 1:24 am

Anybody who has been to this amazing forest will feel even more upset than those who haven’t. There’s plenty to be said about this wilderness area. In my case, it was a feeling of fear, entering the dark woods. It was an even more powerful feeling than one feels upon entering a jungle in Southeast Asia (and also a more pleasant place to be – I prefer forests over jungles when camping and hiking). There’s a feeling that your place in the world, and the food chain, has changed. Danger is felt alongside the beauty and I suppose that is what makes it so thrilling to be there.

The variety of mammals, birds, and plants is astounding. The peace and quiet are a joy. No cell phone turned on (although it’s good to have in case of an emergency) and I can’t even listen to music, although it is a good idea to make noise so any grizzlies will hear you coming and not be surprised. I haven’t been there in 6 years, but just the thought of a road or the noise of a chainsaw makes me sick. It is one of the last places that both humbles me and takes me away from the world in which we live in today. It is truly a gift to have such places and it is a crime to give it up for profit and greed. And we are the ones who are supposed to pay for the destruction. As posted earlier –talk about welfare queens and kings! As if these corporations aren’t wealthy enough to pay for their own roads to rape and pillage.

How can this be allowed to happen? Who is so shortsighted and greedy that they can’t see the forest for the trees? Politicians. Or criminals. That’s who. The words are practically synonymous. And we are powerless to stop it.

If only these people who allow such destruction would visit these places, perhaps that might change their minds. But I’m afraid that even then, it probably wouldn’t help much. These people have lost their souls and so the decisions they make are soulless. Aren’t these the same men who put on some fancy hunting gear around election time and carry a shotgun to show their manliness? Their love of the outdoors?

If only they could get that feeling I get of humility and awe at the wonders and spiritual feelings a true wilderness area gives me, they might take the long term point of view and preserve these priceless wonders of Nature.
SSW January 27th, 2008 1:35 am

Once again the environment that we rely on for life is being raped and murdered along with the creatures that depend on it because george w bush (he doesnt deserve capital letters) wants a little more money.
Nothing new here and once again i am ashamed to be human.
ticonderoga January 27th, 2008 2:37 am

SSW, we have more to worry about than being ashamed of being human. We have our entire civilization to worry about, because whether George Bush knows it (I think he does), we are part of nature, and nature doesn’t really have any respect for us. And when we’re gone nature will come back, but there won’t be anyone around to clone our species back into existence.

But you’re certainly right: there’s nothing new here.
Doom n Gloom January 27th, 2008 4:41 am

The Presidents behavior is increasingly psychopathic. He appears to enjoy killing people and destroying things. His Christian supporters might be wondering if he is their Biblical Beast. His credentials as a monster grow each day.
coco January 27th, 2008 5:25 am

i’ve just read that a disabled u.s. spy satellite is heading for earth and they don’t know where it will land. it’s about the size of a small bus and contains some nasty toxic chemical sort of fuel. with a bit of luck it will land on the ‘grey’ house thereby killing two birds with one stone. (it’s due at the end of february apparently.)
thewonderingyou January 27th, 2008 8:09 am

I’m a little embarrassed now at having quoted from “The Lorax” since no-one has picked up on the “unless” post.

So…lemme try again: YOU DON’T NEED A THNEED AND NEITHER DOES YOUR NEIGHBOR!

You already know that, of course. Now go next-door and explain it to your neighbor. Nothing less than that is acceptable. You’ve seen them carting boxes and bags from the local big-box and low-price stores into their homes. Do you want to feel effective? Convince your neighbor enough to convince theirs. Start the fire. Be bold, be confident, be obnoxious if that tack works, but the fundamental part of it all is to convince your neighbor. Think about it…you know them pretty well, don’t you? Shouldn’t be too hard, should it?
thewonderingyou January 27th, 2008 8:10 am

Doom n Gloom: You are–finally–scaring me.
Ilof Musich January 27th, 2008 9:46 am

Doom and Gloom: I am a Christian NON-SUPPORTER, anti-NeoCon, Anti-Bush, pro-conservation liberal tree-hugger. More than once your thought has crossed my mind. He certainly fulfills the Revelation portrait of the anti-Christ. He has certainly fulfilled the “wars and rumors of wars” portrait. Every word and deed of his that rubs me the wrong way is classicly biblical in its description of the Beast. Wonder where the “666″ is hidden on him…Christians are biblically mandated to take care of the earth and its denizens. That leaves him out, doesn’t it! Him and all his gang, and the gas-guzzling vehicles they rode in on. Amen.
Ilof Musich January 27th, 2008 10:41 am

Correction: read “NON-SUPPORTER” in place of “NON-SUPPORTED”, though in reality, both terms are true.
greatbear215 January 27th, 2008 10:44 am

The White House, proving once again, that it is capable of destroying 2 countries simultaneously.
agave January 27th, 2008 12:27 pm

Yes! The Lorax!!!! Thank you so much for clariying and reminding. It is hard to think about children’s books when you are reading comments about the depressing state of the world. I have that book and I haven’t read it to my duaghter in a while. I think some progressive fimmaker should make a film based on the book. It could be a family film with a very strong message. As long as it remains an independant film and gets enough financial backing. Otherwise it will never get made, or WORSE, the story will get hacked-up by big executives who only want big profits for the film, and turn it into an insipid meaningless piece of garbage with no message left. Pixar’s “CARS” movie is a prime example. I happen to know the person who originally wrote the story that eventually became “Cars”. It was originally a story about a little electric car that no one understood or cared about. The story had an environmental message. But the powers that be at Pixar hacked it up. John Lasseter decided that he wanted it to be a regular car and have the story center around NASCAR. How horrid is that. The friend who pitched the original story idea no longer works there. I was happy when “Cars” did not win the Academy Award for best animated film, especially when Al Gore won the Academy Award for his very strong film with a big message. In the meantime I think it is a good idea to tell everyone that no one needs a THNEED.
wyote January 27th, 2008 12:38 pm

Hey to all,
Many of the posts here sound frustrated and otherwise stuck with the latest of the moves against us and the earth we live on and enjoy. And rightly so, for the article itself makes no suggestion for resistance. As a veteran of campaigns against the BLM and the oil industry rape of western America, allow me to suggest a method that sometimes works. Support litigation against these decisions! Find the organizations that are very good at court battles and support their efforts. We often team-up with Earth Justice, Natural Resource Defense Council or Sierra Club to bring lawsuits and motions to halt these serious crimes. Often these actions work. They can at least delay implementation of the the decisions. This is potentially a very successful strategy right now in the final year of BushCo and his minions in congress. You may be pleasantly surprised by the sophistication, determination and persuasiveness of these groups legal teams.
Regardless of how jaded your opinion is of a possible Democratic congress in ‘09, you will have a much greater opportunity to influence the repeal and creation of laws. Vote! Not all will (ever) be perfect in this world but don’t give up. We can shut the bastards up in court. Tie their hands and continuously dog their efforts until their last breath of power is exhaled. Then we begin work on the next set.
I have like many of you gone through years of frustration, anger and subsequent immobility with the local and national political politics. But when I connected with my local conservation group (Biodiversity Conservation Alliance) and joined in more sophisticated battles, I became encouraged and remain so.
Peace Out
lillulu January 27th, 2008 12:44 pm

Bush’s crusade against environmentalism is so Republican. Damaging the ecosystem of the Tongass National Forest also affects animals such as deer, bears, beavers, wolves, birds, etc. Salmon that spawn in creeks will also be affected. BushCo just can’t leave well enough alone. They have to go in and kill and destroy as much as possible.

The Tongass is a national forest. The trees provide oxygen and help the ecology of a world threatened by global warming. How sad that no one does anything to stop the psychos in charge of this country from continuing their destructive behavior. People like Bush grew up rich and spoiled and have no regard or compassion for anyone or anything.
MisoPretty January 27th, 2008 1:08 pm

“…Conservationists from across the country are indignant…”

Conservationists from across the country need to get MILITANT
buffalo_ken January 27th, 2008 1:29 pm

Indignant is better than militant as long as there is some action to go along with the indignation.

Militant is likely to trigger quite the backlash thus stifling progress.

Just my opinion.

Peace,
Ken
agave January 27th, 2008 1:37 pm

Hey, Wyote,
Thanks for the encouraging message. I often get depressed reading many of the comments on this forum. So many articles that are posted on Common Dreams are depressing. And then the comments are equally depressing because so many of the folks who post have a bleak and negative perspective and offer no solutions or a sense of hope. Most comments end up being dominated by argumentative debates over what is worse or causing the most damge. It just doesn’t seem to help and leaves the readers feeling very discouraged. Thank you so much for your suggestions. I would like to add my own suggestions that may help inspire folks on another level to get them to do something positive and feel like they CAN make a difference. There are many ways in which we can help. Not just our local forests, or the rain forests. But the way we think about how we live our lives.

The Pachamam Alliance ( http://www.pachamama.org/content/view/2/4/) has conducted symposiums all over the country as part of their education and awareness campaign, titled “Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream”. I highly recommend attending one of their symposiums if you can find one in your area.

http://www.awakeningthedreamer.org/

From the site:
“The Symposium explores the link between three of humanity’s most critical concerns: environmental sustainability, social justice and spiritual fulfillment. Using video clips from some of the world’s most respected thinkers, along with inspiring short films, leading edge information and dynamic group interactions, the Symposium allows participants to gain a new insight into the very nature of our time, and the opportunity we have to shape and impact the direction of our world with our everyday choices and action.

The aim of the Symposium is not merely to learn more about the world, but to grapple and come to grips with the very assumptions that underlie the way we ourselves see the world and our place in it, and with what each of us can do - both individually and cooperatively - to move the world in this new direction.

If you are ready to be disturbed, inspired and moved to action, if you are ready to be introduced to a thriving community of like-hearted, deeply committed cohorts who are actively engaged in awakening from and changing the dream of our modern industrial culture, we invite you to come to the next Symposium. ”

To find a symposium near you, or to host a symposium in your area, or even get training as a facilitator of a symposium, go to:

http://www.awakeningthedreamer.org/

And don’t forget - NO ONE NEEDS A THNEED!!!!!!
Children’s stories often have positive or hopeful messages that can really inspire or make you think. I felt very uplifted when the other poster, Thewonderingyou, made references to Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax”. An excellent story!
Quality Time January 27th, 2008 3:35 pm

Tongass is the legacy of Bush and the Republicans.
deadlyhyrax January 27th, 2008 4:46 pm

Having lived in Alaska since 1969, I can state that Bush is only serving at the pleasure of the corrupt Alaskan politicians. And I can also state that I am moving, having witnessed the degradation of Alaska firsthand, my heart is broken. When Ted Stevens, Don Young, and Lisa Murkowski finally ramrod the opening of ANWR through Congress, Alaska will be finished.
Samski January 27th, 2008 5:26 pm

The obvious thing to do is for us to benignly occupy the forests before the roadbuilding and logging commences.

Apparently, the trees belong to us. It’s also where we came from, monkeypeople.

Monkeys are also good at throwing spanners.
Samski January 27th, 2008 5:27 pm

Anyone know of any Rambos out there with an environmental bent?
rightlefthater January 27th, 2008 6:57 pm

its better to build houses for rich hollywood douchebags than to let it burn.
Dominick J. January 28th, 2008 1:18 am

yegads bozzodriver there is No Good side to this. How about making your money some other way eh?
Well I went back up to re-read your post before I hit submit.
Whew tongue in cheek huh?
Had me going there for a few.
thewonderingyou January 28th, 2008 10:51 am

Samski:

I think Edward Abbey had some pretty good ideas, and it’s nice to see that others have noticed him as well. These ideas work particularly well in remote areas, by the way, where there are fewer eyes to see the monkeys at work. Just please be careful, folks: corpses are really bad to leave behind as evidence.
coco January 28th, 2008 1:16 pm

THEWONDERINGYOU

first time i heard of edward abbey. he reminds me of hunter s. thompson….(as far as his burial/last wishes are concerned any way……..)
McNeil January 31st, 2008 11:11 am

Great post wyote. May the forest be with you and all of us.

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