Tuesday, September 02, 2003

Invasive Species & Wolves.

In the last two days, Jim Speers has posted three articles on the above subjects. An excerpt from The Purpose of Invasive Species:

Here on the East coast the date most often given as the “native ecosystem” ideal is 1492 AD. In the southwest and on the west coast, the arrival of Spanish explorers and Franciscan missionaries is the date when some sort of mystical mix of plants and animals is fixed as the “natives” of that region. Plants and animals brought from other parts of North America or from other continents after those dates are now being touted as “non-native” and somehow, mysteriously out-of-place. Based on this native worship philosophy disguised as environmental quackery, Americans are being told that thousands of plants and animals should be eradicated because they are “out of place” (i.e. “non-native”.)

And this from Endangered Wolves:

Every American citizen needs to consider what is happening with wolves. Congress passes a law (Endangered Species Act) and voila! Wolves are declared endangered and instantly a large, destructive, and dangerous carnivore that was purposely extirpated from all but one state (Minnesota) is given the status of a cow in a Hindu village. No longer does the state have ANY say in whether there will or will not be wolves within their borders. No longer can a dog owner kill a wolf attacking his pet or hunting dog. No longer can a sheep or cattle rancher protect his stock when they are ravaged by wolves. No longer can hunters expect to see big game or small game in the abundance or sizes common before wolves were reintroduced. No longer can pets or hunting dogs be allowed to roam unseen by owners. No longer can a rural grandmother let her grandchildren play outside unattended after wolves have been observed near rural residences. No longer can scouts or families camp safely in certain areas. No longer can foals be allowed to range unseen when wolves are about. Rural life, property rights, and citizen rights to make their government “insure domestic Tranquility” (per the 19th, 20th, and 21st words of the US Constitution) are all drastically reduced or eliminated.

All of Mr. Speers articles can be viewed here.

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