OPINION/COMMENTARY

The Shrinking of the Greens: An environmental movement that shuns the right is bound to fail.

One might think that environmentalists in a conservative country would seek conservative support. Indeed, one might think that environmentalists could recognize natural allies in those who find pleasure and fulfillment in pursuit of wild animals in their habitat, or who have become convinced that God commands them to protect the full abundance of His creation, or who believe that their great country's uncurbed appetite for energy puts it at risk in a dangerous world. By contrast, there is no reason to think--and none is offered--why people of color, feminists, gays, or peace advocates--let alone union members--should be more environmentalist than the public at large. Yet reaching out to hunters and fishers, evangelical Christians, or "geo-green" conservatives is barely mentioned in this debate. Evidently support from those who might have endorsed the war in Iraq, or might oppose gay marriage, or, it seems, might not have voted enthusiastically for Howard Dean will not be welcome in addressing "the greatest calamity in modern history." Certainly cheap shots against "environmental extremists" have long characterized the rhetoric of conservative publicists and politicians. But a mature political judgment should look beyond the cheap shots on all sides to assess, and make use of, the more fundamental forces at work. It should also examine the widespread distrust of environmentalists among outdoorsmen and evangelicals with no apparent reason for striking poses on this issue. If, as may well be true, the goal of this debate is not to revitalize environmental protection as such, but to invest its appeal in a generic revival of "progressive" politics, then these criticisms are beside the point. But to the extent that protecting the environment is still a goal of the environmental movement, one may hope that as the reassessment continues, it will include a deeper look in the mirror....

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