How many DUers agree with THIS widely accepted GOP meme?

[Lorien]

"You are out of touch, infantile, and hate people if you care about Endangered Species".

I ask because the GOP is about to rewrite the Endangered Species Act, and every thread on the subject has dropped like a stone. Very few here seem to show any interest, and I suspect that this is because many of you have taken that particular GOP talking point to heart; "people" (giant corporate interests) matter more, you have to be a far left bleeding heart relic of the '70's to care about Endangered Species, and aren't there many more important issues, like gas prices, the war, and the economy?

How about the survival of the HUMAN race for a few more years? Does anyone give a fuck about that, or are most here convinced that A.) climate change won't kill humanity for another century, or B.) climate change WILL kill us, so we may as well get it over with, or C.) humanity will do just fine regardless of climate change ("the ostrich syndrome") ?

The preservation of the Endangered species act means the preservation of ecosystems that are vital to the survival OF ALL. This isn't about individual birds, butterflies, and wolves. This is a climate change issue,it's about YOUR survival and the survival of YOUR CHILDREN. This is also about more handouts to bloated GOP funding mega-corporations, which in turn will become wealthier and more powerful, which will erode democracy further. Does that sound like a good deal?

The vote takes place TODAY; silence implies consent, so speak out NOW: https://secure2.convio.net/dow/site/Advocacy?alertId=183&pg=makeACall&s_einterest=C3C4&JServSessionIdr012=8qocaskfg3.app26a

[iamjoy]

1. We Disagree

we've just been a little distracted lately, which is just the way this administration likes it.

[Lorien]

16. Yep; they CREATE the emergencies

so that we can't focus on all the other criminal actions they take. It's been five long, exhausting years. :-(

Reminds me of when I overheard someone talking about why they voted for *; they said that they got so sick of the attacks on Clinton that they didn't want to go through another four years of the same, so they voted for * in hopes that everyone would "just shut up". I wish I could run into them today and ask "how's it workin' for ya"?

[Mutley]

27. That has got to be the worst rational for voting for W, EVER!

EWWW!! :puke: I'm sorry that had to sully your ear drums!

[Fridays Child]

2. If that's a GOP meme, it's the first I've heard of it.

I mean, I know they don't give a shit but wouldn't such an outright statement be a little difficult to advance as a meme?

In fact, I would think that we had the advantage in framing this issue and creating a meme. Or have our Democratic leaders missed the opportunity?

[Lorien]

14. The sentence was several talking points rolled into one

that I've heard over and over from the dittoheads that I used to work with.

Yes, we do indeed have the advantage in framing this issue (and many, many others). It's just a matter of execution, I guess. :shrug:

[CitrusLib]

3. Ouch.

'Very few here give a shit'.

And your evidence for that is because the topic doesn't get as much response as the war in Iraq, hurricanes and GOP crimes?

Can we give a shit about more than two things at once? I can't speak for everyone, but I'm perfectly capable of multi-tasking. Yeah, I do care about Endangered Species. Yes, I will contact my legislators.

My Senators and Representatives have a 'pick list' of about 40 or 50 items I can put in the subject line of my e-mails. I've probably covered almost all of them with them plus some other issues they intentionally or mistakenly left off the list.

For the record, I respond more to hurricane and Iraq posts because 1) I live in Florida and got whacked by 3 of them last year and 2) My family is directly affected by Iraq.

Sorry if my priorities don't match yours.

[Lorien]

6. 8-12 posts vs. hundreds?

yep, in my book that qualifies as such. This is NOT an "either /or" issue, it is one of many issues that we must fight these bastards on. Unfair that there are so many. Yes. But that's the hand we've been dealt.

My home was hit by three hurricanes last year. I can multi-task.

On edit; language changed in OP to be less inflammatory (though inflammatory often gets more responses...)

[shockingelk]

4. In what manner do they intend to rewrite it?

I would need specifics to get riled up about.

What was that thing a year or so ago concerning the WH changing rules in exotic animal trade ... had some backwards logic ... was it about trading in ivory? Something like "If we allow trade in ivory, the ivory that exists will be traded instead of more elephants being poached." ... something like that but even stupider.

[AllyCat]

8. Here's some links to the issue with action items:

http://www.nrdcactionfund.org/esa/action.asp?step=2&item=53041

http://www.saveesa.org/

Please read and sign. This is NOT good legislation.

[Lorien]

11. Here's some more information:

From the World Wildlife Fund:http://takeaction.worldwildlife.org/action/index.asp?step=2&item=27880


STOP AN ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT ATTACK

* The Issue

The Endangered Species Act is under serious attack and needs your help. A bill that would severely weaken the act was approved by the House Resources Committee on September 22, 2005, and is scheduled to be debated by the full House as early as the week of September 26. We have very little time to stop it; please act now.

The so-called Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act, introduced by Rep. Richard Pombo (R-Calif.), would undermine protections that imperiled species have been afforded under the law for more than 30 years. The bill would reduce the prospects for restoring healthy populations of threatened and endangered plants and animals, repeal current provisions that protect species from the harmful impact of pesticides, weaken the scientific foundation for decision-making, and divert scarce resources away from effective conservation.

Fortunately, there is a positive, bipartisan alternative. Reps. George Miller (D-Calif.) and Sherry Boehlert (R-N.Y.) are planning to offer a substitute bill during the debate on the floor if the measure is ruled in order by the House Rules Committee on September 28. World Wildlife Fund supports this bipartisan substitute bill because it would make the ESA more efficient and cost effective, require federal agencies responsible for protecting 1,200 imperiled species in the United States to report biennially on their status, enhance the role of the states in conserving threatened species, and expedite the recovery planning process.

* What's at Stake

Every species loss diminishes the diversity of life on Earth with untold consequences for the web of life. Sadly, at present rates of extinction, as much as 20 percent of the world's species could be gone in the next 30 years.

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is the most important tool our nation has for protecting imperiled wildlife and maintaining biological diversity. Enacted in 1973 by President Richard Nixon, the law is credited with pulling wildlife species back from the brink of extinction. It is used as a model by other countries struggling to protect their own endangered plants and animals. The bald eagle, California sea otter, American alligator, gray wolf, gray whale, black-footed ferret, and international species such as the African elephant are on the way back due to the ESA. World Wildlife Fund believes that a modernized and adequately funded ESA will improve species recovery efforts and bring the nation’s landowners on board as full partners in wildlife conservation. But the Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act would take us in the wrong direction.

* Learn More

Read the testimony submitted on September 21, 2005 to the House Resources Committee on behalf of World Wildlife Fund, Defenders of Wildlife, and Environmental Defense.

Read H.R. 3824, the Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act.

* How You Can Help

- Follow the instructions to send a free letter urging your representative to oppose the Endangered Species Act reform bill.

- To have more impact, follow the instructions to add your own thoughts to your message.

- Call your member of Congress via the capitol switchboard (202-224-3121) and make the main points from your letter.

- Urge your friends to take this action.

From our start in 1961, WWF has worked to protect endangered species. With your support, we can ensure that the world our children inherit will be home to a diversity of creatures. Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,

Ginette Hemley
Managing Vice President for Conservation Programs
and Vice President for Species Conservation
World Wildlife Fund
Washington, DC

You can also take action on the Union of concerned scientists site:http://ucsaction.org/campaign/9_26_05_Endangered_Species_Act?source=wac_ucshome

[sui generis]

5. Yes, do speak out

Endangered species acts preserve biodiversity.

oh and about that meme:

You are out of touch, infantile, and hate people if you are a republican. How 'bout that? It definitely has the ring of truth about it along with a preponderance of evidence. Got WMD? Got Osama yet? That's pretty damn out of touch.

They think this nation of individuals exists ONLY to keep corporations profitable, always at the expense of individuals. They think the legislature exists to represent corporate interests, not individual constituents.

People who use "infantile" in a sentence as an ad hominem and off topic attack on other adults are usually pretty infantile themselves. Just an observation. They lose all qualification for telling us about mature behavior.

[Armstead]

31. Maybe they should add Humanity to the Endangered Species list

You're right though. The Endangered Species policies protect habitat, which is important in sustaining all life -- as well as allowing vestages of nature to continue to exist.

[Griffy]

40. too bad fundies dont think humans are animals!!

seriously I've heard them say we are not animals, we are people! They dont understand the modern reality because of the dogma they live under. They dont feel connected to the planet because they feel divine intervention has placed man on the earth, and has placed animals to service man. You got to go to the root of thought to understand why these people do what they do.

Oh. and BTW, the E.S. act could use reform, it has done some good, but needs to have options for communities to find ways to co-exists with protected habitats and animals.

[CrispyQ]

79. I'm always saddened at how

inhumane humanity is. We really should choose a different, more appropriate root word to base our species name on.

[Lorien]

80. At this point I've gotta agree n/t.

[AllyCat]

7. I've called and written my Rep

She has already sent me a very nice letter stating in no uncertain terms that she will vote against this rewrite.

I've signed a number of petitions. Please get on this folks! If you need a link to a petition to sign, let me know, I'll post some of them up here.

[Lorien]

13. Awesome!

May I ask who your rep is?

:yourock:

[AllyCat]

15. Tammy Baldwin from Madison, WI

She's great. She responds to every letter and phone call. Staff is always pleasant and well-informed when I call the office.

She is openly gay and had to face this nutcase (Dave Magnum) last November who really tried to call voters against her because of that. No effect. Easily re-elected. At the time, I was living in F. James Senselessbrenner's district in Wauwatosa. I had the extreme pleasure of voting against him. Now I have the extreme pleasure of living in the same district as a rep who responds to constituents.

[rodeodance]

39. hi , she is my rep. also.

[AllyCat]

41. Hi rodeo!!!

:hi:

She's the bomb!

[Lorien]

55. You're fortunate to live in such a blue city!

Madison is great; a much more educated and aware area of the country than most. I'm not surprised to hear that you've got yourself such a progressive representative! :toast:

[JaneGat]

9. Called Heather Wilson

New Meme: "Americans understand the needs of corporations and are willing to sacrifice whatever is necessary to see to the welfare of corporate America, including sacrificing their own health and wellbeing, as well as the health and wellbeing of all living things."

How much longer any of our regulations and protections will be in place?

[Lorien]

12. Thank you!!

:yourock:

[Ian David]

10. If we get rid of Bush, this problem goes away. I think. n/t

[Lorien]

17. We can hope, but I'd rather not take any chances

they still have Diebold and the media.

[political_invader]

19. The keyword in your statement is "IF"

I personally don't wanna take that chance in 3.5 years on this admin. current pace we wil have nothing to protect it will all be gone.

[political_invader]

18. Protect the Endangered Species Act!

H.R. 3824.

This bill would cripple federal efforts to protect and preserve wildlife and their habitats and would adversely change the way science informs ESA decisions.



Union of concerned Scientists

http://ucsaction.org/campaign/9_26_05_Endangered_Species_Act/wd3keuw4v5t6338

[Terran]

20. It isn't possible to keep up with everything

And I say that, feeling that I'm very opriented toward envirnomental issues. If those aren't dealt with effectively, all the politics in the world won't matter.

But I do think this is why we have specialized forums, so that people who closely follow these issues can get together and make the kind of difference you're talking about. If all you did was post items in GD, then it's no wonder they dropped quickly.

Environmental issues generally take a back set at DU because, logically, we have to get the repubs out of power if we ever expect to deal effectively with threats to the environment via the government.

[Lorien]

24. Posted in the Environment forum and the Vegan, Vegetarian, and Animal

rights group. They get VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC, and I doubt that will change anytime soon. This isn't an issue that applies to one group, either; it belongs to all of us who breathe on this earth. The Iraq war isn't relegated to a military forum. The Hurricanes didn't remain locked in state forums. If we can't deal with the environment until we get repugs out of power, then what happens if they remain in control? Why bother with ANY issue that the repugs control, as they own it all now? Why does Roe v. Wade get attention and the environment gets next to nothing? Why must we pick and choose? Isn't the survival of the ecosystems that sustain our lives worth five minutes out of our day?

[Terran]

63. I agree wholeheartedly

I was just calling as I see it at DU. In theory we all see the environment as a political issue, but a lot of people here are focused on the short term because of their hatred of Bush.

The current disaster paradigm we're in is proof of the statement that global warming and climate change are much greater threats than terrorism will ever be.

[MadAsHellNewYorker]

21. First they came for the Endangered Species

allowing more pollutants, toxins and environmental destruction into their dwindling habitats.

Then they came for our children, allowing for lax regulations against dumping and pollution near our homes and communities

and by the time they came for us, we were dead. WHY? cause once they start destroying the environment, we all lose.

Folks: This is just as bad as anything else we fight for here. Actually, its worse then most, cause once these rules are changed, it means instant death for hundreds of weak species.

please call your house reps and do something about it.

and Lorien, :yourock: :hug: :loveya:

[CrispyQ]

77. Very nice adaptation of a classic.

And your updated eco version is so much more urgent even than the classic version.

How is it those in office do not see that the environment is the very infrastructure that allows us to exist? Do they really want to live out their lives & their children's & grandchildren's lives in underground dugouts for generations to come because their policies trashed the very environment that supports them? Or are they so arrogant that they believe they can exploit our natural resources today while making huge profits & fix the environment tomorrow?


They truly have their heads in the sand -- or perhaps an even darker place!

[political_invader]

22. Lorien I would like to personally THANK YOU

For reposting this issue I myself posted this 3 days ago and got a very grim response. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=4908235&mesg_id=4908235

This is very important thanks again for your hard work and getting this out.

[Lorien]

26. Thank YOU political_invader

I know it's discouraging (the environment got barely a mention during the last election-and climate change is a far greater threat than terrorism). Keep posting such threads. Eventually, perhaps a few of us will raise enough awareness on this issue to make it a critical issue in the 2008 elections (it's an issue we can WIN with-if enough understand what's at stake).

[smbolisnch]

23. kick

[rucky]

25. So shocking I almost choked on my Spotted Owl sandwich!

seriously, tho. Everything is interrelated.

[Lorien]

28. Re: the spotted owl. I've read that it was repugs that turned focus

onto that single species, effectively deflecting attention from the bigger issue, which was protecting a critical ecosystem. They juxtaposed images of an owl against images of poor families, saying that a bird was standing in the way of hardworking Americans (loggers) making a decent living-and a new symbol for "whacko" environmentalism was born. No one bothers to mention that timber companies out west often clear cut without replanting (which robs everyone-loggers and wildlife-of future benefit). Or that the GOP robs schools of much needed funding, which leads to more depending on unskilled labor jobs for their living. Once again, the bigger picture gets lost.

[wildflower]

48. So many people seem not to understand the bigger picture

I've heard things like "Well I don't like that animal/insect anyway; we're better off without it." We need to help people see how important the delicate balance of the ecosystem is to life on earth.

Thank you for the post.

wildflower

[Lorien]

54. Just a little factoid:

many rainforest plant (including tree) species depend on their fruits and seeds being digested by certain bird and bat species; these nuts and seeds cannot germinate until they've passed through the digestive tracts of these animals. Without these specialized species, the world's rainforests-our planet's lungs-would begin disappearing without the aid of fire and chainsaws.

I often tell people that the planet functions like an automobile; you can take away the rear view mirror, the cigarette lighter-even the seats, and the vehicle will still run-but eventually you remove one screw or bolt that stops the machine cold. The planet teeters on the edge right now.

[Mutley]

29. This is a big problem...

They would like to take us back to the days where animals that were once widespread were dropping like rocks. We can't let it happen. Thanks for the action alert, Lorien. A big fat DONE! :thumbsup:

[Lorien]

32. Thanks mutley_r_us! And here's another easy site for taking action:

http://ucsaction.org/campaign/9_26_05_Endangered_Species_Act/wd3keuw4v5t6338?

[KamaAina]

30. Keep it up, repukes, and WE will be the endangered species

good thing global warming is just a myth because Our Great pResident Bush** said so :sarcasm:

:scared:

[EstimatedProphet]

33. I am ashamed to admit that I didn't know this was coming up

I am a professional biologist, but I've been out of the loop for some time, and I didn't know about this.
Anyway, I called Ralph Regula and asked him to vote against Pombo.

[Lorien]

34. It only just hit LBN:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=1815176&mesg_id=1815176

Every other thread on the topic for the past two weeks dropped like a stone. We are hours (or less) away from the vote. :-(

[rodeodance]

38. an article says it was a 'fast moving bill" you know someting is stuck in

there that is bad for all!

[rene moon]

35. This is such a terrible bill

The ultimate goal of Endangered Species Act was to bring species back from the brink of extinction to the point where they no longer need the Act’s protection. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, more than 99% of the species listed as endangered has been saved from extinction and more than two-thirds of listed species with known trends are stable.

This bill would create a massive new entitlement program that would fleece the American taxpayer and make enforcement of protections for species like the bald eagle, manatee and Northern jaguar impossible.

Pombo’s bill will also change the definition of endangered species to a less scientific term. It allows legal appeals at every step of the endangered species conservation process. The bill also sets an expiration date for the Endangered Species Act for 2015 and calls for all efforts towards federal endangered species conservation to end that year.

[bear425]

36. Done. Thanks.

I signed the petition over at:

http://takeaction.worldwildlife.org/action/

[Lorien]

59. Thank you-and thanks for the additional link! n/t

[Martin Eden]

37. What would Jesus do?

How many of his father's creations would he eliminate in order to satisfy the money changers in the temple of corporate greed?

Surely the fundies MUST be raising strong objections to this legislation, right?

[rodeodance]

42. She would call her rep right NOW.

[rodeodance]

43. kick

[Lorien]

52. Neo-cons WANT the end times

I know a few that cheer every last act of environmental destruction because to them it means that "Jesus will soon return". They don't understand that God doesn't reward those who show utter contempt for His creation.

[MisterP]

85. case in point: Watts

but with Bush* as their GodJesus, there's nothing that can go wrong--or right, for that matter.
Maybe this is why * wants to spread to the Moon and Mars: they can just hop from planet to planet, cleaning each one out faster and faster, like a locust swarm; Titan's a big ball of hydrocarbons, so...

[MadAsHellNewYorker]

44. .

:kick:

[MadAsHellNewYorker]

49. ..

:kick::kick:

[EFerrari]

45. kick

[Arkana]

46. Um, I disagree--didn't NIXON create that????

[Lorien]

50. Yes, he did

and it had wide bipartisan approval at the time; but times have changed, and quick profits are now valued beyond a viable future.

Rush, Hannity, Savage et al will quickly condemn anyone who so much as mentions protecting endangered species as "wacko tree huggers who care more about baby seals than human babies" (a quote from one of their devoted followers that I know).

[Stinky The Clown]

47. I hate that this is being done, but as to caring or not .......

I suspect everyone is on outrage overload. Every day there's a new one. The sheer volume of crap this administration throws out is enough to overwhelm the most ardent anti-bushy.

I am very much opposed to anything that changes things such that more of our endangered species get hurt. That said, I must admit it falls low on my personal radar.

Again, that is NOT to say I don't care. It IS to say I am on personal outrage overload.

[Lorien]

51. They are counting on exactly that

which is precisely why giving them no quarter is critical. The more they throw at us, the harder we must fight-and we MUST start going on the offensive! They keep slipping these items under our radar because they've distracted us with a war they created (among other things). We simply can't permit it. We can't undo extinction.

[StellaBlue]

53. hmm...

I just finished reading 'Bury My Heart and Wounded Knee' (and, before that, Zinn's 'People's History of the United States'), and I was just wondering - CAN I JUST GO BE ADOPTED BY THE INDIANS? Seriously... it is really a damn shame that there are no Native American tribes who are really able to live their culture ... I would go live with them, away from the 'white man' in a heartbeat.

I was watching CSPAN the other night and there was a panel at the Virginia book festival about Virginia's Indians ... that was fascinating, but I found it really interesting when one of the female panelists was talking about her Pueblo matriarchal culture (edited to add that, yes, I realize the Pueblos are not from Virginia - she was just on the panel as a writer, talking about the impact of the Pocahontas myth)... sounded ideal. Granted, I would have to perhaps hunt and gather, and have no internet, but, hell... what are we all working toward in the white world? Desperately working, working, working until we can retire at 65 (or for people my age, probably 70) and do what the Indians did their whole lives - experience LIFE. You know?

Sorry about this rant - this whole endangered species thing, and the meme that started the thread, makes me angry and sad and wish I could've gotten more of my Cherokee heritage and less of my Anglo heritage........ :shrug:

[hfojvt]

56. with the BFEE in charge, the endagered species I am worried about

is Homo Sapiens Sapiens. Concern for timber wolves or poison ivy (a species I personally would love to see made extinct) needs to take a back seat.

[Lorien]

58. You don't understand; it's entire ecosystems that will be destroyed

ecosystems that help our planet to function and keep YOU alive. You don't live in a bubble; your home is a living planet that they WILL kill if you and millions of others can't see the bigger picture. Homo sapiens are in grave danger because of the loss of biodiversity. The end won't come in a century; it will happen in your lifetime.

[Solon]

64. "Short term thinking for small minds"

Thats what I call it, people damn near never understand how many things effect them unless they are affected directly. Most of our food production in the United States is predicated on Temperate climates, climates that seem to be lacking in rain lately(Midwest drought). The rainforests of the equator, along with the supporting animals in them, provide a great deal of oxygen to the atmosphere. This is true of all forests of the world. Along with that, algae provides the rest, but how many of these organisms survive when we dump mercury, animal waste, and other toxins into the oceans? Basic chemistry here, oxygen combines with other elements all the time, the ONLY reason why we have free oxygen in our atmosphere at all is because of plants and algae, and many animals support the proliferation of plants as well. Destroy these ecosystems, and we destroy ourselves. Some are extremely delicate, having one or two species providing the "backbone" for the rest of the ecosystem.

Another example is permafrost, which serves the purpose of trapping billions of tons of methane, in a largely inert form. Now thanks to human influenced global climate change, this permafrost is melting, freeing these billions of tons of Methane, a greenhouse gas worse than C02, effecting every single biosystem on the planet.

[Lorien]

65. If only there were a way to get through to the bubbleboys

and bubblegirls who believe-as the earlier poster does- that "wolves and ivy"(along with entire ecosystems) aren't as important as people; a statement which gives the false sense of moral superiority while displaying a shocking amount of scientific ignorance. It's been used again and again-effectively-by the GOP. But an educated public would reject this talking point. The challenge is how to sell the terrifying facts to the public without frightening them so much that they just shut them out? Environmentalism was once a key issue for Democrats, and if it were made a key issue agai, it would be a WINNING issue in coming elections! But ignorance is still a huge hurdle to overcome...

[political_invader]

68. With a small mind thinking

like that to rid the eco-system of any species is absurd.

If you are trying to be funny I'm sorry I personally don't think that is very funny.

If you take a long look at this bill not only will this hurt the environment it also makes the taking of pvt. property easier for the GUMMIT.

So I'm not sure from your comment what is truly important to you. But giving more power to the government to take your home should be something you do care about. So see it is not just about endangered species.

Have a great day and PEACE from a BLUE STATE.

[Lorien]

72. Good points.Between this bill revision and the SCOTUS decision

on the rights of property owners vs. corporate interests (the eminent domain case passed recently) it's hard to feel at all secure about one's ability to hold onto one's home when special interests come after it.

At least the original endangered Species Act only forbid certain activities on private land. It didn't steal it right out from under you!

[shockra]

57. On C-SPAN now.

On and on about private property rights. :eyes:

[WritingIsMyReligion]

60. God knows that the whole

fucking human race is going to destroy itself someday anyway... Repubs probably figure that we might as well take out the rest of the planet, too...

jackasses.

[Lorien]

61. That would be answer B.

But I ain't goin' down without a fight!

[Bernardo de La Paz]

62. Many are Cargo Cult Republicans

They buy into any Republican meme, especially if it is phrased in economic "opportunity" terms. Economic opportunity is great, but in practice the Republican version works out to be trickle down with a tiny trickle, as opposed to the flow up.

Cargo Cult Republicans think that voting Republican against their own best interests (health care, wages, education, infrastructure) will lead to them getting rich. They build the runways and the wooden control towers and burn the fires at night, but no planes come.

[klook]

66. "The Environment" is the world we ALL live in

It's one of the most important issues to me, but very few politicians address issues like endangered species, clean air, clean water, and wilderness protection. The Republicans actively attack environmental concerns, mostly on purely economic grounds, and partly just to piss the rest of us off. Most Democrats think they've already got "the environmental vote" in the bag, so they seldom make waves about these issues. It's sort of like Bulworth: "Who you gonna vote for, the Republicans??"

[Lorien]

67. Amen klook, but most voters are horribly uneducated about

how the planet functions, and the importance of healthy ecosystems to it's ability to function. If we could educate them, then environmental issue WOULD be tiebreakers in tight races. But you note; most dems don't even give them lip service. That MUST change; as Clark said; climate change is as great (or greater) a threat to humanity as terrorism.

Sad too that repugs never think long term; a healthy environment not only means longterm survival for us all, but longterm profits as well. It's all about sustainability.

[SiouxJ]

69. kick

:kick:

[flvegan]

70. Excellent points, Lorien

I contacted my folks. Hope others do the same.

Oh, and -----------> kick!

[McCamy Taylor]

71. "The survival of the Earth may depend upon the balance of ALL species"

That brings the topic back to terror and fear, one that the GOP has a hard time dismissing.

[Ladyhawk]

73. That stupid fucker, George Radanovich, isn't taking calls.

I guess I'll have to leave a message after the beep. :eyes:

[Ladyhawk]

74. My Republican representative is an asshat.

I write him and never hear a word back. And apparently he doesn't believe in office staff. I got an answering machine. :eyes:

Wanna clog it up with "Vote No on H.R. 3824"?

Call: [phone]

I've had it with this loser.

[political_invader]

76. Ken Calvert is mine IMO because he knows I stand against him

he never responds to anything I send him either a phone call, letter or email. A true ASSHAT.

[political_invader]

75. Pelosi: Republican Bill Undermines Protections for Endangered Species

Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi spoke today on the floor of the House in opposition to Republican bill sponsored by Richard Pombo of California that undermines the Endangered Species Act, and in support of a bipartisan substitute. Below are Pelosi’s remarks:

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I rise in opposition to this legislation, which would critically undermine protections for our nation’s endangered species. I support the bipartisan substitute to the bill, because it provides common-sense proposals to strengthen the Endangered Species Act.

“With the passage of the first endangered species law in 1966, and the modern Endangered Species Act in 1973, Congress made a commitment to future generations of Americans. We made a commitment to maintain the web of life and preserve the myriad species that form an essential part of our natural heritage. We must keep that commitment, for the sake of our children and our grandchildren.

“The Endangered Species Act is a safety net for wildlife, fish, and plants that are on the brink of extinction. When other environmental laws have not provided enough protection, the Endangered Species Act is there to give endangered species one last chance to survive. Of the 1,800 species protected by the law, only nine species have been declared extinct—an impressive achievement. The safety net saved our majestic national symbol, the bald eagle, and the peregrine falcon. It is saving the Florida manatee, the grizzly bear, the southern sea otter, sea turtles, and many other animals and plants.

rest of this at:http://democraticleader.house.gov/press/releases.cfm?pressReleaseID=1205

[Lorien]

78. This has passed in the House :-(

Call your Senators tomorrow-blocking it in the Senate is the only chance we have of preventing further biodiversity and ecosystem loss that endangers the planet's future. This IS a human rights issue!

Let's STOP these greedy asshats!

[Ladyhawk]

82. Aw, fuck! I wrote Boxer.

I should probably write Feinstein, too, even though she is mostly a DINO. My rep, Radanovich, voted for it as I knew he would. There really wasn't any sense in writing or calling the bastard.

I should send him a singing telegram: You're an Asshole

[Lorien]

88. it doesn't hurt to pressure the DINOs-they need to know that we're paying

attention; it seems like our entire government hopes that all we notice the Iraq war and terra', terra, terra'!

[MisterP]

81. kick!

FIRE POMBO!

[ThoughtCriminal]

83. Some polls

As usual, it's the freeps and the GOP who are "Out of touch". The public strongly supprts the Endangered Species Act.

http://www.stopextinction.org/site/c.epIQKXOBJsG/b.861825/k.2B9C/Endangered_Species_Act_Poll_Memo.htm

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10370-59161--,00.html

[Lorien]

89. 85% of Americans approve of the Endangered Species Act! THIS is why the

environment could be a WINNING ISSUE in 2006 and 2008 if democrats would only make it one! Like racial and gender equality issues, they simply take those votes for granted.

[smbolisnch]

84. kick

[alarimer]

86. Well I hate people

and I care about endangered species. I seriously think the worst thing to happen to the planet was the evolution of humans but I also think that humans will drive ourselves to extinction sooner or later. The planet itself will survive and evolution of other species will continue.

[political_invader]

90. At our current pace

I have to completly agree with you. I also would say urging a NO vote on this ESA Bill currently on the floor of congress will at least slow down that pace of self distruction.

I urge everyone to write or call their reps today and demand a NO vote.

Peace from a BLUE STATE.

[FizzFuzz]

87. actually I couldn't bring myself to read those threads

because they make me too upset. Not a very good excuse, but there you have it, I just didn't want to dissolve into tears.

I definitely don't take that GOP meme to heart; in fact I believe human supremacism is part of what's killing us--overpopulation, human expansion, habitat takeover at all costs. Never question anyone's right to have as many kids as they want, its their god-given right. Never take into account the resources an individual uses/waste produced (particularly in consumer societies like ours, USA being the worst from what I've ever read)

I sob at loss of biodiversity, I HATE it, but my overpopulation rants haven't done much to change birthrates.

(and I already get and act on Earth Action emails)

[smbolisnch]

91. Kick!

:kick:

[bettyellen]

92. kick

for harris and jen