960
The situation on our forests and rangelands has gone beyond ludicrous and entered the realm of insanity. To think that those abusing their power and the court system can hold hostage every level of government in this country makes me ashamed to be an American.
But, since these lawsuits and injunctions seem to work so well, maybe the rest of us should try the same game. Let me see, we could file suits to stop the collection of taxes by the state and federal governments. It's certainly the right time of the year for it. And if lawsuits can stop the mighty federal government from doing its job in the forest, then why couldn't the mighty federal government be stopped from collecting taxes at least for about four or eight years until the case was resolved.
I feel sure that in the long run we could prove that this 'rest' from tax time would greatly benefit the health and welfare of almost all of us.
How about if an injunction was filed to stop the Navajo County Sheriff's Department from making any arrests? Would they then be barred from making an arrest until the case was settled?
Those examples are no more ridiculous than the spectacle of our stewards of the forest standing helplessly by while forests and communities burn and die.
Restore our Forests and Rangelands by Using Them
Beyond the litigation conflict, we have a much larger problem. Most people, including leaders of the environmental groups, do not know the difference between 'brittle' and 'nonbrittle' environments. Until this difference is understood and appropriate management practices are adopted, it is highly unlikely that the health of our forests and ranges will ever be restored. I challenge all educators and land managers and people everywhere to learn about the 'brittle' environment we Westerners inhabit, and why rest isn't always best. If we and all our land are to be governed by the Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy and that little charmer, the Center for Biological Absurdity, our environmental rulers must learn accurate eco-babble.
Be sure and read about brittle and nonbrittle environments in this issue and for further information see the book and websites at the end of the article. There are plenty of photos, and many places you can see in person.
I have faith that in the very near future growing numbers of thinking and observing people will come to the realization that the best treatment for brittle land is indeedÑ use it or lose it!
Links about 'brittle' and 'Nonbrittle' environmnets:
Payson.cc © 2003 Carrol Cox
Payson Arizona Editorial and Opinions on National USA / World / and Local News Issues