Chattooga Quarterly, Fall, 2001
Conservation Now More Than Ever
Director's Page
We had to shift gears as we were producing this fall Chattooga Quarterly to take into account that the whole world has taken a new course as a result of the events on September 11th. The reality is that this tragedy has caused us in the conservation business to adjust along with everyone else in terms of charting a new course. The Chattooga Quarterly this fall will reflect this evaluation. What were the motives of the perpetrators? How is that motive related to conservation? What new action steps should we take to address conservation in the context of this post-terrorist attack on our country? Read more.
Thoughts in the Presence of Fear
The time will soon come when we will not be able to remember the horrors of September 11 without remembering also the unquestioning technological and economic optimism that ended on that day. Read more.
Needed: Economic Security
Over the next few weeks, America will be consumed by debate about how life in this beacon of freedom may have to change to confront the terrorist threat. Liberals will have to think creatively about how to protect civil liberties in an era when it has become apparent that there are cells of people within the U.S. who are willing to engage in indiscriminate mass murder to further their insane politics. Read More.
Litigation Against Logging
In 1994, after over-logging the national forests of the Pacific Northwest and endangering animals such as the spotted owls and salmon, the timber industry set it sights on a new target: the national forests of the South. After nearly 100 years of re-growth, these forests looked ripe for the picking. Little did the timber industry know that forest defenders were ready for them, proving that—at least for a short time—our environmental laws and regulations could be enforced against government abuse and industry greed. Unfortunately, that greed and abuse will not rest, and lasting protection for our public forests is still an ongoing struggle. Read more.
Environmental Education, Inc.
I have a friend who tells a frightening story of growing up in Cuba during Castro’s acquisition of power. Two well-dressed and friendly soldiers once came to speak to her elementary class about the new community that was emerging in their country. The woman soldier addressed the class in a gentle, nurturing tone. “Now children,” she began, “I want you all to put your heads down on your desks. No peeking!” she scolded playfully. “I want you all to pray to God and ask him for a piece of candy.” My friend said that she heard her classmates’ eager whispers all around her, and an awkward silence as more and more children opened their eyes to an empty desk. After orchestrating a few moments of confused silence, the other soldier addressed the students and asked them to once again hide their faces. In a loaded tone he said, “This time, I want you to ask Uncle Castro for a piece of candy.” As pious whispers rose once again around the classroom, the candy was disseminated, and forty eight-year-olds raised their heads, avid supporters of Uncle Castro. Read More.