9/30/2005
Since You Ask
A reader had written asking some pretty darned good questions. Like:
- Why isn't anybody talking about the attempts the Republicans are making
at gutting the Endangered Species Act? Congressman Pombo's bill passed
in the House yeserday, so they are one step away from their goal. For
the past few days I was bugging my friends to call the congressfolks
about this and most of them simply looked at me with a horrified
expression, stating they never heard about this.
There's a short article in today's Washington Post here. Also, this TPMCafe post has some useful links.
As I mention over at DCDL, Pombo has a history of anti-environmental legislation. While this reflects a viewpoint that many conservatives share, that the environment is a resource that should be exploited, with Pombo you get the sense it's personal. The bit about openning up Roosevelt island to Condo developers is vintage Pombo.
If folks on the left reacted strongly to every reactionary move Pombo made, then we wouldn't have any energy left over to fight the rest of the Bushies. That said, it's incumbent on us to make sure this bill dies in the Senate. - Do you think a budget reconciliation bill opening ANWR up to drilling
will pass?
It's too close to call. One of the more significant things I've seen on this issue, was a letter signed by 24 Republican congressmen opposed to using the budget process to resolve the issue.
A vote is scheduled for this month. I wouldn't underestimate how strongly people feel about preserving the Arctic Refuge. I also wouldn't underestimate how much money is at stake for Republican donors. ExxonMobil, for instance is the 12th largest Republican contributor, according to boycottbush. They're also first in line at the trough to profit from potential ANWR oil.
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