FreeLists / va-richmond-general / [va-richmond-general] Re: Horseshoe Crab Bill

["katya" <katya@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

My General impression was that the decision to table the bill had been made 
before any arguments were heard.  The attorney did make an excellent case, but 
had to answer so few querries compared to those in favor of protecting the 
horse shoe crab (who were really kind of grilled--frankly).  "We don't KNOW" 
that there is a connection between the Horse Shoe Crab and the Red Knot (this 
was the stance taken--not mine.)  

I think our side was not as well prepared/coached and lacked clout.  It didn't 
look good when Birders were portrayed as having money to throw down for $700 
binoculars (mine surely didn't cost that) and whimsical trips to admire birds 
as compared to struggling fishermen just trying to put a meal on their family's 
table.  I think we looked frivolous and my impression was that was exactly how 
we were supposed to look.  The question about the cost of the binoculars struck 
me as a set-up.

The Japanese are paying a lot of money for the delicacies of conch and eel.  
These are expensive, gastronomic indulgences that may lead to the demise of one 
or more species from our part of the world--so distant from theirs.


I thought we lost from the beginning and Environmentalists, and surely that is 
what all Birders are and MUST be, have to stick together.  We are not an 
organized group with the focused voting power of a concentrated interest, such 
as the NRA.  (I know there are overlaps between NRA & Enronmentalists & 
Birders.)  My point is lots of important environmental causes are being lost 
now.  The demise of or extreme weakening of The Endangered Species Act--well, 
at this rate seems almost inevitable to me.  There is so much profit to be had 
if these plants and animals weren't standing in the way. I don't think a few 
Birders can go in and win issue like this.  We aren't a significant enough 
voting block and we're not greasing anybody's palms.  

What can we possibly do?

Katie
South of the James



 

 
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