Grandpa - that's a great article. Thanks. You know what's scary about it, though? Notice that every conclusion they make is sort of, "We'll just have to wait and see what happens." That sucks. What if we're wrong? What if the policies do destroy things?

I know, there's just as much chance that everything will be fine. I, too, think most of the environmentalists are far too extreme. However, I believe they must demand 100% change to get 50% change. It's like negotiating a salary or car deal - ask for the best and settle for the middle.

I think a good compromise would be to remove one of the dams and then study the effect.

Pmartin - Great analogy about the fat ugly sister (which I happen to have but she'd kick my ass if I called her that). You'd be amazed, or disturbed, to see how many of the same beliefs and values you and I share. The ones we don't agree on would be some great debates and conversation.

Same goes for Grandpa. Aside from his conservative bravado I'll bet he's a great guy to spend a day in a boat with or share conversation over a beer.

Although I'm painted here as a liberal, I've never claimed as much or even to be a Democrat. It's simply surmised because of the few political issues I comment on here.

But as Smalma mentioned, we need to address these environmental issues sans political affiliation and come to a consesus. Then perhaps we could vote to support, or not, that issue. From there we can petition whichever governing body needed to obtain results.

Otherwise we're just pissing in the wind, and I only got so many shoes to wear.