Here is a little glimpse of "the other side".
Wolf Education & Research Center (WERC) NY Times Editorial-License to Kill Wolves-Read more here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/22/opinion/22thu3.html?_r=1NY Times Editorial - License to Kill Wolves
www.nytimes.comIn Idaho and Montana, in early 2009, gray wolves were removed from the endangered species list and left to the mercy of state “management plans.” Those plans have been crafted to satisfy hunters rather than protect the wolves or the ecosystem in which they play an essential role. They all but guaran...
4 hours ago · Comment · Like · Share
Barbara E Whitney likes this.
Barbara E Whitney Unbelievable!! So they decided to give them a license to kill -huh? Cretins!
4 hours ago · Like ·
Tara W Cohn
We as humans really suck as a species.3 hours ago · Like ·
Amber Walker i agree with you, tara. completely.
this is sad, and it makes me angry.
2 hours ago · Like ·
Evan O'Donnell
This is ridiculous, maybe it is time to open up human season? We can start with big business and financial groups that have screwed the country and planet initially then work our way through the chain.
2 hours ago · Like ·
Amber Walker
that made me laugh. and i second this motion.2 hours ago · Like ·
Cynthia Barber We can start in DC and just continue moving west or start in the west and east and meet in the middle. It would certainly be a better world..
Wolf Education & Research Center (WERC) We have to remind ourselves that the people making these decisions are subject to 1) their own life experience (cultural and ancestral) and 2) political and financial pressure. I truly believe that there is commonality in this debate but it's like anything in the business world: identifiable interest. If we advocates alienate those in opposition to our perspective, they will unlikely embrace our positions. Being that is such a difficult endeavor, the natural reaction in our community is education of future voters, legislators, and activists.
So, being that we each know that, then WHY is it so incredibly difficult to procure funding for this work?
Hunters put their money where there mouths are---they form collaborative enterprises, special interest groups, and underwrite politicians who espouse their views. They are very effective at getting "sponsored" by recreational supply companies because of the sheer volume of financial income trading hands.
Ranchers are similar until groups like ours show them a way to do what is natural for them...protecting livestock and believe it or not, other animal species, including wolves. The rub in the ointment, however, is that there is no mutual interest with hunters who oppose wolves. Therein lies the real opponent and until we demonstrate the financial benefit of our position, it is unlikely we'll win this debate at the national level.
With that said, I have no "beef" against humans. I am one. And I marvel at the potential for good that humans have within us. But like anything, it is a choice. To say that "humans suck" betrays our real purpose as an amazing creation, regardless of what God or accident you attribute our origination to.
I take the position that using reason, stating factual evidence of our position, and being pro-actively willing to discuss this issue with everyone I meet will eventually produce a good result, especially when our efforts are multiplied by the impact of social media. --Chris
2 hours ago · Like ·
Cynthia Barber This is true. We are up against a better organized, better funded group of people. Our only hope is education. Sometimes it is very frustrating to know that we are only ultimately harming ourselves by messing with Mother Nature.
2 hours ago · Like ·
Evan O'Donnell I apologize for my comment, though the frustration is real. Why is it that we must work so hard to do good when it is so easy and easily accepted to do the wrong thing for so many? Our small victories are so small for the environment while the destruction is so great. It is so overwhelming sometimes. Again, sorry for my negative comment. I love the work that you guys are able to accomplish and look forward to more success stories in our future.
2 hours ago · Like ·
Wolf Education & Research Center (WERC) Man... Evan, I gotta tell you that your last comment is the highlight of my day. It's not often that one can take someone to task as I did and pull them back from ledge. You demonstrated the utmost humanity in your reply. Thank you; you blessed me immeasurably. I share all of your frustration but have to remain hopeful or all is certainly lost. I'm grateful for your participation here. And I know that the wolves are (in their own howling way!)
about an hour ago · Like ·
Amber Walker yeah, same. people say stupid *censored* when things bother them, and it isn't always appropriate to josh about it.
