Homestead mailing list

[Bill Jones <billj AT harborside.com>]

Gene GeRue wrote:

> > Rob: Nature is a complex balance, it's really hard to say what is needed
> > and what is not.
> >    
>
> Nothing is needed.
>
>  
The earth will disappear into a swollen sun eventually, so nothing we do 
matters.  This may be, but it's too broad to lead anywhere as an ethical 
principle.  I like to look at it in terms of conditional statements.  If 
you want oxygen, then you need abundant plants.  If you want your cake 
to succeed, then you need to have the oven at 350.  If you want ---, 
then you need wolves.  I could fill in the blank humorously with "to 
die" or "less deer" but seriously, I can't help but think that the real 
answer is "a petting zoo for city people" to enjoy.  Even if it's a good 
idea, I don't see how it carries the same weight as other environmental 
concerns, such as our need for oxygen.

Since this is clearly happening without the "consent of the governed," 
and they're spending a bundle on it, I'd prefer to do as my mom would 
have said: "Let's not and say we did."

Bill
S. Oregon coast