Mountain lions matter more than money
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Letter to the editor
Published: May 8, 2008
Editor:
In last week’s mountain lion story, Mr. Lutz stated that the presence of just one mountain lion in Shenandoah National Park could cause severe economic consequences (should it be acknowledged as being there).
This could be the sad tale of many a species that no longer exists on our planet (which includes the planet God gave to mountain lions, as well).
The arrogance of people who consider the human race to have this decision over life and death of God’s creatures in the name of their convenience and personal interests goes beyond acceptable. It is unacceptable. We are slowly, but surely destroying our resources due to this kind of attitude.
In the name of economics, we are becoming a nation that lives in denial. And our leaders preach this denial as if it were in our best interests to follow their lead.
If there is one mountain lion in the park (or elsewhere), then surely there are two, or more. But, even one should have its presence acknowledged and respected, as we wish to be acknowledged and accepted as having rights to exist.
Before there were humans in the park, there were many other mammals living there and they cannot be ignored just for our convenience.
What is right is right (and what is wrong is definitely wrong). Stealing a habitat from another form of life for economic gain is a crime and Mother Nature will continue in her relentless pursuit of justice. Not our justice, but the justice of the laws of nature, not to mention the ethics involved here in assuming that we have rights that no one else has.
Animals do not destroy our natural resources; they do not take more than they need for survival.
Animals live an ethical life, whereas we do not. Who is right? Who is wrong here?
We are also animals-mammals-and you should consider our place in the universe as well as on this planet.
If you make this choice in favor of economic considerations, then you will make other choices based on the same principles; it is a given. Money rules. Lives do not count. An animal has a life and a family, as we do. It is time to acknowledge that, and give the same respect as we wish to receive.
Be thoughtful, yes, and be caring … of others (this includes mountain lions and their children).
Linda Nacamulil
Kinderhook
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Reader Reactions
Posted by ( MagQ ) on May 09, 2008 at 9:45 am
Let us look at this situation realistically. I understand the importance of respecting the habitat of the animals and plants on the planet. However, human beings can’t put food on the table for their families, provide children an education and be functioning members of society without certain “controls” of the habitat the society has developed. Respecting the limitations of resources and inhabitants of the planet is a great course of action, but what I see you proposing is returning to the Dark Ages where we live in the Stone Age where we would have no society at all.
Understand your shaking finger at the people who are concerned about the mountain lion’s affect on the economy are founded in the agrarian society we work and live in Madison. The cattle and other stock farmers do their best to maintain their most precious commodity, the land and its bounty.