During a case involving the U.S. military's bombing of an island in the Pacific, an important nesting ground for migratory birds, Earth Justice successfully argued that the bombing of the island during live-fire training constituted a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The attorney for the Pentagon was William Haynes II, whose nomination to a federal appellate court position is pending in the Senate. and here we have an example of our Defense Dept's environmental thinking. Haynes argued that conservationists actually benefit from the military's killing of birds because it "helps make some species more rare and 'bird watchers get more enjoyment spotting a rare bird than they do spotting a common one.'" hand to god, people, this is what he said.
now, after you read Robert Kennedy's article on crimes against nature, your next assignment is this. if you haven't already seen it i want you to rent, purchase, steal, a copy of the film "Winged Migration." make some uncluttered time when you can sit down with someone you love, maybe even with your kids (warning: there is one extremely sad moment late in the film when "nature red in tooth and claw" could upset a young child. it certainly did my little niece, she cried for hours. it upset me too, but not for hours.) and watch this miraculous piece of film. it's nominated for Best Documentary Film this year, and it deserves to win every bit of attention and acclaim it can. after you see this film you will find it impossible not to want the Migratory Bird Act upheld everywhere in the world, by every legal body. this film shows what a miracle migration is. the fragility and strength of these birds, their vulnerability and determination, will take your breath away.
we cannot let this White House continue to cynically exploit national defense as a convenient way to give the Pentagon a free pass to trample our environment, harass and massacre wildlife. it's time for us all to become activists.
3 comments:
Well done, Mary Ellen! A lot of info about an important subject.
And the Repubs have the gall to attack Kerry for special interest ties!
Sadly the White House will cynically exploit national defense for every reason possible.
Thank you for an eye opening piece. Unfortunately, most of us are not aware of what is covertly happening on a daily basis. I appreciate your willingness to digest all that you have uncovered in your research and for pointing us toward sources where we can become informed. The William Haynes quote is a jaw dropper. They can only take us for blind and stupid if we let them
This series of entries is fabulous, in-depth & informative & I know had to be a LOT of work to put together. Kudos to you for tackling this subject AND doing it so well. I really liked it although after reading Hayne's comments I think I need a Xanax. ~Holly
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