I'm glad I didn't cost St. George recognition
It’s no surprise to see St. George land on a list of top places to visit or live.
It is, however, somewhat of a surprise to think that it could land on a list of “12 Great Places You’ve never Heard Of,” which was published in the August/September issue of Mother Earth News.
Based on the high rate of growth in the area, you almost have to wonder who hasn’t heard of St. George?
The magazine lists many of the attributes that those of us who live here already know: Beautiful red-rock scenery, outdoor recreation opportunities and mild winters.
I did get a kick, though, out of one statement. The magazine touts the “strong community of environmentalists working to preserve the spectacular and biologically diverse landscapes of the area.”
I’m just glad my last column (July 23) didn’t cost the area that designation. Based on the response I received, prairie dogs have a lot of fans out there.
Some of the comments included calling me “closed minded,” “a nature killer,” “out of touch with the environment” and a “right-wing nut.”
Ouch!
The reality is that I’m not a huge fan of prairie dogs. I’m also not a fan of people who want to dig up any open space left in Southern Utah for houses or other buildings.
And, believe it or not, I think there is credible evidence that people are playing a role in speeding up global warming.
So, maybe I’m not an anti-environment wacko after all.
I am an anti-extremist.
The truth almost always rests in the middle of an argument. Facts tend to get distorted at the extremes.
For the record, I hope the prairie dogs make it. I just hope their fans will recognize that the little critters aren’t the only animals that should be taken into consideration.
People also factor into Mother Nature’s equation.
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Comments
I have a solution to the prairie dog situation. Maybe it's impractical, but at least it's an idea. Set aside an area, perhaps as part of the proposed Cedar Breaks National Park. Relocate prarie dogs to the area, build a visitor center with observation windows and perhaps a small zoo and have a native wildlife museum. Many tourists have never seen prairie dogs before. Turn the little critters into an asset and bring in some tourist trade. Cedar City could have an annual Prairie Dog Festival.
Posted by: Damien | July 30, 2006 12:10 PM
Name calling always seems the very nadir of supposedly mature and enlightened discussion. Weren't we supposed to leave the name calling behind on the playground?
Devolving our discussions of legitimate controversial issues to various forms of name calling and taunts--from calling someone a "right-wing nut" or "wacko" or even an "environmental extremist" (Todd, you may go sit in the corner!)--is a form of ad hominem attack designed more to throw fuel on the fire than to move toward amicable compromise and resolution.
As for the li'l doggies, I say round 'em up, give 'em a whole mess of property rights placards, and train 'em to march on city hall. They'll need a good editor to help 'em write those placards. I nominate Todd.
BTW, I like this new Spectrum blog. It's nice to hear all your voices outside the confines of the news and opinion columns. It's a good, um, spectrum of voices. Kudos!
Posted by: Glen | July 31, 2006 10:19 AM