by William (Bill) Campbell, Conner
“Careing for the land and serving people.” That’s the motto of the United States Forest Service.
Somewhere along the line the meaning expressed in that statement became obscured as a matter of convenience. The shift in functional reality has become obscured with the intent to deny the public specific information required to judge their performance.
If the public discussion is reduced to its lowest interpretive value it is clear the agency intended to “serve the people” is striving to subvert the common interest and welfare of the people to benefit a select few.
The manipulation is justified by statements that national security is at risk.
That statement is based on the selection of data intended to result in support of an untruth. Some might call it a lie.
Simple facts, widely available on the internet (that cannot be disputed), show that there are indeed alternatives. So why the determined effort to promote an operation that history proves is more likely than not to literally destroy what is a thriving, healthy economy? An example of the “American Dream” in reality?
The Answer: MONEY. That’s it, money. Those in positions of power are acting at the direction of those placed to realize exceptional profits for themselves and associates.
The old saw about “follow the money” carries with it knowledge of all the complexities available to realize a profit. Those complexities exist as acknowledgement that the procedures involved may be something less than straightforward in their execution. Stated otherwise: Less than honest.
Far be it for one who would suffer the consequences to make such a statement. The statement has been made, and proven, by the collective actions of those designated to “Serve the People”.
“The People” have become subservient to those who serve not “The People” but those who would promote specific activities to realize exceptional profits.
Less than specific, sometimes slovenly, definitions serve to the best interest of the beneficiaries and deny the public those perspectives that would allow a meaningful analysis of the issues present.
In short, the government is an active participant in a process intended to yield exceptional profits due to the circumstances involved.
There is no protection here. It is promotion that puts at risk the lifetimes of personal and financial effort.
How about alternatives? Those involved in the process can “drill down” on those specifics chosen to favor their position.
Those opposed must address a broad span of related subjects. The distinction between the two being that the public will appear vague and uninformed while the promoters appear well informed and specific. The appearance of weakness on the part of the public is automatic. Brought about by a determined, purposeful presentation by those in control.
John Grant says
Managing natural resources through political cycles contrary to solid science based policy much less the vagaries of reliable funding. It is made even worse
when the vicious polarity in politics is tilted toward of exploitation in the name of jobs or profits. As ever, “power of policy” rests in the wallet of the exploiters. Criticism of the best efforts of dedicated agency folks is the wrong target..