DEDICATED TO ALL MOTORCYCLE RIDERS
A NEW OLD LEFT RELIGION: SACRIFICES FREEDOM, RECREATION, JOBS
by Copyright, 1993, Roger B. Canfield, Easy Rider Magazine
Recently locked out of a park? Experiencing nature’s shrinking availability? You and
your bike denied access to the places you used to go? Lost your job in the
mountains, desert, or Central Valley? Can’t find any government official who
will respond to common sense? Here’s why.
your bike denied access to the places you used to go? Lost your job in the
mountains, desert, or Central Valley? Can’t find any government official who
will respond to common sense? Here’s why.
It has a faith, priests, catechisms, rituals, human sacrifice and a value system prescribing what’s good
and what’s bad on Mother Earth. Believers deny this pantheism looks, sounds,
walks, talks, and smells like the old Lefist faiths of Socialism and Communism.
The undeclared religion names itself biodiversity and professes salvation for
insect and rat, owl and rat, but never Man, let alone a biker out to enjoy
nature. .
and what’s bad on Mother Earth. Believers deny this pantheism looks, sounds,
walks, talks, and smells like the old Lefist faiths of Socialism and Communism.
The undeclared religion names itself biodiversity and professes salvation for
insect and rat, owl and rat, but never Man, let alone a biker out to enjoy
nature. .
President Clinton signed the “Biodiversity Treaty of Rio in late April 1993, but
did not reveal how far advanced its implementation is at home, particularly in California. The undeclared
religion already holds power in newly emerging “bioregional” shadow
agencies in America as well as at the U.N. It has holy places in rain forests
and in the Sierra “Range of Light.”
religion already holds power in newly emerging “bioregional” shadow
agencies in America as well as at the U.N. It has holy places in rain forests
and in the Sierra “Range of Light.”
Over a year ago [1992], Calfornia Resource Agency boss Douglas Wheeler held an
invitation-only summit for the “Sierra Province at Stanford University’s Fallen Leaf
Lake hideaway near Lake Tahoe. The Sierra Summit was attended by 150 top
bureaucrats working in fifteen federal and state agencies and as leaders of ten “ecstatic”
eco-groups who prepared an Environmental Briefing Book. No bikers, hunters,
fishermen cattlemen, property rights advocates, or farmers and very few elected
officials were welcome. No engraved invitations to vehicle users of any sort.
Some of the un-invited – State Legislators – heard of the summit and and
demanded their say. Wheeler and the enviro-crats repeated a mantra, no hidden agenda,
gave the suspicious fifteen minutes as “window dressing” at lunch,
released a sanitized report of the summit, and went home to implement their
agenda. (At a forest parlay in Portland in April, Clinton took care to invite
the unwashed, but don’t expect much help.)
eco-groups who prepared an Environmental Briefing Book. No bikers, hunters,
fishermen cattlemen, property rights advocates, or farmers and very few elected
officials were welcome. No engraved invitations to vehicle users of any sort.
Some of the un-invited – State Legislators – heard of the summit and and
demanded their say. Wheeler and the enviro-crats repeated a mantra, no hidden agenda,
gave the suspicious fifteen minutes as “window dressing” at lunch,
released a sanitized report of the summit, and went home to implement their
agenda. (At a forest parlay in Portland in April, Clinton took care to invite
the unwashed, but don’t expect much help.)
The Sierra Summit was both a milestone in the movement and an insider’s view of a religious-like faith that
nature’s bounty – water, land, mineral, forest- be denied to un-invited humans.
Meanwhile, saw mills, mines, cattle ranches, and jobs, and families in little
Sierra towns like Foresthill, Westwood, and Alturas are disappearing in the Sierra. California’s
deserts and the Central Valley are also losing jobs.
nature’s bounty – water, land, mineral, forest- be denied to un-invited humans.
Meanwhile, saw mills, mines, cattle ranches, and jobs, and families in little
Sierra towns like Foresthill, Westwood, and Alturas are disappearing in the Sierra. California’s
deserts and the Central Valley are also losing jobs.
The Sierra is not a minor province. It is nearly as large as 12 states, makes up 18 of 58 California
counties, has a population close to that of eight states, provides 75 percent
of of the state’s surface water, hosts 33 million tourists a year, and produces
beef, timber and minerals to the world.
counties, has a population close to that of eight states, provides 75 percent
of of the state’s surface water, hosts 33 million tourists a year, and produces
beef, timber and minerals to the world.
The Sierra Summit celebrated great powers. Eco-worship is no longer silly
60’s hippe sentiments – it is insider power. Biodiversity’s priests are un-elected, unaccountable, and protected in
the civil services. The summit was like an Appalachian Confab of Mafia dons,
but no one took photos of attire and limousines.
60’s hippe sentiments – it is insider power. Biodiversity’s priests are un-elected, unaccountable, and protected in
the civil services. The summit was like an Appalachian Confab of Mafia dons,
but no one took photos of attire and limousines.
This Cosa Nostra sanctified itself by a prenuptial, a “Memorandum of Understanding: Agreement on
Biological Diversity,” signed by 10 federal and stare agencies. The
obscure Memo fit the political action manual of radical environmentalists.
Outside of mutual agreement, no new authority is needed – current law justifies
all and is being ordered into existence by bureaucrats, the new gestapo.
Biological Diversity,” signed by 10 federal and stare agencies. The
obscure Memo fit the political action manual of radical environmentalists.
Outside of mutual agreement, no new authority is needed – current law justifies
all and is being ordered into existence by bureaucrats, the new gestapo.
The summit was a single piece of a larger quilt laid out across the landscape, but
particularly m the mountains, valleys and deserts of California. Indeed, California and the nation are now
mapped by “bioregional provinces,” preserving land, air, and water — except His (Her) big mistake – Man.
mapped by “bioregional provinces,” preserving land, air, and water — except His (Her) big mistake – Man.
“Participation” rituals are guided by the California Coordinated Resource Management and
Planning (CCRM) handbook. This holy writ lays out an official process of
“facilitators” manipulating local groups toward a “consensus.” Dissent is seldom reflected in the “common
ground” announced thereafter. These collective “agreements”
justify civil servants ruling over elected officials and citizens.
(“Participatory Democracy” of the 60’s New Left exhausts dissent.)
Many innocents are mesmerized by or seem obedient to the ritual. Resistant
locals are ignored.
Planning (CCRM) handbook. This holy writ lays out an official process of
“facilitators” manipulating local groups toward a “consensus.” Dissent is seldom reflected in the “common
ground” announced thereafter. These collective “agreements”
justify civil servants ruling over elected officials and citizens.
(“Participatory Democracy” of the 60’s New Left exhausts dissent.)
Many innocents are mesmerized by or seem obedient to the ritual. Resistant
locals are ignored.
The environmental movement is well down the road to its destination. The vehicle seems driven by political
appointees like California’s Wheeler, but back seat instructions come from
greater powers like the Sierra Club and life tenured bureaucrats. Resource use
appointees like California’s Wheeler, but back seat instructions come from
greater powers like the Sierra Club and life tenured bureaucrats. Resource use
industries (recreation, agriculture, energy, forestry, mining) pay for the gas
and hang on for the ride. Ordinary citizens (soon without jobs, food, fiber,
fuel. affordable housing) are road kill – human sacrifices proving the ultimate
fanaticism of “biodiversity.”
and hang on for the ride. Ordinary citizens (soon without jobs, food, fiber,
fuel. affordable housing) are road kill – human sacrifices proving the ultimate
fanaticism of “biodiversity.”
Taking habitat (land and water) to save allegedly endangered or “stressed” species has created
joblessness, near ghost towns and a new Appalachia of welfare dependency in the
Sierra, The new Appalachians earn $12,000 a year as nannies, maids, and ski
lift operators – mere serfs in the elites’ forests and soon its valleys and
deserts. Consumers face a doubling of commodity prices – lumber, minerals and
soon food. Only bio-correct hikers, rafters, and skiers prosper in the
“sustainable,” read, subsistence economy of biodiversity.
joblessness, near ghost towns and a new Appalachia of welfare dependency in the
Sierra, The new Appalachians earn $12,000 a year as nannies, maids, and ski
lift operators – mere serfs in the elites’ forests and soon its valleys and
deserts. Consumers face a doubling of commodity prices – lumber, minerals and
soon food. Only bio-correct hikers, rafters, and skiers prosper in the
“sustainable,” read, subsistence economy of biodiversity.
The model for a policy to take land is the Spotted Owl, easily applied to “saving” of marbled
murrelet, desert tortoise, Mojave ground squirrel, delta smelt, gnatcatcher,
kangaroo rat, and coastal chaparral. Amazingly 10.6 million acres of 14 million
high Sierra acres are under federal control. 24 percent of Ihe Sierra is designated
wilderness – off-limits to all but six percent of the people. 72 percent of the
Sierra is owned by government. The 30 percent still private, under tough state
and federal regulations, remains to be taken outright or regulated for the
benefit of ‘bio-diverse” habitat.
murrelet, desert tortoise, Mojave ground squirrel, delta smelt, gnatcatcher,
kangaroo rat, and coastal chaparral. Amazingly 10.6 million acres of 14 million
high Sierra acres are under federal control. 24 percent of Ihe Sierra is designated
wilderness – off-limits to all but six percent of the people. 72 percent of the
Sierra is owned by government. The 30 percent still private, under tough state
and federal regulations, remains to be taken outright or regulated for the
benefit of ‘bio-diverse” habitat.
A model for the power to take private land is in use in the Tahoe Regional
Planning Agency and the South Coast Regional Air Quality District, to name only
two. These and other agencies have absolute power over land, air, and water – and people. They succeed
through regulations and by fig leaf “consensus” seldom announcing any
formal transfers of land and political power. Indeed, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlifc Service uses “taking” to describe private land and water not
yet in wildlife habitat. Thus the 5th Amenment prohibition against
the “taking of private property without just compensation” has been
turned on its head.
through regulations and by fig leaf “consensus” seldom announcing any
formal transfers of land and political power. Indeed, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlifc Service uses “taking” to describe private land and water not
yet in wildlife habitat. Thus the 5th Amenment prohibition against
the “taking of private property without just compensation” has been
turned on its head.
Their timeline for acquiring habitat is longer than the attention span of critics,
since patient believers have worked for years in the $600 million a year eco-movement and on public
payrolls. Many critics may be co-opted by either some cash (50
payrolls. Many critics may be co-opted by either some cash (50
cents on the dollar), or “consensus” rituals, or worn out emotionally and financially.
The economic recession could slow the process. For example, the Spotted Owl may be given “only”
nine million acres – Massachusetts and Rhode Island combined – instead of eleven million; “only” 30,000 now
lose their jobs instead of I 00,000 later; $1 billion instead of $9 billion in
federal funds is immediately spent for habitat and California bonds for
wildlife habitat stay at $2.2 billion – for a while. Still the faith, bolstered
by pseudo-science, prospers.
nine million acres – Massachusetts and Rhode Island combined – instead of eleven million; “only” 30,000 now
lose their jobs instead of I 00,000 later; $1 billion instead of $9 billion in
federal funds is immediately spent for habitat and California bonds for
wildlife habitat stay at $2.2 billion – for a while. Still the faith, bolstered
by pseudo-science, prospers.
Honest wildlife scientists cautiously admit inadequate knowledge, but paid
Biodiversi-crats demand regional governance to acquire wildlife habitat – and to
fanatically deny human habitation, and enjoyment of nature. Scientifically illiterate and ~~
economically uniformed voters do not object- though the EPA is already taking
the equivalent of a family’s annual expenditure on clothing.
economically uniformed voters do not object- though the EPA is already taking
the equivalent of a family’s annual expenditure on clothing.
Part 2: Why and Where we’re losing.
Continued from Last Month- Part
2: Why and Where we’re losing
2: Why and Where we’re losing
Chart I – “Biodiversity Value System” translates the “biodiversity”
literature into what’s good and bad and who wins and loses if the new religion
has its way. In short, the sparse remnants of America’s republican virtues
-Judeo-Christian values and democratic capitalism – would be swept aside.
literature into what’s good and bad and who wins and loses if the new religion
has its way. In short, the sparse remnants of America’s republican virtues
-Judeo-Christian values and democratic capitalism – would be swept aside.
Into the dust bin would go elections, local self government, property rights, free
markets, private contracts, access to “public” resources (water,
timber, grass, minerals), development of housing, roads, dams. Couched in
obscure language, these bioregional value choices become clear only when laid
side by side as in Chart I.
markets, private contracts, access to “public” resources (water,
timber, grass, minerals), development of housing, roads, dams. Couched in
obscure language, these bioregional value choices become clear only when laid
side by side as in Chart I.
Chart II, “Man’s Perceived Threats to Nature,” shows everything harming nature.
Science is not so sure.
Science is not so sure.
Chart I – Biodiversity Value System
Bad (want less) Good (want more)
(Want less)
(Want less)
Man Animals, fish, insects, plants, grass, bacteria
Humans Cutthroat trout, redhill roaches, yellow-legged frogs
Human pop. Growth Wildlife pop. growth
[abortion?]
Human rights Animal rights
Alien (nonlocal) species Native local species
“Alien” bull frogs Red-legged frogs, yellow- legged
“Alien” brook, brown trout, catfish Native golden trout, cutthroat trout
Domesticated plants/animals Wild plants/animals
Domesticated animal breeding Genetic diversity
Cows and sheep Mountain lions, deer
Domestic pets (dogs/cats) Wolverines, badgers, foxes
New (planted) sequoias Old growth sequoia redwoods
Planted (Douglas) fir Yellow, digger pines, yews, subalpinefir, blue oak
Domesticated grass/bushes Weeds, wild scrubs
Livestock/grazing Wildlife habitats, native grasses
Grazing Preservation of wetlands
Sewage systems development Wetland/marsh filter [microbes?]
Forest harvesting Wild fires. woodpeckers, owls
Large clear cutting Small clear cutting
Clear cutting Selective logging
Sustainable productivity Biological diversity
Logging clean-up Retain deadwood, snags
Range land Pines, mountain meadows
Human housing Wildlife nesting, rearing
Agricultural dust Undisturbed soils of nature
Mining Wildlife habitat/corridors
Manufacturing industries Cottage/home industries
Extractive industries Service industries [slavery?]
Mobility:
Cattle ranges Animal trails/corridors
Auto commuting Telecommunicating
Autos, roads Trails, bikes, skis, walking
Railroads Trails
Off-roads, cycles,jeeps,snow Backpacks, bikes, skies
Parking Walking
Public access Limited, controlled access
Herbicides Alternatives to herbicides
Oil, plastics Wood
Chemical fertilizer/cow dung Deer dung
B. BAD (Less in the future)
Individual freedom/choice Collective decisions, concensus
Voluntary cooperation Government mandates, regulations,
Property rights, contracts Land use management, planning
Private profits Non-profits,taxes,fees
Free market Regulation/planning
Economic growth Growth management
Private research Government research
Private employment Public employment
Property sales Property exchanges, barter
Private property use Public access, private use denied
Mixed private/public ownership Public ownership
Private property development Public acquisition/easements
Privately owned property Public property [taking of private property]
Citizens Experts
Elections Group dynamics/consensus
Elections Joint power agreements, memoranda of understanding
Democracy Efficiency,
Elected officials Appointed officials (bureaucrats)
Fragmentation/inefficiency Integration/efficiency
Local government, Regional/state government
Local restoration Regional restoration
Less government More government
Decentralization Centralization /consolidation
Taxes/fees on’ grazing/mining Taxes/fees on recreation
Gov’t subsidies to agriculture Environmental subsidies
Fees for public parks No fees on backpacking trails
Subsidies for grazing/mining Subsidized hikers, rafters, skiers
Hunting Wildlife watching/photography
Recreational fishing Rafting
Multiple use Limited recreational use by a few
Public beaches Riparian habitat for fish, frogs
Casinos Backpacking
Low density tourism Centralized tourism centers
Power production Power conservation
Powerline corridors Wildlife corridors
Dams, diversions Salmon, trout Conservation
Energy development Conservation
Water for humans Water for fish
Farmers’ water Fisheries water
Reservoirs Free-flowing rivers,canyons
Dams/water development/use Habitat for fish, frogs
Continued from Last Month- Part
2: Why and Where we’re losing
Chart II, “Man’s Perceived Threats to Nature,” shows everything harming nature. Science is not so sure.
Chart II – Man’s Perceived Threats to Nature
| MAN’S THREATS | THINGS | SCIENTIFIC |
| (Must be stopped or reduced) | HARMED | FOUNDATION |
| Grazing, mining, logging, | Frogs, toads | Poor/unknown |
| damming, toxic discharges | ||
| Air/water pollution | ” “& snakes, | Speculative |
| lizards, turtles | Lacking | |
| Deforestation, grazing | Birds: warblers, | Poorly quantified |
| flycatchers, thrushes | ||
| Old growth logging, | Spotted owls | “Known [sic]” |
| brush removal | ||
| Pesticides, lead | falcons,eagles | “Well estab- |
| condor, osprey | lished” | |
| Logging, grazing, devel- | Bighorn sheep, | Adequate? |
| opment | mule deer, bears, | |
| mt. lions,coyotes | ||
| Logging; grazing, reser- | Hare, beaver | Very poor |
| voirs, fire suppression | ||
| Climate change | Insects | Unknown |
| Burning, dust, grazing, | Vegetation | Assumed |
| logging, development | ||
| Air: orone, sulfates, nit- | Jeffrey Pines | Probable |
| rates, acid fog, dust, | ||
| Logging, grazing, develop- | Soil erosion | Known, poor data |
| ment, fire suppression | On trends | |
| Fire protection of | Wildlife resources | Doubtful |
| property | ||
| Clearcutting/salvage | Diversity of tree | Known [sic] |
| harvest | Species | |
| Gt, sequoia “grove | Biodiversity | known [sic] |
| enhancrnt”lfire suppression | ||
| Cattle/sheep grazing | Grass Mt. meadws | Known [?] |
| Air pollution/ozone | Yellow pines | Maybe |