For what it's worth, I have given testimony concerning three endangered species. That information was asked for under provisions of the US Endangered Species Act. I am concerned about the possible extinction of any and all species of plants and animals. Big ones, small ones, cute ones and ugly ones. Vertebrates and invertebrates. In the US, Canada, Mexico or anywhere else on this planet. All have value, not just the big-eyed birds and cute mammals.

The trouble began when Environmentalists started using plant and animal species to block logging, mining, land development and recreational activities. These people are almost always liberal arts majors, not scientists. Their goal is to block the activities mentioned. Saving the wildlife is more a tool than a goal.

The Spotted Owl has become a 'cause celeb' in it's own right and now overshadows the real important issue of protecting all endangered species. Until we can focus on conservation issues for their own merit and drop the politics, lies and hype, both sides will remain galvanized. The reaction of Louie Roy is absolutely reasonable based on the fact that the 'solution' is so grotesquely out of proportion to the problem. His point of view is shared my many. They are the ones who are "ten steps to the right of center when it affects them personally".