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Ashland, Oregon HOME Valley & State Sports Nation & World Opinion/Editorial Classifieds Business Columnists Local Issues Obituaries Weather Archive Revels Etcetera Backpage Hot Topics Most Viewed Forum Photo Galleries Video Readers Polls O-Zone Online Games Movie Preview Special Sections Real Estate Guide Menu Guide Shakespeare Subscribe Contact Us Rate Card Place an Ad January 6, 2005 Bush is on the attack in Alaska The Bush Administration is turning its attention (I should say its weapons of mass destruction) on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, intent on opening the coastal plain to oil drilling. The cost to wildlife will be disastrous, potential oil contamination and millions of gallons of waste from oil and gas operations will permanently pollute this pristine and fragile environment, wildlife habitat destroyed, and more. The area targeted is the biological heart of the refuge, the Arctic coast plain. Despite a majority of American voices against this decision, it is now the cornerstone of the Bush energy policy. Developing an oil-producing operation is lengthy, very expensive and Americans will not see a drop of this oil for at least 10 years from its start. In addition this highly destructive action will produce only 6 months supply of our nation's energy needs. Worst of all, it is completely unnecessary and will not help solve the problem of how to keep feeding the insatiable appetite of this country for fossil fuels. We are now technologically capable of producing 40 miles/gallon fuel efficient cars which would save ten times the amount of oil we could ever suck out of ANWR. In 2003, Senator Durbin offered an amendment to the Energy Bill which would save fuel, care for the environment (ANWR), and make money. It was overwhelming voted down by money interests on Capital Hill. The message is clear: Protecting and caring for the quality of life on this magnificent Earth for the future generations has not a value if it means passing up a chance to make money. This is another in an endless parade of unnecessary assaults on the precarious balance of life support systems on this planet. It is also not the wish of the majority of the American people that we drill in ANWR. Let us raise our voices in protest. Write, call, e-mail, proclaim, walk, stand, and, as Jeff Golden says each weekly morning "do what you can do." And no matter what, don't stop. Anne Stine Ashland Put out your tree, support the scouts I would like to extend a thank you to Ashland's Boy Scout Troop 112, and the Ashland Lions Club, for the great job they do every year clearing away our discarded Christmas Trees.On Jan. 8, Scouts will pick up trees placed at curbs throughout town. When a uniformed Scout knocks on my door, I plan to donate to this cause and encourage all residents using the service to do the same. Please consider the service these young people offer and give generously when your tree gets picked up. Imy Cully Ashland --> Copyright © 2006 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers. All Rights Reserved.