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May 14 , 2004 - Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels February 24, 2004 In face of Bush agenda, groups need division By Eric Alan Ashland As a person who believes that the most fundamental issue in 2004 - or any other year - is the preservation of the environment in which we all live, I was disappointed that I was unable to attend the recent Forest Conference because of an out-of-town event involving my book, Wild Grace: Nature as a Spiritual Path. I considered the conference a key opportunity for those of us focused on the environment to find a way to bridge differences and create common strategies for earthly preservation and respect. However, I was dismayed to learn that some activists had threatened to pull out of the conference if former Congressman Les AuCoin was allowed to speak. I do not want to debate what differences any may have with AuCoin's perspectives and actions, past and present; that is not the critical issue for me. The issue is that when everyone is a part of the environment, we cannot afford to be divisive or exclusive about who is listened to in the debate about how to preserve it. It's only in the reaching across difference in which we'll create common solution. Those who refuse to listen or participate if someone of perceived difference is speaking will slowly isolate themselves from everyone but those who exactly share their perspectives. That is a lonely, ineffective and tragic road to follow. Personally, even if the invited speaker was George W. Bush-one of the greatest environmental criminals in recent memory-I would have welcomed the opportunity for his participation. How else will difference be heard? How else will we learn about each other? How can we communicate the vital nature of the issues, without true human contact? I suspect that if those objecting to AuCoin's presence had instead welcomed and listened to his experienced voice, and spoken their own piece respectfully in return, they would have found more commonality than difference, and a growing alliance with another person deeply committed in the present day to environmental preservation. In 2004, we need all the support we can get on that fron t- especially from those with a background in, and a familiarity with, Washington politics. May wisdom and communication better prevail in the coming days. DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams