Hunting bill takes ‘a step backward’

Editors, Asheville Global Report,

During a time when decent-minded people everywhere are waking up to the realization that other species have thoughts and feelings which entitle them to ethical considerations, Ohio legislators are taking a step backward by quietly passing House Bill 493 through their House and Senate to remove existing restrictions on hunting.

The bill has now gone to Ohio Governor Bob Taft for his signature.

According to the US Sportsman’s Alliance, formerly the so-called “Wildlife Legislative Fund of America,” an Ohio-based pro-hunting organization which boasts credit for having Representative Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) shepherd the bill through the House and Senate with “virtually no opposition,” HB 493 removes all private land restrictions during hunting seasons, including the requirement that landowners must have 20 or more acres to hunt on Sunday. The bill also removes the restriction that non-owners only be allowed to hunt on property over 100-acres and registered in the state’s Hunter Access Program.

Contrary to what such groups like to claim, hunting is not a humane method for controlling animal populations, because more often than not the animals are wounded and die slow, agonizing deaths. Moreover, those who love and respect nature deserve at least one day a week when they can walk through the forests of Ohio without fear of being shot. Ultimately, such unmitigated cruelty and disregard for the rights of others simply cannot be condoned.

I have written Governor Taft and beseeched him not to sign HB 493 into law, and I urge others to contact Governor Taft promptly via phone: (614) 466-3555, fax: (614) 466-9354, or e-mail: Governor.Taft@das.state.oh.us

Those wishing to chastise the US Sportsman Alliance for lobbying shamefully in favor of blood sports across the country, can reach the organization via e-mail at info@ussportsmen.org.

As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., so eloquently put it, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

John W. Kimbrell,
Inman, SC

Help support clean air bill

Editors, Asheville Global Report,

Governor Easley announced today that an agreement has been reached on S1078, the Healthy Air Bill (aka Clean Smokestacks), that keeps the original standards intact and will result in no rate increase for electrical consumers. This agreement meets all of the criteria advocated by the Canary Coalition and we heartily endorse this breakthrough.

If the bill passes both state houses in this form, as the Governor expects, it will set a high standard and give North Carolina the necessary moral standing to demand that neighboring states take similar actions to curb their power plants that are polluting our air. While this pronouncement by the Governor is very promising, we can’t yet take it for granted that S1078 is an accomplished fact. The legislature doesn’t convene until May 28. The bill still has to go through the roller coaster process of passing through committees and coming to the floor of the House and the Senate for a successful vote of approval. It is of the utmost importance that the Governor and State Legislature hear a roar of public approval for this plan.

It’s more important than ever that we maintain our letter writing and petition campaign. It’s essential that we have heavy participation in public events like the Clean Air Vigils at Pack Square on May 10-11 in Asheville, and in Raleigh on May 28-29, until the legislation is passed in both the NC Senate and House of Representatives and signed by the Governor into law. It’s also important to realize that even if S1078 passes as expected in this legislative session, it is not the end of our fight for clean air in the mountains of western North Carolina. It’s only a successful beginning. The battle continues on the federal level and in other states where power plants continue to emit nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and mercury that drift into the mountains, rivers and coastal regions of North Carolina. If S1078 passes, the people of our state can be proud of the fact that our will was heeded, in a democratic process. We will have learned the lesson that we are not powerless.

Our voices count. Our actions are effective. Lets carry this empowerment and moral authority to the next level and finally clear the air in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Appalachian Region and in the United States of America. But first, lets get S1078 passed. If you haven’t joined in this effort yet, now is the time.

Avram Friedman,
Executive Director of the Canary Coalition
For information on how to get involved in the Canary Coalition visit the website at “http://www.canarycoalition.org” or call toll free 1-866-4CANARY.