>Date: Tue, 8 Aug 1995 09:39:51 -0700 (PDT)
>From: Jon Anderson <anderjda at dfw.wa.gov>

>Since Mr Tate is the only one of 'our' elected officials who has bothered
>to respond to one of my email letters, I thought I would share his form
>letter ...

Thanks for sharing it. Now, what's in it that we can ponder?

>---------- Forwarded message ----------

> In addition, ESA has caused
>increased utility rates to consumers because of the unchecked costs
>of saving the salmon runs.

Interesting view on salmon fisheries (not just "runs").

> For example, one Montana man was
>recently fined $4000 by the Environmental Protection Agency for
>shooting a bear which was attacking him and his family.

Anyone have the facts on this?

> In addition, ESA has had few successes. Of the thousands
>of species which have been listed as endangered, very few have
>successfully recovered. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been
>spent, many jobs have been lost, and the ESA is still far from
>reaching its goals.

Geez, if anything demonstrates the enormous impact our abuse of the
environment has wrought, and how extremely difficult it is to "repair"
precarious environmental situations, this statement --if taken at
face value-- surely says it.

> Please be assured that
>I will work to ensure there is balance

Sorry, but I am not assured. I am, to the contrary, assured that Mr. Tate
sits on the same loose cannon that a couple of California Representatives
(e.g., the most egregious actor R. Pombo) are riding.

> Please be assured I will
>keep your views in mind as legislation regarding this matter is
>brought before me. I look forward to hearing from you again in the
>future."

I hope his constituency doesn't let him forget for a moment that he's
not only a "new" Representative, but not worthy of their next votes.

Good luck,
Peter
d.