That was then; this is now................

It would appear that this issue has opposing and intensely defended points
of view. I would like to make a case for cultural evolution. Being of
Cherokee (plus French and Irish) ancestry, I can try to see through Native
American eyes, but given the outcome of the conservation of the Gray
Whale, I cannot agree with the Makah's whale hunt. And yes, in opposition
to another view given, we all, as sentient beings of this planet, have a
stake in this hunt. It IS our business! Change is inevitable; change is
necessary.........on both a personal and cultural basis. Perhaps the
Makah can make great use of, and even need, the resources that the whales'
bodies could provide. However, if and when the Makah take their boats out
to hunt the whales and they just sit there on the ocean, not firing these
'military' weapons, the whales will approach their boats.

The behavior of these whales has evolved to include people as part of
their social structure. The Makah should consider doing the same.

Maureen Ellis me2 at u.washington.edu Univ of WA and Des Moines, WA