I have not read all this discussion about Tweeters and political messages, but for me the bottom line...when one posts controversial messages with regards politics and nature/conservation on a list like Tweeters, you are just "preaching to the choir!"

Let's not make a big deal about it because most of us agree with conservation , environmental issues, and preservation. One needs to get the message out to the non-Tweeter crowds!

Eric Kowalczyk
Seattle

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Frodo: I wish none of this had happened.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil. .... And that is an encouraging thought.


----- Original Message -----
From: Gene Bullock
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu;Marc Hoffman
Sent: 9/16/2008 12:27:00 PM
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] RE: Help Put Palin's Wolf-Killing Record on TV


I couldn't agree more. Environmental and wildlife issues cross party lines. National Audubon and Sierra Club both take positions on environmental issues. Those in either party who take openly anti-environmental, anti-wildlife positions are open to honest criticism, and we shouldn't use partisan sensibilities as an excuse for ignoring them..
Gene Bullock
Poulsbo WA
----- Original Message -----
From: Marc Hoffman
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 8:46 AM
Subject: [Tweeters] RE: Help Put Palin's Wolf-Killing Record on TV


Hello fellow birders,

I've been reluctant to join this thread, since discussions of this sort tend to generate more heat than light, as they say. Also I haven't wanted to get anyone mad at me -- I value this list and the friendships it supports.

Nevertheless, I want to say a bit about the issue of "political" discussions on the list. I don't think it's a cut-and-dry matter.

Example: A couple of years ago a Tweeters member posted a message of last-minute alarm about a fireworks display to be held near the Montlake Fill (Union Bay Natural Area). A number of list members (including myself) consequently attended a City of Seattle hearing, and the fireworks were halted in view of the damage that could be done to migrating bird populations. Clearly there were politics involved: a municipal board was permitting a large, private company to use a public space for a controversial activity, and through a political process the city was pressured to reverse its decision. The outcome was hailed by Tweeters members and I don't recall anyone objecting to the use of the list to do political organizing.

Now we have a situation potentially impacting the environment on a much wider scale than a local fireworks display: a candidate for vice president whose positions are diametrically opposed to protecting wildlife and the environment. Should this not be of concern to bird lovers?

I am not sure of the best way to have this discussion. Certainly we should all be respectful and not attack anyone for their views or party affiliations. But this discussion, however uncomfortable, is still appropriate for our list. This includes questions of whether vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin's anti-environment beliefs and practices are being sufficiently disclosed to voters.

Marc Hoffman
Kirkland, WA
http://www.dartfrogmedia.com
mailto: tweeters at dartfrogmedia dot com




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