Washblog || At least he's not pulling a Cantwell and not addressing the questions

At least he's not pulling a Cantwell and not addressing the questions

By Arthur Ruger
Sun Mar 12, 2006 at 08:57:41 AM PST
Section: Pacific Northwest Topic: Environmental issues

Two weeks ago I sent Brian

(foto from his official
website)

the email you can read about in a comment to a post by Noemie dated 2/26/06 which ended with the following:

If you are not willing to answer the questions then say so.
I intend that this email and your response be the basis of what I chime in with around this controversy and, as always, when left to my own speculations, you are then at the mercy of the quality and accuracy of the information I do obtain.

So, I can assume Rep. Baird was/is unwilling ... a shame.

What else has happened?

Well, from the [Vancouver] Columbian:

Portland's liberal radio asking: "Why is Congressman Brian Baird helping Republican Greg Walden fast-track reckless logging in America's national forests?
... "I definitely know many people who have worked on Baird's campaign staff in the past who won't be doing that this year,"
... "It seems Baird has joined the Bush administration strategy of attacking good, respected science that happens to disagree with political objectives."
... One former supporter said there's talk of running a spoiler candidate against Baird in the September primary and even of supporting his Republican opponent in November.
... One question that puzzles conservationists is why Baird is taking a political risk for a bill that would do little to help his district. The wet west-side forests of Southwest Washington rarely experience the kinds of wildfires that result in large salvage operations.

Baird has responded even if it wasn't to a little guy like me

But Baird said major stand-replacing fires, like the Yacolt Burn a century ago, do occur here, as do windstorms that knock down trees. And he said the timber industry remains an important part of the economy of Southwest Washington.
"The Third Congressional District is one of the 10 most heavily forested districts in the nation," he said. "Thousands of family-wage jobs in the district are related to the timber industry. I think economic considerations are valid and important. I don't think there's anything wrong with saying the jobs of people in my district depend on timber."

And for now, that's good enough for me. At least he's not pulling a Cantwell.

Wikipedia

< Projects, Clashes and Think Tanks for the 21st Century: | Mike McGavick = Oil Spill/Corporate Shill >

At least he's not pulling a Cantwell and not addressing the questions | 6 comments (6 topical)

Thanks for this update, Arthur --

I don't condemn a legislator for choosing jobs over the environment (although, sometimes that distinction is spurious -- as when the automotive industry says that higher safety and emissions standards will hurt business when, clearly, they do not.)

What I still condemn Mr. Baird for was the way he participated in the supression of science.

As the author of the report that Baird questioned said -- it's not the policy that's the problem so much -- as the denial of and attempt to suppress scientific findings.

Science must be protected not only because it is a beautiful endeavor that expresses the best of human nature and uncovers the majesty of the physical world, but also because it is an essential tool for decision-making. Baird appears to have failed terribly on this one. He answered the policy question ok. But I don't see how this answers the supression-of-science charge -- particularly for a legislator who has made a big deal out of defending science. I wish he had answered your eloquent letter!

by noemie maxwell on Sun Mar 12, 2006 at 10:54:06 AM PST

* 1 5.00 1 *

Points taken ... by Arthur Ruger, 03/13/2006 07:10:39 PM PST (none / 0)

We need science defenders by noemie maxwell, 03/14/2006 07:25:10 PM PST (none / 0)

Have his cake ...

I don't understand why he isn't trying to talkup selective cutting instead. It has less impact on the area logged, produces more board feet of timber, and can be much more labor intensive.

Look at Fort Lewis's forestry program for example.

When there is a solution that will create more jobs for timber workers, while conserving our forest ecosystems why aren't we yelling it from the tops of the trees?

The only reason I can see not to support more selective cutting is that is reduces short term profits.

by Nathan Horter on Mon Mar 13, 2006 at 11:22:16 AM PST

* 2 none 0 *

Good questions ... by Arthur Ruger, 03/13/2006 07:07:41 PM PST (none / 0)

Well, I got an answer .... sort of ... read on

Dear Neighbor,

I take my responsibility to represent the people who live in Southwest Washington very seriously. In an effort to best represent you and your interests, I would like to learn more about your views on some of the issues that are being considered or may be considered by Congress. I believe that our nation's government is only as strong as the individuals who choose to actively participate in its improvement, so please take the time to fill out the survey below and let me know how you feel about these important issues.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Brian Baird
Member of Congress

If you would like to continue to receive e-mail updates from me, simply click here.

If you are having trouble taking the survey, click here

I am a strong supporter of the right to keep and bear arms and do not think the federal government should infringe upon that right.

Agree Disagree Undecided

The federal government should always protect the rights of women to have access to safe, legal abortions.

Agree Disagree Undecided

The President made the right decision to go to war in Iraq.

Agree Disagree Undecided

We should work to withdraw our troops from Iraq as soon as possible.

Agree Disagree Undecided

The federal government should create a "guest worker" program to allow immigrant workers who are already here to keep working and to enter and leave the country legally.

Agree Disagree Undecided

The federal government should do more to protect the environment.

Agree Disagree Undecided

We should spend whatever it takes to strengthen our military and defend against terror.

Agree Disagree Undecided

The federal government should increase its investment in alternative, renewable energy.

Agree Disagree Undecided

Congress should pass a law that requires the federal government to have a balanced budget each year.

Agree Disagree Undecided

I would like to continue receiving occasional email updates such as this in the future.

Agree

Arthur
You sure you ain't staking too much on yer theories? Not enough common sense?

by Arthur Ruger on Mon Mar 13, 2006 at 07:04:39 PM PST

* 3 none 0 *

At least he's not pulling a Cantwell and not addressing the questions | 6 comments (6 topical)

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