A death sentence for species

The Endangered Species Act refers to the need for a factual, rational, scientific assessment of potential dangers to various life forms. Projects such as water management, oil, mineral and timber extraction and dam and road building are all examples of activities which could imperil and ultimately kill many species of animals. Currently, when a federal agency considers any such project it is required to consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service about impacts that a project might have on species.

The so-called new Endangered Species Act Rules transfer the decision-making process about endangerment from the very entities who are best informed and specifically educated to make such important determinations.

The not-so-hidden agenda here is that the corporate profit-mongers who are on the front line to benefit from all such federal projects have been lobbying for years to remove the scientists from this picture. The net impact of this is prioritizing corporate profits over the survival of any species. “Endangered” is in essence irrelevant, the collateral damage of the monstrous game of getting more power. More money takes precedence over all other considerations, including the survival of the ecology and its life forms.

On Aug. 11, the secretary of interior announced the new rules, which “permit any federal agency to decide for itself whether protected species would be threatened by agency projects.”

We the people have until Sept. 15 to stop this death sentence, which will be calmly carried out by our government unless some critical thinking and ecological sanity intervene. I strongly encourage my fellow citizens to take action now because in this case too late will be a tragic reality.

Demelza Costa, Sweet Home

Gays, God and change

There are many confused people regarding sexual perversion, such as the so-called “natural phenomenon” writer (Mailbag, Aug. 19).

The best way to find the definition for something is to go to the maker of all things, our Almighty God, who has authority over all things and who defines all things. What he says is crucial because it is he who judges all things.

God says that sexual perversion or so-called homosexual behavior is sin, the fulfillment of physical lusts, sin unto death. It is deliberate, premeditated, fulfilled sin, similar to first-degree murder or adultery.

The cost for such behavior is expensive, many times resulting in an early physical death and if unrepented of, always a permanent spiritual death.

The solution is simple. Repent and obey God. God is patient. He is also absolute and his ways and his word never change.

So, change is the word — change or pay the penalty.

Ted Gay, Lebanon