Beetlemania

Yes, tsides22, nature destroys too. But it does so in the natural cycle of things which is ESSENTIAL to the survival of a healthy earth and the renewal of all living things. And Yes, nature can be brutal. I watch around my mountain home how even something as benign as humming birds are brutal to other humming birds - not wiling to share- it is the nature of survival. HOWEVER - sometimes WE interfere with natural cycles which are necessary either because we feel they are so destructive (environmentalists) or because we alter environments in destructive ways so we can use nature's products or land. (oil & gas behmouths). Either way - environmentalist or "the oil and gas behemouths " - the result is devastating. Both groups have messed with the environment. The issue is not that both groups have had a hand in the "Interruption,or altering of natural environments, but the extent to which each group is narrow in their view and blinded by their fixed vision on their goal. The Environmantaist vision is always good - it is the fact that they , like the oil & gas , lumber, etc people have a distorted view of where to go in and when to leave nature alone. So while the orignal intent is good - both groups are out of hand at times. I have watched my home area almost destroyed by the fact that for decades fires were so controled that the forest grew into an unatural tangle of sick old trees and overgrown underbrush. Then there was a fire no-one could stop that burned for 3 weeks at 2500 degreees (not the usual 250 degree fire). The devastation was horrible and the ground was seared. Sometimes even those of us who want to protect the environment go overboard too. the result is as bad as the oil & gas people when they are out of control. The key is moderation and keeping emotions under control so we can look at the facts - not get so attached to our ideal of saving nature or using nature for our gain that we can no longer see the whole or objective picture.

And .... unless you live under a rock in the woods or on the desert where there is no road, gas or electricity, do not own a vehicle and own only a few items of necessary clothing, then, you, like most of us are perpetuating the need to obtain natural resorces and thus are part of the probelem too.

Montana- Thank you so much for your concern for the residents of these mountain communities. Regardless of who is at fault- you should never wish forest fires on anyone or any area. If and when the fires happen it is going to be devestating.

And one tiny lightening strike and you can say good bye to the forest from Grand Junction to Montana to New Mexico....This is not just an infestation of Colorado. And the environmentalists thought Yellowstone fires were an "answer"....this will make that look like a birthday candle!