I have a question for your today. When does a concerned citizen become an activist?
From the Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary: “Activist, noun [C]
a person who believes strongly in political or social change and works hard to try and make this happen.”
From Merriam Webster Online: “Activism : a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue.
If I post two articles two days in a row advocating that you contact your state representative does that make me an activist, or does that just make me a concerned citizen? Or does it mean that something is wrong within our government, or maybe that I’ve been hijacked by an e-mail spammer with their own agenda? I wonder…
Today I heard about how natural areas in Utah are up for bidding on by the oil industry. “The auction of Redrock country will take place on December 19. At stake are world-renowned vistas near Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, as well as near Dinosaur National Monument. The highest bidders will earn the right to turn vast tracts of pristine wilderness into industrial wastelands.” Now, I’m not guaranteeing that this is the full story, there was certainly plenty of provocative language in the announcement I read. Everyone has an agenda. However, it surely sounds like a mega bad idea from a conservation point of view.
The announcement was put out by the NRDC Action Fund, who’s credentials I’ve not taken the time to research. What do you say?
The full Robert Redford letter which I received in my electronic mailbox this morning.
More about the Redrock Wilderness.
What the Huffington Post has to say.
A New York Times blogger on the topic.
Utah book at Amazon.com.
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