Having devoted my career to ocean research, I have known and worked with “true environmentalists”. I have also known and worked with “political environmentalists.” I am sad to say, that there is a great deal, and too much politics involved in proposal writing, and obtaining moneys from grants.

Taking a look at a life’s reality. Politicians cater to lobbyist representing big money. A concept of saving the environment is valid. However the interpretation of value, and priorities is where I have a real problem. Showing concern for “saving and preserving” the environment for future generations is noble. However, politicians who are guided, or directed by big business avoid and refuse to take on the real environmental issues. Items like water pollution, ground pollution, toxic waste, sewer treatment problems, exploding growth of construction, density per square mile allowed, etc., etc. etc.

I know that the majority of veterans understands, and values freedom. Myself, I am a veteran, and have traveled many countries, both military, and throughout my career. There is no place I would rather live than the USA. Good, bad, right or wrong, we have a country that allows us our own thoughts and religions. I look at anyone who has the thoughts, attitude, and ideas, or attempts to take a freedom away from me as nothing but anti-American.

September 11, 2001 showed to the world that even the USA has it’s weaknesses. Recent news of the sexual predators within the Catholic church has blown a hole in the beliefs of many who worshipped the church and their religion. 9/11 was not only an introduction into a new war, but a wake up call to something very important that has been dwindling over the past few decades. That awaking is the importance of family and friends. It has been an eye opener of what is important, and for many that has been family.

Off roading is one of the few forms of recreation I have seen that holds families together more than any other sport, or activity. Sure we all put our kids in sport activities, but show me any activity that combines not only family, but two, three and sometimes even four generations enjoying the same activity. An activity that blends all age groups together. Weekends together where everyone in the family enjoys not just an hour or afternoon together, but two, three, four days or more at a time together. An individual, group and family outing that accommodates the healthy, individuals with fading health, the young, old, weak and strong. Where race doesn’t seem to be a factor.

Oh yes, HOW ABOUT THE HANDICAPPED? I have seen many paraplegics off roading.

Sure, maybe a plant, or a weed, may be forfeited for a short period of time, (like maybe 100 to 500 years) but why does it matter? (personally, I don’t see it vanishing from off roaders) If we “Americans” can’t get control of the big businesses by voting out politicians who are in the pockets of big business, I question if there will even be future generations to enjoy anything. I am talking about little things like selling fuel to other countries for their nuclear reactors, then bring back the waste products for disposal in OUR US SOIL. (it’s called Radioactive Waste) Detroit had vehicles back in the early 60’s that were proven and tested to run on Methane. At the same time, oil companies subsidized auto manufactures to build the muscle cars of the 60’s. (I will admit, I loved those muscle cars) We have the knowledge of hydo electric power, of converting trash to methane, and to turn salt water into drinking water. I could go on and on about government corruption, and environmental priorities that are IGNORED. Priorities that do have an effect on not only ours, but future generations as life as we know it today.

So what do these “so called” environmentalists worry about…… a weed, and want to destroy family outings.

I will say one thing in favor of the true environmentalists I have known and worked with over the years. They are more than happy to introduce themselves, their background, in an educated format. Some on this board refuse to tell their background, or are just ashamed of themselves. However, this is America, and they have that right to speak, no matter what comes out of their mouths. I just question how a weed, that will survive in natures timetable with or without off roaders has any priority at all in the overall picture.