Friday, November 04, 2005

A Right and a Left!

Strictly speaking, shooting terminology. But two recent online esays from rather left and libertarian right perspectives-- granted, on two different subjects-- seemed to have a lot to say to me.

In an article called "No people Allowed" in Orion, Mark Dowie argues that some westerners and conservation associations, however well- meaning, are decreeing new refuges and emptying them of their old inhabitants, especially hunter- gatherer tribes. Despite the requisite denunciations of eeevil corporations, this seems an important and balanced article that asks serious questions. I was struck by how much of African plains diversity is outside the so- called "refuges"-- my impression is that can be so here in the Southwest as well.

And at (small "l") libertarian Tech Central Station, in an article titled "American Eden", Tim Worstall ends his argument for ReWilding, capitalism,and technology with this bold statement:

"That some 5% of the world's population creates 25% of the world's wealth and yet has the land left over to recreate an Edenic pre-human environment seems to indicate that there's something to be said for the American model. Perhaps we should try exporting the idea as well?"

Granting I might better like to see modest smallholders and public land rancher- hunters (game ranchers!) on the "New Serengeti" than Ted Turner or Draka -style overlords, both ideas seem provocative and worth reading. Discuss among yourselves....
 

1 comment:

Chas S. Clifton said...

One Bushman family has apparently won a court victory over their struggle to return to their original home.