I am writing in response to your coverage of Dave
Foreman’s essay (HCN, 4/18/05: Dear Friends). Although I
respect what Dave Foreman means to the environmental movement, the
tactics of his finger-pointing are destructive, shortsighted,
ill-timed and wrong. It is critical for the environmental movement
to build bridges, re-think strategies, and appeal to the younger
generation.
It’s hard to believe that so many
leaders of the environmental movement are blaming each other at a
time when it is imperative that they collaborate in the face of so
many threats. What kind of message does this send to the younger
generation? Why can’t environmentalism still mobilize the
large number of young people “on mountain bikes” and “plugged into
virtual reality?” As the leader of a small conservation program,
I’ve employed hundreds of young people who are very concerned
about the future of environmentalism and have the mind and muscle
to put their convictions into action. Challenging your peers to do
better is one thing, Mr. Foreman; burning bridges and
stereotypically alienating the leaders of tomorrow is another.
Sean Damitz
Program
Director, Utah Conservation Corps
Logan, Utah
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Foreman alienates tomorrow’s leaders.
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