Theodore Roosevelt would probably have seen our struggles with the pollution from Copper Nickel Mining somewhat differently than Iron Range Politicians in Minnesota, both quotes are “spot-on”
“The ‘greatest good for the greatest number’ applies to the number within the womb of time, compared to which those now alive form but an insignificant fraction. Our duty to the whole, including the unborn generations, bids us to restrain an unprincipled present-day minority from wasting the heritage of these unborn generations. The movement for the conservation of wild life and the larger movement for the conservation of all our natural resources are essentially democratic in spirit, purpose and method.”
“When they call the roll in the Senate (Congress or State Legislatures), the Senators do not know whether to answer “Present” or “Not guilty.”
Roosevelt was reviled in his day by many for his protection of fish, wildlife, forests and American antiquities. His critics charged him with locking up timber and mineral resources on federal land that would best be consumed immediately. Sound familiar? We sure could use a few Roosevelt, long-term thinkers and doers in Minnesota these days.
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