I noted previously the “absolute truths” of the mountain top mining debate: 

Truth #1

In any announcement, article, press release or other communication from a mining company or other industry group, the issue will be framed in the number of jobs being preserved by the proposed mining methodology, the stream loss is minimal, and the communities are strengthened by the schools, hospitals and commerce developments created on the filled land.

 

Truth #2

When the environmentalists speak on this issue, the value of the extracted coal will be minimized, the practice will weaken the community and the ecological damage will be permanent.

Wolf Reintroduction

The Chicago Tribune this week detailed the pitched battle between ranchers and environmentalists regarding the reintroduction of the Mexican wolf in the southwest.  Frustration and resentment has been the result of the ten year program to return the endangered wolf to its native habitat – habitat that is dominated by ranchers and their herds (quite tasty to the wolves). 

Wolf Reintroduction Truth #1

In any announcement, article, press release or other communication from a mining ranching company or other industry group, the issue will be framed in the number of jobs being preserved by the proposed mining methodology wolf reintroduction, the stream loss value of the wolf is minimal, and the communities are strengthened by the schools, hospitals and commerce developments created on the filled land tax revenues from ranchers.

Wolf Reintroduction Truth #2

When the environmentalists speak on this issue, the value of the extracted coal ranchers’ losses will be minimized, the practice discontinuing the wolf reintroduction will weaken the community and the ecological damage from the wolves’ absence will be permanent. 

Asian Carp Absolute Truths

Asian carp is a voracious eater that crowds out native fish and could damage the ecosystem of the entire Great Lakes.  The State of Michigan is preparing a lawsuit to force the US Army Corps of Engineers to close the locks connecting Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River system in Illinois; the carp has been steadily migrating closer to the Great Lakes.  The fight to protect the Great Lakes from this invasive species has each side crystallizing into absolute truths:

Carp Truth #1

In any announcement, article, press release or other communication from an mining ranching Illinois company or other Illinois industry group, the issue will be framed in the number of jobs being preserved by the proposed mining methodology wolf reintroduction river barge traffic, the stream loss value of the wolf  damage from the carp may be minimal, and the communities are strengthened by the schools, hospitals and commerce developments created on the filled land tax revenues from ranchers materials for steel, concrete, fuel, coal and salt. 

Carp Truth #2

When the environmentalists State of Michigan speaks on this issue, the value of the extracted coal ranchers’ losses excess trucking of materials around the closed locks will be minimized, the practice discontinuing the wolf reintroduction the Asian carps’ impact to the Great Lakes fisheries and recreational boating industries will weaken the community and the ecological damage from the wolves’ absence carp will be permanent.

The coordinator of the wolf reintroduction program noted that one “thing about wolves [mountain top mining/carp] is they bring out extreme emotions and feelings and attitudes, so it is an extra challenge."  What other issues out there are defined by “absolute truths” on each side and bring out extreme emotions?