John McPhee describes the Alaska gold rush, and the environmental effects of placer mining, in his book "Coming into the Country." Those early prospectors regarded Alaska as virgin territory, waiting to be developed. It is the same mind-set of modern Brazillians bent on stripping the Amazon of its resources.

I hope that the person who murdered Sister Dorothy is located and prosecuted. But I don't think that will cause the government of Brazil to change course, with regard to development in the Amazon.

Murdering those who resist is long been the practice of settling disputes in Amazonia. Just about every leader who campaigned against illegal land or resource grabs or Indian massacres have been killed or driven from the scene under death threats and threats to family. We only learn of these deaths when the victim is someone like the nun, an ex-USA citizen.

The nearly 10 million acres of forest set aside since the murder is a wonderful symoblic gesture, honoring the work of her and others whose lives were dedicated to protecting the forests.

Sorry to seem to be cynical, but I've heard similar pledges before from Brazilian leaders but unless there are literally boots on the ground, illegal deforestation and other activities will continue.

Actually, I share your cynicism Marshall. That is why I described the Reserve as a symbolic act.

Fazer o que se sobre?

Note pra mim: nunca comprar mais de mahogany ou outros madeira Amazonia. Nada. Se vou precisar para fazer negocio, entao eu vou perder um pouco.

So be it.

pnbrown, Voce pode comprar madeira do home depot porque a madeira e "sustainable" O pouco que Eu saber E os chinesas que comprar este madera do amazonas discupe meu portugues e muito mal Eu nunca usa. Mesmo que este coisas aconteceu Estados eunidos as vezes e muito pior Brasiliero a maioria quero protege os selva amazonas. Sarah

I don't think it's entirely the Brazilians fault, I say that because I know I wrote this before. I saw the world Bank loan money to wealthy land owners in the 1970's to buy more land and raise cattle and other crops Last night I watched Now and they had the author John Perkins on with his new book "confessions of an economic hit man" In a way it's just a continuation of the same. I'm sure I am probably wrong but since we are the world power I just think we should lead a better example (maybe I'll ditch my car) Sarah

Here is a link that might be useful: Now

Thanks for the link Sarah. I wish I had a tv so I could have seen the show. I heard John Perkins interviewed on Democracy Now! late last year and have been meaning to read his book. After hearing his story, I believe Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez when he says the U.S. govm't has plans to "remove" him.

Althea I never did buy that other book to read about society so I'm pretty sure I won't buy this one. What radio station does Democracy Now come on or is it on the internet? Sarah

Sarah, here is a link to DN!. They have a link on the site (upper left) enabling you to locate a station in your area that carries the show.

I think this group is alone in panning the Diamond book. It must be some fad that swept through. Glad you didn't waste your money.

Perkins' book seems well worth reading. But, we haven't discussed it here yet....

Here is a link that might be useful: dn!

Thanks Althea for the link! It turns out that my younger daughter's college carries the program small world!! Sarah

A lot of scholars are panning Diamond's book(s), often enough for him not to be published by serious press. Archaeologist, ethnologist and the like take him to task for his misuse of, even self-serving creation of evidence to support his interpretations. Environmental determinism went the way of the Germanic reach of a greater fatherland. OTOH, he is an imaginative interpreter and synthesizer tho not in the class of Gibbons for example.

Cool Sarah! BTW, there is a print transcript of the DN! Perkins interview on the site. Someone posted a link to it on this forum not too long ago, but I can't remember which thread. You should be able to find it easily with the search feature on the site.

Marshall, who is Gibbons?

Author of the rise and fall of rome?

Sustainable must needs be close-to-homeable IMO. Ideally. I'd like to draw the line at using wood from this continent only, and further to not using clear fir and redwood. Which pretty much leaves me with next to no options for highly rot-resistant yet stable, workable, paintable and available stock.

Eastern white pine is stable and paintable, but weak for many applications. Locust is as rot-resistant and strong as any tropical hardwood, but isn't commercially available and doesn't grow large locally, and is very unstable. White oak is moderately ok on all counts.

Marshall, Concerning Gibbons........Do you mean that Gibbons stands above most in "spinning" his tales? ...or what?

The fact that she was a nun & elderly woman added to the irony & injustice of her death. I am saddened by the fact that her death did not make greater national headlines. However sorrowful this great tragedy was, it bought attention to what she fought for  environmental protection. Maybe her death will not change things in & of itself; but it may be a factor that eventually in some way changes things. Perhaps it was in her last hours that she made her mark in a way that could not have been done otherwise. I try & remember people like this, so their death will not be in vain. Thanks for posting the thread.

Wayne, I referred to Gibbon as an example of great scholarship and wide grasp of history. Diamond hoped to execute a similar analysis base on too many speculative elements.

Nice post Baci. Welcome to SOE.

Baci, a warm welcome from me too, a fellow SoCal gardener (and Polish too?) Do the Poles have a unique collection of veg. and herb varieties?

Hi, Baci. I too am polish and appreciate the medicinal herbs and all, I would say I am still just a learner here. Welcome.