Group helps communities manage forest resources Re: “Green Injustice: How environmentalists rig the economy against the poor,” March 16
The errors in Niger Innis’ bile-filled op-ed are too many to address fully here, but a quick Google search illuminates the scope of his reactionary agenda. Since Mr. Innis took aim at the Forest Stewardship Council, I would like to share a few facts with Examiner readers.
FSC is globally recognized by social justice organizations, forward-looking businesses and environmental groups as the gold standard for responsible forest management. It is governed by three chambers — social, economic and environmental. Members from around the world vote openly on all our policies, which must have majority support in all three chambers from developed and developing countries, ensuring that one interest cannot overly influence our direction.
FSC has proven to be a sound market-based approach for local communities worldwide to participate in the responsible management of surrounding forests. In short, FSC is the best way to achieve equity and prosperity for people who depend on good forest management.
Corey Brinkema
President,
U.S. Forest Stewardship Council
Minneapolis, Minn.
Obama administration flouts FOIA law
Re: “Obama wants it both ways on Sunshine Week,” Editorial, March 15
The Examiner was right to criticize the Obama administration for flouting the law by failing to comply with the Freedom of Information Act. The administration also discriminates in its responses to FOIA requests.
When liberal groups like the NAACP demand government documents, it typically responds within the 20-day legal deadline — sometimes the very same day! But when conservative groups ask for documents, they have to wait months or even years. Sometimes, they never get a reply at all, much less any documents, as former Justice Department lawyer Christian Adams noted.
On May 28, 2010, I requested documents about the government’s bailout of General Motors and its parroting of GM’s false claim that it had paid back all the money it got from taxpayers. I never received any of those documents or any substantive response to my request.
Hans Bader
Washington
Congress is dodging its duty to fund the government
Re: “GOP conservatives balk at stopgap funding bill,” March 14
When our elected congressmen read the U.S. Constitution in January, nothing was quoted about using taxpayers’ funds as a reason to disregard their sworn duty to provide for the needs of citizens.
If the seventh stopgap funding bill is not passed, we may need to ask USAID to keep the government running.
Ron Baker
Springfield
