14-Dec-01 Appoint More Scientists

December 14, 2001

Letter To the Editor

Appoint More Scientists as Indication of Everglades Commitment

The senator may be satisfied for now, but Ms. Norton's interest in Everglades issues remains tentative. Restoration still lacks an advocate for the Everglades. Congress agreed to pay for half the plan so the federal government can preserve a unique ecosystem. Ms. Norton must live up to that commitment.

Many Florida citizens are in agreement with the Palm Beach Post comments on Secretary Norton's commitments reflected by her decision-making. We think the Post should take a poll on what the people of Florida want. Everglades restoration still lacks a science-focused advocate for the Everglades. An indicator of govt interest in science-based restoration of the Everglades is the ratio of natural scientists to political scientists being appointed. Right now it appears the ratio is approaching zero. For nature to be commanded, it must be obeyed, i.e., nature cannot be legislated or engineered. Nor does nature understand mankind's laws. Everglades decisions made increasingly distant from the natural sciences are increasingly non-science. This distance has sealed the fate of the Everglades for the past 30 years, so it is alarming for many of us to observe the current regression from science portends to seal the fate for the next 30 years.

Recent decision-making follows the bureaucratic "business as usual" govt paradigm: Expertise is by virtue of authority, and knowledge is power (so fire those with knowledge and exercise authority of appointment).

If the administration is truly committed to Everglades restoration, it will appoint more biologists, geologists, ecologists to balance all the politics with science, rather than firing scientists, such that natural science and the natural Everglades shall prevail in the next 30 years, much to the benefit of all. Ignoring what the people of Florida are asking, including Senator Graham, govt continues to operate for the convenience of govt, not the people. A paradigm shift is needed.

Respectfully Submitted,

John Arthur Marshall
Arthur R. Marshall Foundation
www.ArtMarshall.org

525 S. Flagler Dr. Suite 456
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
805-TREE, PlantCypress@AOL.com