Michigan native Mark Van Putten, former president of the National Wildlife Federation, is at the forefront of those rethinking how the environmental movement can grow and contribute in the wake of recent major setbacks on many issues.
Citing his admiration for, among others, former Michigan Governor William Mililken as a model of a Republican who supported environmental protection, Mark says of today's national political situation:
"The decline of pro-environment Republicans in Congress and in the party is one of the main reasons for the diminished influence of environmental groups on national policy. Today, generally speaking, Republicans don't listen to those groups and Democrats take them for granted."
Mark has a lot more to say and he spares not environmentalists, Democrats or Republicans in his critique. He ends with a hopeful vision.
It's not available readily on the Internet, but a copy will be e-mailed to anyone who requests one.
Posted by Dave at September 13, 2005 09:06 AM