The attack on the Endangered Species Act by the Republican Party affects all of the residents in northern Illinois, and especially Lake and McHenry Counties. This is an issue that is not exclusive to spotted owls, loggers or the Great Northwest. The dismembering of this piece of legislation has consequences in our backyards, roads and quality of life.
Many legislators believe private-property rights are more important than protecting the environment. That argument works at face value. “It’s my land, and I should be able to do with it as I please,” is a common American theme.
But what happens when the ecological cycle is disrupted? We have a fine example of property owners disregarding natural laws in Lake County. How else can we explain away the uncontrolled growth that burdens our senses and memories over the last 15 years? The beautiful countryside that used to surround our homes is now overdeveloped plywood subdivisions.
There are still a few sanctuaries from the development left for us and the wildlife to cherish. They have either been protected by their owners, the state or townships or by the Wetlands Preservation Act.
The Wetlands Preservation Act will fall along with the Endangered Species Act if the Republicans have their way. They both limit property owners’ rights. There are rumors floating around about development in the near future of land off Highway 134 called “Mud Lake.”
Why now, of all times? Because the property owners are winning the war against environmental restrictions that have been placed on them for 20 years. They don’t care about the people who live in Lake County, or the crowded subdivisions, or the strain they put on the environment. Money and greed drive them to disregard ethics and the irreversible damage they leave for us and future generations. They have their own private gardens, thank you.
If we, who supposedly live in a democratic society, sit idly while our representatives dismantle legislation that directly affects our communities, then we have let the hands of greed make a mockery out of our lives and liberties. Call or write your representatives and tell them to protect our homes, their surroundings and our future.
