I'm betting that neither Mr. Benjiman nor the majority of posters here have the background knowledge or education to have a valid opinion about predator culling. I can say that I am one of those people, so I will not offer an opinion of whether it is right or wrong. Instead, I will simply suggest that you not be swayed by the image of a dead wolf slung over the wing of an airplane or by videos of wolves sprinting across open snow away from hunters in planes. Nor should you be swayed in the opposite direction by attitudes toward wolves as dangerous or vicious. Instead, take some time to learn about the ecological balance in a place like Alaska that has a relatively low human population, vast amounts of open space, and a tradition of balance between human and animal that dates back 15,000 years.

Here is an interesting place to start:

http://www.wildlifenews.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=control.predator_prey

There's alot of talk about Palin ignoring "science" (science is in quotes here because of the way it is being used by detractors of wolf culling - as if science were some entity that we can turn to in order to protect whatever notion of human progress we hold dear), but our own emotional responses to the killing of the noble wolf are no more grounded in science than the idea of paying a bounty for pelts collected.

What, the right in Alaska wants to graze sheep all over the place? No; God wants folks up there to eliminate all the "not me's." Or how about, everybody knows if we got wolves then we won't have many subdivisions planned? Because millions are just champing at the bit to move "up North." Polar bears, I'd be looking over my shoulder. Caribou would be next. After all, we don't want any "wildlife" to threaten "our" oil development, now do we? Proactive, I'd say. It must be about time for another large earthquake up there think April 1964).

I'm sure if pressed to defend this position, she would ultimately just say that, "She's just doing God's work."** It's hard to differentiate between the wild animal and the other in this situation. It also shows her lack of judgement as to inteferring with the normal, natural cycle, just to supposedly maintain her human hunting grounds. (We've seen the outcome of these kinds of tactics regarding other species before.) Can you imagine this person being in the second most important position in America. What sort of actions might be exhibited by this kind of thinking in winning the war against terrorism, if that becomes necessary?

** Please see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H-btXPfhGs

and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LS_VduCWhzM&feature=related

for video presentations of such opinions on other issues.

But I do know that it is extremely uncommon for an animal predator to hunt a species to extinction. Nature has a way of balancing these things out. When a predator hunts a population to low numbers, the predator population will decrease also, since there is no food to be had. The whole process is self-correcting.

It is only when humans get involved in the equation that animal populations go awry. But then, a governor who is a little hazy about evolution would have trouble getting a grip on that.

are missing the part about Palin not understanding what wolves eat.

It feels better to think that this is being done for some rational reason, but I think we all pretty much know that at the end of the day it's being done for fun and not 'conservation'.

It's also silly to say that no one will care. Did you read the letters? Most people do care, and these sort of revelations about Palin's character will affect how the public feels towards her.

I think the fact that McCain is 72 and in less than stellar health is a factor as well, don't forget that.

My question for the devil...

If life is so hard for these hunters,and they can't hunt enough meat. ( I guess a 600lb moose only goes so far for a single hunter) why do they stay?

I love it, she does what she wants. Wow she's some kind of Alaskan princess.

:Shaking head in disgust: I just don't have the energy to read her quips today. Sigh.

Anybody else getting the feeling Alaska forgot to turn their clocks ahead, like 50 years?

Who does this shit anymore? Are they still bear-baiting and cock fighting up there?

More evidence this 'gal's' out of touch.

I'd say she's way out on the frayed end of the fringe.

Oh, knock it off, you whacko, the thinning of herds of animals of all kinds is a timeworn answer to many problems with animals, including over population, and Gov Palin did absolutely the right thing. I wish our intellectual Gov in NJ would set out to let us shoot geese, pigeons and squirrels, which make our lives miserable in many ways. but he doesn't, the only ones shooting here are still the criminals.

The real talking point is this: Twice, TWICE, the people of Alaska (very pro-hunting) voted to ban the aerial gunning of wolves. Palin disregarded the will of the people-- now, how can her advocates make excuses for that?

She is a real sick-o, folks. Get used to it.

"less cruel and a lot quicker"

did you watch the video linked in the story above? here it is for convenience.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1287024576/bctid1290867853

i would not consider that a quick death, and it is quite cruel. they aren't using high powered rifles to shoot the wolves in the head, they are using shotguns that spray shot into the wolves, injuring them but not killing them.

...that Sarah Palin is a wolf in veep's clothing.

George Bush was elected by his people twice. The result is this chaotic situation. Now electing McCain/Palin will be another mistake-a continuation of the same politics. America, you have your destiny in your hands.

Stop blaming George Bush and take responsibilities for your actions. As the Yakomas of Central African Republic say,"It's not weeds that choke out the grain, it's the negligence of the farmer."

http://guyblaise.com/