Governmental Agencies and Bad Press

[Jodah]

Okay so, I was on Facebook and noticed one of my cousins posted : http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2011/rubber-dodo-10-14-2011.html

Now for those too lazy to click the link, its about the Center for Biological Diversity giving the US Chamber of Commerce the 2011 Rubber Dodo. To quote the article

"The award is given annually to those who have done the most to drive endangered species extinct."

Okay that isn't a bad thing, shame can be a powerful motivator, I get it.

What got me thinking is something a bit further into the article.

?The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is one of the most environmentally destructive forces in America. It puts profits above all else, including human health, human rights, the environment and wildlife,? Suckling said.

My thought is: Isn't that the JOB of the Chamber of Commerce? Aren't they supposed to do everything in their power to see profits and improvements in the US economy? They do that, the EPA does everything they can to save the environment, and the idea is they balance each other out.

We aren't talking about a private company that should balance the two to the best of their abilities. We are talking about an arm of the Government that is supposed to focus on commerce above all else.

Is there just something wrong with my train of thought or is this award like blaming a fireman for not arresting a thief?

 

[Aidinthel]

I'm inclined to agree with you. Suckling's statement may well be factually correct, I dunno, but it seems to be missing the point.

 

[Thaluikhain]

Their primary focus is the economy, of course, but that doesn't mean they can ignore everything else unless called up on it.

To illustrate my point in a silly way, they aren't supposed to be held in check by the CIA/FBI/whomever from selling drugs and weapons to zombie nazi terrorists, they are supposed to recognise that, although a profit might be made, it's still not what they should be doing.

 

[Jodah]

Their primary focus is the economy, of course, but that doesn't mean they can ignore everything else unless called up on it.

To illustrate my point in a silly way, they aren't supposed to be held in check by the CIA/FBI/whomever from selling drugs and weapons to zombie nazi terrorists, they are supposed to recognise that, although a profit might be made, it's still not what they should be doing.

While I understand its meant to be an exaggeration those activities are at their core illegal, which is why the CoC doesn't support them. While in this case they may oppose bills before they become law but they don't actually break any laws that are in place. They voice the consequences of said bill upon the economy and the EPA is supposed to champion the impact on the environment. Then our politicians are supposed to decide which is best for the future.

Now I understand that theory is flawed because usually only one part of the three is working as intended but that doesn't mean you blame that one part for doing its job.

 

[Thaluikhain]

While I understand its meant to be an exaggeration those activities are at their core illegal, which is why the CoC doesn't support them. While in this case they may oppose bills before they become law but they don't actually break any laws that are in place. They voice the consequences of said bill upon the economy and the EPA is supposed to champion the impact on the environment. Then our politicians are supposed to decide which is best for the future.

Now I understand that theory is flawed because usually only one part of the three is working as intended but that doesn't mean you blame that one part for doing its job.

Well, if they are actually infringing upon people's rights, is that not illegal? If they are actual rights guaranteed somewhere important, I mean, not like Bill of Rights stuff that aren't taken seriously anymore.

 

[Jodah]

The thing is I don't believe they are. I believe that comment is just used as propaganda.

 

[Thaluikhain]

Well, in that case I don't know. They should still be concerned with such issues, of course, even with other groups to keep an eye on them, but I can't say for sure that they aren't, that it's not just hyperbole.

On the other hand, Big Money not caring about health, rights etc wouldn't surprise me too much.