[orthodoc]

I started out disagreeing with your point of view, Dana, and then rethought it as you made your argument. While in this particular case I suspect there may be local personalities or agendas that make the decision inappropriate (given the location of the eco-village right next door), I agree that green space, endangered species, and sensitive ecosystems must be protected for future generations. It's our responsibility. While there's a great deal of open space in North America, there are also ecosystems here that are incredibly fragile. Unfortunately, big corporations and developers have been allowed to destroy them with impunity for the most part.

People do need a place to live; that being said, if we don't act as a community with a long-term view to respect for and protection of our surroundings, we'll destroy what can't be replaced and our entire society will eventually collapse (possibly the lesser of the two evils, but not much of a legacy for our children). Britain, being so much smaller geographically, is confronted with the issue more immediately than we think we are here, but it applies to everyone.

I have to say, Dana - I have very seldom met anyone who presents an argument as cogently as you. Even when I don't agree I learn something and have to respect your point of view.