When scientists find that only 28% of a 27 ton tree's trunk is healthy, declaring that a winter storm could topple the massive tree, I think, "Well, the tree's got to be cut down." So did the Amsterdam city council that approved the felling; after months of debate, they'd thoroughly examined the question. Then a protest period passed without incident and the tree cutters were called and the date set for today. The world's media descended on Amsterdam: the tree is Anne Frank's chestnut tree, her calming inspiration during her two years in hiding.
   

Judge Bade and Anne's tree.

But in the eleventh hour, on November 20th, a different set of scientists argued that the tree is healthy enough to stand through storms and cables could secure it just in case it collapsed anyway. They convinced a judge to order the owners of the property to call off the felling and to look into the matter still further.
    So, science, schmience. It reminds me of the final day of my high school chemistry class when our teacher asked if we had any last questions about chemistry. I asked what I'd long wanted to ask, "All of this is a theory, right?" She paused and said, "Yes." It was a deliciously wry moment: all of that study for a theory. But the dark side is like this moment with Anne's tree. What is real and worthwhile and what is not? I love science and knowledge in general but what do we hotshot humans really know?
    And what do we know about what is going on in Amsterdam? For the city council members and the owner of the property, is the prospect of felling a famous tree a rush of power? Or are they right that the tree is ready to teeter and crush one of the surrounding buildings? Are the conservationists a bunch of loonies causing a stir for self-aggrandizement, inventing a lie that the tree is healthy? Or are they the discerning eyes of reason courageously standing up to those in power?
    Sigh. It's going to be a day for hitting the chocolate.
    But I also sigh in relief for any squirrels and birds who have made the tree their home. The squirrels in particular store their winter food supply in their trees; they'll be in a desperate state if the tree is felled at this time of the year. Surely no squirrels board in an unstable fungus-filled tree, while many will live in a giant healthy tree. Squirrels don't have any theories or ulterior motives: maybe counting the tree's squirrels would measure the tree's health best.