Sample Letter To An Elected Official
Dear ______________,
I am writing to express my dismay in learning that the government is considering the implementation
of a "clean list" or "white list", controlling the import and movement of plants
and animals in the U.S., allegedly to stop the spread of "invasive species".
At the opening session of the national Invasive Species Council (established by Clinton�s
Executive Order 13112), co-Chair Bruce Babbitt called for the use of a white list, under which all
species NOT on the approved list will be prohibited for cultivation, sale, movement, etc.
I feel that this "white list" would be a reckless and irresponsible policy, for the
following reasons:
1) Such a policy requires adequate, scientifically verified methods of predicting which species
would be "invasive". There is no reliable way to predict this, and there is not even a
coherent, rational definition of the term "invasive". All scientific attempts at
predicting "invasiveness" have failed.
2) We already have adequate weed laws. We already know which species are pests; implementing a
sweeping, poorly-conceived ban on what will amount to 99% of the world�s species will cause more
problems than it could possibly solve.
3) Scientific researchers need ready access to the earth�s biological resources for new food
crops, new medicinal plants, new industrial uses. Limiting this access will place U.S. scientists at
a disadvantage in the competitive world markets. Limiting our farmers� access to new crops will
increase our dependence on foreign supplies.
4) It will result in greater uses of herbicides in our public lands.
5) It will do nothing to address the fundamental causes of disrupted ecosystems, which are
human-caused disturbances -- pollution, development and the like.
One of the founding fathers of our nation, Thomas Jefferson, said: "The greatest service a man
may do for his country is the introduction of a useful plant." I hope you will stand with
Jefferson on this issue, and not be swayed into making a terrible mistake during a moment of
hysteria.
In closing, I want to point out that gardeners are the single largest common-interest group in the
U.S., and if this "white list" policy is enacted, you will create a large community of
unhappy voters. I will be waiting to hear your response on this important issue.
Sincerely,