"I'm not a mad greenie or anything but I just love rain."
That kid has a bright future if he keeps that attitude. Conservation is something that conservatives everywhere should be looking at. I voted for Bush and I'm definately an enviromentalist. Theres a balance to be struck but liberals aren't even willing to look at balance.
,,, you've gone off on an interesting tangent and I'd have to say I'm running with you. One of the hallmarks of many conservatives, particularly evidenced on this site is the trashing of environmental thought.
Needless to say, the tag "environmentalist" carries with it a tonne of sixties baggage which has left an indelible mark on anyone speaking for the cause who isn't a greenie or leftie.
I've had this discussion with a woman recently who, like me, votes ACT - the furthest to the right you can vote in New Zealand. She's free market, commonsense and holds all the right wing values you see here on this forum, but, like me, she's making the environmental enquiry. We're totally aware of how the green cause is being used to block progress and tame agendas pertaining to economic advancement, just as we're aware that we do have to live in this world. We've both seen a good number of countries... some it's too late for in this regard and we're lucky enough to be living where we are, so we're probably acutely aware of what's at stake.
Enough people here know how I think on a range of issues, but I thought I'd chip in and let you know you're not alone on this one.
We won't be meeting at any green protest marches, I know! :)
So am I. (Are we going to be kicked out of the club?) I believe that protecting and preserving is a good thing. But I don't worship nature (after all she is out to kill me) and I don't think of humans are outside of the natural order which is what I find many on the Opposite side of the political spectrum believe.
Preserve, use, protect, tend, enjoy.