Hi all
Isn't it amazing the range of viewpoints we have on this list. Judy
describes "killing" as an emotive word and calls for bureaucratisation
("protocols") to stop bad-science collecting in the future. She shies away
from "moral indignation" or, as Mick might say, "casting aspersions".
I agree that basic respect and politeness are important. But is it not a
healthy thing for entrenched practices that shroud themselves in euphemism
to be challenged by frank declarations that they are no longer in accord
with community values? Yes, Gilbert and Gould did valuable things for
ornithology - but that was in another age. It is no aspersion to say that
the practices used by Gilbert are no longer acceptable. So let's be frank
about it. A bit of moral indignation from time to time does wonders to
modernise ossified systems and challenge personal value systems.
Who can read the first-hand account of the "collecting" of the last known
Great Auk and not feel that some people sometimes need a wake-up call. Who
is responsible for giving that call if not those of us who care?
Andrew
PS my purpose in writing this email has not been to offend Judy and Mick.
There was alot more to their emails. I just wanted to make a few points
about the role of people getting upset about issues and I have focussed on
that.
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