"The first seminar I was invited to was on global warming and climate change. I had no idea what FREE was or who John Baden was, but the invitation mentioned some of those who had already agreed to attend, and one of them was a scientist I had got to know well, and to trust...I took his selection as a good sign, joined the seminar, signed on for more, and have never been disappointed."
Next year is FREE's thirtieth anniversary. I founded it to combine ecology with responsible prosperity and liberty. Much of our work has been with federal judges and academic, business, and environmental leaders. It is a rare privilege to combine political economy with practical ranch and wildlife work. Ramona and I are indeed lucky. I hope you will join our mission.
Both Ramona and I have been traveling for several weeks and are home for Thanksgiving. She was in Cuba marveling at how a socialized economy operates (poorly). Meanwhile I was in DC and the Research Triangle of North Carolina meeting with economists, friends, and relatives.
I wanted to better understand how to flip the Green model of environmental management. As always, my primary interest lies in the romance arena; parks, wildlands, wildlife, range, and water. I leave the sludge sector for others.
Introduction by John A. Baden
This week’s FREE Insight features an essay by economist, Ray Rasker a principal in the Bozeman-based organization Headwaters Economics. Ray is an expert on the economy of the emerging West. His essay celebrates the 50th anniversary of the passing of the Wilderness Act of 1964. I wrote my comments to place his essay in historical context.
Introduction and commentary by John A. Baden
Bozeman, the Gallatin Valley and the surrounding area offer many high quality jobs. Some involve analyzing, arranging, and moving material stuff. The stuff includes people and the furniture of the world. Others work with electrons and symbols.
Two Seats at Public Lands Tables
John Baden's introduction to Scott McMillion and the Montana Quarterly
Two Kinds of “Climate Deniers”
One of the most serious accusations “progressives” make against a person's intelligence and character is labeling someone a “climate denier”. A “denier” is a person who rejects the media's prevailing view on global warming and now, climate change. The tribe of deniers is insecure. It's mainly comprised of “clingers”, those who cling to their bibles and their guns.
Culture, Community, and Civility: Code of the (New) West
Living here is a great blessing for Ramona and me. We greatly appreciate the wonderful natural, cultural, and prosperous environment of the Gallatin Valley. Even these stellar qualities are sometimes trumped by seeing people care for one another. Our community has culture of civility and caring--even for unknown others.
"Improving Federal Land Management: Ecology, Equity, and Economics"
Ramona and I have been here a long time. The old timers who saw us as newcomers in the 1960s and 70s are dead. For the others we are part of the landscape. We have seen huge changes in perceptions of the Bozeman area and the Gallatin Valley.
The recent story in the New York Magazine, “Has the ‘Libertarian Moment’ Arrived?” by Robert Draper, has given rise to a great deal of speculation about whether we are poised for another great political transformation. Needless to say, the prospect of this “moment” fills the New York Times set with dread.
