Spread The Word And Carry On

Should a stranger batter your door down with an axe, threaten your family and yourself with deadly weapons and proceed to loot your home of whatever he wants, he is committing what is universally recognized--by law and morality--as a crime. In such a situation the householder has both the right and obligation to defend himself, his family, and his property by whatever means are necessary. This right and this obligation is universally recognized, justified and praised by all civilized human communities. Self-defense against attack is one of the basic laws, not only of human society, but of life itself, not only of human life but of all life.

The American Wilderness, what little remains, is now undergoing exactly such an assault. How best to defend our wilderness home? Well, that is a matter of strategy, tactics and techniques. Spike a few trees now and then whenever you enter an area condemned to chainsaw massacre by Louisiana Pacific and its affiliated subsidiary the U. S. Forest Service. You won't hurt the trees; they'll be grateful for the protection, and you may save the forest. My Aunt Emma back in West Virginia has been enjoying this pleasant exercise for years. She swears by it. It's good for the trees. It's good for the woods. It's good for the earth, and it's good for the human soul. Spread the word--and carry on.

--Edward Abbey