the federal administration saw fit to auction off an enormous tract of Alaskan territory to big name oil companies for oil drilling (www.adn.com/front/story/307588.html).

If the malignant greed of the government ignores the many voices of protest and disregards the imminent peril of wildlife, what can be done? As polar ice-caps diminish, bear cubs drown. More drilling for oil in their habitat greatly increases potential for hazardous oil spills, no guarantees to protect wildlife and the rapid demise of one of the world's fierce and majestic animals.

I wonder what parents will tell their children a few years hence when asked, "What did you do to help the polar bears?" Will we be able to say we resolved to drive our cars less, we used public transport, we actively worked to advance more eco-friendly fuel options, we refused to buy from environmental terrorists?

Our failure to be respectful stewards of this most precious and beautiful earth will not be easily forgiven by our offspring. And if they indeed survive, they inherit a desolate, ravaged planet, testimony only to our arrogance and self-absorption.

Doing nothing is criminal and complicit in the mindless voraciousness and disrespect for the sanctity of life that characterizes the current U.S. leadership.