to the editor: The great bald eagle, more than the fleeting sensation of fireworks, symbolizes everything that is good about our own American democracy. America has been going strong all these 250 years, but like the eaglets of Big Bear Valley, which may be in danger from nearby fireworks this Fourth of July, our own democracy is also in danger (“The timing of the Fourth of July fireworks couldn't be worse for Big Bear eaglets, advocates say,” June 24). We have found hope in the young eaglets of Big Bear Valley, so vulnerable at birth, raised by devoted parents to near flight.
May those who have the power to relocate the fireworks celebration allow the lives of these young eaglets to culminate in flight, their birthright. We will see them rise above us: our inspiration, our hope.
Denise Saupé, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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to the editor: I'm trying to understand Visit Big Bear's statement that the decision to move forward with an event that endangers the beloved eagle family “was not made lightly.”
Is there some deeply important reason why we should terrorize Mother Earth and all her creatures, from pets to wildlife, in order to celebrate the birth of this great nation?
We can do better.
Karen Dawn, Santa Barbara
This writer is founder and director of DawnWatch, a nonprofit animal advocacy organization.
