The Political Interests of Hunters

As Bush's support continues to dwindle, even once reliable allies are expressing their displeasure with the failures of the administration. An editorial from the Magazine "Field and Stream" noted:

"Rod and gun in hand, and backing the Second Amendment right to own firearms, President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney have won the hearts of Americas sportsmen. Yet the two men have failed to protect outdoor sports on the nations public lands. With deep ties to the oil and gas industry, Bush and Cheney have unleashed a national energy plan that has begun to destroy hunting and fishing on millions of federal acres throughout the West, setting back effective wildlife management for decades to come."

The article goes on to express its concern that:

"Most disturbingly, Congress is now debating a national energy bill that would codify the policy, making it the law of the land rather than an executive order. Subsequent administrationsbe they Republican or Democraticwould be unable to institute a more balanced management plan for our western lands without resorting to new congressional legislation."