Great letters to the editor in the Santa Fe New Mexican!

Writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper is an excellent way to raise awareness about critically endangered Mexican gray wolves and the steps needed to help them thrive. Surveys of newspaper readers show that the letters page is among the most closely read parts of the paper. It’s also the page policy-makers look to as a barometer of public opinion. We applaud these fine letter writers, who are making a difference for endangered lobos!

Fear tactics tiring

Legislation (HR 2910) introduced by U.S. Reps. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., and Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., removing Endangered Species Act protections for the Mexican gray wolf, uses an outdated fear of wolves to enhance their own positions.

We know differently now than we did when Little Red Riding Hood put the fear of wolf in people. We know how integral the wolf is to the ecosystems with which it evolved and how essential it is to the healthy functioning of those ecosystems. Wolves keep in check both animal and plant life that can destroy an indigenous landscape.

If we look at how our elected officials and certain governing departments maintain their power, we might see how big a role is played by scare tactics.

We should know better.

Ruth Rudner
Santa Fe

Feelings for wolves

Emotion is an important aspect to the wolf debate. I don’t feel I need to apologize for having an emotional response to removing protections for the Mexican gray wolf, an endangered animal near extinction. I’m angry. I’m outraged.

The relationship between human beings and nature is value-based, and you can’t ignore the feelings you have about it. We can argue that global warming must be tackled because it’s bad for the economy, but there’s also the question of how we relate to nature — the same applies to wolves.

We New Mexicans are a hardy bunch who love our wilderness and aren’t going to back down from a fight to protect native wildlife.

Melissa Smith
Abbe Springs

These letters were published in the Santa Fe New Mexican.

You can use the articles and talking points linked below, or write in response to the letters above.

Santa Fe New Mexican: Letters Submit your letter here.

Arizona Republic: Article Submit your letter here.

Santa Fe Reporter: Article Email your letter here.

Las Cruces Sun-News: Article email your letter here.

Contact info for your reps is available at this link just by clicking on your state: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members

When you call, you can simply say something like:

As a constituent, I urge Representative X to oppose the “Mexican Wolf Transparency and Accountability Act” and any other legislation or riders that seek to undermine wolf recovery or the Endangered Species Act. Only about 109 Mexican gray wolves remain in the wild in the United States, making them highly endangered. I want my representative X to work for the greater protection of these wolves and to oppose efforts to push them closer to extinction.

Please be polite and thank whoever answers the phone.