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Old growth is not only about the trees, but about the condition of the forest - the amount of time the forest itself has been left to do what it does without human intervention. It includes disturbance too, such as fire or wind blowdown.

Old Growth is a tricky topic because humans have altered the landscape enough that now even the natural disturbance regime is no longer allowed to "work" as it used to (for examples, because of our fear of fire and our resulting fire suppression techniques, fires that do manage to ignite, burn too hot and become a real threat.

Old growth forests are important for the soul (we can really feel the synergy, and life-death-life force when we visit these rare places) and are important for science (these areas allow us to see how nature works on its own).

When we talk about managing old growth forests, we must do so with the utmost respect for the ecological processes that result in "old growth" forests. I feel its the realm of the top scientists, and that any forest management policy dealing with OLD GROWTH should have absolutely no input from the timber industry or politicians whatsoever.

posted 4 years, 7 months ago
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I have had 4 abortions, three when I was very young (20's) and once in my 40's with my life partner, and we have 4 kids (each with kids from previous marriages). Each time I got pregnant I was using birth control. The three abortions I had early in life were impersonal and painful, though my partners were supporting and loving - and in some cases humiliating (in one case the doctor said in a sweet tone: Honey, its a BABY, a little baby!! Aren't you excited???"

The most recent abortion was done using the abortion pill, and administered by my midwife, at home - it was actually a beautiful, respectful and caring experience, difficult emotionally but not physically, as we wanted this child but knew we couldn't manage it.

Abortion is a personal choice. People respond with their own set of beliefs and however people respond (grief, distance, regret or denial) and its not appropriate for anyone else to judge. We all - those of us who want abortions and those of us who don't want abortions need to work hard to protect women's right to make their own choices, because legislating abortion equals legislating religious, emotional and personal beliefs. That is not the freedom in any way shape or form.

posted 4 years, 9 months ago
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