Looking into the future the Pelican feeding its young from a self-induced wound in its own breast (as depicted, mysteriously, on the state flag of Louisiana) is accepted as an appropriate symbol of both self-sacrifice and rebirth. Through his selfless efforts, man is raised from the slavery of ignorance to the condition of freedom conferred by wisdom.
   Given the current state of affairs in Louisiana, one hopes that the understanding of t he Pelican as a symbol shall point the way towards a new consciousness of ourselves as a whole, and lead us to face our futures with strength, grace, wisdom and faith, to learn from our mistakes and carry our successes and zest for living to future generations.





Millions of Acres in Alaska Targeted for Drilling



The Times-Picayune©
Friday, November 21, 2003
By John Hellprin
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON – The Bush administration intends to open 8.8 million acres of Alaska’s North Slope to oil and gas development, including areas considered environmentally sensitive.

The Interior Department planned to announce the oil and gas leasing plan today, the day the Senate was schedules to take a critical vote on a massive energy bill endorsed by President Bush but deny him his top energy priority, opening an Alaska wildlife refuge to drilling.

None of the 8.8 million acres is in the wildlife refuge, but they do include some sensitive areas in Alaska that are important for the protection of migratory birds, whales and wildlife.

‘An Industrial Zone’

Environmentalists said the plan, based on a proposal made in January, would jeopardize Arctic tundra, lakes and ponds that provide sanctuary for wildlife and migratory birds but were set aside in the 1920s for potential energy development.

Charles Clusen, director of the Alaska lands project for the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental group, said the leasing plan rewards friends of the Bush administration in the oil and gas industry.

“Instead of being a wilderness area,” he said Thursday, “it will be an industrial zone subdivided by roads, pipelines, associated facilities, drill pads (and) maintenance facilities.”





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