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Letters to the Editor
Updated: March 29, 2012 3:36PM
Skokie company fined for selling products from endangered species
The elephant’s tusks are its primary defense mechanism. Without the sharp, sword-like weapon, the elephant is vulnerable to predators.
In January 2012, Atlas Fibre Company was fined for selling products made from endangered species, notably African elephants, without an export permit. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 strives to conserve endangered and threatened species. The fact that Atlas disobeyed this Act and deliberately concealed all evidence of illegally shipping the manufactured goods is reprehensible. Preservation of African elephants is imperative to Africa’s economy, as it attracts tourism and is therefore part of the country’s GDP. If we lose biodiversity, we lose the ability to harness it for our benefit.
Atlas and similar companies must realize that the population of African elephants is declining. Earth’s threatened species are far more valuable than the trivial billiard cue sticks, leathers, and shell products that are shamefully sold. In my opinion, the company should suffer both a significantly larger fine and a longer probation; otherwise, more manufacturing companies will replicate Atlas’ atrocious crime. Many may question how this disgraceful act even slipped past authoritative figures.
Nevertheless, I trust that future companies will think twice before violating the law.
Vinay Sehgal,
Chicago
Dempster Street
merchants get....
Seems that Skokie is giving more to some Dempster street merchants. I note the sign that has gone up at the site where the village has blown over $1 million that will never be recouped to bring in Oberweiss. I see that a “Burger Joint” is coming to that spot as well.
So, what have all the long time Burger Joints on Dempster, Like McDonalds, Grecian Kitchen, Burger King, Hubs, Poochies, and Herms (apologies to any I omitted) that never asked for or received anything from Skokie except higher taxes received?
Subsidized competition. Subsidized in part by sales and property tax dollars paid to Skokie.
I’ll bet these merchants are happy to see their tax dollars at work.
(Side note: I like Oberweis. I am in favor of competition when the playing field is level.)
Earl Weiss,
Skokie
