Whats Up with Radical Environmentalism

At the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle Saturday there was a display that had me wondering.  It seemed the display was saying that we need less humans.  They wee showing the depletion of the rain forests, and comparing this to the growing world population.  The conclusion; as long as we have more people, then we will have less rain forest, until there is no rain forest left. 
I believe in conservation; we should all do our best to make our person impact on the environment as small as possible.  However, when you get to the "zero population is the answer my friend" kind of stuff, you have left me way behind.  Humans have a right to space and life, and that is the most fundamental right.  We should study animals, and how we can live together.  However, we should not make it difficult for humans to thrive.  Humans are able to interact in positive ways with their environment, and make it so we can all live together.

Ken McNeil-- Friend,

Everyone once in a while there are people who, just by your knowing them, make you a better person.  In my life, Ken was one of those people.  His example let people know how to live more like Jesus.
http://billywardlefamily.blogspot.com/2011/12/ken-mcneil-passed-away-this-morning.html
I and one of my sons, probably both Mark or Jeremy in their turn, were their home teachers for several years.  Their oldest daughter was Jeremy's age, and oldest son Charity's age.  Caleb and Rory were always good friends.  Often we were the recipients of the lesson, through their example.

Ken was a man epitomized by service, kindness, and a mellow outlook.  He was available to help others; whether by loaning them a car in need, giving them money, giving his time.  Ken loved his family.  He married later in life, but was blessed with five children, Lizzy, Martin, Duncan, Rory and Walker.  It was fun to watch him interact with them.  He loved children.

One year Ken and I coached a farm team together for Moreland baseball.  It was my first year getting involved.  He had a couple children on the team.  It was a fun experience, watching his kids heft the equipment to the vehicle. 

We use to do activities together, beach, floating the American River.  They left the ward and moved to Delaware.  When we visited the East, their home was our base of operations.  Sheri and I enjoyed a room in the basement.  Liza cut everyone's hair.  They shared some of their activities, including getting ice cream at the creamery.

They let their basement out to other friends, who needed to escape the heat.  They did the same with their pool.

Ken was an example of using your resources for good.  He was taken from us this year, due to cancer.  But he left a permanent mark on my life.