Yanity: What is the current status of the Bush Administration's plans to allow oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge [ANWR]?

Peter: The Bush administration is pursuing the Arctic Refuge
with as much vigor as ever before. They have failed to get it passed in a vote
in the Senate earlier this year, so they are pursuing back door
methods such as a rider onto an appropriations bill. In addition,
they are becoming even more strategic by getting alternative
language (not specifying the Arctic Refuge) into legislation that
they believe will open the door to exploration in [the ANWR].

Exactly how are people responding to this proposal?  In the mainstream media, you only hear about how great it will be for the local business and will "create more jobs."  I have heard nothing about Alaska's native and environmental-activist communities.

The media is controlled by the same people who control the
industries that wish to enter the US refuge systems for exploration
and development. So it is not surprising there is little in the
media about our efforts. Nonetheless, we have a solid network of
supporters. We target corporations that are contributing to the
push for development in the Arctic Refuge, such as attending the
annual shareholders meetings of BP. Later on, BP announced that
they would no longer fund the initiative to open the Refuge.
Although, this may be a small step, it adds into our overall
strategy to make an impact. At the congressional level, we have our
people lobbying on a regular basis. Along with Bush, nearly the
entire Republican party in Congress supports opening of the Refuge.

What role do you see everyday working people across North America,  and around the world, playing in your peoples' struggle against the Bush Administration?

Help raise awareness and pressure your representatives in Congress
to protect the Arctic Refuge. They listen when their constituents
speak, because the reality is that few people take the time to
contact their offices.

What connections do you see between Bush's attacks on the environment, on other countries, and on our civil and economic rights here at home?

The Bush administration is interested in protecting the interests of
the rich, ruling class in the US. They are not concerned with
environment, civil, or political rights of all other groups. As
politicians they do what they need to in order to appease the masses
in the midst of working towards their agenda. This means maintaining
control and/or access to the lands where natural resources,
primarily oil, are located.