THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 25, 1995 TAG: 9506240090
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 31 lines
Chesapeake City Council, which is not renown for its patronage of the natural sciences, has agreed to spend public funds on a study of the Dismal Swamp shrew.
The council's sudden interest in biological research is clearly not motivated by concern for the advancement of human knowledge. What they're looking for is support for their argument that the shrew doesn't deserve protection as an endangered species.
If shrews were not protected, the city might save a bundle when it decides to develop woodsy areas where the tiny critters make their homes.
``. . . I don't think it's in danger,'' declared Councilman Dalton Edge without explaining why. ``. . . if it's not, it needs to be taken off the list immediately.''
Having already settled on a conclusion convenient to them, council members want to buy some legitimacy for their position.
In real science, the conclusion comes after the evidence is collected, not before. by CNB