SIERRA CLUB MEMBERS CURIOUS ABOUT MOTIVES OF PETER KINDER

To the Editor:

Long ago we realized that it is not worth responding to the comments of Peter Kinder as though they were based on reason or any understanding of the issues about which he writes. But we are sufficiently amused by the column of Nov. 24th, where he lumps all manner of groups with dramatically different interests under one "weenie" heading, that we feel a response is in order. We wonder, does this mean that as he cycles through Peter's Pet Peeves we have simply made it to the top of the list again? As the lead group in the current Kinder hit list, we local Sierrans suspect it actually means that the Sierra Club is in danger of having an impact, and Mr. Kinder is simply upset about it.

We are also a little curious about Mr. Kinder's motives. On the surface, he seems to be a consistent advocate of anti-environmental positions. But, we wonder, why then is Mr. Kinder a member of the Missouri Board of Trustees of such a blatant environmental organization as the Nature Conservancy? It would be difficult to find an organization more committed than is the Nature Conservancy to protecting natural communities and endangered species both in the United States and around the world. This is exactly why many environmentally sensitive individuals are contributors to that group. Surely, the Nature Conservancy must rank among the leaders in the list of "weenie" organizations about which Mr. Kinder writes so often.

But then, we thought, maybe Mr. Kinder is really, deep down, a concerned environmentalist who pens these rambling and illogical criticisms of environmental groups and issues just to convince the reader of the absurdity of the position he pretends to support. Those of us who openly confess concern for the environment disavow such an approach. We urge Mr. Kinder to come out of the closet; he could really do more good by arguing logically for the positions endorsed by the Nature Conservancy, the Sierra Club and other similar organizations.

Of course, if Mr. Kinder really believes as he writes (difficult, indeed, as it is to imagine) we suggest he be consistent. He should withdraw from the Board of Trustees of the Nature Conservancy.

Russell Kullberg, Henry Spratt, Michael Delgado, Steven N. Trautwein, Allan J. Bornstein, Walt Lilly, Alan Journet, Richard Stiehl, Jack Smoot, Patricia McDaniel, Dunstan Lawrence, Anne K. Spratt, B. Ray Know, Sylvia Taylor, C.T. Train and Kathy Stiehl