Is Agenda 21 in Bozeman? [AUDIO]
Agenda 21 has stirred the passions of people of all political persuasions. Glenn Beck wrote a book on it. Rosa Koire, a self-proclaimed lesbian and Democrat also wrote a book on the subject, Behind the Green Mask: UN Agenda 21 and is featured on the website, Democrats Against Agenda 21.
The issue has attracted the attention of Tea Partiers and liberty-minded folks all over Montana. A recent presentation by Dan Happel, a Madison County Commissioner who spoke representing himself, drew over 100 people at an event that usually draws 25-30.
But what is Agenda 21 and is it being implemented here in Bozeman? In shore, opponents believe Agenda 21 is an action plan implemented city-by-city through the world to inventory and control all land, all water, minerals, plants, all animals, construction, means of production, energy, education, transportation, information, and human beings in the world. You can see why we might oppose it.
David Spady, a Bozeman native now residing in California, spoke about Agenda 21 and ICLEI=Local Governments for Sustainability. ICLEI, according to its website, is the world's leading association of cities and local governments dedicated to sustainable development. In addition, Spady commented on Agenda 21 plans now being implemented in Bozeman. Account to the Bozeman Municipal Climate Control Plan and Reports, some of the projects of the group include: creating idle-free zones in Bozeman (where you can't idle your car), offering bikes and public showers, providing rebates of up to $250 per EPA WaterSense toilets when you upgrade, installing solar panels on every public building (despite Montana's low insulation rating-availability of solar energy-by the US Governments National Renewable Energy Laboratories), and other endeavors designed to reduce carbon emissions.
On caller, Joe Balyeat, pointed out that those concerned about the environment ought to support economic freedom. Why? Because research has shown that countries that are most economically free, are also better stewards of the land.
Bozeman Climate Control Committee was initiated by mayoral decree in 2006. A staff position was funded for two years back in 2009 to coordinate planning and today it is a full-time position. More than 12 city officials meet twice a month to discuss the plan and its implementation. After studying Agenda 21 and the city of Bozeman's work in it, you tell me if it's worth it.