I read with interest the perspective by Aaron Butler in Tuesday’s DE. I too am a first time protester, and I too was surprise and slightly put off by some of the behavior and statements made by a few of the protesters.

As a whole, I agree with the aims of this group, and although I have not observed any confrontational behavior on the part of the environmentalists, I have heard statements and ideas that made me uncomfortable.

But I also realize that I do not have the heart and opportunity to spend nights alone in the forest as some small groups have done. I do not have a living situation which would allow me to stay to the bitter end as some will do.

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My conclusion is that it really takes all kinds to make America. The contribution of the fanatics is beyond value. Tree huggers may be a put down and a joke, but this time it literally took a tree hugger to begin the battle.

Many of the people connected with this issue on the loggers’ side have just as radical a viewpoint. None of them would spend one second at Cripps Bend if there was not profit to be made, and I am quite sure several of these people have no concern for the environment whatsoever, much less any concern for something as insignificant as a bat.

If I must be allied with either group (and after all, if you don’t stand for something what good are you?) I would much rather be supporting those who unselfishly, if somewhat eccentrically, attempt to protect our future. I do not choose to be associated with those who have demonstrated their lack of ecological sensitivity and whose only reason to behave as they do is greed.

So I respect and appreciate the fanatics, tree huggers and hippies. Someone must stand on the front lines. I can only offer support.