I realize I am a bit behind, but I have to respond to an article printed in the Herald on June 28 titled "Send the geese to some arid desert."

There was something wrong with both the letter and the picture and it was not the geese. It is a sad commentary with all the serious problems facing this world today that some people have nothing better to occupy their time, but to make petty complaints to stir up trouble for our migratory Canada geese, which are federally protected.

I am deeply disturbed with all these self-righteous people complaining about the presence of wildlife cluttering and spoiling the perfection of the area in front of their pricey condos. That is what it really is all about. The site in question, also known as Luna Park, is a very tiny public park that juts out into Puget Sound and has been there for a century or more.

I would like to add these whining people are among a very few that can financially afford to live within miles of a beach anymore.

In the photograph that accompanied the article it shows a group of geese, including babies seeking the protection of their parents, from the beacon of compassion chasing after them waving something in an attempt to frighten them away. How sad.

Water shores are the natural habitats of the geese, sea gulls, ducks, loons and a myriad of other wonderful birds that thrill the hearts of many who, like myself, feel a deep reverence and sorrow at the dismal future facing them. These displaced creatures are simply trying to survive amid continual harassment. The world nature had intended for them no longer exists. It is not their fault that man has raped and pillaged all the shores around any bodies of water to make vast fortunes and thereby deprive all waterfowl of the areas they once used to call home and forced them to continually be subjected to seeking smaller and smaller spaces to live and raise their families. Geese and other birds are not the only ones that leave their droppings.

The worst offender of all is man who leaves his litter everywhere, but you do not hear these admirable folks complaining about that. Having no choice in the matter, his arrangement has, as we all know, drastically affected the survival of all wildlife and this is a tragedy for us as well as for them. We refuse to pay attention to what is happening around us and what it implies. The attitude "who cares, I won't be around to see it" may be premature. Sadly, it is happening much faster than originally thought.

Several years ago those of us who care deeply about wildlife here in Seattle can recall a horrific stunt the state Fish and Wildlife Department played out, primarily in response to continual complaints about the droppings Canada geese leave behind. They drove trucks up to a number of beach areas and, despite hundreds of pleading protestors, proceeded to round up and herd thousands of geese and their families into waiting trucks where they were brutally gassed. After the black deed was done, the authorities had the temerity to offer the poor dead carcasses for meat to any takers. Of course there were none.

Why is it that we are so superior to all other earthly life? Why do we think everything was put here for our own personal use and if it proves inconvenient, get rid of it? It has been proven without a shred of doubt that animals can think and most certainly do suffer; they just cannot express themselves in a language that we can understand. They are also capable of love. Look at your dogs! Despite cruel treatment, the dog still loves his master. Because we can think and speak, we have a duty to love and respect Mother Earth and all her inhabitants.

I have two suggestions for these two couples that did not want geese soiling their lap of luxury. First, grab a broom. If it bothers you so much to have these remarkable and majestic creatures failing to use a public restroom, why don't you take a broom and bag and sweep it up. That is what I do at my large senior complex. It will take less energy and look less foolish than running around flapping in the wind. Second, Canada geese have always been here and they are not going to any desert to satisfy a few condo owners who want perfection in front of their tidy condos. Mass murder should never be an option. If what all the wildlife leaves behind is so distasteful, you are living in the wrong place. You do not see geese walking down the streets tossing litter, pop cans and cigarette butts everywhere.

The letter closed with the comment, "We really enjoy West Seattle and its beauty and enjoy people enjoying it in a pleasant manner." Part of that enjoyment is the sight and sound of wildlife enjoying it too. I was born and raised here on the beach and so was my father before West Seattle was even annexed to the city. I have a vested interest here in protecting these wonderful birds from the likes of people like you.

Lacey Gannon

West Seattle