Suddenly, no regulations or lands are safe. Oil, mining and logging interests are slavering over a million acres in Oregon, the proposed Siskiyou Wild Rivers National Monument. Clinton wanted it protected. Bush and friends want it exploited. In the Northeast, the forest canopy is still being eaten away by acid rain, the result of those emissions that Bush doesn't want changed.
Depletion is serious.
With the fetters off the business lobbies that were somewhat restrained during the past eight years, all bets at controlling business influence are off. A bankruptcy bill that will make it more difficult for average consumers to get out from under credit card debts has whizzed through Congress. Banks, of course, were among the big contributors to the Bush campaign. It's payback time for campaign funds. Favors beget more favors.