Bald Eagles at Big Bear Lake

It is not difficult to see that in the case of the developer vs. the bald eagle (“Ruffled Feathers: Big Bear Builder Stirs Ruckus at Eagles’ Roosting Spot,” Part I, March 6), one individual’s benefits are being measured at a cost that we will all eventually pay for.

Harold Graham’s statement, “I like eagles . . . but I personally don’t think I am responsible for the protection of the eagles,” is indicative of the kind of thinking so prevalent of late: a “me first” mentality espousing personal gains while ignoring the needs of others. This myopic vision fails to see that all individuals, human or otherwise, are intertwined--the disappearance of one affecting another and so on down through the myriad chains connecting all life on this planet.

I’m sorry to see that a profit of roughly $100,000 in 15 years is not sufficient for Graham, especially considering he doubtless has many other projects.

And while I’m sure we would disagree on such subjects as how income could best be distributed, or on the merits of an undeveloped swatch of land, I do concur with him in one respect: If we do not learn to respect and coexist with our environment--natural and social--we will arrive at that day in the not too-distant future when it will be people who are on the edge of extinction, and Graham’s beloved free-enterprise system along with us. I wonder, would he accept responsibility then?

KEN NILES

Los Angeles