Truth is stranger than fiction. Recently a couple walking near their home along the California coast found canisters of gold coins. Imagine if someone were to find canisters of plutonium in their backyard! Would they turn it into gold by selling it to countries now spending billions to acquire nuclear weapons? Or might they deploy it to further a political agenda? Would the American government finally curb its environmental excesses to avoid a Nagasaki in Nebraska? This action-packed novel explores these questions, taking the reader on a fastpaced ride through the western half of the United States as authorities desperately strive to prevent the most powerful weapon known to man from being used on its innocent citizens.

Two ten-year old boys and a nine-year old girl meet in Denver during the 1952 Huckleberry Finn fishing contest at Washington Park. They become fast friends and soon discover a cave in a nearby swamp that becomes the focal point for a summer of adventure that ends with a tragedy and a miracle! The three friends go their separate ways in life but reconnect, again in Denver, thirty-three years later. The girl, now a woman, hears Dr. Morris Massey advance the thesis: What you are is where you were when you were ten. She shares this concept with her old friends at their reunion and, as their lives intertwine again, they experience an even worse tragedy and a greater miracle! This exciting and fast-paced tale serves to validate Masseys theory for the reader. It also prompts worthwhile introspection, not only of ones own life, but the lives of those ten-year olds who may come under our influence.

Cramer provides a window into the world of radical environmentalism and the political process. He examines how deep ecology evolved, how its ideas influence our lives, and how it impacts our laws. The book begins with an overview of deep ecology and traces its history in American political thought. Cramer then looks at the tactics employed by radical environmentalists and the relationship formed between activists and their political counterparts. He explains the difference between what deep ecology ultimately wants and what it strives for on a daily basis. Federal environmental legislation and congressional testimony are analyzed for trends, and media coverage of radical environmentalism is also examined. Cramer provides the first comprehensive look at the impact of deep ecology and radical environmentalism on American environmental politics and law. This book will be invaluable to scholars and researchers of contemporary American politics and law, environmental studies, and the media.

Preface by John Stossel. Includes bibliographical references (p. 239-274) and index. Preface -- Introduction : What price environmentalism? : media skepticism : environmental issues in the polling booth : the "unholy trinity" : environmental backlash and the 103rd Congress : increasing public dissatisfaction : outline -- chapter 1. From conservation to preservation : the environmental movement: moving beyond its roots : the wilderness idea : no more oil : saving endangered species -- chapter 2. Modern environmentalism : Earth Day 1970: from conservation to activism : the green war on waste : the campaign against chemicals : environmentalists go to court -- chapter 3. International environmentalism : sustainable development : the greening of trade : global warming: visions of apocalypse : population : wildlife conservation -- chapter 4. Making environmental policy : environmentalists and the Clinton Administration : building environmental coalitions : politicizing science : green classrooms -- chapter 5. Following the money : new revenue streams : foundation funding : corporate funding : government tax funding : guidelines for environmental giving -- chapter 6. Environmental movements: into the 21st century : grassroots radicals : deep ecology and radical preservationism : property rights activists and the wise-use movement : environmental justice movement : free market environmentalism : at the crossroads -- Appendices : Conservation International Foundation : Defenders of Wildlife : Environmental Action Foundation : Environmental Defense Fund : Environmental Law Institute : Friends of the Earth : Greenpeace, Inc. : Izaak Walton League of America : League of Conservation Voters : National Audubon Society : National Wildlife Federation : Natural Resources Defense Council : Nature Conservancy : Resources for the Future : Sierra Club : Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund : Wilderness Society : World Resources Institute : World Wildlife Fund/Conservation Foundation : Worldwatch Institute : Zero Population Growth : Environmental Grantmakers Association.