Those Romans Were Such Environmentalists!

I wonder if former EPA official Al Armendariz ever lived in Washington State? He might be a villain to some, but for others, he's probably a role model who would fit in around here. In any event, he was forced to resign over his statements regarding enforcement. When the enforcement code is cited, we usually don't think of Mark 15:13-15 or the practices of Roman conquest in Turkey.

Eerily, Al Armendariz's comments bear a strong resemblance to some made in our County, especially in the way he justifies his harsh enforcement stance because of limited manpower. According to Armendariz,

"And so you make examples out of people who are in this case not complying with the law," he said." Find people who are not complying with the law and you hit them as hard as you can and make examples of them."

At least Armendariz was directing his comments towards companies instead of hapless homeowners. Maybe it should be a reminder to all of us that there are bigger environmental issues out there to deal with.

Mark 15:13-15

13 “Crucify him!” they shouted.
14 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder,
     “Crucify him!”
15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus
     flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

Not very civil, wouldn't you say?