by Lucinda R. Lewis 299-2678 #2 Layton’s Lake Drive, Carneys Point, New Jersey 08069

Just as the many private lakes of NJ are a water and wildlife resource which benefits not only those who live lakeside, but also to the public who value the natural world, so too were the 55 swans who habitually resided in Mannington Meadows until the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife sent gunners to murder them. The action and shallow explanation which was reported in Today’s Sunbeam October 17, 2009 just doesn’t ring right in the face of the public outrage that followed the massacre. Does an investigation need to be initiated?

The scapegoat takes blame and punishment for something that can be made to appear his fault through the manipulation of information. As quoted in the Sunbeam article, (NJDF&W) Assistant Director Larry Herrighty justified the decision for killing these elegant and valued birds as public safety from avian flu and environmental stress on the meadows by the swan "immigrants" who compete with native species.

Has there been one reported case of avian flu reported by the CDC in the USA. . .no.

Is the expansive area of Mannington Meadows where the swans have lived for generations really too small to support both. . .doubtful.

Misplacing blame and sacrifice of a scapegoat is not an ok behavior. So when it is done, it is often done in secret with shallow justification and an attitude that the public is too stupid to have a say in such matters. One wonders if this was a power play by someone with an ax to grind - perhaps, a personal agenda of someone threatened by those who are both strong and beautiful. It would appear that the majestic mute swan in Salem County’s Mannington Meadows may have been a target for someone’s undisclosed personal agenda. Does an investigation need to be initiated?

"Bring us your tired, your poor . . ." we are a land of immigrants. And the nativist movement of the 1830's with its often violent struggle against immigration is still going strong. But when you can’t kill the ones you want . . .take your guns and kill the ones you can. Our swans . . .they’ve killed our swans!

There are more devastating species that need the attention of scientists and stewards of our natural world. Have you been plagued by Riverton Japanese beetles? Have you had your oak trees denuded by gypsy moths? Have you lost beehives to the aggressive African bees that are spreading throughout the southern part of our Country? Has your lawn been fouled by the detritus of the abundant Canada goose? (Whom I love anyway). None of these have been hunted down and shot, but then it would take more skill and wouldn’t be as satisfying to misogynists as picking off something both beautiful and strong. Something to batter when others in their life cannot be. . .

But, to continue about immigrants. . . have you as well, had your life enhanced by knowing and growing to love your neighbors who happen to be of a different faith and country of origin than your ancestors? Have you gained from a benefit of an "immigrant" who contributed something alien but beautiful to your otherwise drab and narrow existence? Has the majesty and elegance of the Mute Swan enriched your experience and carried you to a more gracious and leisurely time - raising your spirit and bringing a sense of appreciation for the ability to witness some beauty and strength in a world fraught with horrors? There is an alternative to just eliminating immigrant species. . .because if "being an immigrant" is the only criteria then we’ll all have to go.