To the Point

Does Ocean Monument Signal a Sea-change on Environment?

The Antiquities Act of 1906 allows presidents to designate national monuments. Carter, Clinton and Theodore Roosevelt used it more than 15 times. Nixon and Bush, Sr. never used it. Until yesterday, George W. Bush had used it just once, to protect an 18th century cemetery for emancipated slaves and blacks. Now, he's created the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve, an area almost as large as California and bigger than all the national parks combined. Today, the United Nation's Environment Program says 60% of the world's oceans are at risk, while some fishing interests are saying the President acted too hastily after viewing a PBS documentary. Is there a change of heart for an administration condemned by environmentalists as one of the worst ever? What about parks, monuments and private interests in the continental US? Making News: House Passes Iraq ResolutionWhat's been labeled "Iraq Week" began with the President's surprise visit to Baghdad. It wrapped up today with fierce partisanship on Capitol Hill, where the House approved a nonbinding resolution to support American troops and not set a timetable for pulling out of Iraq. Maura Reynolds is reporting the story for the Los Angeles Times.Reporter's Notebook: Southern Baptists Take a Populist TurnThe Southern Baptist Convention is America's largest Protestant denomination. Since theological conservatives took over in 1979, the leadership has been unchallenged at annual meetings. This year, instead of the establishment's presidential candidate, delegates chose Frank Page, who promised some changes. After his election, the reverend told reporters he's not planning to undo the "conservative resurgence." Robert Parham is Executive Director of the Baptist Center for Ethics in Nashville, Tennessee.