Speaker Draws Links Between Communism, Environmentalism

Environmentalism is a communist plot.

Or so claims Holly Swanson, author and lunchtime speaker at a forum in Coeur d’Alene on Wednesday sponsored by The Conservative Forum.

Swanson, former public relations professional turned activist, reveals her take on the Green Movement in her book, “Set Up & Sold Out,” says a press release issued by The Conservative Forum. “The author reveals parallels between the political ideas and goals of the Greens to the political ideas and goals of socialism and communism,” the release says.

But some find Swanson’s book over the edge instead of on the leading edge.

“It’s like reading Joe McCarthy in 1998 America,” said Tarso Ramous of the Western States Center, a Portland-based organization that tracks environmental conflict. “It’s 10 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, American industry is doing business in Russia and she is still hunting Communists.

“No accusation is too outrageous, and that follows in great detail - even spending chapters comparing environmentalism to communism and Nazism,” Ramos said. “She says an episode of ‘Seinfeld,’ where Elaine dates a Communist, is an example of Communism being promoted by the mainstream media.

“If I were her, I would have a hard time saying half of the things in her book with a straight face.”

Swanson and her agent could not be reached Monday for comment. But The Conservative Forum, which was asked to find a lecture spot for Swanson, defends her vociferously.

“She’s an excellent speaker, and she knows her subject well,” said Dee Lawless of the Conservative Forum. Lawless said she hasn’t heard of Swanson drawing parallels between Hitler’s tactics and environmentalists, but believes Swanson will do a thorough, logical job.

“It’s intriguing that somebody that has something to say that’s counter to what the mainstream media says is suspect,” Lawless said.

The Rathdrum-based Conservative Forum was formed six years ago. Its purpose is to educate people about issues of concern to conservatives, Lawless said.

Swanson speaks at noon at The Spokesman-Review building at 608 Northwest Blvd. in Coeur d’Alene. She also is making appearances in Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry.