In defense of English sparrows

Sat., Feb. 7, 2009

The Spokesman-Review

Mr. Kershner’s contempt for the English sparrow (“We’re having house sparrows over for dinner,” Jan. 31) is at best unjust and at worst unfair. He would have us believe such scorn is excused on the ground that there are too many of them or they simply don’t belong.

Introduced from a faraway land, they are not native. True, but neither are pheasants, domestic pigeons, starlings, California quail nor the Kershners. Even the lilacs aren’t indigenous to the Lilac City.

Are we to accept this defense of prejudice? I think not.

Jim Fleming

Spokane

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