Polar Bear Woes

Last week we found out that the government is pondering the classification of the Polar Bear on the Endangered Species List as threatened. Apparently they've finally accepted the need to recognize the problems sounding the disappearance of Antarctic's ice mass. By classifing the Polar Bear as threatened our government leaders is taking a good first step in protecting that region's unique environmental features. But I can't help ask the question why?! Could they actually be accepting the facts supporting Global Warming? The present administration has made it clear of their intention to eventually drill for oil in ANWR. Protecting the Polar Bear on the Endangered Species List will also mean protecting it's environment, which in turn will make it more difficult for them to take over the area. I am all for protecting this vital environment and the unique animals living there but I wonder if the government really is. Is this a PR ploy to make themselves look good in the eyes of conservationalists and special interest groups? I guess we can only wait and see what the "new" congress will do in 2007. I hope for the sake of Antarctic's timeless beauty and fate of the Polar Bear they will make the right decision.