Gail,

Sorry to stray off topic on this too far, but I wanted to comment on what you 
said regarding the structure of our government.  You said:

"1) Removing the right of citizens to comment on ANY project (wind farm, 
bridge, highway, ball field etc.) is contrary to a democratic country. This alone 
should have been enough to kill these bills."

You are correct that such prohibitions would be in contrary to a democratic 
country, but what is often forgotten is that we are not a democracy.  We are 
a democratic Republic, contrary to what is bandied about and taught in 
schools these days.  The difference is (in simple terms), we elect 
representatives who then make decisions on our behalf.  That's why it is so 
important that we choose representatives that will represent us well.  :-)  
Technically, elected officials are free to decide whatwever they want within 
the laws and founding documents, risking only that they not get re-elected if 
they don't properly represent their constituency.  All in fun...

Take Care,

Jay Keller,
Arlington, VA

P.S. To make this on-topic, I'll mention that I have noticed that a Cooper's 
Hawk has been actively chasing pigeons for the past 10 days or so outside my 
office on 14th & I in DC.  It certainly is more excitying than the usual 
Starlings, HOSPs and RBGUs!