cat and mouse.
Environmentalists and ranchers are often at odds with each other. Southern Arizona is no different, especially when it comes to cattle grazing. There is a concerted effort by certain organizations to force ranchers out of business.
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“No! No attorneys,” he snapped, and began talking about the cattle case.
I had some general knowledge of the issue, but was uncomfortable with the caller’s intensity and tone of voice.
As we talked, he shared details that, if true, only an insider would have known. My suspicions aroused, I asked who was calling.
“That’s not important.”
“Since you don’t have the courtesy to tell me who you are, I’m sorry, this conversation is over.”
“Wait! Just one more question,” he pleaded.
He said he had called the Southern Arizona Homebuilders Association (SAHBA) because he knew we did large fund-raising events for charity. He needed a referral. He was planning “a celebration” that weekend for about 60 people.
“Do you know anyone who will butcher a cow for a barbeque?”
“Who is this?!!” I demanded again.
After a long pause, there came a hushed, trembling voice: “This is what I really need to know. Is cattle rustling still a federal offense in Arizona?”
I had no clue, but shot back, “Theft is always a crime, and that includes cows.”
“Dammit! I told them so.” And the phone went click.
Back in November 2002, the second Harry Potter movie, “Chamber of Secrets,” was about to debut. A very busy day in the office turned weird when a local newspaper reporter called with an outlandish story idea.
His premise was that since both Harry Potter movies featured owls as “valuable pets and messengers,” they were becoming “extremely popular symbols” with the general public.
Their growing popularity “was evidenced” by the increased sales of owl merchandise, especially Harry’s snowy owl “Hedwig,” as stuffed animals for kids.
Since SAHBA worked on endangered species issues for builders, and was involved in the contentious pygmy owl habitat lawsuit, the reporter wanted to know, “What is SAHBA’s position on the new Harry Potter movie?”
“Are you serious? Harry Potter and the pygmy owl?”
“The environmentalists are trying to make political hay out of this craze by using the movie publicity as a spark to call for more protection of the pygmy owl and conserving owl habitat in general.”
Caught totally off guard, I sat silent.
Am I being harassed here? I’ll bet his editors think this is pretty darn funny.
“If you do this story, aren’t you worried that the publicity will make people want owls for pets?” I said.
“Is that your position?”
The premise was so far out there, I didn’t know whether to laugh or lash out. So I asked for his “evidence” of the connection.
“Our position is: I’d like to talk directly to the organization making this claim. If it’s true, then I’ll do an interview. Who is it?”
“Oh, you know, the usual suspects.”
“Specifically, who?”
“Environmentalists, in general. Does the new Harry Potter movie help or hurt builders?” said the reporter.
“Why are you promoting their agenda? Do I get equal time?”
“I’m on a deadline. What’s your position?”
“Well, since you’re talking ‘in general’ and won’t tell me who is behind the story, we pass. Understand, I didn’t say ‘no comment.’ What I said is we decline to participate in this story.”
As the reporter hung up, he sighed: “You know how it is, I had to try.”
This is a true story, drawn from Roger Yohem’s 25-year career in corporate communications with Tucson Electric Power, Southwest Gas and the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association. Yohem’s column looks at the lighter side of “challenges” in the business world and appears the first and third week of each month in Inside Tucson Business.
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