The Christian Science Monitor

How John McCain and a cabin in the woods inspired an environmentalist

Benji Backer, a senior at the University of Washington in Seattle, grew up in Wisconsin loving his grandparents' cabin in the woods. His passions for both the outdoors and for conservative politics combine in his nonprofit, the American Conservation Coalition.

Benji Backer stood in front of 100 college Republicans at the University of Central Florida and asked for raised hands from those who consider themselves environmentalists. Everyone held up an arm.

Then came the follow-up question at the College Republican State Convention last month: “Do you guys know what the conservative environmental platform is?” The hands went down. 

Mr. Backer went on to talk about the role of markets and capitalism in a greener future, bringing local hunting and

Ten-year-old debate fanMitch McConnell and Greta Thunberg 

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