Here’s yet another reminder of the betrayal by the Bush Administration to follow and enforce the law. About six months ago, I wrote about the giant palouse worm, a marvel of North America that smells like a lily, spits at people, and grows over three feet in length - when given the chance to survive that long.

Two new specimens of the worm, the first in three years, have been found. However, there is still no federal protection for this clearly endangered species - 17 years went by without a single one being seen in 2005.

The Bush Administration denied protection to the palouse earthworm last year on the pretense that the petition for its protection did not have adequate documentation. However, that happened after the US Fish and Wildlife Service told the petitioning group that their documents “contained more data on this earthworm than any other source”.

I hope that the next President of the United States will direct the Fish and Wildlife Service to reconsider petitions under the Endangered Species Act like this one that have been rejected under George W. Bush. When it comes to protecting endangered species, however, proper timing is essential. The damage done under Republican neglect may never be undone.