I may regret making this comparison, but bear with me here... the thinking person realizes that the terms "pro-life" and "pro-choice" are in no way an accurate reflection of two camps on that issue. In the same way, what's clear to me is that dams are not anti-salmon, despite the common political portrayal that dams == dead salmon, no dams == return of the salmon. Could the fish (not just salmon, but also lampreys, sturgeon, trout, etc...) do better without dams? Sure, possibly, but let's not overlook that these dams also employ technology to cool the water to counter climate effects. And, the rate of fish through the dams is pretty darn amazing -- 95+% will survive their up /down journey. So I'm with you - we all have to study and look at the big picture and try to reign in the various political forces that may not be acting with cool heads (on all sides of the equation).