Suzuki: Canadian Environmentalists Anti-Canadian or Pro-Peace?

I like the catch phrase on David Suzuki’s site ‘solutions are in our Nature’. I would agree with that. I found it amusing the below labeling of those who seek to protect the environment. It is interesting how we humans go into pro or anti camps. Then the campaign starts to discredit the other. According to David Suzuki environmentalists are being maligned as anti-Canadian or of the character that they would take money from terrorists, which is a way of aligning them with the enemy. Reminds me (going right field here) of the APEC meeting in Sydney when The Chasers (comedy team) dressed up as Osama Bin Laden and got passed security cordons. Funnily enough their motorcade had a Canadian flag. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvH3YQGQwLM for footage. I smile typing this. They even had on their lapel a badge stating ‘joke’. I would remind people not to take labels too seriously. I remember at the time the police were so embarrassed, no-one in power was laughing ($160 million security operation), just the whole country. What the comedy team reminded us was our own human fallibility and at a deeper level, we see what we want to see, no questions asked. They had the limousine, the guards running next to it, the actor (dressed as Osama bin Laden). The security were not expecting to see a terrorist, it appeared legitimate to them. Such is the power of group think and perceived power. I sense the message is that there will be many who don’t see the impending problem, and others who see it clearly. That it is a joke when you don’t take yourselves too seriously.

Hence, the message to environmental groups is that the government isn’t, can’t or doesn’t know how to make the changes. No point opposing them, why not inspire them or create some comedy to uplift people. I believe the local level will be where real change occurs and it starts with planting your own vegetable garden, getting some chickens, joining community groups and learning about nature. Permaculture is a good one to learn. The solutions are in our true nature. Fighting isn’t going to do it. Gandhi spoke of the constructive program as more effective than passive resistance. He realised helping people to be empowered and self sufficient was the way. I think that would apply today.

I know there will be people very worried, however the challenge is to walk in peace and do what you can without forcing anyone else to. Lead by example and be a peaceful community that creates gentle change. Help your neighbours. Forgive governments ‘they do what they do.’ We will be fine in the end but change is painful for many, yet indeed it is inevitable whether it be human induced or nature just takes the reins (I suspect the latter). This is a learning curve and a growth spurt for those not so mature. Our systems keep us in a state of immaturity. Maturity, by contrast, seeks to solve the problem and allow other’s their path.

My feeling is don’t stand for it, sit with it and reflect.

You have to laugh, if the assertions (below) are true.

http://mbox.host202.com/readmessage.php?msg=7790&folder=Inbox

The Canadian government’s attacks on people and organizations that are working to protect Canada’s rich natural environment are an affront to the democratic principles of this country. Join us in telling them we won’t stand for it.

The government has already labelled Canadians who question the Northern Gateway pipeline proposal as “radicals” and potential terrorists. Senators recently referred to many organizations that are working to protect our air, water, and land as “anti-Canadian.” And now Senator Don Plett has implied that such organizations would “take money from Al Qaeda, the Hamas, or the Taliban.”

We expect more from our senators than uninformed and immature rhetoric. Send a letter to the government and senators. Tell them Canadians care about the environment. Ask them to uphold the values of a democratic nation where progress comes from respecting the rights of all to be heard on issues of national and international importance.