Best Knowledge

The National Post in its story Anti-oil sands protesters arrested at Parliament Hill rally discussed how as many as 500 people protested the Keystone XL pipeline on Parliament Hill.  (If you click on the story headline it will open in a new window so that you can check out the story and then come back to this window.)

Brigette DePape, Parliamentary page who was fired for a serious breach of protocol in June, told the crowd she was happier being with the group of activists Monday than in the House and insisted they were on the verge of forcing change “for another possible Canada.”

I’m wondering if the lights turn out, social media devices stop working, computers stop working, we have to start working the land ourselves if this will be “possible Canada” being envisioned here.  Oh well, we can just switch to other sources of energy.  We can power everything simply by solar and wind and other technology and abandon things like pipelines and fossil fuels. Right?

I am all for using other forms of technology if they are safe and do not pollute but I want there to be an honest review of reality.  Are people going to agree to paying more to do the things they want to do? Can we transition quickly to replace the traditional sources of fuel? Will many of the people protesting be prepared to make all of the sacrifices necessary to transition? Can we just put a halt on all forms of traditional initiatives such as pipelines when the population continues to grow and expect more and more pampering?

I have spoken to and known a reasonable number of people who have protested about a variety of issues in their lives.  But many of these people were always so inconsistent.  They talk the talk and walk the walk in some ways.  But at the same time when they go into Starbucks, buy their Venti Latte after classes every day and then complain about having to pay their student loans back; go on a vacation in the summer instead of working and then graduate and become a professional “opposer” of everything, I do not see them as really being sincere in their sustainability efforts when their lives in masses are not sustainable for a society.

Do do we just proceed with the status quo and do nothing?

Absolutely not.  Let’s focus on solutions though instead of always being their to “oppose.”   Let’s be consistent in all areas of our lives.  Let’s set an example of moving forward rather than simply going and screaming about everything.  Of course not everyone who is concerned about the environment and sustainability is inconsistent or not really working on solutions, but the people who often make the most amount of noise are and people turn off to this.

I remember Dr. David Suzuki speaking to Allen Gregg in an interview on TVO.  Dr. Suzuki spoke about how many in the environmental movement would become very upset with him for consulting with “big bad” firms such as Walmart. An important point that I took from Dr. Suzuki’s point was the following: You have to be able to work with these firms too.  If they are showing an interest in environmental things, don’t go after their motives, just look at the directions they are taking in these environmental initiatives and work with them.

Instead of protesting get groups of interested persons together to harness the groups creativity and entrepreneurial wherewithal to come up with the solutions and proposals.  You never know just where things might end up.

NewPage Port Hawkesbury to close indefinitely – Nova Scotia.  (If you click on the left link, the story opens in a new window)

This is indeed a sad story.  Many people want the Nova Scotia government to intervene – which means dollars – to keep the operation “in operation”.  This could mean locating a buyer, etc, paying for a marketing plan.  Many people will be out of work.

Going beyond the sadness is that the reality is that the government is not always the answer.  Companies fail every day, especially US companies more than ever.

The reality is that people will likely have to retrain and move to find work.  This does not have to be all negative and self-defeating prospect.  Many opportunities can be had through retraining or going elsewhere for work. Perhaps some can muster up some entrepreneurial spirit.

But if one looks at this situation or a similar one and waits for the government to make things right – they are giving over control of their lives to others.  Never a good thing.  I hope these workers will show their independence and not spend any time waiting around.  This is a good example of showing resiliency to their children, families, and others.  Rather than perpetuating a pattern that has existed in the region for a long time, starting a new one is the answer.  Change is a reality.  One can either become left behind or move with it, adapt, and not look back.