I share your "Malaise" about global politics and local politicians that seem to listen to foreign investors and make decisions based on greed. I was born before WW11 (slightly) but grew up very aware of the cost of war and many of my high school teachers were war vets and some people were building nuclear fallout shelters in the basements of new homes. I spent about 70 years learning about conservation and trying to manage, protect and teach people about our renewable resources. Biologists used to tell members of the public, that had important ideas to protect our renewable resources - "Write the Minister". Sometimes civil servants even got to write the ministerial replies with 'actions' that were supported by politicians. In the past 25 years, my independent letters as a retired Albertan have been answered by 'Thank you for your interest' with no commitment for changes. Now I sign petitions and form letters because I know that politicians just listen to public concerns to manipulate the message and still support the benefits to the rich & powerful. In addition to your recommendation to act locally which I support I'd add that Canadians need democratic & electoral reform to get 'big money' out of the back rooms of government (i.e. proportional elections).
Thanks, Carl. I agree with what you say. As a former author of some of the minister replies, I remember contacting respective field biologists, etc. And we did provide informed replies, often not satisfactory to the complainant but at least he/she understood why, and there indeed was a dialogue. Those days are gone.
I share your "Malaise" about global politics and local politicians that seem to listen to foreign investors and make decisions based on greed. I was born before WW11 (slightly) but grew up very aware of the cost of war and many of my high school teachers were war vets and some people were building nuclear fallout shelters in the basements of new homes. I spent about 70 years learning about conservation and trying to manage, protect and teach people about our renewable resources. Biologists used to tell members of the public, that had important ideas to protect our renewable resources - "Write the Minister". Sometimes civil servants even got to write the ministerial replies with 'actions' that were supported by politicians. In the past 25 years, my independent letters as a retired Albertan have been answered by 'Thank you for your interest' with no commitment for changes. Now I sign petitions and form letters because I know that politicians just listen to public concerns to manipulate the message and still support the benefits to the rich & powerful. In addition to your recommendation to act locally which I support I'd add that Canadians need democratic & electoral reform to get 'big money' out of the back rooms of government (i.e. proportional elections).
Old long retired Fish Biologist
Thanks, Carl. I agree with what you say. As a former author of some of the minister replies, I remember contacting respective field biologists, etc. And we did provide informed replies, often not satisfactory to the complainant but at least he/she understood why, and there indeed was a dialogue. Those days are gone.
Well said.