Time to listen

This week has illustrated that it's time for politicians to start listening to the people.

The photo is actually from last Friday, the day this week of Climate Action began. I happened to be in Victoria, where the streets around the Legislature Buildings were blocked off to all traffic (including public transit vehicles).

I didn't even try to get into the city to participate today. This post will have to suffice as my 'action' for the day.

It took several years of protests in the '60s (and into the '70s) for government to get the message that the war in Vietnam had to end, but eventually, those who were protesting were heard. I can only hope that with so many people taking to the streets again, those in power will listen. Especially with an election looming in less than a month, the time seems not only right, but urgent.

When is a promise not a promise?

When it's a political lie.

I had misgivings about Justin Trudeau's promises last May when announcements about the Kinder Morgan project started leaking out (sort of like a pipeline or a tanker might?).

I don't think I'm the only one who remembers that he said, "Governments may be able to issue permits, but only communities can grant permission." If you consider the massive protest that took place barely over a week ago, it's clear that the community has not given its permission.

Today's news conference contained a surprise that almost no one was expecting. Maybe waiting until December 19th, as had been the previous understanding, would have seen any announcements overshadowed by pronouncements scheduled to come from the US Electoral College. It seems more likely that this was just some smelly little political game of see-saw meant to keep everybody happy. Sort of.

This nasty surprise bombshell sends an undeniable message. Yes, we need to go back to the mountain, even if it means as it did two years ago, that we'll be standing in the rain.

And if that doesn't work, come the next election, I think we'll all be warier of buying anyone's promises, even if they're coming from a guy who once seemed worth believing.

Prorogue? No thanks.

The mood at yesterday's gathering was clear: prorogue is not in the best interests of Canadians.

We gathered at what's become the traditional spot, north side of the Vancouver Art Gallery, and made our way through the downtown streets to Victory Square.
There were a few politicians in attendance, among them Adriane Carr and Hedy Fry (and it's worth clicking on the 30-second video posted at her site). But aside from this handful of NDP and Liberal MPs (and of course, the Green candidate), can you imagine? Not a single Conservative showed up. You'd think they'd have wanted the chance to enlighten us as to why they think proroguing is the right thing to do and not just the avoidance tactic it appears to be.

The mood of the day was positive, with lots of conversation among strangers. Even the police riding along on their bicycles were mellow and ready to chat. Funniest sign was the one that read "Canadians want perogies, not prorogues" with the best part being the fact she was handing out perogies to those who wanted a snack.

Now, if only the government could get the message that people do care about how we are governed -- and that we want our elected officials in Parliament to get back to work. If you feel like phoning Hunky Steve and reminding him that there's lots to do, his number is on the final photo on this post.