Perspectives and Insights
Societies are complicated systems, and humans are creative and complex creatures with different points of view. The definition of progress is not the same for all people and every person brings to this planet his or her own unique set of circumstances, insights and opinions.
However, it seems some truths are universal. Even with opposing beliefs, disparate amounts of knowledge and patience, and controversy, there are opportunities to find common ground and solve problems that appear to be overwhelming.
In the following, you may find a new perspective or vantage point, or some new courage. A more philosophical point of view . . . strategies and solutions.
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2011
Smoke and Meters
in response to article in BC Local News by Black Press's Legislative Reporter, Tom Fletcher
Smoke and Meters
I'm a retired elementary school teacher, and I've been told on occasion that I am a presentable, non-threatening kind of person. I am also deeply concerned about BC Hydro's blanket rollout of wireless smart meters in this province.
Recently, the day before the UBCM's moratorium vote, I had the questionable pleasure of sitting beside "legislative reporter" Mr. Tom Fletcher, on a sunny bench outside the Vancouver Convention Centre.
I was one of the "tiny group of
protestors" he mentions in his 'dumb leaders' article, and I twice attempted to
engage him, briefly, in polite conversation. Predictably perhaps, I was
met with a dismissive nod, no eye-contact whatsoever, and silence.
His interaction with me, or lack of it, was memorable because it underscored the fact that Mr. Fletcher was singularly unwilling to look around to see anything except what was directly in front of his face: a newspaper, his aromatic cigarettes and his iPhone.
In light of his article -- penned after the vote and re-printed in local papers province-wide -- and the defensive tone of, "I'm done arguing with people who make up their own facts. I'll just address those who haven't bought into this nonsense," it seems that he is making a huge mistake.
Essentially, he is eliminating balanced perspective. His one-sided, self-serving, caustic commentary, like his closed approach to dialogue, doesn't help to raise awareness about the issue. It simply negates intelligent input and ultimately disrespects new voices, ethical viewpoints and the democratic process.From his statement online that he is more interested in the "real world," which for him now seems to be iClouds, apps and wireless devices, more's the pity. Another chance to be an unbiased reporter goes up in smoke and . . . meters.
Linda Ewart
Edited and reprinted in the Vernon Morning Star, November 30, 2011.
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