| Subject: Re: Moors comments on candidates... |
Author:
Michael Watkins
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Date Posted: 16:39:41 04/26/03 Sat
Author Host/IP: a3hu7fzy193i.bc.hsia.telus.net/207.6.230.61
In reply to:
J.C.
's message, "Re: Moors comments on candidates..." on 02:39:29 04/26/03 Sat
Canada has to reassert its place in the world; this much is true. In some respects we'll find lots of agreement. But not on methods and approach.
Canada has shown that it can win concessions from our American neighbours in the past. We can have our own agenda. But it can't be based on fear or anti-Americanism.
The message that Mr. Orchard delivers to his supporters is long on fear and rhetoric and short on substance.
I have my own concerns about foreign investment, on the environment, on educating our kids, on providing a country where they can live and excel.
Mr. Orchard does not have a patent on patriotism nor on concerns over these issues.
Even if we can find agreement on some areas of policy, I do not believe that Mr. Orchard is at all the right spokesman to lead the party, let alone the country, in the fight for change and improvement.
I do consulting in the oil sector, yet I am an environmentalist at heart. I did business analysis and technology consulting in the forest sector too, but some of my friends am called a tree hugger. I ride with a bunch of environmentalists. Close friends built a completely enviro-spec house at great personal cost. They have no car. My sons love playing with a friend who happens to be an environmental law specialist. For years I was a tv-less vegetarian telemarking backcountry skier. Yet I work in the corporate world which I hear so many rail against. How can this be?
In my time in both industries I've learned that the people, generally speaking, that work within these industries all want to do the right thing. Sometimes government is needed to set the rules, sometimes not. We've made dramatic improvement since the 30's, 40's even the 60's and 70's. Clearly more needs to be done. Clearly government that can be *trusted* to do the right things, both by the people, and the corporate world, is a pre-requisite.
Real change and improvement for all won't come to pass unless people can come to the table with sincere intent, not acrimony and angst.
It takes people with open minds that can look past fear and anger to effect lasting change in a democracy. I just don't see enough of that coming from many supporters of Mr. Orchard. Quite the contrary, I see a lot of fear and anger, often bordering on hate, certainly encompassing contempt.
Surely some "traditional" Tories have treated Orchard and his support with contempt - and that is truly regrettable. Interestingly enough, there seem to be more open minded "traditional" Tories than there are "traditional" Orchard supporters.
I put it to you that we need a leader that can span the chasm. Between the walls of the canyon are where most Canadians are with their hearts, minds, and votes.
That's Jim Prentice territory. It isn't where Mr. Orchard lives, nor Mr. Brison. And it surely isn't Mr. MacKay's address.
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