Suzuki:One Man's Opinion

Monday, January 29, 2007 03:45 AM

There has been a lot of animosity expressed over the fact that David Suzuki was the guest speaker at Saturday evening’s Dr. Bob Ewart Memorial dinner held in Prince George . (click here for story)

It should be however now noted that the committee members did not have Suzuki as their top pick when they went after a dinner speaker and also a crowd draw.

The committee originally went away and tried to get BC’s own Jimmy Pattison to come to town.

They invited Pattison, but he turned them down.

That left the committee with the number two man and Suzuki was that man.

Pattison’s choice not to attend could be a result of previous commitments or many other circumstances. The committee was well aware that Suzuki would not be a popular speaker among some of the main contributors to the event, like some members of the forest industry or a host of other business leaders in the region.

Even I believe that had Bob still been around, he and Dorothy would not likely have picked Suzuki to be their dinner guest.

The committee however had argued that whether you liked him or not, we in this region had a responsibility to at least come and hear him out.

They did.

I’m Meisner and that’s one man’s opinion.

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Posted on Monday, January 29, 2007 03:45 AM in Views by Ben Meisner

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Comments

Posted by: kimbo on January 29 2007 9:40 AM

I'm glad he came and whats wrong with having 650 guests. I wouldn't walk across the street to hear Jimmy.

Cheers

Posted by: Jimmi on January 29 2007 10:12 AM

Anyone with animosity towards Dr. Suzuki should have a look in the mirror - it may be hard to admit you are contributing to a problem, but don't shoot the messenger.

A lot of folks didn't like Dr. Martin Luther King either.

Posted by: postman on January 29 2007 10:13 AM

Just because Suzuki delivers a message that a sector of this community does not want to hear (including our mayor and council and some of our elite??? business community)is not a reason to start to discredit his appearance here. What is your point Ben? And are you now able to confer with those who have passed to the next world and able to get their opinions for your editorial as well? Feeble story Ben!

Posted by: lmorg on January 29 2007 10:56 AM

Have you tasted ( yes tasted!!) the air in the city lately? Disgusting. That's what happens when you build a town around pulp mills. "the smell of money".....BARF! We'll need lots of money to deal with all the health issues the polluters have and will cause.

Posted by: duffer on January 29 2007 4:07 PM

This guy sounds like that other nutjob from Greenpeace. These guys say you have to save the environment, it doesn't matter what you do to industry. How do these people expect to get their donations from people when the people are not working? Obviously Suzuki is rich and doesn't have to worry about making money to raise a family, educate that same family, etc. I am not saying you have to ruin everything in your path to make a dollar, but there has to be a trade-off somewhere to make things work.

Posted by: Marty on January 29 2007 6:16 PM

I sure hope suzuki walked or rode a bicycle here.....because if he flew or drove HE TO is contributing to what he condems.
And that makes him a very big hypocrit!

Posted by: postman on January 29 2007 7:20 PM

Marty and Duffer, rather than make simplistic, negative comments about Mr. Suzuki and others who have worked in their fields for decades and have credibility on a global level, why don't you research a little on the issue and present an knowledgeable arguement rather than inane comments based on little or no fact. It seems your comments are more directed at not wanting to make any personal effort to change and make things better if it might impinge on your comfort level and require you to make some changes in your own world. All the wealth in the world won't be worth a chunk of coal if there is no clean air or water to buy. Your reaction is much like the monkey who covers his eyes and ears so he cannot see no evil or hear no evil. The only thing that will do is blind you to reality. If you're not part of the solution, you are definitely part of the problem.

Posted by: Marty on January 29 2007 8:52 PM

My point is that if suzuki rides in or on fossil fuel burning transportation he to is a contributor.....and he best not throw stones if he is part of the problem.
If he does not ride a bike or walk everywhere he sure as hell should not be judging anyone else.

I also wonder if his house has central heating via a gas furnace? HMMMMM

Posted by: duffer on January 30 2007 7:55 AM

Postman, as I said before, there has to be a trade off of some kind. We all need money to live, therefore we need industry, and especially in this part of the country we need vehicles. We can do our part by buying newer vehicles that put out fewer emissions but we still need vehicles. I think the new hybrids are great, and plan on purchasing one in the near future.

This guy also speaks about the decline of fishing. I don't know who it was but it wasn't me that got caught fishing for abalone on the Queen Charlottes with the natives a few years back. There has been a moratorium on abalone for at least 15 years from what I recall, and not even natives are supposed to fish for it.

A lot of these people preach a good tune, but when it comes to practicing what they preach, they are usually at the back of the pack.

Posted by: Foo738 on January 30 2007 2:55 PM

That's what happens when you build a town around pulp mills.

The town was here first and that makes it even worse! The location was a bad political decision.

Posted by: Chester on January 30 2007 10:44 PM

Well folks, we are here now. And so are the industries that provide the jobs and the poor air quality. So, what are we going to do about it? Chester