Dear editor,
Despite thousands of hours of media coverage, there remains a shocking paralysis of analysis surrounding the current disaster in northern Alberta.
The tar sands project represents the pinnacle of capitalism at its worst – rampant greed from dirty energy, with minimal regard for the resultant contamination and pollution. The unpredictable wildfire has devastated the corporate city of Fort MacMurray and the lives of over 100,000 people.
Rather than capitalism addressing this emergency, it has been public sector members – firefighters, the RCMP, ambulance paramedics, doctors, nurses, LPNs, other support health-care providers, municipal workers – electricity, water, sewage, environment – educators and volunteers – from both within Alberta and elsewhere – who have been the first responders; and organizations such as the Red Cross, animal rescue societies, the United Way partners, etc. (all supported by public donations), and both federal and provincial governments (supported in large part by public taxes).
What public services represent are collective services – society as a whole working together for the betterment of all, regardless of economic status, gender, sexual orientation, language, colour, religious or cultural beliefs, ability, etc.
Only through commitment to our communities and to each other do we have any hope of addressing the considerable challenges facing humanity and our planet.
Rampant capitalism thrives on dividing people – increasing the gap between the rich and the poor, market speculation, corporate lobbying, graft, corruption, racism, avoiding its fair share of taxes, etc. That is why governments that truly represent the voters must regulate and put restraints on abusers in the private sector.
That is not to suggest that there are not many ethical and responsible private sector employers.
I would urge the readers to remember this the next time there is an attack on public sector workers or an attempt to contract out or privatize services that we all need to sustain a livable society.
Fred Muzin
Courtenay
