Letter on communism raises good questions
The recent letter written by Diane Moen entitled “Communism creeping into Cowichan” and published in the Citizen on Sept. 2, both gratified and alarmed me. It was gratifying to see that someone has done a great deal of work uncovering some important questions we should all be asking and making observations that citizens of the Cowichan Valley should be concerned about.
It was alarming to learn of potential connections between organizations in the Valley that I had not known of previously. It seems the Transition Network and its attendant organizations may indeed be connected to some kind of ideology remotely or directly linked to communism or the kind of global collectivism connected to Agenda 21. If so, we should know about it.
At the very least we should be asking the kinds of questions that will give us more information on how these groups may be connected and what their aims are. Learning about such connections is the right of every citizen, and transparency of information about them is essential in a democracy.
It was also both essential and important for Ms. Moen to point out, as she did, many of the potential underlying ideological connections that could be behind all of this. Again, we have a right to know. Observations and questions as to motive and political connections should always be forefront in any explanation of a group or groups working in the community. Like her, I am interested in having the activities of organizations like Transition Network, Social Planning Cowichan, the Cowichan Housing Association and other organizations more closely scrutinized.
For example, we should know more clearly, and in greater detail, why the Cowichan Housing Association received such large amounts of taxpayer cash. What are the connections between each of these organizations, if any, and have they indeed forced their way into local government? As Moen said, these are not accusations, but they are most certainly worthwhile inquiries, and such inquiries should be pursued if it means greater clarification for Cowichan Valley citizens.
Finally, the possible use of the Delphi technique, a methodology used by many political groups, is very concerning, and could definitely be connected to the issues and concerns outlined above. It’s time for greater transparency and for questions to be asked. The citizens of the Cowichan Valley deserve it.
Perry Foster
Duncan
