To the Editor,
Re: Questioning U.S. ‘environmentalists’, B.C. Views, Jan. 26.
The article written by Tom Fletcher, in regards to the environmental movement, is so full of distortions, misinformation and misrepresentations that I hardly know where to start.
Perhaps the headline of the story points to its inherent bias, in that the single quotation marks surrounding the word ‘environmentalist’ obviously imply the contempt with which the author holds those of the ‘green’ movement.
When one begins from this premise, it is certain that very little of value, in furthering the debate, will follow.
It is unfortunate that Fletcher continues to use discredited sources for his stories, but then how else to get the desired conclusion?
His use of the “research” by Vivian Krause, to validate the facts about foreign contributions to various environmental advocacy groups, may or may not contain some element of truth (though I think wildly exaggerated).
Unfortunately, her position as a former director of corporate development, and public relations for the largest foreign-owned fish farm corporation in the world, Nutreco, does not fill me with confidence about her concern for my environment.
As to the reference to Patrick Moore, former member of Greenpeace, but presently a shill for atomic energy, clear-cut logging, and the above mentioned fish farming, he has chosen the path of lucre over ethics long ago.
This tactic, put forward by the so-called ‘EthicalOil’ group, of diverting attention to the funding issues of those who question the viability of the west coast pipeline, rather than to the substance of the issue, is being used by the prime minister and all others lined up with ‘Big Oil’.
Let us hope that the forums now being conducted to discuss the pipeline and tanker issues, are more than just a sham, or an appeasement process.
It is so important that we all look with a critical eye at the true cost of these massive intrusions into our backyards, and ask ourselves these questions. Who will truly gain from these incredibly risky ventures? And, who can I trust to truly represent my interests?
Is it the governments of Alberta and Canada who are strong and unyielding advocates for oil? Or is it environmental groups like Greenpeace whose raison d’etre is the promotion of a clean and renewable planet for us all?
J. LeGrow
Nanaimo
