Is there anyone out there who is still foolish enough to believe that our globalized consumerism-oriented economy will survive? Or have we degenerated to the point where the ability to purchase an abundance of cheap goods in the present overrides our concern for the future?
The global economy and many national economies are in chaos, the gap between the wealthy and the poor continues to widen, consumers in developed nations are hopelessly in debt, real purchasing power is declining, and multinational corporations have taken control of national resources and are selling them off as quickly as possible. Yes, all of that in Canada too.
The U.S. is a poster child for failed consumerism and unfettered development, and for the failure of “cowboy economics.” Yet there are those in Salmon Arm who continue to believe that more of the same can somehow be sustainable.
“Sustainable” essentially means forever, and what we are doing now under the guise of development is not sustainable.
As it currently stands, “development” should more accurately be called “destructionment,” as it clearly leaves behind a legacy of destruction of the natural world, of social fabric, of communities, and of our economy. By regaining control of our city, we can change the very nature of development so that everyone in the community benefits in a real sense – we can invert the triangle, placing the members of the community at the top.
We have the opportunity in this election to make real progress for the average person. This month, vote for those candidates who are interested in a truly sustainable future. Candidates who supported the so-called “Smart” Centres development are clearly not in this category.
It’s time to send the message that we have had enough of this dysfunctional economy, and of our dysfunctional politicians.
Rick Shea
