I presume that since Michelle Magnan’s Calgary Herald story of February 13 (Bush Picks Cowtown For Debut), Calgary Chamber of Commerce vice-president Geoff Pradella has heard something other than “positive interest” regarding the chamber’s courtship of former US president George W. Bush.
If not, please consider this note to be the spoiler.
There’s no need to explain one’s opinion of Bush and everything he stood for and continues to stand for. Political events of the last decade speak for themselves. Rather, this letter is a challenge to the Calgary chamber and the Calgary Herald.
I would like the Herald to publish the list of Calgary businesses that hold chamber memberships. Let their staffs, colleagues, customers, friends and families see how these businesses support Bush by virtue of their chamber membership. Consumers could either patronize or boycott these businesses accordingly.
If everyone loves Bush there should be nothing to worry about. But this experiment in democratic capitalism won’t happen, for the chamber will undoubtedly deny this request and so apply the same mean deception for which Bush is renowned, which depends on consumer ignorance.
I, for one, will never knowingly transact with any Calgary business that supports Bush. If I were a chamber member I would resign my membership immediately, or demand new leadership and a cancellation of Bush’s March 17 address.
Graeme McElheran
Edmonton