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Some good reasons to be emotional

Some good reasons to be emotional I am often irked by the rhetoric that comes from our current governments, both local and federal. In particular the use of the word "emotional." Favouring the original Peel plan, having doubts about allowing fracking in

I am often irked by the rhetoric that comes from our current governments, both local and federal.

In particular the use of the word “emotional.” Favouring the original Peel plan, having doubts about allowing fracking in our territory, about rushing into LNG consumption, about exponential expansion of the tar sands, about drilling in the Arctic Ocean, etc. is sure to get one condescendingly labelled as “emotional.”

Also the use of the word “balanced.” In considering these matters our leaders claim to be scientific, rational, unbiased, “balanced.”

The irony is, of course, that the cold, scientific, rational, and overwhelming evidence suggests that carrying on and even increasing our use of increasingly disruptive fossil fuels has our planet in a state of extreme stress.

These activities cause increased levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses that cause rising sea levels (glaciers, polar ice, and permafrost are melting), oceans are becoming increasingly acidic (today’s young people might live to see the destruction of the earth’s coral reefs), storm systems are getting stronger (storm damage in all areas of the world is increasing), etc.

It’s hard to imagine any reasonably aware person not being conscious of these “scientific” facts.

In light of these facts it is particularly insidious that the current government suppresses, defunds, and muzzles real scientific inquiry into these matters. Like someone said, “The numbers don’t matter.”

I think the definitions of “anger,” “frustration” and “sadness” would all qualify as emotions. All this scientific inquiry is making me emotional.

Pete Beattie

Whitehorse