THE MESSAGE:
Back in the day, when I attended the University of Toronto, one of the best lecturers concentrated on the study of mankind. In his university classes, and in his counselling, Father David Belyea talked to his students about the literary creations of Shakespeare, Salinger, Camus, Dostoyevsky, and others. He stressed the meaning and challenges of human life and the importance and nature of their relationship with God. He often spoke of man's insignificance in the grand scheme of things. Today we hear scientists proclaiming that mankind, because of his dependance on 'fossil fuels', has been the greatest factor in causing the curse of 'Global Warming'.
It is my understanding that Canadian arboreal forests absorb far more CO2 than we produce as a nation. Diehards insist on factoring in the damage caused by Canada on a per capita basis. Why is this a relevant concern? Are we vain enough to think that our small population is capable of influencing countries with huge population counts and who continue to be large fossil fuel consumers?
Is it not easier to come to the conclusion that the history of tectonic forces occurring at the interior of planet earth has caused a gradual change in the location of our planet vis a vis the sun. Has the orbit of the earth moved slightly closer to the sun so as to cause its climate to warm?
GREENHOUE GASSES
When it comes to 'Greenhouse Gas' emissions, why do we concentrate only on CO2? Methane gas produced by ruminants is far more deadly to our atmosphere than CO2. Methane is the second most common greenhouse gas, but it is much more efficient at trapping heat. In 2012, the gas accounted for about 95% of all U.S.A. greenhouse gas emissions, according to the EPA. The EPA reports that methane has 20 times more impact than carbon dioxide on climate change over a 100-year period. I have yet to hear of people boycotting pig farms.
PIPE LINES
Pipe lines are a huge benefit for all Canadians. They would create employment and bring much additional wealth into our country. In 2014, Canadian businesses invested $11.8 billion in environmental protection. More than half of that — $6.5 billion — came from oil and natural gas companies.
IN THE USA
Today, the Koch brothers, own oil refineries in Texas, Alaska, and Minnesota and control some 4,000 miles of pipeline. Over the years, they have donated millions to so-called Canadian charities with the questionable purpose of protesting against Canadian oil producers. "Eliminate the competition!"
LAC MEGANTIC
IN THE USA
The U.S.A. oil magnates, were led by J.D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Company. In 1870, Rockefeller and his associates incorporated the Standard Oil Company, which immediately prospered, thanks to favourable economic conditions and Rockefeller’s drive to streamline the company’s operations and keep margins high. With success came acquisitions, as Standard began buying out its competitors.
Standard’s moves were so quick and sweeping that it controlled the majority of refineries in the Cleveland area within two years. Standard then used its size and ubiquity in the region to make favorable deals with railroads to ship its oil.
THE KOCH BROTHERS
Charles and David Koch, also known as the Koch brothers run Koch Industries, a major fossil fuel company. They are turning up the heat in spending as the 2018 midterm U.S. elections get closer. The Koch brothers plan on spending $400 million on the upcoming mid-term elections.
LAC MEGANTIC
Some of the 'Man Blamers' are worried about oil spills, damage to coast lines and other concerns of an ecological nature. In 2013 at Lac Megantic, Quebec, an unattended 74-car freight train carrying crude oil rolled down a 1.2% grade and derailed downtown, resulting in the fire and explosion of multiple tank cars. Forty-two people were confirmed dead, with five more missing and presumed dead. More than 30 buildings in the town's centre were destroyed. Rail transport is far more of a threat and not the answer! Surely our technologies allow us to ensure the safety to our environments by constructing modern, up to the minute pipelines.
PIPELINE OPPONENTS
B.C. Premier John Horgan, head of a minority government clinging to power by a partnership with three Green MLAs, sees himself as the more appropriate arbiter of what projects should go ahead for the good of the nation than the comprehensive, multi-year reviews conducted by the National Energy Board and the federal cabinet.
“It is our view that provincial jurisdiction should prevail in many areas that are affected by this process,” Horgan said. “We said from the beginning that the NEB process was flawed.”
Gregor Robertson, the mayor of Vancouver, believes that protesters will stop the Kinder Morgan pipeline. He claims that Alberta’s oil and gas sector represents only a tiny percentage of the overall Canadian economy and job count. The truth is Robertson and his anti-pipeline allies are losing. An Angus Reid polling shows that 69 per cent of B.C. residents want the province to “give in and allow the pipeline to be built.”
THE FEDS
The Trudeau Liberals have talked a lot but done absolutely nothing to enact legislation or publicly promote the pipeline. Every province, including British Columbia, has a majority of people who believe that the pipeline will help the national economy.
Alberta is left to carry on the fight.
Premier Rachel Notley threatened to cut off oil shipments to British Columbia on Wednesday, as her government passed a new law that grants the government sweeping new powers over oil and gas shipments. Notley said, “Albertans, British Columbians and the rest of Canada should understand that if the path forward for the pipeline through B.C. is not settled soon, I am ready and prepared to turn off the taps,” .
Alberta United Conservative Leader Jason Kenney is standing by his personal attack on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whom he called empty and clueless. Kenney says he will challenge Trudeau on everything from TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE to carbon taxes and to equalization payments to make sure Albertans are not shortchanged.
THE QUESTION:
Should the Feds be doing more to ensure the construction of 'Kinder Morgan Pipeline'?
THE LEMON:
Awarded to B.C. Premier John Horgan for his opposition stance that is more concerned with staying in power than with what is best for all of Canada.
Awarded to B.C. Premier John Horgan for his opposition stance that is more concerned with staying in power than with what is best for all of Canada.
THE QUOTE:
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." Maya Angelou
THE CLIP:
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