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From the desk of David Suzuki

David Suzuki

Strong leaders have open minds

By David Suzuki - 16 months ago

How often must a president or prime minister make split-second decisions of the kind they have to make during a debate? We've witnessed eight years of an American president who apparently isn't interested in seeking advice or counsel when his mind is already made up and who doggedly refuses to admit mistakes or change his mind. That's truly scary because he's running the most powerful nation on Earth. And I simply don't find it credible that, as he claims, he is getting direct guidance from god.

I was amazed when B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell reversed himself on aboriginal issues and became a champion of First Nations. His turn-around on climate and the introduction of a carbon tax were surprising, given his political persuasion, and I have been filled with admiration to see a politician willing to make changes when given information. Big decisions should be made after careful consideration of facts, weighing the geopolitical, social, ecological, and economic repercussions, then consultation with experts to reach informed, thoughtful decisions.

Those who cling to fixed positions based on ideology or ignorance are not admirable but frightening. We should be watching for those who are open, who admit they don't know all the answers, and who are willing to agree with opponents or even admit they're wrong.

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3 Comments

 
Post #1
Jolene Simko Jolene Simko - 16 months ago

A very important theme that cropped up over the weekend was an important philosphy: assume the government is going to stay it's course. Of course, you should still vote green, but remember how much can be taken into your own hands with only a few basic tools and a spare afternoon. Leaders follow what the public wants (ideally) the farther you go, the farther they will have to follow!

 
Post #2
Jolene Simko Jolene Simko - 16 months ago

I just spent the weekend in Albany, NY for a two day city sustainability workshop.

I learned how easy it is to have a compost toilet (even in apartments) without any odour. I learned how little effort or skill is needed to collect and use as much rain water as possible. I learned how easy it is to bioremediate (clean polluted) soil and water with plants. I learned how to make my own paint and how to make a simple windmill out of bike parts. That only scratches the surface.

During the workshop I met around a hundred other people from many walks of life (many from Canada) who were all excited to share what they learned with others in a spirit of solidarity. There are so many of us already working towards autonomous communities who already have great home and community projects on the go. It was the most inspiring weekend of my life.

I am living in eastern Ontario right now, but I intend to bring all the skills I acquire this year back to north western Ontario. I was a kraft dinner &hotdogs kid with a solid television addiction for most of my youth. Today I am 25 and more radical than your average environmentalist. I just wanted to share that moment with you today.

You already know you rock. Just keep on rockin, and don't get discouraged by how many people read this blog. This is the workshop I went to for anyone who is interested in attending for the future:  http://www.rhizomecollective.org/rust.html

It is a VERY CHEAP workshop with free camping, and they will SPOIL you with the tastiest food you have ever eaten! Anyone who likes DIY should attend! =D

 

 
Post #3
Sebastian Carausu Sebastian Carausu - 16 months ago

I totally agree. Unfortunately, some politicians who actually reverse their position after careful consierations are called flip-floppers by the opponents or the media.

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