It’s an unexplained mystery why so many people demand more candour from their politicians and then are outraged when they get it.
Energy Minister Bill Bennett was on the hot seat again this week after a new staffer inserted the term eco-fascists in an email from the minister to describe environmentalists who want to preserve the Flathead Valley in the East Kootenay. Bennett did the honourable thing and took ownership of the email, and while he says he would not have used that description, he is among those who think the environmental movement is far too extreme and would crowd humans off the planet if they could.
And he’s apologized for the use of the words to those who may have a historical sensitivity to it, but not the environmentalists who he aims his broader message at. Instead of being pilloried it’s about time politicians had the guts to stand up to those urban types who have little understanding how the resources in the rest of the province keep them prosperous and comfortable.
Cabinet has already backed off too much by banning mining and oil and gas exploration in the Flathead, although some forestry and big game hunting and fishing is still allowed there. The extreme environmental movement is loud and effective and left to pursue its smothering policies of oppression would turn back the clock in British Columbia by 200 years.
Bill Bennett is one of the few politicians with enough courage to stand up for a little bit of reason and common sense in what’s otherwise become environmental overkill, and if the language used is a bit rough from time to time, so what?
Jim Harrison, CHNL Radio Kamloops
.
