Editor:
Beyond common autocratic dominant/submissive relationships derived from attitudes of superiority and inferiority ... there is the democratic “psyche.”
Its psychological spirit/soul “sees” a “better” world of mutually respectful social relationships in community ... for social equality, justice, peace, and sustainability for all.
Democracy bestows on all ... status as social equals.
For oligarchs, plutocrats, aristocrats ... growing social inequality based on superior/inferior relationships is a “new” norm.
The power/elite monetarily controls democracy’s ballot booth, legislatures, supreme courts ... over/against “social” interest and welfare of “common” people ... for elevated private “elite” interests.
This “norm” is anti-democratic.
Of the top 10 richest global corporations ... seven are oil corporations led by Shell Oil in the Arctic.
They have massive “wealth” to secure provincial/national/global government subsidies to add (tarsand/shale oil/gas/pipelines) to their fossil/fuel “wealth.” ... with our abetting (Harper/Redford/Clark/Mulcair/unions/pensions/jobs/gov’t revenues...etc.).
Overly powerful fossil-fuel energy growth industry block legal “limitations” of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Toxic consequences of “unlimited” GHG emissions fit the definition of “pathological pursuit of profit and power (the 4P’s)” described by Joel Bakan (University of British Columbia).
“3P’s for “4P’s is deadly.
For the power/elite “owning” enough fossil-fuel reserves ($trillions+) ... sufficient to destroy civilization globally is madness.
Their monetary “control” over political parties...governments...people...allows more oil/gas/coal development in the Arctic...to add to their already lethal reserves.
It is MAD (mutually assured destruction).
Human “induced” global warming moves beyond human control.
We need an 80 percent “reduction” of GHG emissions by 2020 ... to keep global temperatures “safely?” below an “unacceptable” 2 C by 2030.
A “safer” goal is a 1.5C limit.
Humanity is “blocked” by mega-fossil fuel interests ($trillions-plus) to abandon fossil fuels as humanity’s energy base.
Humanity needs to invest in “carbon free” energy as the basis for its economy.
Time is running out.
The danger is real.
We have the ability to act ... democratically.
Only a massive democratic effort can meet this challenge to humanity.
Herb Nakada
Williams Lake