It is difficult to recall a Prince George Citizen editorial that contained as much condescension as Arthur Williams' "Protesting to the Choir." I am astounded at the confidence with which Mr. Williams proclaims that "the majority of people who will be out protesting [the Northern Gateway Pipeline] are doing so based on a mishmash of oversimplifications, half-truths, gut feelings, misinformation and ideology." This bold statement -- published before the rally occurred at the Joint Review Panel hearing -- certainly implies an enviable level of clairvoyance. I sure wish I could predict the future like that.
I'd like to know why Mr. Williams felt it necessary to paint such an inaccurate portrait of those of us who choose to speak out about the potential effects of the pipeline. Many, if not most of us, have read not only the statements by Enbridge but also research papers by prominent economists like Robyn Allen, articles by well-respected scientists like Riki Ott and David Suzuki, and reports on Enbridge's alarming environmental record by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.
Interestingly, Mr. Williams' piece was perfectly matched by Colin Kinsley's guest editorial on the opposite page. Well, I suppose Mr. Kinsley just found it easier to claim that his critics "don't care about the national interest or understand the links between a growing economy and the tax base necessary to fund health care, education, or other government programs" than to address their questions and concerns with thought and substance.
Mr. Williams and Mr. Kinsley, although you both did your best to paint most of us as ignorant placard-wavers and slogan-shouters, the majority of us who come out and protest are informed. We are informed, we are concerned, and we are engaged in our communities. And we aren't going to be put off by your attempts to belittle and dismiss us.
Melinda Worfolk
Prince George
