what to do, what to do ii
There's another rally against the pulp mill this Sunday. It will be held near the mouth of the Tamar River, on a beach that will be affected by the mill's dioxin filled effluent.
Frank and I did our bit delivering promotional leaflets. (Hello to the two boys on bikes who responded so enthusiastically when informed the leaflet was against the mill)
Now this is the dilemma. Sunday is not a good day for us to attend a rally on the best of occasions - church consumes a significant proportion of the day. But this Sunday is a particularly bad day. Frank has a meeting at 2pm... and now we've been invited to 'the first BBQ of the season' for lunch.
Dilemma, dilemma. Anti-pulp mill rally or BBQ lunch with friends?
That choice alone is tricky, but it gets worse. The identity of our BBQ hosts are none other than a politician strongly in favour of the mill and his wife. Frank and I have met with him formally and informally to express our views. Without result. (Nothing new there - no politicians are listening to anyone who doesn't want the mill)
So do we go to the anti-pulp mill rally or lunch with someone in power who supports the mill? The poisoned edge of the wedge. Double whammy. Ethical dilemma of ethical dilemmas. Relationship over principle? Environment over friendship?
It's too hard. I don't know what to do...
I suppose I could just say that I can't come because I already had another appointment. Or go to the BBQ but wear my 'eat money' T-shirt?
posted by cecily @ 1:19 pm
7 comments
7 Comments:
Hee hee, the eat money t-shirt might be fun. My first reaction, though, says your pro-pulp mill friends will understand your choice to attend the rally, if they are real friends. It's up to you and Frank, of course. (I'd likely stay home from everything and save my personal activist contribution for a less crowded day!) Do what you really want to is my advice.
Advise, we can give advise? Not that mine is worth much, but I would definately go to the picnic. You will have a better chance of discussion and changing someone's mind this way. A rally is great and it shows what the majority wants but to kindly nudge someone in conversation and let them know how you feel is important; it might even make a difference.
Everyone has a role, yours on Sunday just may be to let this guy know why you feel the way you feel. Maybe it'll get somewhere.
I hate to say go with an agenda, but hey, that's what other people do.
You'll say more to him when you forgo his BBQ to attend the rally. Taking an ethical course of action always rests easier on the mind than taking a convenient course:)
Do you think the BBQ was deliberately planned to clash? I guess this gives you guys a good chance to see just how strongly you feel.....I'll be curious to see your choice. Good luck! :)
Okay, Mike is right, forgoing the BBQ will say a strong "no" to this guy, depending on how much he likes you. But I think sometimes you can express yourself more strongly sitting across the table.
Here's another idea, how about you call and ask if you can bring a few friends and envite 20 of the demonstrators to the picnic and let them at him!
Sandy's last idea is super!! Better yet, have them all wear protest T's and refuse to speak to him while devouring all his chow. Nah, that'd be just plain rude I guess:)
The Tamar River!
I should be there.
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