Per in the Doldrums

March had begun in the land of the giant puppets, yet there was fresh snow on the ground and it was unseasonably cold outside. One of the giant puppets, Per, was alone, looking out the window at the grey clouds and the snow covered yard while sipping a cup of tea. Let's send this puppet some warm thoughts – this one's in need of support right now.

*******

PER (thinking aloud): What is the matter with the world? Those who are destroying it are in charge and the rest of us are considered radical for wanting a future. How can this be?

When we object to a pipeline, or genetically engineered food, or spraying pesticides on our already stressed forests, we're the ones who are cast as crazies. All we're supposed to think about is getting ahead and making money.

So many are living paycheque to paycheque or, worse, hand to mouth. It's no wonder the majority of us can't focus on the bigger picture.

But we must! As Greta Thunberg says, it's as though our collective house is on fire. We have a duty to leave a liveable future to those who come after us. Why is it that so few of our leaders seem to understand this?

Public relations exercises don't work on nature. It doesn't care if a government says that fracking is green even though it destroys the land, air and water. Nature is indifferent to the lies we're told. No one can fool our complex life support systems.

It hurts when we're presented with greenwash. Green plans that encourage fracking and talk of building pipelines to fund a green transition are really a form of climate change denial. We can't continue to fund fossil fuel production if we want to have a future.

image courtesy of Pixabay

How do we dismantle all the systems that are destroying our world and ourselves?

Everything from trade agreements that encourage importing goods that can be produced locally, to food production that depends on pesticides and needless waste, to city planning that caters to cars instead of bikes and public transit: they're moving in the wrong direction.

So many systems are inefficient and mostly just make the already rich even richer. Never a thought about the environment or how others are affected it seems. Sometimes it feels insurmountable.

How do we restore our connection to nature and each other? How do we create constructive and respectful ways of being in the world that actually nurture and protect life and the beautiful planet we all depend upon? How do we normalize values and practices that honour our place among others instead of putting us at the top where we can exploit them? 

So many of us are working hard but we don't have time to make any mistakes, or to get fooled by those who live for profits only. There's more to life than making money, but how do we change course?

Sometimes I get so afraid that I just want to weep.

*******

Per, head in hands, sat feeling pain and anguish. Sometimes it's hard to know what to do when  overwhelmed with fear and grief. We're thinking of you, Per.

image courtesy of Pixabay

Puppets Getting Restless

Snowflakes were still falling in the land of the giant puppets, yet lately the snowy days had been punctuated with periods of warm sunshine. Spring was coming, albeit slowly, and the puppets were getting antsy. Let's see what they're up to.

*******

image courtesy of Pixabay

NOWCA was watering the newly planted leek and nasturtium seeds, Per was adjusting the grow lights, and Good Time was sweeping up the bits of dirt that had fallen onto the floor.

Mr. Pipeline was in the other room standing in front of a mirror and reading from a piece of paper.

NOWCA went into the kitchen and put on the kettle to make tea.

NOWCA: Mr. Pipeline, will you be joining us for tea? We have some home made oatmeal cookies.

MR. PIPELINE: I don't have time right now. I need to practise my speech.

GOOD TIME: A speech?! Why don't you practise it in front of us?

MR. PIPELINE: You're not my intended audience. I don't think you'd understand the urgency of what I'm talking about.

PER (pouring a cup of tea and taking a cookie): You never know, Mr. Pipeline. We might understand. Say, is that an invitation in your hand? 'Lee K. Pipeline' -- that's your full name? And it's from CAPP -- doesn't that stand for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers?

Mr. Lee K. (Leaky) Pipeline

MR. PIPELINE (quickly putting the invitation into his pocket): Mind your own business! And don't start calling me 'Leaky' for short. I had enough of that when I was in school.

And my talk wouldn't interest you, Per. I don't think my motivational speeches would work for this crowd.

Besides, I'm working to deadline. I have to have my speech down pat by early March.

PER: What day exactly, Mr. Pipeline? And where?

MR. PIPELINE: Monday, March 4th at 3pm in front of City Hall, but you don't want to be there.

PER (writing in a daytimer): I think it's time we puppets got out a bit. I'd like to hear your speech.

NOWCA: And Mr. Pipeline, the timing is interesting, especially since you were invited by CAPP, and the National Energy Board just approved the Trans Mountain Pipeline today.

MR. PIPELINE: The pipeline has been approved, but that doesn't mean getting it built is going to be easy.

GOOD TIME: That's for sure! A lot of folks, including indigenous people and environmental groups, are furious and will probably take this back to court. They're mad about this decision and what it will do to the Orcas, among other things. Some say this will make the protests at Clayoquot Sound look like a picnic.

image courtesy of Pixabay

MR. PIPELINE: But industry is going to be proactive! We have a few tricks up our sleeves and, believe me, we know how to use them.

NOWCA: You know, Mr. Pipeline, people have learned a thing or two and many of us will be doing all we can to protect our environment and our future.

When the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says we have twelve years to limit the effects of climate catastrophe, people take notice. We're not going to fall for the fossil fuel industries' tricks.

MR. PIPELINE (stomping out of the room): I've wasted enough time. I need to polish up my speech.

PER: Interesting. I wonder if he knows about our event?

NOWCA: Could be a diverse mix.

GOOD TIME (eating a cookie and having a sip of tea): Want to make placards this afternoon?

PER: Sure, I'll get the poster board.

GOOD TIME: Sounds like fun! I'll get the felt pens.

image courtesy of Pixabay

Our Favourite Things

The weather was unseasonably cold in the land of the giant puppets, and they were hunkered down staying warm. Dressed in thick socks and warm sweaters, their days were taken up by tea, popcorn and jigsaw puzzles.

image courtesy of Pixabay

And conversation.

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PER (putting the last piece in the jigsaw puzzle): Aren't those tall ships beautiful?

GOOD TIME (perking up and listening): They sure are! Say, do you hear music?

PER (listening and humming along): I do. I simply remember...

NOWCA: my favourite things...

GOOD TIME: and then I don't feel so bad.

MR. PIPELINE: That's an old song from The Sound of Music.

GOOD TIME: What are some of your favourite things, Mr. Pipeline?

MR. PIPELINE: Well, I like expensive cars -- a nice Jaguar or a BMW. I like meals at private clubs, and good wine.

PER: I see. Some of my favourite things are sentimental tunes, abstract art and sunsets. Here's a Patsy Cline song that's been going through my head today.

GOOD TIME: Crazy? It makes me feel crazy about all that we might lose with climate disruption. Extinction includes all our favourite things. What about kids deciding what they want to be when they grow up, when they're not even sure they're going to grow up?

image courtesy of Pixabay

NOWCA: It's hard not to go there, isn't it, Good Time?

GOOD TIME: Yes. I feel so scared and I don't want to lose all the things I love. Even this popcorn I'm eating -- I can't fathom no more people getting to eat popcorn. And all the food, entertainment and beauty that would be gone.

MR. PIPELINE: Good Time, you're over reacting! Climate change is exaggerated! Greedy environmentalists are just trying to scare you and get your money.

GOOD TIME: We're freezing all over North America, and Australia has just had record high temperatures and floods, and you think I'm exaggerating, Mr. Pipeline? How much worse can it get? What's this summer going to be like? What do you think the future holds if we continue on this way?

PER: Good Time, I agree and so do climate scientists. We're in a serious state and we have got to change course within twelve years to limit climate catastrophe. But people are stepping up! We've got everything from the Extinction Rebellion movement to the Green New Deal to the Leap Manifesto. We need to step up too.

MR. PIPELINE: Hey, Per, those movements are all too radical. We need incremental change -- industries are changing slowly.

PER: Too slowly for the good of the planet, Mr. Pipeline. And fossil fuel industries have had their chance. We can't waste time waiting.

Hey, NOWCA, we haven't heard from you. What are some of your favourite things?

NOWCA: I have so many favourite things -- life in all its aspects is so beautiful to me. It's hard to contemplate losing it all, not just for me, but for people in the future and all the other creatures we'd take with us. I can't imagine losing the birds, bees and butterflies, and reggae bands, captivating films, figure skating and all the things that would lose their cultural context. Thinking about this kind of loss is unbearable, and unimaginable.

image courtesy of Pixabay

PER: And, Mr. Pipeline, your fancy cars, restaurants and wine would also be no more. Isn't it worth changing our systems so we and those to come can still experience what we love?

MR. PIPELINE: You're all exaggerating! Life's going to continue. You shouldn't believe all those lies the foreign environmentalists are spouting.

GOOD TIME: David Suzuki isn't foreign. He was born in Vancouver. There are lots of Canadian environmental organizations. Per, NOWCA and I aren't foreign either for that matter. We just want a decent future.

MR. PIPELINE: What if we do all this work to give up oil, change our lifestyles and turn everything on its head, and it's all for nothing? Because you were tricked by environmentalists?

PER: Really Mr. Pipeline? A better future would be for nothing? My hope is that the path forward brings us peace, health, safety and a better way to live.

NOWCA: What ever happened to the time honoured tradition of wanting a better future for our children? We need that sentiment now more than ever. We need to tend our path into the future very carefully.

image courtesy of Pixabay

Contemplating Extinction

Though it was still cold in the land of the giant puppets, there'd been a few sunny days that dropped the slightest hint of Springtime to come. And yet, one puppet did not look very happy. Let's see what's getting Good Time down.

*******

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PER (walking into the living room and discovering Good Time sulking): Good Time, what's wrong?

GOOD TIME (looking up): Oh, hi, Per. I just listened to a really scary video about climate change from a scientist named Gail Bradbrook with the Extinction Rebellion.

I was already feeling a mix of anticipation and dread for the coming warmer weather, and now I feel scared about what it'll be like next year.

Last year it was so smoky, and we weren't sure if our little town would be the next to burn down. I wish there was something I could do.

PER: Maybe there is, Good Time. I listened to that video too, and at the end of it, Dr. Bradbrook talks about how we need to take action that is both peaceful and disruptive since the climate situation is so urgent. Maybe we can plan something like that.

GOOD TIME: But I've never planned anything like that before, Per. I wouldn't know where to start.

PER: Gee, neither have I. I wonder if NOWCA might have some ideas.

image courtesy of Pixabay

NOWCA (entering the room with a plate of veggies and dip): Per, will you give me a hand with the tea?

PER (walking to the kitchen and bringing out a teapot and some mugs): Thanks, NOWCA. Just what we need!

Good Time and I were talking about planning an action to show our opposition to climate disruption. We need the world to change course and don't know what to do. Do you have any ideas, NOWCA?

NOWCA (as the three of them gathered around, poured tea and started snacking): I guess I'd find out who else is feeling the same urgency and see if anything is being planned. Creative, non-violent and disruptive action makes a lot of sense, and it needs to be well orchestrated.

GOOD TIME: That's what Dr. Bradbrook of Extinction Rebellion said too, NOWCA. Thanks for preparing these snacks. Eating together with you and Per is comforting.

NOWCA: Glad to hear that, Good Time.

GOOD TIME: I feel so panicky this time of year. I want it to be spring, but then I'm scared of the

image courtesy of Pixabay

forest fires summer might bring.

NOWCA: I know what you mean, Good Time. Every year the summers seem to get more hot, with more forest fires.

GOOD TIME: I don't know how to express those feelings in a public way that will help to change things for the better.

NOWCA: It feels good to talk with friends who are just as concerned, doesn't it? I think we need to see what others are doing, share on social media and discuss these things to see what gets the most traction. Then plan it carefully and take bold action.

PER: I guess taking care of ourselves and each other and keeping our ears to the ground helps.

GOOD TIME: I'm still scared, but feel so much better after talking with you, Per and NOWCA. Thanks for being such understanding friends. Our relationships matter more than ever in these crazy times.

PER (giving Good Time a hug): Whatever happens, Good Time, our relationships are what matter. We all really need each other when life is so terrifying.

NOWCA (giving Good Time and Per a hug): I think the more we trust and support each other, the better our actions will be.

Hey, here's a song that just popped into my mind. Can you imagine thousands of people singing this in the streets? It would be a great start to the radical shift we need to make.

GOOD TIME: It would be amazing, NOWCA! Thanks for helping me feel better. Whatever our chances of addressing climate change, I'm grateful to have you two with me. And I hope we sing this song in the streets together with lots of other people soon.

PER: And I hope singing that song marks the beginning of some course changing climate action.

image courtesy of Pixabay

Voting for a Better Future

Finishing up their pumpkin pie, Good Time, Per and Mr. Pipeline looked out the window at the hail that was pummelling the ground.

image courtesy of Pixabay

Just in time, the garden had been put to bed, pumpkins and squash harvested. Compost and leaves covered the soil, protecting and nourishing it for the winter.

They felt cozy with the Autumn wind howling outside and the smell of pumpkin pie lingering in the air.

Per was pouring cups of chamomile tea.

*******

PER (sipping tea): I wonder how people are doing who don't have a home? We're so lucky to be indoors in this weather.

MR. PIPELINE: Who cares! There've always been homeless people. They have places they can go. Anyways, they're not our problem. (taking a sip of tea) This is bland, but if it helps me get a better sleep I'll tolerate it.

PER: Chamomile should do the trick. When it comes to homeless people, it depends on the way you look at it, Mr. Pipeline. To some of us, what happens to people in our society is everybody's responsibility.

MR. PIPELINE: Fools!

PER: And the kind of world we leave future generations is important to many of us too.

image courtesy of Pixabay

MR. PIPELINE: Why should we care? We'll be dead then anyways.

NOWCA (entering the room, and sitting at the table): Per, since you're concerned about others, are you going to vote in the municipal elections?

PER: I find politics so confusing...and I don't think it does any good anyways. Tea?

NOWCA: I'd love some! Thanks, Per. (accepting a cup)

GOOD TIME: And voting is so boring.

MR. PIPELINE: Now you're talking! It's boring and it doesn't make any difference -- so why bother?!

NOWCA: There, now you're all on the same page. How do you feel about that Per and Good Time?

PER: It makes me think maybe I should vote.

GOOD TIME: Actually, voting itself doesn't sound too bad -- just marking a ballot. But how do we know who to vote for?

NOWCA: There are two elections coming up where we can make a big difference in the world -- the municipal elections and the referendum on proportional representation in BC -- and I can find the resources to help you make up your minds. Here's what Fair Vote Canada has to say about proportional representation in BC.

Hey, Good Time and Per, would you mind giving me a hand folding these pamphlets? I need them for a proportional representation event tomorrow.

GOOD TIME (sitting across from NOWCA at the table): I'll help. Tell me about proportional representation, NOWCA. I keep hearing different things about it, but it's confusing to me.

NOWCA (folding): Basically it makes every vote count. The proportion of votes cast reflects the proportion of political representatives. It makes for a more stable government too, getting rid of what's called 'policy lurch'. That's where a party gets a majority and undoes all the work of the previous administration. With proportional representation, people have to work together instead of opposing each other all the time.

MR. PIPELINE: There's nothing wrong with our current system and, as a matter of fact, proportional representation is scary!

PER (joining the others at the table, folding pamphlets): What's so scary about it to you, Mr. Pipeline? I've seen some really slick ads and brochures that say how bad it is, but everyone I talk to seems to want it.

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MR. PIPELINE: It's complicated; it's some new fangled thing we don't need; it's anti-democratic.

NOWCA: Anti-democratic! How so?

MR. PIPELINE: It's not what we have now! There's nothing wrong with our democratic system of electing governments. Why change what we have?

NOWCA: Because what we have now isn't very democratic. Countries around the world are moving to proportional representation and away from first past the post, the system we have now. We have a chance to implement it here in BC.

MR. PIPELINE: Oh ya? What countries?

NOWCA: Lets see: Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg and Switzerland to name a few. And none of them have reverted back to first past the post. Why do you think that might be?

PER: Maybe they like the fact that everyone's vote counts.

GOOD TIME: Or maybe it's more fun working collaboratively and not fighting so much.

PER: And I bet they get a lot more done that way too.

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MR. PIPELINE: What would politics be without drama?! It's about dominating one's opponent, and ramming through an agenda. Proportional representation might get in the way of industry.

NOWCA: Maybe it's time for politicians to stand up to industry, and protect our environment more. Remember our smoky summer? That's nothing compared to what could come. What's it going to take to start addressing climate change?

PER: A lot of people running for City Council are talking about climate change.

NOWCA: Yes, that's another arena where we citizens can use our power to change society's direction.

MR. PIPELINE: Why change direction? Our society isn't perfect, but it's what we've got. And, besides, there is no alternative.

GOOD TIME: Sure there is! People who like to have a good time know that the alternatives are way more fun. Going to an outdoor market or even a food co-op or a locally owned coffee shop is way more fun than going to a chain anything. Clothing swaps are free and super fun. And the gift economy just feels good.

PER: I think of Bruce Cockburn's song: "The trouble with normal is it always gets worse."

MR. PIPELINE: Those are small potatoes! They're not what our society's all about.

NOWCA: Maybe they're a stepping stone. Maybe they're just a taste of what a fairer, greener economy might feel like. It sounds like more fun to me too.

PER: Back to the municipal election, I find it easier to figure out who to vote for, since lots of the people running are ordinary people in the community. I know what they're involved with, and what kinds of people they are.

GOOD TIME: I know some of them too, and the ones I know do a lot of really good things. They seem to care about our community. I don't know any of the people running for Mayor though.

NOWCA: Even if you only vote for the ones you know and respect, you're helping to determine the kind of future our city gets. You don't have to vote for all six; you can just vote for the ones you support. In our community, we'll have lots of resources letting us know where all the candidates -- councillors and mayoral -- stand. So you'll be able to pick the ones who share your views. I'll be sure to get those materials to you. Maybe we can even go to some all candidates meetings. Then you can ask them questions.

MR. PIPELINE: Right now, smarter people than you -- experts in their fields -- run things. You don't need to vote: just leave it to them.

NOWCA: Mr. Pipeline, that's not a very democratic attitude. We should choose who represents us and what direction we want for our community. And in the age of climate change, we need to start paying attention to which candidates are committed to a greener, fairer future. In many ways, it's people not taking the time to pay attention and vote who've allowed the pollution to build up. If we were paying attention, we'd have made the polluters stop long ago.

GOOD TIME: Gee, I hadn't thought of that. Taking a bit of time to pay attention could have prevented a lot of the problems we have now, maybe even our smoky summer...

NOWCA (looking at all the folded brochures): Thanks for your help folding,  Per and Good Time. I hope you'll all come to the proportional representation event tomorrow. You'll probably get to meet some of the candidates for the municipal elections there too. There'll be food and speakers, and even sign making!

GOOD TIME: Could be fun! I think I will.

PER: Me too. I want to learn more about proportional representation and the candidates.

MR. PIPELINE: I've got better things to do than waste my time with this silliness: money to make, people to see, officials to bribe...

NOWCA, GOOD TIME and PER all stare at MR. PIPELINE

PER: Officials to bribe?!

MR. PIPELINE (squirming in his chair): Come on -- I was just kidding...

GOOD TIME: No wonder you don't want us to vote! I'm going to the event tomorrow and I'm bringing friends.

image courtesy of Pixabay