On Tuesday I made my first ever oral submission before the Regional Land Transport Committee regarding the flyover at the Basin Reserve.
I began by saying that consultation is based on relationships and trust - this was my first 'test drive' of the peaceful, inclusive form of activism that I am trying to foster. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts to work in a conciliatory way, I was struck by the aggression of the Committee's chair, Councillor Fran Wilde.
Cr Wilde could not help herself from interrupting, arguing and fighting. It proved to be a long, rather disappointing 10 minutes in front of the committee!
Cr Wilde refused to answer my questions of the committee - whether they believe that climate change is happening and whether they have any children and/or grandchildren - she labeled may ways as "interrogation" of the committee. The most unbelieveable thing about it was that she was the only one acting in a way fitting of the term "interrogation"!
While I can understand that Cr Wilde is used to being attacked and has as a result taken on the notion of the 'pre-emptive' strike combined with the technique of carpet bombing, her over zealous behaviour would have made even Dick Cheney and Richard Nixon blush.
The most laughable thing about all of it was that this was meant to be a day for "public consultation"!
All I can say is that I long for the day when these old battlers throw in the towel and we are able to show them that there is another way. A way that is based on trust, dialogue and engagement. Our world's environmental problems stem from a social system that is based on competition and exploitation. Fixing these problems is as much about changing our society, its morals and what it champions as being signifiers of 'wealth' and 'success'.
The one-up-manship espoused by Cr Wilde and her ilk may have been the keys to success in the past, but they've caused the problems that we are now having to deal with. It's time you woke up Cr Wilde, the world has changed and so must you!
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