The fact that various sectors of a population count on resources development for employment is not a plausible argument for an unregulated industry. An estimated one in four U.S. citizens count on the nuclear and conventional arms industries for employment, and it is purposely parcelled out to engage as many regions as possible. But does that justify another dangerous arms build-up?
Why pick on DiCaprio and other actors and public figures with the courage to speak out? According to columnist Jennifer Hamilton’s reasoning (Gazette, Jan. 16), we are all colonialists and environment destroyers on some level. DiCaprio did not fix prices or force anyone to watch his movies. The fact we are all inevitably part of something or country doesn't compromise our obligation to speak against abuses in that system or country. In fact, just the opposite is true.
But the vogue in hitting on actors and other activists who are public figures seems particularly puerile or small-minded, and hypocritical. Many people who couldn't get along without movies, videos, or plays delude themselves that actors are unintelligent or somehow disqualified from serious discourse.
Activists of all types are not against us here in Alberta. They are actually doing us a favour, because as Trudeau implied in 2013 and many others are agreed, our wellbeing depends on the good will of the rest of the world, and they have not been happy with us on the issue of global warming. Provincial and federal governments are taking steps to rectify that, and if actors and other activists help, so much the better.
Doris Wrench Eisler, St. Albert
