One thing that has always perplexed me in life is non-logical thinking and downright hypocrisy. I thought there was enough of that in North American society, however it seems to be extreme here and not limited to the locals.
Some of the most bizarre cases I have experienced are from ex-pats that claim to be environmentalists on varying self-described spiritual paths.
We have a neighbour that has gone absolutely ballistic to the point of calling all sorts of government agencies for locals cutting down trees on their property. On numerous attempts they have tried to enlist my support to stop this or at least validate their actions, but to no avail.
They said they would have never bought their house had they known that the trees in the neighbours property were going to be cut down. It does not seem to concern them whatsoever that the 1/2 acre plus lot that they enjoy is almost completely cleared of trees to allow for the building of their house and security of not having one fall on them.
On different occasions I have casually mentioned this fact and in an indirect way - it was made clear they were not interested in this and somehow I don't have any concern for the environment.
These obvious self-serving motives do not stop at the trees. The biggest debate going on in this area, tends to be the proposal for building a marina. The subject has bought out fierce emotions from both sides.
Again, numerous attempts have been made to enlist my support in the anti-marina coalition under the
environmentalism banner. First of all... let the record show that I can not think of anyone that is more opposed to the marina then me. I feel it will ruin the natural paradise of the area and the yachting set is not exactly who I yearn to have lunch with. I will dine with the hippie potsmoker anyday.
However, I feel this choice is not up to me. I do not worry about having a job. I do not worry about my financial future. I have no kids to feed. I feel in a very privileged situation.
Not only that... I am from the beautiful waterfront city of Vancouver, 
BC. I can not imagine having city council meetings about waterfront development that was stacked with non-residents of the country that merely had real estate holdings or held mere residential status in the country. I am sure the the meetings would be for citizens only and any other participation from outside would not be welcome.
So, just where do we get off marching around the world deciding how everyone else should develop their country and we clearly benefited from developing ours with little or no regard for enviromental impact.
Colinsito reporting live from The Home of The Least Wanted or The Most Wanted.
Hi! I found your page through a link of a link.
First, I think your page is lovely. The topics you post are very relevant and insightful.
This post in particular showed me another side to things in terms of life application... and it's true that we have to consider the reason behind our actions else, we'd be negating our supposed beliefs and advocacies and end up as hypocrites. That's a sad thing, don't you think?
Posted by: Roca | November 11, 2008 at 10:38 PM