"We've tried everything except love."
Théodore Monod, French naturalist, explorer, and humanist scholar
On this 40th anniversary of the creation of Earth Day, we at The Chief wish everyone a healthy and, most of all, happy celebration on Saturday (April 24).
Here's to a future full of camaraderie, understanding and warmth towards one's fellow man.
After all, local residents, especially the most vocal ones, want nothing but the best for Squamish, now and in the future. The only thing that sets folks apart is their concept of what that looks like.
It's been disheartening to see local residents circle the drain of debate by taking on an air of superiority while turning on each other with personal pot shots, finger pointing and vitriol.
The slightest divergence in opinion has come to be treated as an unforgivable crime - a sin that will inevitably lead to the destruction of our town, our environment, our way of life.
The issue of the environment has become such a political hot button that people don't even want to discuss it anymore.
When The Chief attempted to find a handful of people to answer our streeter question "What are you doing to commemorate Earth Day?" we came across numerous people who recoiled.
They were either unaware that it was happening at all or they didn't have plans and didn't want to be vilified for it.
Here we have perfect examples of how the finger-wagging method of environmental awareness is alienating a very important segment of the population.
And on the other extreme, there are folks who persist in planting their heads in the sand when clear evidence points to environmental threats.
These counter-productive approaches can be seen on both sides of the Garibaldi at Squamish debate.
It's one thing to imagine a Machiavellian entrepreneur mischievously twirling his greasy moustache, eyes glinting with thoughts of pillaging Squamish's pristine resources, or a smelly hippy living off government support lecturing people just trying to make ends meet about their carbon footprint - but when it's your own neighbours standing in front of you with kids running around their legs imploring you to help them create a better Squamish, perhaps it's time to pause and contemplate what we all have in common.
Squamish is no longer so much a changing demographic as it is a growing demographic of very similar people - at least on the surface. We are outdoor enthusiasts, hard workers, family men and women, community-oriented - and we're proud.
Not a single person in this town is altruistic. Whether the argument is for environment or for jobs, what we strive for is the same: a better standard of living.
It's time to embrace respect - for ourselves and for each other -if we truly do want to move forward into a healthier and more prosperous future whatever that may look like.
