Damian Kettlewell
1370 Arbutus
Vancouver, BC V6J 3W8
Gordon Campbell
premier@gov.bc.ca
March 2, 2007
Att: Gordon Campbell
Cc: Attorney General Wally Oppal
From: Damian Kettlewell
Re: Betty Krawczyk's March 5,2007 sentencing in light of Harriet Nahenee's death
I hope the New Year is treating you in good order.
I am writing to address the upcoming sentencing of Betty Krawczyk on March 5, 2007. I met Betty through my work with BC EcoEvents in the Elaho Valley in 1998 and she has been a source of inspiration for me since. Betty has been a leader in ensuring the preservation of numerous pristine watersheds in BC. Without Betty, many more of BC's valleys would be barren and devoid of life.
As you are aware, scientific studies that advise us to alter our consumptive lifestyles now dominate mainstream media. Past fringe perspective and policy from environmental activists has moved to the mainstream and progressive environmental policy is the most important issue for Canadians. Betty Krawczyk and Hariette Nahennee's environmental views and actions currently represent those of a majority of Canadians.
Mr. Campbell, please speak with your Attorney General, Wally Oppal, and enquire about compassionate means to resolve Ms. Krawczyk's upcoming sentence. Betty Krawczyk is a beacon of hope for environmental activists who have been "walking the talk" and lobbying the public for change.
First Nations elder Harriet Nahenee has just passed away while under the watch of the law. If our court system had invoked compassion means in her sentencing process Ms. Nahennee would likely still be with us today.
The pressures of modern life (i.e. debt, jobs, and families) restrict a majority of Canadians for voicing their opinions like Betty and Harriet Nahenee are able. Betty and Harriet are not ideological great - grandmothers but visionary giants who history will remember as great Canadian women who stood up and pushed our society to change.
Mr. Campbell, your perspectives on the First Nations treaty process in BC and climate change policy has evolved considerably in the recent past. As my MLA for Vancouver Point Grey, I ask that you encourage Mr. Oppal to ensure that our court system invokes compassion in the March 5th sentencing of Ms. Krawczyk. BC's court system does not need to threaten the life of another great British Columbian elder.
Compassionately yours,
Damian Kettlewell
BC EcoEvents, Chairperson
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Jingle Bells Carbon Smells
Here's a poem to make you laugh as you create change:
Chorus
Jingle Bells, carbon smells
There's no time to wait
Add another coal-fired plant
And it will be too late.
Jingle Bells, carbon smells
There's no time to wait
2050 as a target date
Is way too late!
There's more storms every year
Floods and freezing rain
How much more do you need-to-see
We're facing climate change?
The polar ice has shrunk
And Santa's getting wet
He's trading his sleigh for a boat
And Rudolph is upset
Chorus
A year or two ago
Promises were made
But hot air from the parliaments
Just adds to climate change
Its time to make a change
Demand it right away
A plan to cap emissions now
And make them go away.
Chorus
Created by: Vancouver Point Grey Citizens Concerned About Climate Change
BCIT Power Engineering Class Presentation ~ December 2006This class was interested in the operation of my1984 Mercedes Benz powered by Waste Vegetable Oil from Delaney's Pub in Burnaby, BC. We spent 45 minutes reviewing the science of
biowaste power options.
The class was very interested in biodiesel and waste vegetable oil machines.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Dear Madam Justice Brown
Damian Kettlewell
1370 Arbutus
Vancouver, BC
V6J 3W8
February 6, 2007
Att: The Honorable Madam Justice Brown
From: Damian Kettlewell
Re: Betty Krawczyk
Good day Madam Justice Brown.
I hope the New Year is treating you in good order.
I am writing to address the upcoming sentencing of Betty Krawczyk this Thursday February 8, 2007. I met Betty through my work with BC EcoEvents in the Elaho Valley in 1998. Betty played a leadership role in raising public awareness to ensure that the Elaho Valley was preserved for future generations. Without Betty it is likely that the ecologically significant Elaho Valley would be yet another barren valley.
I have been an environmental advocate for eleven years organizing fifteen EcoFests and most recently the Clean Air Auto Show. We also organized a Free Betty Ball in 2003 when Betty was imprisoned and raised funds and awareness for her court case. I have been driving a green house gas neutral waste vegetable oil car for almost three years as a means to reduce urban pollution and I chair a watershed stewardship NGO (www.rivershed.com)
As you are aware, contemporary mainstream media is dominated by scientific studies that advise us that we must drastically alter our lifestyles otherwise face drastic climate change realities. The move from environmental rhetoric to environmental action takes considerable time in our current electoral system. Betty Krawczyk is a beacon of hope for environmental activists who have been “walking the talk” and lobbying the public for change. Our fringe perspectives and policy suggestions have now moved to the mainstream and as you are aware, the environmental is the number one issue among Canadians.
Unfortunately, the onslaught of scientific and polling studies does not affect your interpretation of the law as it now stands. Madame Justice Brown, when you reflect on your summary statements and sentencing judgment with Betty Krawczyk please consider that Betty’s environmental views and actions currently represent those of a majority of Canadians. The pressures of modern life (i.e. debt, jobs, and families) restrict a majority of Canadians for voicing their opinions like Betty. Ms. Krawczyk is not an ideological 79-year-old grandmother but a visionary giant who will be revered among her Canadian contemporaries as one woman who could stand up and push the system to change.
I ask that you consider the “drive for change” among Canadians when you sentence Betty this Thursday February 8, 2007.
Compassionately yours,
Damian Kettlewell, Vancouver, BC
1370 Arbutus
Vancouver, BC
V6J 3W8
February 6, 2007
Att: The Honorable Madam Justice Brown
From: Damian Kettlewell
Re: Betty Krawczyk
Good day Madam Justice Brown.
I hope the New Year is treating you in good order.
I am writing to address the upcoming sentencing of Betty Krawczyk this Thursday February 8, 2007. I met Betty through my work with BC EcoEvents in the Elaho Valley in 1998. Betty played a leadership role in raising public awareness to ensure that the Elaho Valley was preserved for future generations. Without Betty it is likely that the ecologically significant Elaho Valley would be yet another barren valley.
I have been an environmental advocate for eleven years organizing fifteen EcoFests and most recently the Clean Air Auto Show. We also organized a Free Betty Ball in 2003 when Betty was imprisoned and raised funds and awareness for her court case. I have been driving a green house gas neutral waste vegetable oil car for almost three years as a means to reduce urban pollution and I chair a watershed stewardship NGO (www.rivershed.com)
As you are aware, contemporary mainstream media is dominated by scientific studies that advise us that we must drastically alter our lifestyles otherwise face drastic climate change realities. The move from environmental rhetoric to environmental action takes considerable time in our current electoral system. Betty Krawczyk is a beacon of hope for environmental activists who have been “walking the talk” and lobbying the public for change. Our fringe perspectives and policy suggestions have now moved to the mainstream and as you are aware, the environmental is the number one issue among Canadians.
Unfortunately, the onslaught of scientific and polling studies does not affect your interpretation of the law as it now stands. Madame Justice Brown, when you reflect on your summary statements and sentencing judgment with Betty Krawczyk please consider that Betty’s environmental views and actions currently represent those of a majority of Canadians. The pressures of modern life (i.e. debt, jobs, and families) restrict a majority of Canadians for voicing their opinions like Betty. Ms. Krawczyk is not an ideological 79-year-old grandmother but a visionary giant who will be revered among her Canadian contemporaries as one woman who could stand up and push the system to change.
I ask that you consider the “drive for change” among Canadians when you sentence Betty this Thursday February 8, 2007.
Compassionately yours,
Damian Kettlewell, Vancouver, BC
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Can we elect representatives in 2009?
Can we elect Green representatives in 2009?
Now more than ever the provincial legislation requires progressive Green voices within the legislature. Renewable energy and tax shifting programs that we have been champions of for over twenty years are in high demand.
Did you know that the BC’s corporate tax structure supports traditional fossil fuel firms more so than renewable energy firms? I am sure that it will come as no surprise that our provincial greenhouse gas emissions have increased dramatically with both the NDP government in the 90’s and the current Liberal government.
I have just returned from VEVA’s viewing of “Who Killed the Electric Car?” and my conviction that democratic legislatures need Green representatives and Green solutions is infinitely strengthened. The trend of elected officials representing the interests of corporations more so than the public will is increasing. Case in point is the BC Liberals and their re-introduction of coal fired power plants to appease donors to their election campaign funds.
Here in BC we require unique solutions and a unique partnership as we head into a 2009 election and prepare to host the world in 2010. Electing the same run of the mill Liberal government (whether it is with Premier Campbell or Premier Taylor) will not deliver the transformational policy changes that this province needs. Electing a NDP government is unlikely and economically dangerous considering their history of inept fiscal management.
To reassert ourselves as a province that leads on global issues of importance (like the reduction of greenhouse gases) we need a coalition government that includes elected Green representatives.
Will a BC Liberal champion biofuel tax incentives for marine or off road applications? Leaders of Premier Campbell’s own constituency in Vancouver Point Grey have resigned over his ambivalent attitude to climate change. Is it realistic to think that Campbell’s “head in the oil sands” attitude will provide real leadership on green house gas reduction initiatives? Alternatively, will a BC NDPer be able to navigate through the web of union bureaucracy to champion new social justice program like the Guaranteed Annual Income and help combat homelessness in Vancouver?
Unless Premier Campbell takes another cocktail-fueled drive in Malibu, thus impaling his chances of re-lection, the BC Liberals will likely win the 2009 provincial election.
Ms. James will need to take a leap of faith to lead her team to victory. Ms. James may or may not be know of the unlikely trump card that she holds in her electoral toolbox.
Let us hope that Ms. James is listening to the wise words of Corky Evans, David Chudnovsky, Gregor Robertson and possibly Mike Magee. Those NDPers are listening
to their constituents and victory in ’09 may involve internal party compromise.
Now more than ever the provincial legislation requires progressive Green voices within the legislature. Renewable energy and tax shifting programs that we have been champions of for over twenty years are in high demand.
Did you know that the BC’s corporate tax structure supports traditional fossil fuel firms more so than renewable energy firms? I am sure that it will come as no surprise that our provincial greenhouse gas emissions have increased dramatically with both the NDP government in the 90’s and the current Liberal government.
I have just returned from VEVA’s viewing of “Who Killed the Electric Car?” and my conviction that democratic legislatures need Green representatives and Green solutions is infinitely strengthened. The trend of elected officials representing the interests of corporations more so than the public will is increasing. Case in point is the BC Liberals and their re-introduction of coal fired power plants to appease donors to their election campaign funds.
Here in BC we require unique solutions and a unique partnership as we head into a 2009 election and prepare to host the world in 2010. Electing the same run of the mill Liberal government (whether it is with Premier Campbell or Premier Taylor) will not deliver the transformational policy changes that this province needs. Electing a NDP government is unlikely and economically dangerous considering their history of inept fiscal management.
To reassert ourselves as a province that leads on global issues of importance (like the reduction of greenhouse gases) we need a coalition government that includes elected Green representatives.
Will a BC Liberal champion biofuel tax incentives for marine or off road applications? Leaders of Premier Campbell’s own constituency in Vancouver Point Grey have resigned over his ambivalent attitude to climate change. Is it realistic to think that Campbell’s “head in the oil sands” attitude will provide real leadership on green house gas reduction initiatives? Alternatively, will a BC NDPer be able to navigate through the web of union bureaucracy to champion new social justice program like the Guaranteed Annual Income and help combat homelessness in Vancouver?
Unless Premier Campbell takes another cocktail-fueled drive in Malibu, thus impaling his chances of re-lection, the BC Liberals will likely win the 2009 provincial election.
Ms. James will need to take a leap of faith to lead her team to victory. Ms. James may or may not be know of the unlikely trump card that she holds in her electoral toolbox.
Let us hope that Ms. James is listening to the wise words of Corky Evans, David Chudnovsky, Gregor Robertson and possibly Mike Magee. Those NDPers are listening
to their constituents and victory in ’09 may involve internal party compromise.
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