The Editor,
Canada’s new Governor General, Julie Payette, gave a speech to scientists recently where she took aim at climate change deniers and creationists, among others. In reading some of her talk it reminded me of Hillary Clinton’s ‘basket of deplorables’ rant. Three portions from the GG’s speech:
“Can you believe that still today in learned society, in houses of government, unfortunately, we’re still debating and still questioning whether humans have a role in the Earth warming up or whether even the Earth is warming up, period.”
Yes, Ms. Payette, I can. I do not see this warming as a negative. Warm is relative. The planet has been warmer than this before and thrived. Colder…not so good. History shows that humanity moves forward in warm times, while reverting back to survival-mode in cold. I question how much Canada has to do with global climate change. I also take into account the effects of sun cycles on our planet; something scientists tend to leave out of their equations. There is no evidence the Maunder and Sporer Minimums, as examples were caused by a lack of human activity. Careful what you wish for when you ask for cold. “Too many people still believe taking a sugar pill will cure cancer if you will it good enough.” Apparently all the scientists in the room chuckled at that statement. The humour is lost on me. Placebo heals. It is a baseline when making medicine; from 30 to 60% effective. And willpower is credited for bringing many back from the brink. I take awe, not derision from personal faith.
“And we are still debating and still questioning whether life was a divine intervention or whether it was coming out of a natural process let alone, oh my goodness, a random process.”
Who is she debating with? Not devout Jews or Christians or Muslims or Hindus (I could go on), who follow divinity. For these, there never was any debate. Scientists attempt to explain creation by saying the complete universe began with a spark in a cosmic powder keg, with all bits falling perfectly into place in a completely random event. If Ms. Payette chooses to believe that version, it is her personal affair. The Big Bang is only a theory and no more provable than divine intervention. The difference is that one assumes humanity ascended from pond scum; the other that we descended from God.
Robert Oppenheimer, the originator of nuclear explosions, did not see life created by blasts. Instead, he quoted Hindu scripture: “Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds.” Canada supposedly gains ‘strength from diversity’, yet our Governor General’s speech and Mr. Trudeau’s endorsement makes it clear that some diverse opinions can be openly derided in this country. In the name of science.
To paraphrase George Orwell: All diversities are welcome, but some diversities are more welcome than others.
Gordon Fraser,
Greenlane Road,
Hawkesbury
Gordon Fraser
Greenlane Road
