Extreme greed
Corporate and industry greed is killing our planet [“Extreme green,” January 9]. Business is setting up in far-flung corners of the globe because this is where one can really take full advantage of the workforce. This suits the “suits” and conforms to the psychopathic behavioural traits upon which the corporation was founded.
Poverty cannot be singularly defined in terms of dollars and cents. Environmental poverty, such as poor air and water quality, is the true measure of well-being. Try growing sustenance in a toxic environment.
Environmentalists are passionate about securing a livable planet for future generations, otherwise there would no longer be a platform for businesses to conduct themselves. Let’s talk about compromise.
Wholesale clearcut logging of a multi-species forest and a best case scenario of transforming it into a mono-species Christmas tree farm, is wholly unbalanced and lacks a pulse of intelligence. Supporting responsible industry is a euphemism for business as usual. Until the day arrives when the clean energy sector is afforded the opportunity to conduct itself on a level playing field with the heavily subsidized dinosaur fuel industry, the road to future generations will remain extremely challenging.
Steve Perkins
Blair Road, Texada Island
Smart meter? No thanks
I am the holder of an account with BC Hydro and the occupant of a home in Powell River. Having been continually harassed through letters and phone calls to install a microwave device (wireless smart meter) on my home, I have sent the utility company a letter as my final refusal notice [“Bill shocks patient,” April 4].
BC Hydro believes it has a contractual right to access its equipment. I agree that it may continue to access my property to read the current non-radio frequency radiation meter. If the meter needs to be replaced, I would even be happy with another safe and secure analogue meter. However, BC Hydro is not welcome on my property for the purpose of changing the current meter for a microwave device.
Given the existing and developing scientific and professional concerns regarding the person and property risks from fire, as well as incalculable risks to health and safety from these microwave devices, I continue to refuse the placing of such a device on my property.
BC Hydro’s continued harassment and threatening behaviour is an abuse of power by a monopoly and a clear violation of the rights and freedoms afforded me by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms as enshrined in our Canadian Constitution.
My family and I rely upon power supply by BC Hydro, so if the power is cut off due to my refusal to allow installation of the microwave device on my home, I will hold the utility company accountable for damages.
This public utility company should offer us choice, through a no-cost, opt-out program, which can be accessed by all of us who wish not to have smart meters on our properties. Opt-out provisions are now being mandated in most places where smart metering is being implemented including Quebec. BC Hydro and the provincial government are well aware of this. I stand resolute in my demand to be respected as a BC Hydro customer and as a citizen of BC.
I ask that BC Hydro and its employees immediately stop harassment, intimidation and threats toward me and my family in its efforts to install a microwave device against my will.
Jim Hildebrand
Michigan Avenue
