EDITORIAL – When it comes to wildfires, sometimes politicians should shut up
MLA Greg Kyllo.(Image: Facebook)
An editorial by Mel Rothenburger.
TAKING THE POLITICS out of the wildfires would be welcome about now.
Shuswap MLA Greg Kyllo got into the an exchange of barbs last week with NDP MLA Ravi Parmar that doesn’t look good on either of them.
It has its roots in a blast aimed at the Eby government by Kyllo and fellow BC United MLAs Peter Milobar and Todd Stone as wildfire raged in the Shuswap. The trio raked the New Democrats over the coals for the tight lid being kept on the evacuation zone by BC Wildfire Service and the RCMP.
Those attempting to get food and supplies to citizens who stayed behind to fight the fire must be allowed in, they said. Things really hit the fan when 20 or so people took part in a so-called “freedom convoy” to confront police at a checkpoint set up on the highway.
One way of looking at the situation is that the three MLAs were being opportunistic and playing some cheap politics. Another is that they were simply trying to speak on behalf of constituents.
According to Parmar, a rookie NDP MLA elected in a June byelection, they were advocating for evacuation orders to be ignored. That’s an exaggeration — it’s pretty clear the three weren’t suggesting anyone ignore evacuation orders and certainly not to attempt to overwhelm a police roadblock.
But Kyllo’s response to Parmar’s accusations was a little over the top as well. He likened Parmar to a hockey goon sent out by the coach to beat up the other team. It was his way of putting down an opposing politician but it was uncalled for.
Thousands of people have been impacted by the wildfires this year; many have lost their homes and possessions. The stress they’re feeling must be incredibly intense.
What good did the politicians think they were doing with their word-feud? Whatever they thought, it did no one any good.
Sometimes, politicians should just shut up.
I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.
Mel Rothenburger is a regular contributor to CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a recipient of the Jack Webster Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. He has served as mayor of Kamloops, school board chair and TNRD director, and is a retired daily newspaper editor. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.
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Buddy and I went for three “official” visits to the reception centre at McArthur Island on behalf of the SJA Therapy Dogs program. Some other folks took their dogs as well.
The third time, which was on Tuesday, was a time when the mood was sombre. There were quite a number of folks who were evacuees. It was a tough day to carry home the emotions transferred from the people with whom I talked. Buddy was “drained” (we learned in the classroom ahead of certification that SJA therapy dogs become tired when visiting certain places).
Grief, sorrow, loss, a complete change of life and even suppressed anger were part of the atmosphere.
One of the staff members upstairs said to me that I and the other volunteers who brought their dogs had no idea how much this meant to them.
A wildfire is no place for politicians to try and make points for themselves or their party.
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People, please don’t forget, BC United Leader Kevin Falcon was deep into the Liberal Party Under Gordon Campbell & Christy Clarke. Remember Campbell & MLA’s gave BC Carbon Tax July 2008, Then HST. Campbell took the golden handshake to Canada house in the UK.
Falcon was Finance Minister, Like Terry Lake Health Minister and I sure remember the Mess those 2 left BC in.
Kevin Falcon as Deputy Minister to Christy Clarke that DUMPED Coulson Mars Bombers and sweet Contract with CON AIR water Pistols.
Yes, we voted for Milobar & Lake but never BC. United lead by Falcon.
They have now all become BIG MOUTHS and not one suggestion to help
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