[GREN-Exec] [All] Michael Harris and Party of One

[Kevin Thomason]

Good idea John.  Even I must admit my frustration with the Harper government and their lack of environmental leadership however, I worry that if we start to focus on politics instead of the environment, on slamming candidates and parties instead working on the solutions required we stand to divide GREN rather than unite.  I don't want to drive people away but instead build broad community action.  There are lots of political parties and action groups in Waterloo Region already however, there aren't many diverse environmental organizations working on the wide number of solutions required.

Cheers,
Kevin.

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On Jan 27, 2015, at 10:48 AM, John Jackson <jjackson at web.ca> wrote:

> Being as we have a clear yes-no difference in the view on what we should do here, and since the proposed event is seen as possibly having both positive and negative impacts on GREN, I am wondering if we should put this out for comment and a vote from paid GREN members – only GREN members, not GREN.all. If you agree, I would include both the GREN members who paid last year and those who paid up last week.
> 
> What do the rest of you think for the process going forward?
> 
> John
> 
> 
> 
> On 15-01-26 10:21 PM, "Susan Koswan" <susankoswan at execulink.com> wrote:
> 
>> I value your input Kevin, and certainly respect your ability to “play well with others”, but Harper has to go. The destruction he has wreaked on this country is beyond the pale. I can’t think when I have been more incensed by a politician. 
>>  
>> There are differences between GREN and the KWFN. We are not a registered charity, so we cannot be threatened by financial audits...to the best of my understanding. We have no restrictions on the amount of time and resources we devote to “political activity”. Harper’s bullying tactics are just one more reason I loathe him. We must stand up to this kind of abuse, and point it out for what it is. 
>>  
>> There are huge negative environmental impacts because of Harper. GREN, although wisely choosing not to endorse any candidates, is political. I don’t see being a co-sponsor for this as a conflict with our goals and values. Anyone else want to weigh in on this? 
>>  
>> I’m fine if GREN doesn’t want to be a sponsor, but I thought I’d give us first dibs...and I am bringing Michael Harris to town, regardless of GREN’s involvement. 8-)
>>  
>> Susan K 
>>  
>>  
>>  
>>  
>>  
>> 
>> From: Kevin Thomason [mailto:kevinthomason at mac.com] 
>> Sent: January-26-15 7:43 PM
>> To: Susan Koswan
>> Cc: Executive GREN
>> Subject: Re: [All] Michael Harris and Party of One
>> 
>> Hi Susan,
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> I think your e-mail went to the entire GREN list and not just the Exec.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> I really like the idea of us hosting speakers and working with other groups on joint initiatives.  My only concern is that it might be better if it has an environmental focus rather than a political focus.  I'm not too sure that we should side with or against any particular political party as we will need to work with them all at some point or another.  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> I also wouldn't want GREN to fall into the current governments crosshairs like the KW Field Naturalists did earlier this year and become the subject of intense Revenue Canada auditing.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Anyways - just my quick thoughts.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Cheers,
>> 
>> Kevin.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> ----------------------------
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> On Jan 26, 2015, at 4:44 PM, Susan Koswan <susankoswan at execulink.com> wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> Hi GREN Exec,
>>  
>> Would GREN be interested in co-sponsoring bringing Michael Harris to town with Fair Vote Canada (and possibly a few other groups)? 
>>  
>> Anita Nickerson from FVC and I have both been corresponding with him to work out something. We’d have to cover his travel expenses to bring him from Halifax – flights to Toronto would be about $600 and Anita said they could cover half of that. I’m willing to donate to the cause and would GREN be willing to contribute some dollars? 
>>  
>> We could even arrange a small “Dinner with Michael Harris” and charge for that, to offset some expenses. I want to bring in Wordsworth to look after book sales. 
>>  
>> No dates set yet – we’re waiting to hear back from him re availability. 
>>  
>> Susan K 
>>  
>>  
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>>  
>> 
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> 
> -- 
> John Jackson
> 17 Major Street
> Kitchener, Ontario N2H 4R1
> 519-744-7503
> 
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