Sustainable means forever
Just say "no" to thugs
Sent to the local media, and to Salmon Arm council:
Dear Sir:
So, Glen Bury claims that there is considerable “misinformation in the public realm” in Salmon Arm surrounding the proposed big box destruction of some of our invaluable wetlands.
Never forget that, at the bottom line, Bury and company are only interested in one thing: profits.
Local communities, local businesses, the environment, and even the truth are typically just obstacles to overcome in order to make these profits. These people will do, and say, anything that it takes to make their profits, even if it means using their almost limitless resources to hire “consultants” who will say exactly what Bury and company want them to say. And some of our councilors play right into their hands, refusing to even read and discuss the well-documented “Big Box Swindle,” and other pro-community analyses.
In that book, Stacy Mitchell discusses in detail the “jobs mirage,” the reduction in consumer choice despite claims of an increase, the fact that these developments almost invariably cost communities more than any taxes and revenues received (yes, not only do we get these developments, but we also subsidize them through our local taxes), the negative short and long term environmental impacts, violations of labor laws and underpaying already low-paid workers, and the fact that these companies deliberately manipulate consumer perceptions and create a false image for the public.
Why? Again, so that they can siphon finite local retail dollars from existing businesses and send them along to corporate headquarters, with a consequent negative ripple effect through other community businesses (banks, legal firms, stationery stores, and so on) who rely on these dollars remaining in the local economy. The big box store motto, and the motto of most developers, may as well be “profits before people, and before communities.”
The fact that Bury proposes to bring so-called “consultants” to a public hearing is just another attempt to manipulate the process, and is a direct insult to the people of Salmon Arm. Perhaps it would demonstrate their commitment to the truth if they provided equal funding to community groups who wish to hire their own consultants, but I’m not holding my breath. Apparently, these community groups have to continue to rely on their very dedicated volunteers, and on donations – a far cry from the billions of dollars of profits of big box stores, and from their sophisticated and slick media disinformation campaigns.
Please Salmon Arm council, for the good of the community and in the interest of truth, do the right thing. Bury this development once and for all. Just say “no” to thugs.
Sincerely,
Rick Shea
Dear Sir:
So, Glen Bury claims that there is considerable “misinformation in the public realm” in Salmon Arm surrounding the proposed big box destruction of some of our invaluable wetlands.
Never forget that, at the bottom line, Bury and company are only interested in one thing: profits.
Local communities, local businesses, the environment, and even the truth are typically just obstacles to overcome in order to make these profits. These people will do, and say, anything that it takes to make their profits, even if it means using their almost limitless resources to hire “consultants” who will say exactly what Bury and company want them to say. And some of our councilors play right into their hands, refusing to even read and discuss the well-documented “Big Box Swindle,” and other pro-community analyses.
In that book, Stacy Mitchell discusses in detail the “jobs mirage,” the reduction in consumer choice despite claims of an increase, the fact that these developments almost invariably cost communities more than any taxes and revenues received (yes, not only do we get these developments, but we also subsidize them through our local taxes), the negative short and long term environmental impacts, violations of labor laws and underpaying already low-paid workers, and the fact that these companies deliberately manipulate consumer perceptions and create a false image for the public.
Why? Again, so that they can siphon finite local retail dollars from existing businesses and send them along to corporate headquarters, with a consequent negative ripple effect through other community businesses (banks, legal firms, stationery stores, and so on) who rely on these dollars remaining in the local economy. The big box store motto, and the motto of most developers, may as well be “profits before people, and before communities.”
The fact that Bury proposes to bring so-called “consultants” to a public hearing is just another attempt to manipulate the process, and is a direct insult to the people of Salmon Arm. Perhaps it would demonstrate their commitment to the truth if they provided equal funding to community groups who wish to hire their own consultants, but I’m not holding my breath. Apparently, these community groups have to continue to rely on their very dedicated volunteers, and on donations – a far cry from the billions of dollars of profits of big box stores, and from their sophisticated and slick media disinformation campaigns.
Please Salmon Arm council, for the good of the community and in the interest of truth, do the right thing. Bury this development once and for all. Just say “no” to thugs.
Sincerely,
Rick Shea
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