Quote:
Originally Posted by GordonBlue
not sure how to imbed but in April 2 as part of discussion you followed up with -
"Human rights will always come before economic prosperity for me. It's the fundamental core of why we exist and do things freely, and why we are privileged to enjoy that. Even playing field for all. Worse comes to worse you just live minimalist, learn how to be frugal, or move elsewhere for economic opportunity, at least in my opinion."
thought things like this are easy for you to say as you've commented you're doing quite well for yourself.
not saying people should be denied human rights, that's not where I'm coming from.
also matters what human rights you're referring to. some people on this site have stated a decent living wage is a human right, as one example.
but I can't give any more than I already am. the loss of much income in my family and the increase in the cost of everything has my family at the end of a thin rope.
economic prosperity is at the forefront of my existence right now. I do believe in human rights but it's hard to rage against anyone when you worry every single day about losing your house or even putting healthy food on the table, or something as simple as your kid asking why the only stores we seem to go to are the dollar store or a thrift shop.
the answer to helping the disadvantaged can't be taking more from people who may not have more to give. doesn't help that you think the answer is to be more frugal or just move.
anyway, after all that I will say that I did NOT vote UCP.
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Gordon, thank you for finding the quote and sharing your opinion.
You may not agree, but I stand by what I say.
I do place human rights first and foremost. If we are not all equal in a democratic, Western country, free to practice what we want, what we say and how we live our lives - and with ensuring those protections are met - then what are we as a society? A right to a decent living wage is very much a thing, but that wage is dependent upon the individual - no one is handing out wages for free, that's what social programs are for if people qualify for that situations. In Canada, we have access to those social programs. I don't expect these to change whether it's NDP or UCP, and if they do, it's not significant. People need help, and we are lucky to live in a society where we can guarantee that help and have the luxury of ensuring rights are met. So when governments rollback progressive policy to support rights - even if they are minor to some - I oppose it. The LGBTQ community is still marginalized, and I suppor their right to exist and make decisions on their own without having the threat of others to make for them.
Regarding the economy, this is an economy that waits for no one and doesn't have an "end game" for fixing itself. It is ruthless, and it is ugly - something we weren't prepared for as a province. THis is an economy where people have to fight harder than before to earn a living and live a particular lifestyle that we have become accustomed to for many years prior; the boom times became normal place, and the expectations with it. Once the recession hit, it was the first real check on those expectations that many of us had seen, and hopefully during the good times prepared for.
This is an economy where there is nothing wrong in saying that you have to adjust your lifestyle to fit your circumstances. Being frugal, living more simply with less material things, and having to move around for work are not unnatural reactions to changing circumstances. Many people are already doing it. Our parents and grandparents did it during the Great Depression, the ####ty 80's and the fallout from the NEP, and we have to do it now.
I sympathize with your position - I really do. I have a couple of friends who are also struggling still. So let me make something clear - I don't want to see anyone lose their job, suffer, or fall on hard times. But when your situation is "backed into a corner" you have to fight your way out. I don't believe waiting for the government to fix your situation is a good strategy - even if Kenney's office sees a pipeline getting built, that is absolutely no guarantee that things immediately get better.
If moving is an option, you do it. If living more frugal or minimalist is an option, you do it. If re-training yourself to go into a new industry is a new option, you do it. If taking extra shifts or a lower-paying job with modest expectations is an option, you do it. One example is how people from the other Prairie provinces, Ontario and the East Coast left their homes and come to Alberta for opportunity in the Patch and this province. Its happened in Canada before and will continue to a thing as different regions of this country do well and other falter.
As I am in tech, right now it's probably better to be in the Lower mainland or the GTA - and I will do that if I have to.
I don't know what you personally, but humans are resilient - and if we have to change our behaviors and lifestyles to match extreme circumstances, then we do it. People leave ancestoral homes and countries because of opportunity (or lack thereof), oppression, or other reasons. They change their lives, uproot, and redefine themselves, often at great risk. This is just what we as a species do.
I understand your frustration, and if there's anything I can do to help I'm glad to listen. You're welcome to tear me apart if you want as well.