Today I was asked to leave and escorted out of council chambers...
I got rather passionate and lost my red headed temper at the end there with Councillor Dave Loken. As a result, I deprived council of the opportunity to watch an incredible presentation made by the children of Twin Brooks that had literally brought me to tears the night before. These kids did a fantastic job and I truly appreciate everything they put into their video! I did my best in trying to represent their desire to be heard...but sometimes we fall short. I did today.
I often attempt to make comparisons regarding moral issues in the context that everyone understands...and after losing control of my temper I threw out the notion that Edmonton City Council must hold itself to moral account, by way of a perhaps inappropriate comparison. Perhaps they were right in throwing me out after that comment. But in doing so they deprived the community of their voice, which is against everything that City Council purports to represent.
Incidentally, the best part of this process for me may have been my experience with the Peace Officer who threw me out of the building. I believe his name was Ryan, and he treated me with the upmost of respect and dignity, while escorting me right onto the front steps. As he was walking me to the doors, he asked "What was that all about?", to which I responded "I was exercising my free right to free speech." He completely understood, as I understood his role of removing me from the property. Thanks for hearing me, Ryan - I wish we could all receive the same consideration from City Council.
The park expropriation program in Edmonton was launched under a shroud of immorality and the mayor that launched it is no longer in council. With him gone, it is our City Council's moral responsibility to assess their course and to correct it!
THEY NEED TO STOP STEALING OUR PARKS!
I got rather passionate and lost my red headed temper at the end there with Councillor Dave Loken. As a result, I deprived council of the opportunity to watch an incredible presentation made by the children of Twin Brooks that had literally brought me to tears the night before. These kids did a fantastic job and I truly appreciate everything they put into their video! I did my best in trying to represent their desire to be heard...but sometimes we fall short. I did today.
I often attempt to make comparisons regarding moral issues in the context that everyone understands...and after losing control of my temper I threw out the notion that Edmonton City Council must hold itself to moral account, by way of a perhaps inappropriate comparison. Perhaps they were right in throwing me out after that comment. But in doing so they deprived the community of their voice, which is against everything that City Council purports to represent.
Incidentally, the best part of this process for me may have been my experience with the Peace Officer who threw me out of the building. I believe his name was Ryan, and he treated me with the upmost of respect and dignity, while escorting me right onto the front steps. As he was walking me to the doors, he asked "What was that all about?", to which I responded "I was exercising my free right to free speech." He completely understood, as I understood his role of removing me from the property. Thanks for hearing me, Ryan - I wish we could all receive the same consideration from City Council.
The park expropriation program in Edmonton was launched under a shroud of immorality and the mayor that launched it is no longer in council. With him gone, it is our City Council's moral responsibility to assess their course and to correct it!
THEY NEED TO STOP STEALING OUR PARKS!