Defiance of Falcon

So psycho-despot Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon and his Gateway Project are still threatening to steamroll across BC regardless of minor inconveniences such as democratic process...but he resistance is MASSIVE and gathering momentum rapidly...

This forum tomorrow (Monday) at SFU downtown could be lively, would love to see you there. If you aren't able to reserve seats just show up at the door 15 min. early, you are likely to get in.

It's being moderated by a regular journo with the Vanc. Sun so is very likely to get at least some media coverage, esp. if there is a vocal audience (and saucy signs can't hurt either).

Ya basta!

Carmen at
http://www.gatewaysucks.org

btw, APOLOGIES for the fact that the bulletin about the Bill 43 rally on Nov 21 didn't get out to you til after the fact! that was a technical glitch. Now sorted out. But the Rally was fantastic, even so... great turnout and energy. The Bill passed in the legislature, no big surprise...but that's not the end of the fight. Check here for deets:

http://www.straight.com/node/121096/view

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Dissenting from Highway Expansion: reflecting on citizen activism at Eagleridge Bluffs. Presented by SFU Urban Studies.

Monday, Dec. 3, 2007, 7-9 p.m. at SFU Vancouver, 515 West Hastings Street, Room 1700.

Panelists: Ned Jacobs (kickass Eagleridge defender),

Betty Krawczyk (superhero raging granny),

Barbara Petit (city planner).

Moderator:
Frances Bula, public affairs reporter, The Vancouver Sun.

To reserve a seat, please email urban@=@sfu.ca or call 778.782*7914.

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A message from Ned Jacobs, activist arrested at Eagleridge Bluffs:

Preparing for this public forum has led me to think a lot about the Eagleridge battle; what it was--an attempt to save unique woodlands in Greater Vancouver from needless destruction--and what it has become--a poignant reminder of what our region and the world stands to lose by continuing to pander to car culture and special interests. In hindsight, the Sea to Sky "improvement" was a grievous error, not only because it destroyed old growth forest and wetlands of priceless recreational and educational value, but because of the severe road congestion it will almost certainly induce, and pressure to build a third crossing to Vancouver, which could prove even more problematic than Highway 1 expansion.

Striving to protect Eagleridge was an educating and radicalizing experience for all involved, and some Eagleridge defenders have subsequently become active opponents of the Gateway Program, of irresponsible expansion of ports, fish farms, and destructive exploitation of creeks and rivers. For thousands of concerned citizens in BC and around the world the loss of Eagleridge Bluffs is a potent reminder of the vulnerability of irreplaceable environmental assets, the dangers of car-oriented development, the misuse of our justice system and the undermining of accountability, transparency and democracy.

While I can't help but grieve the loss of that special place, it gives me comfort to know that Eagleridge--and its import--will not be forgotten, because people who truly care about sustainability and livability are doing their part to insure that its multiple meanings live on.

Hoping to see you on Monday,

Ned

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http://www.gatewaysucks.org