OPINION: The age of predatory capitalism

BY MIKE REDMOND

GUEST OPINION

A response to Alan Homan’s recent column: It’s us! David, say it isn’t so.” I read Mr. Holman’s editorial on author and historian David Weale. Moreover, his diatribe attacks someone I would consider of the finest individuals that I have had the pleasure meeting; a man with the highest integrity and considerable courage that many an intellectual on our “mighty Island” simply do not possess.

You see, I am a fan of David, and I consider him to be a friend, someone I truly admire. I love the opportunity to have a cup of java, talk politics, and of course discuss Island history. We share our thoughts for the future, while we would enjoy a laugh about true Island characters.

You see I was a young coach at UPEI when I first encountered the mercurial one. It was David’s very public stance on class sizes at the university that introduced me to this bold and brazen individual. And boy, I was impressed.
So, Mr. Holman, I am not sure you should spar with the witty David Weale. I would like to take a moment to discuss your analysis of David’s comments on how Islanders should accept our responsibility for the present day political situation.

He is, of course, correct. When you consider that some 70 per cent of Islanders rely on government jobs for their income they simply become sheep at election time, and are quite rightly fearful that if the ruling party does not return, they may lose their jobs, or even a contract.

Anyone who has had the opportunity to knock on the door politically has heard those comments; “well, my sister’s husband Billy works at the government garage, so I have to vote Liberal,” without for a moment considering perhaps if there was more balance in the legislature you could earn a better wage and perhaps, just perhaps, not have to grovel at the feet of your local politician to keep that job.
David is highlighting a very serious global issue and that is predatory capitalism. The ruthless exploitation of people and resources without pity, mercy or compassion so that a select few and only a select few will benefit from it. Is there an echo in here?

Our innovation minister would have us believe that the PNP program, e-gaming and millions of dollars in untendered IT contracts is a part of business on P.E.I. So, if the provincial conflict of interest commissioner invests in the e-gaming scam, is that regular business? Or perhaps Mr. Holman would like to show us the use of proceeds agreements from the PNP programs from 2008. Crickets!

You see, the Irvings will grow potatoes on P.E.I. as long as the government of P.E.I. panders to their ever-demanding needs. As long as they can access water, they will stay, and when the soil is no longer of use, and the water runs dry, they will leave.

Islanders have no one to blame but themselves with the current state of politics on P.E.I., and that will only change when we have the collective courage to want something better for our children and grandchildren. Only when our votes stand for courage, oversight and integrity.

I thank you, David Weale, for your honest assessment of our Island.

- Mike Redmond is a P.E.I. farmer and social activist who has been in Ghana for the last four months working with Veterinarians without Borders, and coaching soccer.