Trudeau story cont'd.

While I escorted him across the street at this particularly aggressive intersection, he commented to me that he had especially enjoyed my editorials and had indeed read my letter and commented on how he found the third question about a global moral creed of interest.
“Yes,” he said. “A charter of obligations. We have a Charter of Rights. We need a Charter of Responsibilties. I’m working on that with members of the InterAction Council, former heads of state.”

I expressed my interest in this document and he told me, “The Secretariat is in Japan. We’re not finished yet.”
“Will you send me or have your office send me this material, anything at all on this work?”
“Yes, I will send you a copy after it’s ratified.”

He then mentioned he had something to sign at City Hall. As we walked up the stairs, I felt I had crowded him enough and said, “Mr Trudeau, I don’t mean to crowd you so I will leave you here then.”
“No, no. You may come in. The mayor has asked me to come. I just have to sign the official city Guest Book,” sounding like he was disdaining the officialdom of it all.
I was beginning to feel like his escort. I wondered where everybody was – the RCMP, the city dignitaries, the press etc etc. When we walked into the lobby of city hall, a girl of about 20 behind the counter said, “Yes? Can I help you?” in the same tone of voice she might greet a late bill-payer.
“I’m here to sign a book,” said a bewildered Trudeau, now becoming uncomfortable.
“This is the former Prime Minister of Canada, Pierre Elliot Trudeau…” I offered, myself surprised at the lack of preparedness for their distinguished guest.
The counter girl looked baffled and she made a sound which doesn’t print well on paper but went something like, “Ah-Ohhh-eeee.” That was enough to get the attention of the city clerk who then came swinging through her little door and with hand lurching in the direction of Mr Trudeau introduced herself. Just before the melee of people fussing all over him, I told Mr Trudeau in a whisper, that I’d leave him now, that he was in good hands. He detected my lighthearted cynicism.
I was still scribbling furiously when he exited from the side door and came shuffling down the ramp, again alone. I escorted him across that street as he led me toward a light coloured van. There was a gruff looking fellow standing there eyeing us and now I became all that more aware that we were alone and unprotected, against any kind of planned attack on this former head of state. As we walked I crossed in front of him in a gesture of protectiveness. Mr Trudeau then approached this fellow saying, “This is my son, Sascha.” He opened the van door for his Dad and as Mr Trudeau climbed in to the back seat, I extended my hand and said, “Thank you, Mr Trudeau for your time.”
Mr Trudeau said, “No, no, Mr Langen. Thank you for your time.” It was then we shook hands.
After some correspondence with him of a polite sort reminding him of my interest in this global decree, he sent me a copy of The Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities and in so doing allowed me to be its first publisher.

See http://www.peace.ca/univdeclarticle.htm for text.

Mr Trudeau, an elder statesman then, was keenly aware of the need for such a document to be adopted by countries everywhere. I suggest such a document, perhaps somewhat simplified, be also agreed upon and accepted by corporate heads, especially of trans-national companies, inasmuch as their activity is having a real bearing and consequence on this place all people call home, our earth.

We need to get our priorities screwed on straight. Global stakeholders first. Then their shareholders.

Only then, can we imagine that globalization and all its ramifications might at least be moving forward within certain moral parameters. In this way, it may be possible that globalization actually facilitates the greater good: the abolishment of poverty; the elimination of greenhouse gases; an increase in human health for all; increased comfort and longevity; and the education of all. The science is coming into existence which will make all this quite within the grasp of our grandchildren. Press for this, with the same lifelong commitment Mr Pierre Trudeau pressed for issues of social justice and global peace and we will have real cause for hope.


SUPER VALU ON DAVIE BOYCOTT UPDATE

Just got a call from some poor chump from West Fair foods, the gang that sold McLellan the franchise. Apparently, someone at Loblaws back east threw him my bone to deal with and this sap at the wrong end of the food chain didn't have a clue about the controversy, or the existence of The English Bay Banner. After I nonchalantly unloaded a few mentions of the Hells Angels and the beating of accused shoplifters and wondered aloud why WestFair or Loblaws or President’s Choice was still supplying this man, he managed to repeat, in an audibly quivering voice, "I can't comment on any of this. I really can't comment." And while I thought I could hear the sound of a chump peeing himself, he said he would send "this email" (he got from Loblaws) back to them and see what comes of that. Some days it's all worth it.

Still waitng to hear from Mr Lederer, President of Loblaws or Mr Weston, Chairman. And no word from The West Ender, The Courier, the gay political groups or newspaper, or very much at all from other ‘upstanding’ members of this community.

People will boycott that outlet if it becomes cool. You have to hit the frenzy button just so. It won’t have anything to do with the principle or the righteousness of the struggle against immorality becoming prevalent and expected in our community.

"As a former employee of the Super Valu on Davie, I can attest to the fact that any so called shoplifter was taken into the "Back Room" and was beaten by as many as 3 or 4 men , as well as having anything belonging to them ie: clothing, watches, taken from them in retribution."
-anonymous


ON THE DOCKS
The current Transport Minister Jean Lapierre is trying to instigate a security check of current employees of our ports in this nation to stymie illegal activities. Opposing his substantial 21 million dollar plan are the union and marine employers groups. They say they are worried that such a sweep may put Canada in a less competitive position with other international ports. Police and senate committees have called ports havens of organized crime.