We woke early to catch the Ferry so we could get to a government clear out sale. We arrived at quarter to nine and there were about thiryt people in front of us. By nine, the opening time there was about two hundred in line. We went into this old "Beaver Lumber" building that had office furniture in almost every nook and cranny of the the 10,000 square foot building. We managed to get a few bargains, but I was astonsihed to see the number of "up to date" computers being given away for such little amounts of money. There were several dozen 486's or better for under $500 each. I could not imagine why these were not turned into the education system or made better use of. There was one little batch of computers that caught my eye - three skids of computers of varying sizes and shapes - all wrapped up going for $425. I had to think this was set up by someone surreptisiously. It just could not be real. Any way, I asked a few questions and let it drop. I am a tourist here, and if the government or whoever runs these things is going to rip off the people here, its too much of a distraction for me to get involved.

We went from the sale to do some other business, and then we went off to meet Betty and Seymour as our friend Howard had suggested. They live in a lovely little home out on Yellowpoint Road. Turning into their driveway does not get you to their home until you have gone through about a mile of forest. Running downhill winding like a river through deep growth forests: Quite beautiful. Arriving at a wonderful two story house/cottage and a very peaceful serene homestead. After we arrived, we went for a little excursion down the beach and then I went to meet with the interesting relations of our friend Mike Nickerson. Betty is a writer and has a book that she had completed in 1991 "Old and Smart" - a book on women and aging. Well really its more than that. On a quick read, this book reminds me of the all the language adopted by the womens movement at Rio, and subsequent. It is intended to be empowering to women and to make a difference in the quality of life for women. Where one could say our World Citizenship Challenge is intended to empower everyone to get off their butts and take responsibility for themselves, I would say this book is supportive of the same philosophy and uses our Mother the Earth as the connecting point for all. Betty has also written a book years ago on Creativity - I have misplaced the title, but her publisher is going to rebirth it. In my conversation with Seymour he has been working with an organization All about Us Canada Inc. He has been involved with this organization for over twenty years and has accumulated an interesting library of information. In particular he mentioned an indexed library catalogue of over 100,000 pictures created by Canadian youth. This catalogue is housed in the University at Guelph. Seymour also had produced a video on Sustainability - much like his step son Michael - except he won an award with his. I have not had an opportunity to review it yet. I brought for them a copy of the LAST One since I was reasonably certain that they would not have received one from Howard, and they in kind shared with me a number of books and the Video that Seymour produced. In particular they gave me a book "Wildwood" by Ruth Loomis. This is an incredibly exciting account of the work of one man Merv Wilkinson who demonstrates the power of the thinking behind sustainability. The facts speak for themselves: In 1938 Merv purchased 136 acres of land that had about 1.5 million board feet of timber. After 9 cuts on his land, he has taken out almost 1.3 million board feet and in another two and ½ years the stand will have replaced its original volume. Not bad for a young 84 year old who has just had to spend some time doing community work for objecting to Mac Blo'd desecration of the BC forests. Hey who should be doing the community service work? What is wrong with this picture? In a recent news article (The Flying Shingle / Oct 97) Dale Lovick the MLA for the District referred to Merv Wilkinsons practices as being "very dangerous". This demonstrates the responsibility of our elected representatives and their understanding of the important issues of our day. This was also reported in Toronto's Globe and Mail Oct 17, 1997 Sec. A P31). Before leaving, Seymour had mentioned that he had taped the CBC account of the MAI. I asked if I could see it. CBC is amazing. In their effort to maintain what they consider an impartial view, they just manage to avoid the truth. Yes their report was even handed. Yes their report did show that the OECD was attempting to co-operate. But was there any discussion of the implication of NAFTA and the current lawsuit? NO. (see letter Vancouver Sun)

I finally had my insight today. It is clear to me finally, that sustainability will not be written into policy of the CBC because they would have to put this "on balance" or they would be outside of their mandate. What is the meaning of this policy that has to balance everything? What is the opposing point of view to sustainability? Death? I just do not get it. Let the CBC try taking a policy position that encourages sustainability, and see who comes out complaining about it, and the nature of their complaints. This might be a good exercise for the minds that play football with ours.

We said our farewells, went off to have some lunch and caught the four o'clock ferry home.