Community
Today’s politicians could learn a thing or two from the movies.
Christopher Walken (actor) played the part of an owner of a gold mine in the move “The Rundown”. In this role he demanded to know “what is wrong with those people” who worked in his mine. He paid them, built them a town, put shirts on their backs.
Never mind the low wages, the hard labor, and the brutality of life, what is wrong with them?
“Total Recall” involved a mine owner with the same problem.
These are extreme cases of fiction but it is only the location and the exaggeration of the issue that is fiction.
Today under the guise of fiscal stewardship we suffer many the same maladies depicted (albeit exaggerated), in these movies.
Political leaders maintain too small a circle of influence, and begin to believe that, what is right for their circle, is right for everyone. If they do well, everyone will do well. Like the mine owner in the movie, today’s politicians believe it.
Current Prime Minister Trudeau, actually, in my opinion, believed it when he tried to fix the boondoggle an international Canadian based, business got into by seeking a special prosecution agreement. Later he realized he was wrong.
When cities handed off development to large developers, they became subservient to the developers, many believe, and start to preach, what is good for the developers are good for their cities.
Locally we have spent many tens of millions, of tax-payers money, on roads and services, fire halls, police stations, transit, public meetings, studies and planning to accommodate the developers.
In Red Deer, our population increased by 195 people, since 2015, while we built 1299 new homes, our house assessments depreciated 2 % eliminating any new tax base. Did we learn anything? No we are still accommodating the desires of large developers.
Premier Jason Kenney has the same problem as Christopher Walken’s character. “What is wrong with those people?” As the mine owner, lining his pockets or those of his investors was paramount. He controlled everything, if you needed food you bought from his store at his prices. Education was only for young people too young to work in the mine. He ripped them off by underpaying, because he intimidated “those people”.
Premier Kenney has owners of big businesses,coal mines and oil and gas companies with eyes on profits, demanding more and easier access to money. Like the fictional mine owner controlling his town, Kenney thinks he owns the province.
He went after “those people”, our pension, “What’s wrong with those people?” He cut their minimum wages. “What’s wrong with those people?” He is bringing in Bills that will allow longer hours (12 hour work days) without overtime pay. He is cutting public education so private enterprise can make profit. He is privatising more segments of health care so private enterprise can make profit. “What’s wrong with those people?” He is restricting free speech, the right to protest, and the right to assemble.
In the movies the characters are 2 dimensional and it appears that in politics the characters are also only 2 dimensional. But “those people” are 3 dimensional and will eventually rise up and take control back.
Politicians like actors are not the only 2D characters in these scenarios, they need supporting underlings. In the movies they are directed and led, told what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. It seems in politics it is very much the same.
In the movies, The Rundown and in Total Recall, the owners were done in by greed, in the political arena many politicians went too far.
Today’s politicians should watch a few movies they might learn a thing or two.
L to R: Cindy Jefferies, Susan Knopp, Lane Tomalty, Bre Fitzpatrick
Photo credit: The SnapHappy Photographer
After a decade of leadership under Cindy Jefferies and Susan Knopp, 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer (100+ WWCRD) is proud to celebrate 10 years of supporting local charities and the announcement of Bre Fitzpatrick and Lane Tomalty as its new co-leaders. This marks an exciting new chapter for the group, which has made a significant impact on not-for-profit organizations in Central Alberta.
Cindy and Susan have led 100+ WWCRD with vision, dedication, and a commitment to empowering women to lead and inspire change. Under their stewardship, the organization has raised over $630,000 for local charities by hosting 4 annual 1-hour meetings. Since 2015, more than 36 local charities have received funding through the group.
Reflecting on their tenure, Cindy and Susan stated:
“Leading 100 Women has been an honour and a privilege. When we began this journey, we didn’t know where it would go – we simply loved the simple, elegant, and fun ‘100 Who Care’ concept and thought it was a great fit for our community. We are grateful to the many women who have stood with us. They are the magic of the organization! We are confident Bre and Lane will steward this leadership role well and we look forward to supporting it – just not from behind the microphone!”
Bre and Lane bring a dynamic energy and fresh perspective to the organization. Both have been involved with the group and have been mentored by Susan and Cindy over the past year. They are eager to continue the collaboration, connection, and local support this team of women have established in Red Deer.
In their joint statement, Bre and Lane shared:
“We are humbled to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Cindy and Susan have laid. Many needs are at the doorstep of our community and in the hearts and minds of our members. We know a powerful, caring, and united group of individuals can play a huge role in driving change and breaking barriers.
To celebrate this milestone and leadership transition, the 100+ WWCRD hosted the final meeting of 2024 on November 25th at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club. The evening featured reflections from Cindy and Susan, the selection of the Salvation Army as the charity of choice, an opportunity for members to connect with Bre and Lane as they outline their vision for the organization’s next chapter, and a toast to 10 years.
For more information, please visit www.100womenreddeer.ca
About 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer
100+ Women Who Care Red Deer is a network of compassionate, empowered, and dedicated women who make a direct, immediate, and positive impact in Red Deer and area. We support local non-profit and charitable organizations that work every day to make our community a better place to live. 100% of funds donated go to the selected charities – there are no
administration fees, and all costs are covered by the generosity of sponsors. Collectively, we make a difference.
The group meets 4 times annually for 1 hour. Non-profit and charitable organizations are nominated by members. After hearing 3 randomly drawn pitches, the members vote to select their top choice. The group with the highest number of votes receives the members’ donations. Each member or team commits to donating $100 at each meeting. Since 2015, the average raised has been more than $15,000 per meeting.
Membership is open to all women In Red Deer and area. We invite you to join us! The first meeting of 2025 will be on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Founded in February 2015, the organization currently has about 150 members. We are committed to uniting this powerful group of 100+ women who care and lifting the amazing non-profits and charitable groups they support.
Festival of Trees tickets are on sale now! Get ’em while they’re hot!
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