Parker Goes UnderGround

 Parker plans urban study tour 

 (http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch/2661170/Parker-plans-urban-study-tour / By CHARLIE GATES - The Press)  

> Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker plans to visit North American cities to study urban regeneration, public transport and heritage protection.  

While "OverSeas" he should ask if any of the cities are building any bus depot's or other critical infrastructure below sea level.

He might need some advice on where to get 'insurance' against IPPC forecasts and risk of hydrostatic displacement.  

Seeing as your looking at the Seattle Public Library, the Presidio Park (Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco) and a light-rail system in Vancouver -  Imagine an aboveground 'green building' including library and other civic networking facilities (rail/bus/road) if the Heritage of Hagley Park and the Addington sale yards had been used.

Goodness, we don't even know where the Tram is going to go? We make it up as we go. 

It links what with what network? 

How does that service inner city residential commuting? 

Why does 'the tram' get such priority and expense yet is nothing more than a 'cute' tourism train-set "getting in the way of what is needed."

Usefully, while in Seattle Bob, you may learn something of the enlighted urban design drivers to safer communities.

(as presented to the LT plan Bob, you know, you were there. Remember, you said I was disrespectful. Its on the record.) 

In the spirit of "Time to Talk" Bob, I would be happy to arrange for you and the CCC officials to meet with Executive Director of the Volunteer Committee of Lawyers, King County Bar Association and Washington State Senator, Roger Goodman.  

Some of his connections include:  

King County Bar Association 

Church Council of Greater Seattle 

King County Medical Society 

League of Women Voters of Washington 

Loren Miller Bar Association 

Municipal League of King County 

National Alliance on Mental Illness of Washington 

Seattle League of Women Voters 

Washington Academy of Family Physicians 

Washington Osteopathic Medical Association 

Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility 

Washington Society of Addiction Medicine 

Washington State Bar Association 

Washington State Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics 

Washington State Medical Association 

Washington State Pharmacy Association 

Washington State Psychiatric Association 

Washington State Psychological Association 

Washington State Public Health Association  

And he can offer some insight into what they think works....  

If your going to be in Seattle - The next Seattle Hempfest is August 15-16, The event spans three Seattle waterfront parks: Elliott Bay Park, Myrtle Edwards Park, and Olympic Sculpture Park.  

You can get there... by car, bicycle, train, bus, boat and plane. Walking is good! 

http://www.hempfest.org/drupal/node/68  

More people than an Ellerslie Flower Show! And it's FREE! 

Won't cost us rate-payers a cent.  

Perhaps Roger will host you there, if you ask nicely.  

sig: Blair Anderson

ph (643) 389 4065   cell 027 265 7219

(PS: note the drop in price of NZ coastal properties Bob!, how long will South Spit 'housing' be insurable? The life of a mortgage?)

Christchurch KidsFest goes to the Dogs

Perceptions VS Realities.

The above image is a capture from my computer screen showing the STUFF (PRESS) coverage given to the TV2/PRESS/CCC KidsFest (school holiday activities) alongside [just] one of a number of images (and video) I took of the 'helicopter/dog' AOS activity.

Image via Wikipedia

There is an acute contrast in subject matter given everywhere else. If the mission is to 'scare kids into societal compliance' the message has somehow become more important than the kids.

This POLICE Armed Offenders activity caused concern to a number of the children attending the event. Military grade weapons were pointed in the direction of the young people and the parents (see photo, children are all to photographers right). While in reality, I am completely aware these weapons would have been made 'safe' for the purposes of the demonstration, this is about perceptions in the context of today's 'news and reality television' that children are exposed too. Along with the drama of the moment my video sound captures parents having to reassure clearly concerned children that this was "its just an exercise." Other remarks were overheard (but not captured). These include "Are they going to shoot him Dad" and other remarks that clearly indicated that this wasn't about 'the police dog, its handler and any demonstrable skills' rather a bigger picture as observed by parents and seen children.

The dog played a small and insignificant role and in the view of this handler, was neither very proficient, focused, or skilled.

It was shown to be used as an instrument of fear and control. It certainly wasn't about health and safety, rather one of suspected criminal activity associated with drug use (broadcast by announcer).

[ Note: the writer requested CCC to formally discuss the appropriateness of and inconsistency of this activity in the Dog Day Out advertised objectives with CCC administration as both a parent, an exhibitor/participant (School of the Naked Dog - http://nakeddog.co.nz ) and in my capacity as a founding director of Educators for Sensible Drug Policy http://efsdp.org ). - "I look forward to your confirmation of a meeting to view and discuss these photos & video content at your earliest convenience, and, I trust, how we might contribute ideas to replacing this 'activity' so that the overall tenor, themes and objectives of Dog Day Out are positively enhanced for future events."]

These concerns are mutually shared by front line health delivery specialists (nursing staff) that recognise the use of WestPak rescue ambulance/helicopter in this case also has public relations implications.

Image by bartmaguire via Flickr

The response from CCC was to deflect any concerns commenting variously 'its not the first time we have done it, no one else has complained, its just one of 220 events, we are greatful to Garden City Helicopters for their support, and we used to have the dog bring the guy down....' - This was a school holiday activity, if this was to occur as a formal part of an intermediate school health and safety initiative it would be seriously questionable 'use of resources' but worse, while hopefuly ineffectual, likely counterproductive.

I have, since the Jan Molenaar incident seen AOS response twice in my near neighborhood. Are we to believe we are safer for all this increased prevelance of police precence in the community... media continues to report fearful crime epidemics yet statistics show crime is decreasing.

Is Dog Day Out just another example (expression) of the media x police collusion in manufacturing consent - the attached image makes a strong case. Despite the offer of use of video proof no media would take the opportunity to 'tackle' the seeming vexing complexity at the nexus of this.

That said... "in all other respects an enjoyable day was had. It is a refreshing reminder to naysayers who see dogs as problematic in the community that here we had hundreds of children and dogs and the only spat we saw was a fox terrier with a napoleon complex grrr'ing a 60kg behemoth that could have sat on it! All in all and excellent public relations (for dogs and owners everywhere) that should remind us all that 600,000 kiwi-dogs never bit anyone today."

We hope that the CCC can be just as creative and committed to 'Take a Dog to Work" day for much the same reason and societal reward.

Yours faithfully, Blair Anderson

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CHCH 2020 Climate Change Community Consultation

Image via Wikipedia

attn: Hon Nick Smith, member for Tasman. Minister Responsible for Climate Change.

re: Christchurch 2020 CC Dialog at the Christchurch Convention Center

Dear Nick,

As one of the last to comment/question verbally I spoke of historical 'grievance' and US 1000 tonnes vs China 1 tonne.

Your appropriate response was to acknowledge that such a grievance existed but you took umbrage at my estimate of one tonne for Chinese (and many other developing nations) by the time the USA had emitted 1000 tonnes pp. then went on to point out that Chinese emissions were currently much higher therefore by inference suggesting my differential was of less consequence. Further you added that China was not in support of C&C. While my reference to the historical basis was recognition of legitimate grievance, I argue that failure to address that grievance is masked by white privilege and that ANY government that avoids the responsibility (and negates the social dividend of a rights based solution, surely a National Party Principle) is guilty of culpable genocide, set aside the injustice of failing to improve health equity through social and economic development that improves healthy lifestyle and conditions*, reduces the burden of disease and results in the social capital of leveling up of poorest communities and removing unfair economic arrangements.

When I presented the simplicity, logic and reason for NZ's support for C&C, at the Christchurch Business consultation Treasury officials encouragingly referred to C&C as the conscience behind the ETS.

I am pleased you personally consider its merits so highly and for the first time in a public forum [that I have heard] a Minister of the Crown actually mention C&C let alone in favorable terms.

I defer to the following reports, firstly prepared for

Government of South Australia : Copenhagen, contraction and convergence
www.epnrm.sa.gov.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket...tabid=2732
• Developed nations have high emissions levels (e.g. Au = 28 tonnes/person/year)
• Developing nations have low emission levels (e.g. China = 1 tonne/person/year)
• Global sustainable level (450ppm) is around 3 tonne/person/year
• Copenhagen December 2009

and
For example the Contract and Converge strategy has now been adopted by India, China and many African countries as the basis for future negotiations.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/index.php?curid=3040255

As to New Zealand [fast] following Australia these comments should, in my opinion give weight to my question; Why has C&C been overlooked?

Please accept this correspondence as a formal response to your request for feedback. I expect to see C&C given the standing it deserves.

United Nations Association of Australia

http://www.unaavictoria.org.au/media/GMUNC/Resolution_Original.pdf
Invites all Parties adopt a global program of "Contraction and Convergence" that provides for a fair and equitable global per capita emissions target consistent with the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stabilize the global climate and that ensures temperature rises are well below 2°C (above pre-industrial averages) and
that greenhouse gas concentrations are less than 400ppm CO2-equivalent;

The Australia Institute
https://www.tai.org.au/file.php?file=web_papers/WP104.pdf
The determination of national budgets on this basis is likely to be consistent with the so-called 'contraction and convergence' method of allocating emission allowances. Global emission levels would be reduced (contraction) and per capita emission levels should gradually be equalised amongst developed and developing countries (convergence) over the 21st century.

World Health Organisation

"There is a need to develop conceptual frameworks such as Contraction and Convergence."

I continue to seek the support of your Ministry to assist in bringing C&C architect Aubrey Meyer to New Zealand and would like to make that case in person. This represents an opportunity for New Zealand to both show leadership in CC strategy and maximise our international standing in economic development and social justice. It would be entirely appropriate given that voice to C&C has been avoided in all public discussion documents to date this is done expeditiously.

*Notably in reference to the current obesity issue, the latest British Medical Journal makes the following reference: "This policy [C&C] offers a way forward which is globally just and produces profuse health benefits, such as encouraging more physical function among people in industrialised societies."

Yours faithfully,

sig: Blair Anderson

Another MildGreen Initiative and Social Ecologist 'at large'
http://blairformayor.blogspot.com
http://mildgreens.blogspot.com
ph (643) 389 4065 cell 027 265 7219

Cap and Trade Is a Scam, and Only the Few Will Survive

Image via Wikipedia

"Father of the Gaia Theory, James Lovelock says we can't stop climate change, but that humanity will continue in some smaller form"

The Dark Side of Climate Change: It's Already Too Late, Cap and Trade Is a Scam, and Only the Few Will Survive Environment AlterNet#c1254678:

And that is why it was ever so important that MP Nick Smith came out and supported in principal, the only framework for managing emissions 'Contraction and Convergence' [C&C] at last nights Climate Change 2020 consultation in Christchurch Convention Center.

Will the media notice C&C ? Will they notice it has been crucially omitted form MFE and MED consultation documents todate, despite it being highly indicated?

If its was good enough for the Minister responsible for Climate Change crucially giving it the thumbs up why on gods earth has it been avoided until the weeks before Bonn and COP12.

Blair Anderson

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