Dear Editor,
Well, it’s deja vu all over again. So what do we do about it? We have three options.
1. We can complain about it to whoever will listen;
2. We can make a placard and demonstrate in front of a gas station; or
3. We can use a great weapon, known as a boycott.
Number 1 will usually result in frustration and not much else. Number 2 will make people more aware that we’re not happy and get some coverage in the local paper. Number 3 will get the attention of the local media as well as the oil companies and the tax collector.
I’d like to thank B.L. Jorgesen for the wonderful letter to the editor on May 21 (Gas prices skyrocket). The point that the letter makes is the illegal taxation on taxation. The Goods and Services Tax is just that. Since the three levels of taxation are neither a good nor a service, they shouldn’t be subject to taxation (GST).
The boycott requires a little effort, but there are other benefits besides thumbing your nose at the oil companies and the tax collector. By a boycott, I mean leaving your vehicle at home whenever you can. You have a few options here: you can walk, cycle, or take the community bus. The bus uses bio diesel, so you’re not breaking the boycott.
I realize that it’s not always possible to leave the vehicle at home, but when you can, do so. You will be doing your part in the boycott. Instead of driving the children to school, you can all cycle or walk and lock the bikes to the fence until you pick them up in the afternoon. You’ll be helping the environment as well as putting money in your pocket. (Let’s not forget the exercise factor as well.)
If enough people participate, maybe the boycott will spread to other communities. This would require the news media to spread the news of our boycott.
Whether it’s successful or not, at least you’ll end with a little more cash in your pocket and the satisfaction that you at least did something about the high price of gas.
Henry Martyn
Merritt
