Officials must listen to concerns of those opposed to uranium mining

Following is as an excellent letter written by Kevin Newman of Hoyt, N.B. This area, like Southeast N.B., is being targeted by the uranium exploration companies. We need to write to all the newspapers, and often. And we have to make our voices heard in Fredericton. All those who are against any uranium activity in N.B., please stand up!!

By KELLY NEWMAN - For The Daily Gleaner, 28th November 2007

I do not support uranium mining. I am fundamentally opposed to it. It matters not where it is, for wherever it is, it should not be. The fact that it is being considered anywhere shows that society has been in a constant devolution since settlers came to this land and assumed false power over its stewards.

A ban on uranium mining is needed in New Brunswick. Actually, a world-wide moratorium is needed, but we should all start with our own backyards to clean things up.
I heard my community being offered up to be bought and sold on the stock market recently. But I am opposed to mining and most certainly opposed to uranium mining.

Does that really not matter? Does it matter not that none of us want it here?
What about we who choose to make a life instead of making money and a living? Why do we have no say in all of this? My great-grandfather warned of the politicians with silver tongues and golden promises. He surely would have included corporate reps had they been an entity then. I heard them wagging their tongues at a meeting about uranium mining. They answered nothing of importance and wasted our time.

We do not have the right to tear up and abuse the Earth as we do. Just because we can, doesn't mean we should. Did we not learn this as children? It is atrocious that our democratically elected government is selling out from under us our future and our children's right to life with clean air, water and earth. How can any part of the mining process be in the best interest of the people? Only those with investment or corporate connections think this to be good. And that is due to the money they will make. It is good for no living thing.

Premier Shawn Graham should not think for a moment that he speaks for me, my family, my community or any of our needs. He and his government and the Opposition think of profits, not people. Not one person I have spoken with is in favour of uranium mining coming to New Brunswick, yet they still pretend it is a positive thing.

The greedy, who are seeking more money, more power, more stuff see the Earth as a commodity, something one can own. But I do not, so how are we to agree on the importance of it existing in its natural way? And how do you not see how sacred the Earth is? We don't even know the difference between luxury and necessity anymore. How many acknowledge and appreciate the luxury of electricity anymore? We have been separated from our natural relations and place within this creation.

We are told to trust government and businesses with our lives, the Earth, the children and our sustenance. But how could they act in our best interests? They do not even know who we are. An Indian elder once said, "Only when the last tree has been felled, the last fish has been caught, and the last river poisoned, will man realize we cannot eat money."

Eat money? Not a chance. No one can. Stand up for what truly supports us, the Earth.

Kelly Newman lives in Hoyt, N.B.

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