The Post Kyoto discussion reminds me of the various other commitments that the Government has instigated but eventually become the flavor of the week. Remember the GST – wasn’t it a temporary measure, what about the FastCat Ferries or the Gun Registry. They all appear to be logical steps for an organized democratic society, but somehow the focus becomes blurred once we get past the starting gates.

Our government has made a commitment to the world that it would honor its responsibility and attempt to follow the Kyoto Protocal. It now appears that we are attempting to downplay our responsibilities by finding various loopholes and exceptions.

Canada is trying to gain credit for its production of natural gas (the clean alternative) and also for the amount of carbon sinks (forest and farm land) that our great country possesses. They are searching for any clause that will allow us to do less than expected.

We should set an example for the world to follow. I think at some times we allow the Americans to influence our mindset. Since our neighbors to the south did not endorse the accord, many of us believe that the Americans have a method to their madness. I can give you plenty of examples of Americans doing the wrong thing, from Pet Rocks to the War in Iraq to WWF wrestling.

We as Canadians need to take the bull by the horn and enthusiastically embrace the Kyoto Protocal. If the Americans witness the positive results we can achieve, then they might be in tune to joining us in the future. With the strongest nation in the world on side much more can be accomplished world wide to reduce green house gas emissions.