An argument in a vacuum
It’s funny how perspective can add to an argument. When you are making an argument with no room for debate, or attempt to understand others perspective, it actually gets quite easy. www.EthicalOil.org, which appears to be some kind of fan-inspired Ezra Levant worship site, really nails just how easy it is.
You see, it seems to exist exclusively to reinforce what Levant has been arguing about the Alberta Oilsands. They are ethical.
So allow me to be clear. I think that our Oil Sands are ethical by many standards. Although I have reservations about the regulatory framework they work within, that same transparency, and how we measure their social ROI, I absolutely believe that they are a massive benefit and resource for Alberta.
But, I simply don’t buy the argument that because they are “better” than other sources of middle east energy, everything is A-OK. The EthicalOil.org website has released an advertising campaign that makes this argument. If the goal is to sway public opinion on our oil sands, I think it’s grossly underselling the level of sophistication which Albertan’s and our energy customers operate at.
Here are two Ads, which tell the story of what I mean. You can see the contrast they are trying to make with middle-eastern oil sources. I get that, and agree with it in many ways. But I am offended by the simplistic argument they are making, assuming that decisions on policy, regulation and engagement are made in a vacuum, and compared only to the social expectations of the middle east.
On Aboriginal Employment:
On Homosexual Equality:
Homosexual Equality Ad
I don’t need to elaborate too much on both of these issues from a western perspective, to convince you that compared to OUR OWN expectations as a culture, we have much to do in both areas.
Aboriginal unemployment is a major issue in Alberta today. If we strive to improve it, we could actually dramatically improve our labour issues as a province.
Gay awareness, tolerance and equal acceptance in our education and social systems in my opinion stills lags behind much of the advanced western World.
So obviously, compared to brutal and backwards dictatorships, yes our oil is “ethical”.
But if we measure our ethics from the lowest common denominator, we really aren’t achieving as much are we?
See more ridiculous ads by EthicalOil.org here.
Co-Founder of two beautiful daughters and 