Published by: World Tibet Network News Saturday, November 29, 1997

November 28, 1997 Calgary Sun

Calgary, you restored my faith. Oh, I'm not talking to the Calgary of our political leaders who live for the next hand to be shaken and the next picture to be taken.

And no, I refer not to the Calgary of our self-proclaimed business elite, many who've shown they'll look the other way when there's a fast buck to be made.

No, instead I speak to you who work and pay your taxes and raise your children and give help when needed and don't get gala invitations or champagne luncheons or white hats.

You, who know the difference between good and evil and raise your voice when injustice wends its sordid way into our town.

And this week, you were heard loud and crystal-clear. Oh, I know, Jiang, the dictator of China who rules by bayonet not ballot, still received a White hat from the welcoming hands of Mayor Al Duerr.

We could stop nothing. We are not in power. But, by your opposition to this act, you showed that most of us still believe in a world beyond the almighty buck and the political point. Yes, the flag should still be saluted. O Canada should still be sung.

And the symbol of our city, the white hat, should still be respected and not doled out to every tinpot tyrant who flies our way with contracts under his arm.

While others break our hearts and let us down, you remain Calgarians and Canadians. The evidence is clear.

When this newspaper attacked the official love-in with Jiang, you hit the phone lines fast.

Some phoned the mayor. In fact, many phoned the mayor. Some phoned aldermen. Some phoned me. Words like cowardly, ridiculous and spineless were among the more charitable remarks.

"I'm afraid Mr. Duerr has done lots of damage. The Chinese leader isn't going to be voting in the next mayor's race -- we are," said one early caller.

"It's an absolute crime. Al should hiding under a rock," said another. "The Sun said it best. Shame," said a third.

And my favorite ...

"We shouldn't have given him a white hat, we should have given him the boot," chortled one witty gent.

Some of those who hold high office joined the chorus. Rob Anders, the MP for Calgary West, offered his opposition. Ald.

Patti Grier also made her views known. "Would we white hat Saddam Hussein or Idi Amin? You can't give the white hat to people who do revolting things."

Yes, you even inspired me to don a black cowboy hat to work yesterday and launch my own Black Hat Protest. If Jiang wears a white hat in this town then I will wear a black one.

The Air China 747 has left town. The smiling Jiang, the Chinese propaganda press, the Canadian diplomatic hacks are no longer among us. They have done their damage. But there is a silver lining to this dark cloud.

I learned a lesson. Democracy is far from dead. Thanks.