Why

I spend an awful lot of time asking myself the question - Why? Some of the ways of the world seem obviously wrong but yet, as a society, we continue to accept them. I watch people polarize on different issues and what I seem to be witnessing can only be ironically described as passionate indifference. Everyone is too invested in their own dogma to objectively consider change. Despite the fact that many of our core beliefs are hand me downs from our parents and previous generations, the inertial forces that have us maintaining the status quo are so powerful that we tend to not accept alternative points of view.

Sometimes change is only a matter of scrutinizing the propaganda we choose to entertain. There are so many self serving agendas out there that it can be confusing to ascertain what is accurate and what is not. I think the thing to remember is that everyone has an angle. It’s up to us to determine if their angle serves a higher purpose. Better yet, we should all analyze the motives behind our actions and inactions and consider their consequences to our grandchildren’s children.

“Propaganda replaces moral philosophy.” - Hans J. Morgenthau (1904 - 1980)

Power In Our Hands

The Alberta Government’s scientists contention that the oilsands are not polluting the Athabasca River has been refuted by an independent study conducted by University of Alberta scientists. I am surprised that anyone feels it is even necessary to address this issue. Do they really think that the methods we are using to extract that oil can be used without consequence? In all of this Ed Stelmach continues to try and convey an image of being open minded and unprejudiced. Again I have to ask, does anyone really think that he does not have a stake in keeping the oilsands running, no matter the cost?

Alberta has been the richest province in Canada for decades. We have been raking in the royalties off of oil revenue that have been filling the provincial coffers as well as creating the Heritage Trust Fund - our province’s insurance plan for Alberta’s future. After over thirty years of living the high life, we find our economy, and ourselves, still completely dependent upon oil revenue. We haven’t diversified one iota and in fact we have become even more dependent upon oil revenue. Thirty years of interest income from the Heritage Trust Fund continues to be spent as fast as it accumulates as part of our provincial budgetary strategy.

Today we find ourselves in a situation where our Premier cannot lead the province without the oil companies. Ed Stelmach may be the Premier but make no mistake, it is the oil companies that are running the province and dictating government policy. If we want to change government policy, our beef is with the corporations and the corporations are only a reflection of our spending habits. Change is up to us.

“I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country. ... corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed.” - Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865)

Tradition

Kung fu has always been about family and community. Styles and knowledge were passed down from generation to generation within a family. It isn’t just coincidence that kung fu rank titles literally translate to family titles such as older brother and father. A kung fu kwoon has traditionally taken a central role in its community. If you were a new family moving into the area or someone in need of assistance, your local kung fu school was the resource to turn to. It was an integral part of the community wheel.

I believe our place and significance in the community is analogous with the strength of our kwoon family. The connection we have to our training mates defines the experience and serves to motivate in times of need. Another key requisite element for staying engaged in your kung fu is connecting with your kwoon.

In a structured school with scheduled class times and monthly tuition, it is a challenge for a student to maintain a proper perspective and relationship with their kwoon. It can be easy to fall into the gym membership mentality and just show up for a quick workout before jumping back into the rat race. Our traditions serve to ground the mind and the spirit to ensure proper training perspective is maintained so that maximum benefit is achieved.

We have an annual renovation project that give our students an opportunity to reconnect with their kwoon. The project allows them to put their own blood and sweat into the walls and take ownership of their training hall. It is no coincidence that our most dedicated and motivated students always take advantage of this opportunity and the students that struggle the most are the ones that cannot see the value in the project for themselves. It is unfortunate that they can’t see their lack of participation fuel their apathy.

This year’s renovation project was our most ambitious to date. Walls were moved, flooring was replaced, and the entire spirit of the kwoon was altered. A small, dedicated group of students managed and implemented the entire project and turned the vision into a reality. I take great pride in the leadership they have shown and I am comforted that the ownership of the kwoon is in capable and able hands. What is even more gratifying is that through the efforts of Shing Wiebe and Sihing Lindstrom, we are once again reminded of the value of tradition.

“Tradition does not mean that the living are dead, it means the dead are living.” - Harold Macmillan (1894 - 1986)