Let’s open the door to transforming experiences

Re: “Payette slams fake news and climatechange denial,” Nov. 2.

The sun came out and I opened my door to experience it. I rejoiced in the brief winter reprieve from a gloomy day. Some would praise a deity for this, others the remarkable weather patterns of coastal life.

Neither is mistaken. What we are really saying, in our individual way, is how we can feel transformed by beauty.

What Gov. Gen. Julie Payette espoused in her speech was perhaps unfortunately stated. What she actually decried was “wilful blindness.” By not accepting the credibility of climate change, those among us who denigrate science hold us back from allowing progress to be made for our own greater good.

We should not be arguing about religious belief as opposed to science. Instead, a common appreciation of the beauty and fragility of our world could and should bring us together, while remaining thoughtful and open to our differing views.

Transformational experiences can come in many forms. Let’s open the door.

Brenda Bysouth Victoria