Kingston, ON: Behind the veil, fear of anarchy
March 10th, 2008
CPTnet
10 March, 2008
Kingston, ON: Behind the veil, fear of anarchy
By Christine Downing
I had never been to court before, but a heaviness fell over me as I walked past the huge stained glass windows depicting ‘War,’ ‘Victory,’ and ‘Triumphal Return.’ They seemed to illustrate the adversarial nature of court process, requiring clear victory or defeat.
My heart sunk further as it also became clear that Judge Cunningham was not listening. Retired Chief Bob Lovelace clearly and eloquently explained the spiritual and historical context that frames the current position of the Ardoch Algonquins as they oppose uranium exploration on their unceded lands. The judge’s manner changed however during the cross-examination: he was clearly engaged and interested, leaning forward in his chair, taking notes. And the cross-examination was harsh. Frontenac Ventures Corp (FVC) lawyer Neil Smitheman shouted and pointed his finger like a tyrannical school teacher.
Surrounded by clerks, bailiffs and recorders, the judge looked like the king on a chess board. But could it be that he’s as vulnerable as that game piece once the structures and systems that elevate and protect his interests are taken away? Bob Lovelace tried to remind us all that the land is a living place. Then Mr. Smitheman proceeded with his disrespectful interrogation for three days. As the case progressed, it became more and more difficult to know where the company ended and where they court began. As he left the room at the end of the second day, the judge nodded his head to George White, owner of Frontenac Ventures.
When the judge read the sentences, I noted that he used the same words that the FVC lawyer had used. As he elaborated, it became clear that what he fears most is anarchy. Interestingly, Judge Cunningham described the society imposed by rule of law as the “thin veil of civilization,” something fragile. I find it significant that the judge chose this metaphor. Presumably there is something behind this veil, something we're not supposed to see in case we find it desirable or even preferable to what is called ‘the rule of law.’ I confess that what he fears most fills me with hope, for I suspect that behind this veil we may find something closer to truth and justice.
Rather than respect life, the court backs corporations in their intention to dig and destroy, searching for something they can steal and sell. If we are being offered the opportunity to loosen the death-grip we have on the life of this planet and entertain new ideas of how to live with respect for each other and the earth, or even if all that is happening is that we are starting to learn how to listen, then I say bring it on.
Holy Spirit, part the veils of illusion and corruption that keep us separate from the source of life and grant us liberty from cultural conditioning and lies. Amen.
10 March, 2008
Kingston, ON: Behind the veil, fear of anarchy
By Christine Downing
I had never been to court before, but a heaviness fell over me as I walked past the huge stained glass windows depicting ‘War,’ ‘Victory,’ and ‘Triumphal Return.’ They seemed to illustrate the adversarial nature of court process, requiring clear victory or defeat.
My heart sunk further as it also became clear that Judge Cunningham was not listening. Retired Chief Bob Lovelace clearly and eloquently explained the spiritual and historical context that frames the current position of the Ardoch Algonquins as they oppose uranium exploration on their unceded lands. The judge’s manner changed however during the cross-examination: he was clearly engaged and interested, leaning forward in his chair, taking notes. And the cross-examination was harsh. Frontenac Ventures Corp (FVC) lawyer Neil Smitheman shouted and pointed his finger like a tyrannical school teacher.
Surrounded by clerks, bailiffs and recorders, the judge looked like the king on a chess board. But could it be that he’s as vulnerable as that game piece once the structures and systems that elevate and protect his interests are taken away? Bob Lovelace tried to remind us all that the land is a living place. Then Mr. Smitheman proceeded with his disrespectful interrogation for three days. As the case progressed, it became more and more difficult to know where the company ended and where they court began. As he left the room at the end of the second day, the judge nodded his head to George White, owner of Frontenac Ventures.
When the judge read the sentences, I noted that he used the same words that the FVC lawyer had used. As he elaborated, it became clear that what he fears most is anarchy. Interestingly, Judge Cunningham described the society imposed by rule of law as the “thin veil of civilization,” something fragile. I find it significant that the judge chose this metaphor. Presumably there is something behind this veil, something we're not supposed to see in case we find it desirable or even preferable to what is called ‘the rule of law.’ I confess that what he fears most fills me with hope, for I suspect that behind this veil we may find something closer to truth and justice.
Rather than respect life, the court backs corporations in their intention to dig and destroy, searching for something they can steal and sell. If we are being offered the opportunity to loosen the death-grip we have on the life of this planet and entertain new ideas of how to live with respect for each other and the earth, or even if all that is happening is that we are starting to learn how to listen, then I say bring it on.
Holy Spirit, part the veils of illusion and corruption that keep us separate from the source of life and grant us liberty from cultural conditioning and lies. Amen.