Greta in the Lion's Den

We were all very aware of Swedish teen and climate activist Greta Thunberg's speech at the United Nations nearly a month ago. It was an emotional, blunt challenge to the nations of the world to stop dithering and engage in practical change for the health of our ailing planet. There is a Joan of Arc feel to Thunberg's leadership in a global youth movement, although religion or mention of a deity is simply not part of the rhetoric. 

Thunberg has been widely attacked, sometimes viciously,  by certain adults who seem threatened by a diminutive 16-year-old who is channeling the fears and hopes of a generation. They are the ones bringing in religion, although negatively.  One called her a “deeply disturbed messiah" while the wackiest of conservative Christians call her Climate Strike campaign satanic. Holy Halloween! Meanwhile, she keeps asking those in authority to pay attention to the science. 

Since the UN speech Thunberg has travelled across North America and today she is Alberta. Premier Jason Kenney and his government insist that Thunberg doesn't understand Alberta's fossil fuel production. Why then are government officials including the premier choosing not to meet with her as she leads a Fridays for Future rally. If the Conservatives in Alberta are so certain that they are on the side of the angels, what are they afraid of?



At the height of goofiness is a counter-protest by a group of oil and gas supporters who were involved in the United We Roll convoy that travelled to Ottawa in February. 

I hope Thunberg gets plenty of support at the Alberta legislature today and Canadians realize what an embarrassment it is that adults who are in power are so intimidated by a kid on a mission. She may be the child, but the childishness of the grown-ups is rampant. God be with her. 

Update: Greta spoke before a crowd of 4.000 or more in Edmonton, a reminder that not all Albertans want to ignore the realities of climate change nor are anti-Fridays for Future. Meanwhile the "trolls in trucks" got as close as they could and honked horns as Thunberg and others spoke. This is not my idea of a peaceful protest. 

Thoughts?