Once upon a time, all the mice met together to discuss the best means of protecting themselves against the cat. After several suggestions and debate, a young mouse suggested that they should fasten a bell around the neck of the cat, which would ring when the cat moved and warn them that the cat was about.

All the mice thought this was brilliant and it was decided to adopt it. Then an old mouse raised his hand and said, “I agree with you that the plan before us is an admirable one. But may I ask, who is going to put the bell on the cat?”

It is easy to propose solutions to problems but it takes real courage and strong moral leadership to carry out these proposals.

What the world needs now is leaders willing, to put the bell on the cat called climate change. We need leaders and citizens with the moral fortitude to say, we need to change the way we are doing things because it is required for the survival of the entire global community.

Martin Luther King Jr. said: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

As the New Year approaches, let us resolve to become more courageous and help with the bell.

Jean Gelwicks

Saltspring Island

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