Editor:
Out of curiosity, I accompanied a colleague to Tucker Carlson’s far-right rant and rally in Calgary on Jan. 24. But far more curious was the unqualified support offered by the Bow Valley Credit Union and its CEO, Brett Oland.
Speaking on behalf of the Bow Valley Credit Union and the other major sponsor, the gushing introduction claimed that Carlson “shares the same values that we do.”
The “values” I heard were fear and fear-mongering, us-versus-them racism, dog whistles, half-truths, lies and innuendo. These may be among the sponsor’s values, but they are not mine. What about the majority of Bow Valley Credit Union clients, directors, and staff?
Twisting and ignoring facts, and making up his own, Carlson warned his audience that “they are trying to kill your children … taking away your voting power,” persecuting Christians, ethnic-cleansing Anglos out of Montreal, and committing genocide against Canadians. “It’s genocide,” he said, “that’s exactly what it is.”
He repeatedly beat the hate and fear drum and sent 4,000 people away internalizing the key message: “They hate me. They hate me to the point they are willing to kill me.” In fact, he raised the “they” boogeyman more than 30 times in as many minutes, suggesting only, “you know who they are.”
Carlson mocked diversity in Canada and claimed immigration was diluting “the voting power of people who are vested in that country, people who were born there, who have lived there long-term.” Us–born here, here long-term, vested. Them – more recent arrivals who aren’t. Since most recent immigrants come from southern and eastern Asia, the Caribbean, and Africa, you know exactly which dog whistle Tucker Carlson was blowing.
The Bow Valley Credit Union website claims values of “cooperation … integrity … inclusion … citizenship” and would have us believe the institution is “deeply committed to our communities.”
These are noble goals. Unfortunately, they are completely at odds with Oland’s embrace, sponsorship and stage-sharing with a high-profile U.S. conspiracy theorist who mocks Canadian diversity, opposes immigration, and preaches divisiveness, fear and hatred.
I think the credit union board of directors and Mr. Oland have some explaining to do. Until then, I am happy to trust my savings and investments with others.
Jim Pissot,
Canmore
