In 1993, former PM Jean Chretien referred to his caucus as a bunch of Nervous Nellies. He was referring to the hype at the time that PM Kim Campbell’s star was rising and that his caucus was nervous about running against her.
Well, the kid from Shawinigan proved them wrong. One could say he had high hopes. How refreshing and inspiring to see people lead instead of shrink from a challenge.
We have lots of Nervous Nellies in our regional district where fear, not hope, seems to have taken root (Boundary expansion hurts valley, says director,” Trail Times Sept. 24).
Over a hundred years ago, a young, confident American entrepreneur named F. Augustus Heinz saw the potential to build a smelter at an unknown post called Trail Creek Landing. Heinz may have died penniless but what a legacy he left behind. Sure, there have been challenges: environmental as well as dangerous workplaces and smelting techniques. But man and technology persevered and prevailed.
How many tens of thousands have prospered throughout the Columbia Valley from employment and spin off industries and businesses over that hundred years?
The very people who, today, are afraid of their own shadows, are our own Nervous Nellies. They fear change and innovation. The status quo is just okay for them.
What’s that saying? I’m OK, Jack. So don’t rock the boat.
Rose Calderon
Trail