WINNIPEG, MB-—Manitoba’s annual battle with mosquitoes has a way of creating a buzz across the country. Apparently, fighting mosquitoes and taking to the streets to protest or promote the chemical weapons being waged against insects is one of the things we’re famous for.
Where else would daily mosquito trap counts and fogging schedules be prime fodder for heated debate in political chambers and on talk shows, in coffee shops and mass media?
The lure of healthier—more natural—living fuels the conflict. For the last several years, environmental activists have stridently opposed widespread fogging with Malathion, launching protests and petitions to establish no-spray buffer zones. It can get personal quite quickly as neighbours find themselves at odds on the issue. Some simply want the nuisance to be eradicated; others are more concerned about the environmental impact.
The battle is particularly acute this year: especially in Winnipeg; especially in this summer of heavy rains and hot sunshine; especially when dragonflies are swarming, providing a natural ally in the incessant fight.
But there’s another predator at large in the land—the West Nile virus. And so it happened that the brickbats between councilors, neighbours, activists, experts and the beleaguered city entomologist (doesn’t every city have an entomologist in the public eye?) took a much-needed pause when the province decreed that—for the public good—all the city must be sprayed. These days the city is fogging mosquitoes because of a provincial order to do so, brought on by fears of the spread of the West Nile virus.
Of course, when the trucks hit the streets a handful of protesters—some wearing gas masks—turned up to press their case. “This is terrorism at its worst, when you think about it. This is chemical terrorism. And the Doer government is again taking political advantage of the situation,” said one activist. Terrorism at its worst? One may admire his dedication to a cause, but methinks this activist would benefit from a bigger perspective.
Opinions will vary
All of which got me thinking about the difference between pests and pestilence. When does a nuisance actually become a danger? Opinions will vary. When is something to be endured; when must it be opposed more vigourously? Opinions will vary. At what point does it become necessary to take a stand?
I have been amazed by the number of people willing to invest major emotional, physical and financial energy into fighting mosquitoes, or opposing certain methods of fighting mosquitoes. What is so gripping about this issue? Certainly, convenience and comfort matter a lot to those who favour the fogging, and fear of disease or contamination is a compelling interest to people on both sides of the issue.
It also reminded me of circumstances in our country that adversely affect the Christian community. We are frequently guilty of two types of errors. Some of us are apt to ignore threats that truly demand engagement; others expend tons of energy and cultural capital on nuisance itches. Where and how does one draw a helpful distinction between judicious warning and harmful fear mongering? Opinions will vary.
And then, once an issue is engaged, we still find ourselves squabbling on the method of combat. Some favour intrusive methods; others unobtrusive. Some attack symptoms, while others focus on the source. Sometimes convenience and comfort are the driving force. Sometimes an acute awareness of danger draws God’s people into forceful, pre-emptive, sacrificial action.
At any rate, that’s the buzz from Lake Winnipeg.
