Traveling Boy: Terry Cassel: Political Traveler: A Short Whistler Stop

Terry Cassel: Whistler Stop

A Short Whistler Stop
by Terry Cassel

Whistler central village
Courtesy: Whistler Tourism

riving towards Whistler Resort gave me awesome views of British Columbia's Coast Mountains. Towering pines and fir trees populated the near horizons and a red-tailed hawk circled directly overhead.

Distracted, I whipped the rented Honda Civic across the center stripe of the two-lane mountain road. I was looking out all the windows at once. Suddenly I encountered oncoming traffic and I lurched to the right, sliding off the road, scattering dirt and gravel in a grinding cloud of dust.

I sat, my heart pumping, while the air cleared. After a moment I stepped out of the car and stood there, glancing around. Fog swept through the tall trees, birds sang, patches of snow dotted the mountaintops and water rumbled in the creek below. It was mid-morning and more cars were climbing up the mountain now, roaring past me.

bears in Whistler Courtesy: Whistler Tourism

I arrived in Whistler Village about two hours after motoring north from Vancouver. I couldn't believe the number of people clogging the streets. It was still days ahead of the official beginning of Whistler's Wellness Week, an annual June event drawing thousands of devotees from all over the planet.

Whistler has become one of the top wellness destinations in the world, a haven for mind-body practices and therapies. During Wellness Week, yoga, acupuncture, special cuisine and sunrise meditations are among the many activities health aficionados explore with substantial enthusiasm.

Desperate for a beer, I parked as close as I could to the central village, and wound up more than a mile up the road. I walked down and strolled into one of the many joints designed for beer-drinking.

cable cars at ski resort
Courtesy: Whistler Tourism

Laid out like a model European Alpine village, Whistler is a web of pedestrian streets with upscale cafes, crowded bars, fashionable boutiques, high end galleries, outdoor outfitters and ski shops. Whistler is best known as a world class ski resort, with the highest unchecked vertical ski descent (over 5,000 feet) in the world. In fact, the village is already preparing for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, which Whistler and Vancouver will co-host from February 12-28. The Paralympic Games will follow March 12-21.

I ordered a Sierra Nevada from the tap. A young woman behind me exclaimed, "American!" I looked around. She was smiling at me. "Am I right?" she chirped in a bright Australian accent. She was blonde and pretty, two female characteristics that don't usually find me particularly interesting.

"How could you tell?" I replied, still looking over my shoulder.

"Your swagger," she said. "And your beer. Mainly your beer."

"Oh," I said, "I thought maybe you saw the way I drove up here this morning."

"And your attitude," she added.

two cyclists
Courtesy: Whistler Tourism

I had never been to Whistler outside of ski season. The air was fresh and alive with floral scents. A steady breeze blew a cool stream in through the front door of the bar and wrapped itself around us.

"I didn't realize it was so green up here," I observed. It was chilly, too, and snow still clung to the tops of the ski slopes. My beer arrived.

"Yes, it's beautiful here," she agreed, sipping the last of her hot tea.

"Do you live here, or are you here for the health stuff?" I asked, turning my chair towards her.

"Oh, I live here," she said. "But I travel a lot, so I don't spend much time really enjoying the mountain."

"What do you do?"

"I'm a health consultant," she explained. "I advise businesses and schools, and other groups about diet, exercise, alternative medicines and health treatments, and healthy lifestyles. I lecture and teach classes, mostly in Europe and New Zealand, and South Africa. I just got back from Greece"

"There's a market for alternative treatments around the world then?" I suggested.

"Sure," she nodded, smiling. "Even in the U.S."

"So, generally, what do you think of Americans?" I asked, pulling my chair over to her table. She smiled at my maneuver and I quickly added, "I hope you don't mind?"

"Well," she pondered a moment. "Americans are loud, and athletic. American food is mediocre, but the service is excellent." She paused and looked out the window. "And American politics is silly. What are you people thinking?"

Surprised by this last comment, I thought for a moment. What is it about politics that could possibly bother this accomplished young woman?

She continued, "You don't realize how much people around the world look up to America. They love your music, your movies…"

"Our money," I interrupted.

"No," she said. "Not so much that. Sure, the tourist businesses want American dollars, and governments all look for handouts, but people are mainly fascinated by this big fantasy of a country of yours. They really want to like America, the American Dream, and Americans. But your politicians, your business leaders, your greed and your wars, well, they just screw everything up with hubris and arrogance and damn stupidity…" Her voice trailed off. She was gazing out the window.

I leaned forward to see what she was looking at. A crowd had gathered across the street. She became agitated. "Hey, look, sorry I've got to go," she said, standing up and quickly grabbing her coat and purse. "My name is Sarah. Here's my card. Call me later." And then she was gone.

I did call her the next day. There was no answer. I didn't leave a message. And I didn't stay for Wellness Week. I had things to do, places to go, people to see. But I felt some frustration that my conversation with Sarah was never properly finished. I wanted to defend America, make excuses for our politicians, and somehow explain that our elected officials really don't represent who the rest of us are.

But, heck, they do. We elect these people. They do represent us. That's how it works in a democracy. These people, especially our president, are our face to the world. Sarah, and many other folks I've spoken with, understand that the citizens of a country are usually better people than the ones who profess to represent their interests in government.

I thought a lot about this on my way back down to Vancouver.

Terry's Feedback

Great article, Terry Cassel. Balanced and articulate. We have until Nov 4 to sift through the glitz and image-making and make a serious choice baaed on the candidates' intelligence, character, experience, and stances on major issues such as the economy, foreign policy, and energy independence. The election will soon be upon us. Let's hope that, between now and then, the debate turns serious.

- Norman, Madison, WI

* * * *

Thank you, Norman, and well said.

Let's also hope the campaigns will show some respect to the voters and stop
the incessant dishonest attacks. This time around, let's not allow the hate
speech and fear-mongering dominate the agenda. Americans are growing weary
of being treated like fools.

- Terry

Terry,

Thanks bro, for another illuminating piece. You never cease to surprise me. Especially appreciated the link to Sarah Palin addressing the Wasalia Assembly of God. May everyone I forward it to watch it beginning to end and draw the same conclusions!

Your Boitano Sister, Citizen of the World

* * * *

Hello Sister,

Thanks for your "worldly" support. I, too, believe there are definite conclusions most folks will draw upon viewing that video.

- Terry

Hi Terry,

Nice article and refreshing to read such an unbiased view of what could be a visit back to happier and less complicated times of the 1940's and 50's. Back to the cold war period and back alley abortions. At least I'll have less difficulty shooting wolves and moose from a helicopter. My only concern is that when she's making important decisions that will effect the planet, will she know if the little voice inside her head telling her to go to war with Russia, will be God's or just another voice in her head.

Steve, Topanga, CA

Nice article, gives the appearance of impartiality. The fact of the matter is that those who don't think a governor is ready to be vice president, would prefer to elect a community organizer for the higher office of president, whom few can articulate what his accomplishments, if any, really are. I am biased, since Gov Palin and I share a similar alma mater and Christian faith. And I was born in Anchorage, too. What most aren't saying who are opposed to her, is they just don't want a Christian or gun-rights advocate, or pro-life person in office, so they say things like "she has no international foreign
policy experience" when I don't recall the same group complaining about that lack of experience when governor Clinton ran for president. Or governor Reagan for that matter.But we shall see what we shall see. There are obviously different world views animating each party, and I respect that they are sincerely held by both. (I just hope my side wins) :)

Chris, Boise, Idaho

* * * *

Thanks, Chris.

You make a good point about the issue of experience, especially in a vice presidential nominee. Voters will define experience in different ways.

I recall the foreign policy inexperience of Govs Carter, Reagan, Clinton and Bush, Jr. all being debated prior to their elections. But the issue is arguably less relevant for a vice presidential nominee.

Al Gore and Dick Cheney, each with extensive government and foreign policy experience, became powerful and influential vice presidents, ready to step in as president at a moment's notice. There's no reason Gov. Palin must follow that mold. Spiro Agnew and Dan Quayle were nominated, by Richard Nixon and George H. W. Bush respectively, simply to shore up a political base. This is a legitimate role. That's all some presidents expect their vice president to do.

Terry

Thank you for wonderfully thoughtful words on Gov Palin, beginning with that quote from T.S. Eliot.You are much more generous toward the lady in question than I am; in fact, generosity is not what I feel I need to muster up to make a decision about her worthiness as a candidate. I think she is a cruel joke played first on women; second, on the Democrats; and third,on this too to gullible country. I wish Karl Rove had remained at home in Texas, retired, but the Republicans could never let a mother lode like that go dormant.Bitter am I? --- guess so --- and will be so disappointed if this country doesn't give obama a chance to shine in its own eyes again as well as the eyes of the rest of the world.

P.S. re my comment on your earlier article, realize it wasn't friendly to wish you a trip to Beirut --- guess I was wishing you could visit the "old" Beirut for me!

Brenda, Richland, WA

* * * *

Brenda,

Many folks are unsure about Gov. Palin's readiness for the international stage. This includes quite a few Republicans I speak with as well. It is to be expected, inasmuch as she is virtually unknown outside Alaska and has only begun to be vetted by American voters and the press.

Over the next several weeks, as her handlers allow her to appear more often before the media, we may discover more about her. Meanwhile, the contest between McCain and Obama continues to heat up. Let's hope voters will cut through the lies and personal attacks and concentrate on the serious issues we face.

And, yes, I've never been to Beirut, but I know that at one time it was a safe, vibrant and beautiful cultural center.

Terry

Terry,

Good article. I see what you're saying about the majority of the nation not knowing who she is. Be that as it may, many are turned off by the current candidates whom we DO know. Several of my friends including myself have been disinterested with the campaign. Blame it on the mud slinging and that dirt thrown by the candidates and the media. Palin's surprise entry in the ring has actually revitalized many of us.

So far, depending on who you decide to listen to, her accomplishments in the short term she has been in office is better than that of Obama whose records are good in paper but has lacked substance. She has an approval rating of 80% among her Alaskan constituents which is better than most gevernors. Obama seems to be riding on promises more than accomplishments. Even his colleagues like Sen. Kirk Watson, are at a loss as to what he has really done.

If you are impartial to evangelical Christians, then she is definitely NOT your (wo)man. Here is a clip of her giving glory to God after giving birth to her baby.

At least you know where she stands. Some candidates are more conscious of what people want to hear than what they really believe in.

Here's a link to a blogger with aprehensions similar to yours. Click here.

Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

* * * *

Peter,

Thanks for your insights.

The Constitution guides my own biases about the vice presidency. Ultimately, the only stated duty of the vice president, besides being the tie-breaking vote in the Senate, is to step in as president should the president be unable to complete his or her duties as Commander-in-Chief. Any other tasks are assigned by the president as deemed fitting.

It's an issue of governance, yet many presidents choose running mates whom they believe will help them get elected, not help them govern. Of course there are no rules. It's a personal choice.

Selecting a running mate is the first real presidential decision a candidate will make. With Sen. Biden and Gov. Palin as the choices, I believe we have the first clear window into the thought processes, wisdom and judgment of our two candidates for president.

Terry

I liked the article on Palin. It tries to be impartial. Actually, there is much to recommend Palin. For one thing, she has revitalized the Republican party.

My main concern is "CAN SHE BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.? " Common sense tells me, (God Forbid!) that there is a big possibility that McCain may not be able to last his full term if elected. (Age, health) I do not believe Palin is qualified to be president.

Personally, I like McCain, and wouldn't mind if he gets elected. Between Obama and McCain, the citizens of U.S. have a good choice. Let the people speak. Here's the thing. I admire Biden too, and I believe he can easily step into the shoes of the presidency should something happen to Obama. I can't say the same for Palin. And after all, the main role of the VP is to be a stand-in for the presidency.

Henrietta, a US citizen residing in the Philippines

* * * *

Henrietta,

I appreciate your remarks. And I agree with you. I believe the country has a clear choice, and a good one, between Sens. McCain and Obama. At this point I also believe we have an even clearer choice between Gov. Palin and Sen. Biden.

Terry

Thanks, Terry, for letting me hop on your shoulders (in my imaginary travel, I'm light as a feather) and wander the streets of Istanbul with you. This mode of travel allows me to smell the smells, see the sites, as you describe, but avoid the crushing heat and humidity!

Most of all I enjoyed the wisdom of Mahir - his wonderfully simple declaration of being a Turk first and then a Muslim; his observation that Americans are children in this world. Only children could elect the biggest bully to its highest office and give him the keys to a closet full of horribly dangerous toys. One can only hope we'll grow up before we blow up.

Please travel to Beirut - another city I've always wanted to 'walk.'

Thanks for sharing.

Brenda Hughes
Richland, WA

I'm struck by how kind and civil the people were to you considering how much hostility (justified) that they have toward our government. It's refreshing to know that if Obama or Clinton becomes President he/she may be able to begin to heal these wounds and hopefully undo the Bush/Cheney damage and that because people of all faiths are good people, the damages don't have to be permanent.

p.s.

You make Istanbul sound like a great destination.

Roger Fallihee
Puyallup, WA

I so had to laugh at your conversation with Ali. Trying to be an open minded American abroad and having a political discussion can be a very frustrating experience. Now matter how open minded we can be, or how many points about our own country we willingly admit, it can be so tough getting others to do the same. They do seem to take any topic (such as the Armenian genocide) and just turn it back to us. "But what about all the bad things the US has done?" Yes, but...I already conceeded that. Can we talk about your country now? As I'm heading for uber-anti American Serbia in 3 weeks I'm going to keep your Istanbul experience in mind.

Ben Liu
Seattle, WA

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