Thread by @littleann4ever

1/ 🧵 @bcndp @BCNDPCaucus @Dave_Eby BC’s youth & upcoming voters are listening & taking notes.

This powerful letter from a 15-year old to their MLA today reflects that. Now, it’s your turn to listen & take notes⬇️

2/ “Around the world, we have seen democracy under attack, followed by renewed vows to defend it. Threats to democracy have infiltrated the west too, a place perceived on the world stage as a safe haven for democratic principles.”

3/ “In B.C, the recent decision to disqualify Anjali Appadurai is evidence that the NDP gov’t does not support true democratic processes. Hamish Telford, a political scientist at University of Fraser Valley, raised important questions on this topic regarding the leadership race.”

4/ “ ‘Did Ms. Appadurai have the opportunity to really defend herself? Was due process followed? What was the methodology of the audit that led to the conclusion that there were a lot of fraudulent new members in the party?’ ”

5/ “Appadurai energized a young, progressive base, concerned about climate change & other major issues that the current Premier failed countless times to enact meaningful legislation upon. However, the BCNDP disqualified her candidacy instead of ensuring a fair leadership race.”

6/ “Thousands of new members signed up after being inspired by her new ideas, something that surely should not have resulted in her unjust disqualification. This is truly a sad day for democracy in BC, as grassroots members will no longer be able to choose their new leader.”

7/ “Appadurai said, ‘The party had a choice. Let all the members of the party, new and old, choose the next leader and risk having a climate champion in the Premier seat, or take this undemocratic approach and disqualify the candidate.’ “

8/ “Yet, still, the entirety of the NDP caucus turned a blind eye as their party censored a young, refreshing voice. David Eby & his NDP has successfully silenced thousands of new members, disqualified his only challenger & has sidelined democracy to get to the Premier's office.”

9/ “Eby’s Premiership will forever be tainted by this appalling decision, coming at a time when his challenger, a respected climate activist, was growing in popularity among NDP voters and of course, threatening the status quo of the party.”

10/ “Appadurai stated that disqualification was the ‘undemocratic nuclear option’ & also that Elizabeth Cull’s report supported a ‘predetermined conclusion,’ & warned that this will forever follow the new administration & alienate the voter base.”

11/ “As a 15 year old, Appadurai’s campaign deeply resonated with me, specifically her commitment to fighting the threats we face, especially climate change. A remarkable number of other BC’rs were also inspired, and sparked by her activism, joined her campaign in mass numbers.”

12/ “The BCNDP has now silenced those voices, tossed aside due process & has become overtly corrupt in preventing meaningful change. As my MLA, I ask that you not sit idly by as your party disqualifies a young, female climate activist & inches closer to authoritarian principles.”

13/ “Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and I sincerely look forward to your response.”

Cc: @SoniaFurstenau @BCGreens

#LetHerRun #ClimateEmergency #ClimateCrisis #bcpoli