| About the Author |
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B orn in Canada in 1959 to British parents, the author found traditional education unaccommodating to his psychological reality and subsequently dropped out of school at age sixteen. Inspired by the 1985 CBC television series “A Planet For The Taking” with David Suzuki, the author initiated direct communications with provincial education authorities toward the development of a clearer explanation as to why he, as an ageing high school dropout, had found it necessary to reject the assumptions underpinning formal education. Although made to feel welcome in that 1990-91 overture, education authorities were unable to identify an ‘authorized process’ or ‘vehicle’ through which the former high school dropout could participate in meaningful discussion. In 1994, the author made a significant written submission to the subsequent Ontario Royal Commission on Learning, on the understanding that a central purpose of the Commission’s work was to ‘provide a forum (authorized process) for all stakeholders to participate’. When the Commission’s extensive findings were published, the only possible or remotely relevant trace of the author’s topically legitimate submission were the categorical and ambiguous words, ‘...profound questions had been raised’. Realizing that his government’s commission had effectively negated, silenced and withdrawn the ‘Charter Status’ of his peer community’s ‘non-academic citizenship,’ as ‘stakeholders in the issue,’ the unschooled participant set about developing the communication skills he would need, no matter how rustic, to challenge the suffocating and abusive myth of social, cultural or political equality in Canada. Through the course of over a decade of severe financial hardship and the social/philosophic isolation associated with the direct challenge of so volatile an issue, the author, with the unfailing support of his wife and family, finally rendered ‘The Petition’ into a publishable document.ProfileIt was never the author’s desire or intention to actively promote The Layman’s Petition/An Honest Discussion or to draw attention to himself. (The document was originally published anonymously.) The following brief profile is intended solely to end recurring confusion over the author’s identity.
 Character and Employment References: “...a good employee; ...was at work every day; ...punctual; ...consistent, reliable; ...was enjoyable to work with; ...listened well to verbal instructions and mastered the tasks at hand; ...went far beyond what could be expected. He made a commitment to take part and then honoured that by being punctual, dedicated, totally involved and willing to tackle any task to which he was assigned. ...He exhibited an agile mind and a basic knowledge that allowed him to quickly grasp an understanding of any situation; ...has shown a total degree of honesty and integrity which is of the utmost importance to any employer; ...would be an outstanding asset to any company or employer for whom he worked; ...has been a conscientious and faithful employee; ...maintained an efficient and accurate production; ...enjoyed the company of his fellow workers and is respected by both staff and management; ...is fully capable of any position he would apply for; ...We will miss Paul and wish him continued success in his endeavours; ...Was able to work with a minimum of supervision; ...conscientious and diligent; ...attendance has been excellent throughout his employment and his production has always been above average; ...gets along well with his peers and supervisors. ...Without hesitation, I would recommend him highly for a similar position wherever he applies; ...if the opportunity arose, would re-employ; ...You were, indeed, a gem of an employee; (Re. The Layman’s Petition: ...You say you did not set out to become a writer. Congratulations. You have become one in spite of your intentions; ...You do, however, use a language and level of analysis that escapes most people...)” (All quotes verifiable through original documents.) |