Huron Expositor, 2014-05-28, Page 44 Huron Expositor • Wednesday, May 28, 2014
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Canada'
editorial
Election won't restore
Ontario's old prestige
Its electorate deeply
divided, its economy in a
funk and its books awash in
red ink, Ontario is in the
throes of a snap election
that appears destined to do
nothing to clear up the prov-
ince's constipation.
If the latest polls are right,
and barring unforeseen
twists, it seems doubtful any
of the Big Three parties can
win a strong majority on
June 12. A weak majority, at
best, or another minority,
appears more likely.
That's a problem — first
and foremost for Ontario,
but also for the rest of
Canada.
Confederation's big kid,
Ontario usually leads by
example — applying its size
and economic muscle to
benefit the entire nation. It
also quietly sucks it up when
problem children in the
family start acting out.
No longer.
Left behind by Canada's
economic recovery, Ontario
remains hobbled by 7.4 per
cent unemployment — a full
half-point above the
national average — nearly
five years after the recession
ended. The province has lost
300,000 manufacturing jobs
since 2003 and some of its
cities are reminiscent of the
U.S. Rust Belt.
The red stain on the
province's books continues
to swell, with its last minor-
ity Liberal government rack-
ing up deficits, over 2 years,
larger than those of all the
other provinces combined.
Kids born the last year
Ontario managed to bal-
ance its budget are now age
six. They'll be at least 10
before the books are
whipped into shape, elusive
as the government's bal-
anced-budget projection is.
Canada simply can't
afford that. Not with its own
economic comeback still
fragile, vulnerable to global
forces beyond its borders. It
needs an Ontario firing on
all cylinders, one that's also
engaged in needed national
debates on the environ-
ment, the post-industrial
economy and the future of
social programs.
A polarized Ontario that
lurches from budget to
budget, as it has under
minority rule, unable to take
the bold steps needed to put
its own house in order, let
alone to help build the
nation, is not the answer.
In the language of the
family, someone needs to
give the big kid a talking-to.
Unfortunately, with a
record -low 49 per cent voter
turnout last time, Ontarians
themselves may be the last
ones to do it.
Showing no fear
Column
Whitney South
Huron Expositor
As far back as I can remember,
I've been afraid of snakes.
For a long time, I wasn't sure
what it was about them specifi-
cally that terrified me, assuming
it was their pointy teeth or men-
acing hiss. In recent years, how-
ever, I've realized I just can't trust
something that can move that
fast without legs.
Hey, I never said it made sense.
Pretty much everyone has
some sort of fear, whether it be
creepy crawly critters, or some-
thing far less traditional.
Heck, some people are even
afraid of balloons.
It's called globophobia.
Learned that one on Corner
Gas.
But what do our fears say about
us?
The dictionary defines fear as a
distressing emotion aroused by
impending danger, evil, pain,
etc., whether the threat is real or
imagined.
If you really think about it, our
most common fears tend to fall
into the 'imagined' category.
I, most likely, won't meet an
untimely demise in the coils of a
Burmese Python.
And that spider on the shower
wall, most likely, will not swallow
you whole.
A study on Ancestry.ca found a
broad range of fears captivate our
country.
Ghost stories appear to terrify
Quebecers, as the province
showed the highest fear of ghosts
and aliens in Canada. Saskatche-
wan residents described rats and
mice as something to fear, while
the Calgary Stampede's rodeo
clowns account for a many chil-
dren's nightmares across Alberta
each year. Out east, Newfound-
landers wish they could avoid the
dentist and even the Conserva-
tive Party.
Folks in British Columbia, as
well as Manitoba, appear to get
freaked out by the Liberals.
Imagine that, ghosts, clowns
and politicians.
Laugh all you want, but for
some people, what may seem
ridiculous to us can create pulse -
quickening terror in others.
A friend of mine back home
has a, self -described, irrational
fear of spiders. Whether it was a
live arachnid scurrying across the
counter, or a photo in a maga-
zine, she just wouldn't have it.
And as bad as it sounds, I found
her affliction incredibly
amusing.
One day, I called her with a
horror story.
As I was driving home after
work, I flipped down the visor
only to have a tiny spider fall into
my lap.
While I was driving!
The look on her face was
priceless.
So why do we bask with glee in
the fears of others, while harbor-
ing a deep hatred for those who
are quick to point out our own?
I mean, it's not just me...right?
In the end, I hope we can all
have the courage one day to walk
up to that reticulated python,
stare it square in the eye and say
with confidence - you don't scare
me.
Though, zoo staff might won-
der what you're doing.
larrl jilt)
FIRE PREVENTION SIMRTS
At least 80 percent of all fire deaths occur in home fires. Here are some smart
Fire Prevention tips for protecting yourself and your family:
V Never leave candles burning unattended, and keep matches out of reach from children.
V Keep space heaters away from curtains and other flammable materials.
V Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside each bedroom, and test batteries monthly.
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