HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1980-12-17, Page 4+CNA
Everyone's important
Ontario Liberal Stuart Smith
suggested in the legisliture this week
that "John Lennon's murder is a dread-
ful reflection on the direction in which
the world seems to be headed".
He went on to say that it is a very,
very upsetting time and all of us should
take some stock of just what it is we
are creating in our society.
One of the things we are creating in
our society is a system whereby some
individuals are placed on a pedestal'
(many by self-appointment) and the
masses are relegated to obscurity.
Through the years, thousands of
people have been murdered on the
streets of New York and other cities
around the world, some by madmen
with a gun in their hands or madmen
who direct those murders from their
desks in the war rooms of the world,
Certainly, not all the victims haire
become as famous as John Lennon or
contributed as much to certain
segments of society. But each of those
victims left friends and family to
mourn, Each of them• had dreams
snuffed out, a life and contribution to
society cut short.
Only when mankind comes to
realize that each individual is equally
important will society be able to
protect itself from the madmen,
whether they be those who seek their
'victims on an individual basis on the
,streets of New York or as larger groups
in the mountains of Afghanistan.
Mankind must be moved to action
to stop the crimes of commission, as
well as those of omission which include
death by starvation and disease during
a time when there is the wherewithal to
prevent them.
Dreams come true
History was made in the chambers
of County Council Tuesday as Fred
Haberer became the first Zurich reeve
to be elected warden of Huron Coun-
ty. It was a slim margin of victory
however, as Haberer defeated Howick
Township reeve, Harold Robinson by a
single vote. The election of warden in
Huron County is always an exciting day
but there were some statements made
that should be given serious considera-
tion by all 30 members of the council.
After administering the oath of of-
fice at the inaugural session, County
Judge F.G. Carter told the councillors
to take their job seriously because it
directly affects the people of the coun-
ty. Judge Carter told the audience he
had witnessed a session in the House of
Commons and watched as parliamen-
tarians argued about what was right for
Canada.
But generally, residents of the
county rely on the grassroot political
system to serve .their needs. The
municipal, township and county coun-
cils have a responsibility to their peo-
ple; a mandate to serve their needs in a
responsible and efficient manner.
The laws of the local governmenti
structure obviously play an important
role in the growth of the county.
Warden Haberer, in his address to
the audience, stressed a need for the
preservation of the county's environ-
ment and people; a need for expanded
industrial concerns to keep our children
living and working in the county while
not infringing upon the agriculture in-
dustry.
His concerns may be somewhat
idealistic but goals that are certainly
worth attention. Councils, at all levels
of government, would love to expand
their industrial base to ease the
residential tax burden and promote
growth.
The only thing that remains is to
actively purse those ideals. Dreams
don't become reality without work,
dedication and a committed effort.
Such is'the task facing county coun-
cil if Warden Haberer's statements are
to be more than idle dreams.
If the young people of the county
want to work and enjoy life in Huron,
there must be something to come back
to.
Goderich Signal Star
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t Your Lung Association
"The Christmas Seal
People"
By W. Roger Worth k
Pollsters in Canada are
having si field day as they
travel the country taking, the
collective pulse of ordinary
citizens:
Originally, major com-
panies were the big users of
polls and surveys as they
attempted to establish ir
potential market for new pro-
ducts.
But now' virtually every
government in the country has
hopped on the bandwagon,
quizzing and surveying the
populous about defense
spending,' levels of immigra-
tion, or the use of•bathrooms
at Ottawa's National Arts
Centre.
Roger Worth is Director,
Public Affairs,
Canadian Federation of
Independent Business.
Many times, questions in-.
voiving complicated technical
issues are simplified to the
point of the ' absurd. Yet
politicians and bureaucrats
give picot credence to the
results.
A lot of this polling and
surveying of Canadians would
be worth a hearty chuckle if
important issues weren't in-
volved.
First, there is the question
of authenticity. The experts
•o"ovv'n +memory lane'
'their first church in their
adopted land at a special
service Friday night. The
congregation of the Chris-
tian Reformed Church turn-
ed out in full force to mark
' the completion of their
house of worship.
15 Years Ago-
Canadian Armed Forces
Headquarters announced the
promotion of two officials
located at the Centralia base
to the rank of squadron
leader. The two officers in-
volved are S.L. Price and
S.L. Val Pattee.
There were many ac-
cidents reported this month,
9 in all. The Ontario Provin-
cial Police have attributed
the extraordinary number of
occurrences to the severe
winter weather conditions of
December and to drivers
who have not adjusted to
winter driving.
10 Years Ago
Members of the Huron
County Board of 'Education
voted 9 to 4 to oppose suppor-
ting a, resolution 'from the
*Lambton County Board of
Education to register an ob-
jection with the Ontario
government concerning un-
equal methods of tax relief.
The motion was prepared
to support urban ratepayers
who complained that only
the farmers received a re-
cent tax deduction with
respect to educational tax.
Handel's Messiah, per-
formed at Exeter United
Church by the Huronia
Singers drew plaudits from
the large crowds who attend-
ed the program Monday and
Tuesday nights.
55 Years Ago
Dr. Rollins, who for the
past ten arid a half years has
been a successful prohibition
officer in this district has
resigned his position as
County Constable.
Mr. and Mrs. Earl Whiting
and little son, Donald, of
Parkhill came over to spend
Christmas with Mr. and
Mrs. J. Kestle. •
Mr. John' W. Vanatter,
well known newspaper man
of Goderich died Saturday •
morning. He was associated •
with the Goderich Star.
A serious accident oc-
curred at home near Kippen,
when a child was badly hurt
when a horse kicked him in
the stomach. Dr. Dougall of
Hensall was called and found
the lad in critical condition.
He is now doing nicely.
30 Years Ago
Members of Exeter coun-
cil tossed their hatt into the
ring, saying that they would
stand for nomination as
councilors to serve on the
first adminstratiOn of Ex-
eter as an incorporated
town. Nominations were to
be held on Friday atnoon•for
the nine positiohs as coun-
cilqr. Reeve A.J. Sweitzer,
announced that he would be
a candidate for mayor.
Periodic snowfalls during
the week have enhanced the
probability of a white Christ-
mas for Exeter.
Usborne Township council,
found itself in the pleasant
position of having a budget
surplus at the end of the year
of some $11,000
25 Years Ago
Fifty new Canadian
families proudly opened
Dear Mr. Editor,
Seasons Greetings. to
Everyone!
It is at this time of year Our
Lions Club undertakes one of
its largerchallenges-The
Santa Claus Parade. Once
again we had a 'Roaring'
success and would like to use
this column to thank each
and every person involved.
• To all the people who took
the time to plan and con-
struct the many floats, the
BIA for their financial
support, to, the many other
business people who donated
financially to the cause, and
to all the bands and schools,
Thanks ! - Thanks and
Thanks!
And last bu, not least a
huge thanks to Tuckey
Beverages for picking up the
tab for the Arena ice time
and supplyingthe free drinks
for the 'Kids'. Also thanks to
Hostess and Frito Lay for the
chips. We think the skating
party was another 'Roaring'
success.
Also to Santa Claug- You
did a terrific job again this
year. And not to forget 'the
judges who did their job so
quickly and quiety -thanks t.
won't tell who you are.
Also for anyone interested
in the winners list here they
are. In the floats; first
to the' Town Works
Department who came up
,with one of the biggest Jack
in the Boxes I have ever
seen. Second place went to
Dinney Furniture with their
skaters, and third place to
Big '0' Tile Company for
their novel use of the product
they manufacture,
In the school competition
first prize went to the South
Huron Cheerleaders and
second to Usbprne Central
School,
Once'again thanks and see
you all again next year.
Don Haines
Exeter Lions Club.
Dear Sir:
I would like to• take this
opportunity to thank the
organizers of this year's
Santa Claus parade.
The entrants went to a lot
of work on the floats and
despite the cold wind and
snow, the crowd showed its
appreciation by the number
who came to watch.
Congratulations on a job well
done,
Mrs. Eugene Webber
Hay P.O.
Papa 4 .Tilln0440949t4to •Oicember 17, 1 4s0
Time Mainstream Canada
L
• wtzteLvt,
[i
Saturday's Santa Claus parade in
Exeter was one of the best on record,
which is really saying something due to
the high calibre of previous events.
The amount of time and effort
represented in the many elaborate
floats indicates that area residents
have a great deal of creative talent and
an equal abundance of community
spirit.
Many of the floats would have stood
out in some of the parades which have
been seen this year on TV, maintaining
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A great effort
the community reputation for presen-
ting a first class effort.
All those who participated are to be
cOmmended. Not only did they receive
appropriate appreciation from the
parade viewers, there were many who
were almost flabbergasted at the quali-
ty and quantity of talent and hard work
demonstrated.
It was a parade in which Santa
Claus must have been extremely proud
to participate.
Yes,-dad has fears
record, he knows that it was as much
due to good luck as good driving skills.
He shudders to think of the close
calls. Similar to you, he's a fairly
cautious driver. Still, there was the day
he was day-dreaming and went through
the intersection of a busy highway
without stopping. If somedne had been
coming the other way he 'probably
wouldn't have been around to just
shake.
In 30 years you can't escape a few'
close calls. You look back and think
about the icy road that sent your vehi-
cle careening sideways down the
highway and that you got back under
control before getting smucked by an
oncoming car or ending up against a
tree in the ditch.
Even the most careful drivers can't
always avoid the madman behind the
wheel in the other vehicle.
Your dad has seen too many results
of those situations as he walked around
a fatal accident scene taking pictures
of the crumpled steel and human
bodies.
Oh yes, there's so much to fear!
Those .Costly Polls
contend they have developed
polling processes that con fer-
ret out the ntltional, regional
or proviaciel iiewpoint by in-
terviewing a couple of thou-
sand Canadians.
While this may be true in
some instances (even pollsters
get lucky on occasion), ex-
amples abound 'of poll results
that bear little relationship to
actual public opinion.
In the recent U.S. election,
for instance, most pollsters
failed to forecast the massive
support for. President-elect
Reagan.
Yet Canada's politicians
and bureaucrats are making
public decisions involving
billions of taxpayer dollars on
the basis of polls.
Then there's the matter of
cost. Polling has become big
business in the country with
'millions of dollars being spent
on the process. It should also
be noted that the party in
poWer generally hands the
polling business to a like-
minded individual or firm of
the same political persuasion.
While there may be justi-
fication for a few of the polls •
and surveys, most are a waste
of money, even if the resulti
are made, available to the
public. And ordinary tax-
payers are paying the shot for
the useless exercise.
So you've hit that magical age of 16!
Even before you put the wrappings
away from your birthday present,
you've headed out to undertake that
most important chore that you've been
dreaming about for the past several
weeks...getting your beginner's driving
permit.
That's the thing that separates the
men from the boys, isn't it? AS you
walk out the driveway you, see the
machine that will Soon be under your
control and your pace quickens towards
the licence bureau.
Today's the day! Oh sure, you've
been behind the wheel before as you
displayed your , driving prowess by
- backing the car out to the end of the
lane and your dexterity was flawless as
you wheeled back and turned it around.
The feeling ofpower was yours to relish ,
as the wheels caught the loose gravel
and sent a shower of debris onto the
lawn.
But now that's all over. No more
short trips up and down the lane. Today
you can legally get behind the wheel
and hit the open highways, and while
there's that small nuisance of having to
have a qualified driver beside you, that
will soon be eliminated' because your
skills will be quickly honed and enable
you to pass your driver's test.
After all, learning the answers to
those questions on the test will be easy.
Just a few simple rules, a knowlege of
the traffic signs and then showing the
examiner that you can handle that
machine.
There's really nothing to fear, is
there?
* * *
Well, yes there is something to fear.
And while he may noeshoW it outward-
ly, your dad is genuinely afraid,
You see, he's been driving for almost
30 years and while there's only one
minor "fender bender" to blemish his
u
Dispe $00:pyiSra:00y
Well, the presidential election, the
constitution, and the dog-fight over
energy have been thoroughly probed
and massaged and turned upside down
and inside out by the media. So what's a
poor weekly columnist have to turn to
that hasn't been beaten to death?
It's a rotten November day and I
have a rotten, unshakeable cold, so I
think I'll have a few words about what
is rotten in the state of education. And
there's plenty,
First, let's look at teaching. The post-
war baby boom, a natural phenomenon
after sex starvation, is long gone, Im-
migration has slowed to a trickle.
As a result, along with the pill and
wives who want to work rather than
procreate, enrolment in our schools is
dropping rapidly. Many of those red-
brick shoe factories built so lavishly and
triumphantly by the government in the
50's are standing empty. Others echo
hollowly, only half-filled.
A direct result of this, along with the
stupidity of the government, has made
a teaching profession a very hairy one.
Those who chose it as a career are
almost stopped in their tracks.
With jobs vanishing, there is little
chance of promotionfor the young per-
son who wants to rise in the profession.
The others, who don't give a diddle
about being a department head or a
vice-principal, but like to eat and
couldn't make a living at anything else,
are clinging grimly to their jobs, look-
ing over their shoulders to see where
they stand on the seniority list, and ly-
ing awake nights thinking about the
dread statement, "You have become
suplus."
Becoming surplus these days is
almost as bad as becoming pregnant
used to be, for a woman teacher. For a
man,. it's even worse, if he has a fami-
ly, a mortgage, car payments, and is
near the bottom ,,of the list.
For the young teacher, emerging
from teachers' college, it's a night-
Mare. There's a solid line of older
teachers, holding hands, to hurl back'
anyone who wants to get into the
charmed circle.
I can think at the moment of three
young women, graduates of University
of Toronto's Faculty of Education.
Each has an honor • degree. One is
teaching in Newfie, another in the in-
terior of B.C., and the third at an end-
of-rail village in Northern Ontario.
Ten or twelve years ago, these bright
girls would have been beating off hot-
breathing principals who wanted to
hire them sight unseen.
And yet, the government still churns
out dedicated young teachers who will
face nothing but heart'-break and
frustration, as they try to get a job.
It's a vicious, circle, and partly to
blame is the teachers' unions. Long
without much' political clout, they now
have quite a bit, and because of the
past, they have an obsession with
security.
Ask a principal. It's almost as dif-
ficult to fire a teacher a-a it is to fire a
postal worker. As a result, and I don't
care if they keel-haul me for saying
this, the profession is riddled with
teachers who are incompetent,
emotionally or mentally. But it would
require a Hercules to clean out this
particular Augean• stable. And
educational leaders are not exactly
built along .Herculean lines. More like
Mickey Mouse.
So what have we? Teaching staffs
that are getting smaller, older and
scareder Some atmosphere for great
teaching.
Solution? Dangle a couple of years'
salary in front of everybody over fifty-
five who would retire voluntarily, and
accept a smaller pension. Many who
are hanging on by their toe-nails,
emotionally, would leap at it.
That would open the sluice for fresh
blood, young ideas and new
enthusiasm. It would be a real Mutt of
adrenalin for education.
Now we come to the students. They
thought as well.
It doesn't always work out that way.
I've seen cars wrapped around trees
because the driver was going too fast
and had a wheel drop onto the shoulder
of the highway. A matter of an inch or
so... but it was 'sudden death.
Sometimes they are the lucky ones.
Others carry the scars or the effects of
broken limbs or smashed heads for the
rest of their lives.
Then, there's the problem of booze.
Drivers have trouble enough handling
the driving chore without adding the
potent ingredient of booze. It's thp fac-
tor that slows down reflexes. while at
the same time pushes down gas pedals.
No one can handle the combination,
least of all teenagers and again there
are those statistics to back up that
statement.
* * *
Those are a few of the reasons why
your dad fails to share your enthusiasm
for the, fact you're now able to take the •
car onto the highway. But, he realizes
it's apart of life that everyone must
face and obviously my worrying isn't
going to do either of us much good.
We can talk about the dangers until
we're blue in the face. We can talk
about the responsibility you're asspm-
ing. But talk doesn't do much unleSs it
results in action. Most accident victims
heard the same thing.
If there was one piece of advice I
could give that may give us both some
peace of mind it is this: Drive as
though there was a police cruiser
always on your tail and a drunk driver
in the car coming at you.
Maybe that way, you'll be around to
tell your son what you've learned in 30
years of driving! That will probably be
the day when you finally, realize why
your dad was afraid when you went out
the door to get your driver's licence.
are not getting the best, because of the
suggestions I've presented: tired old
blood teaching tired old courses in a tir-
ing old way.
But they're not giving, the best,
either. Many, many students are cling-
ing to school as desperately as their
teachers are,They know it's a cold, in-
different world out there. Thus, with
either a good allowance from parents,
or a weekend job that produces plenty
of spending money, school is a place to
stay warm, be with friends, and not
have to get out of the nest.
Those are the older students. The
younger ones, again in many, many
cases, have not the slightest idea of
good manners, co-operation, or self-
discipline. They are boisterous, unruly,
mouthy, pul-tongued and generally
obstreperous.
They have almost no knowledge of
the Bible, of basic human virtues, of or-
dinary courtesy, but base everything on
the two dimensional teaching of televi-
sion.
Now, let's have a look at the parents
of these kids. In many cases, both are
working, of necessity or materialism.
They are too tired, or haven't time, to
give their children some idea of decen-
cy, fair play, good manners, thrift, or
any of the other virtues.
Broken families, single-parent
families are common. Kids are left to
get their own breakfast or fall back into
bed if it's nasty out. They play truant.
They get behind, blame their teachers,
feel frustrated and resentful.
From this comes vandalism; retreat
into dope or booze and all thenest of
the sad story. Some mess, eh? It's
enough to kill off'many a good teacher
in hesher Prime.
Thank goodness I'm an excellent
teacher, and not one of my students is
like those described. Otherwise, you
wouldn't see my tail for dust.
* *
Automobile accidents.... to most
teenagers and even many of their
elders, are things that happen only to
bother people. The problem is, son,
statistics prove that your age group is
the most susceptible. That's why •we
had to pay so much for insurance for
you. I know you don't think it's fair, but
that's just the reality of 'the situation.
It's that reality that adds to my con-
cern.
The trouble with you teenagers is
that you have too much confidence and
too little comprehension of what can
happen in a second's inattention or
carelessness. A couple of your buddies
know, and odd as it may sound, it may
be the best thing that ever happened to
them and hopefully their close scrape
will provide ybu with some food for
. There's plenty rotten
/3-
1