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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1994-11-02, Page 4PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994. C itizenTheNorthHuron P.O. Box 429, BLYTH, Ont. NOM1HO Phone 523-4792 FAX 523-9140 P.O. Box 152, BRUSSELS, Ont N0G1H0 Phone 887-9114 FAX 887-9021 Publisher, Keith Roulston Editor, Bonnie Gropp Sales Representatives, Jeannette McNeil and Julie Mitchell The Citizen is published weekly in Brussels, Ontario by North Huron Publishing Company Inc. Subscriptions are payable in advance at a rate of $20.50/year ($19.16 plus $1.34 G.S.T.) for local; $31.03/year ($29.00 plus $2.03 G.S.T.) for local letter carrier in Goderich, Hanover, Llstowel, etc. and out-of-area (40 miles from Brussels); $60.00/year for U.S.A, and Foreign. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, only that portion of the advertisement will be credited. Advertising Deadlines: Monday, 2 p.m. - Brussels; Monday, 4 p.m. - Blyth. We are not responsible for unsolicited newscripts or photographs. Contents of The Citizen are © Copyright. Publications Mail Registration No. 6968 E ditorial i Surprise package A decade ago when Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau was trying to bring home the Canadian constitution one of the things that brought him most public support was the provision for a Charter of Rights. Today one wonders how much of the support for the Charter remains with most ordinary Canadians. Recently a man in British Columbia was acquitted of a charge of beating his wife because the judge found he was too drunk to know what he was doing. That decision followed a ruling by the Supreme Court that being too drunk to be rational could be used as a defence by those charged in various crimes. Also on Monday, the government decided it would abandon attempts to create "sexual predator" legislation, laws designed to prevent known dangerous sexual criminals from getting back on the street when they are likely to re-offend. It was unlikely such a law would be found constitutional under the Charter of Rights, justice officials said. Under the Charter a person couldn't be judged guilty before he committed the crime. This is not what we thought we were getting. The Charter of Rights seemed like a good idea. Judges were to be a sort of check on the powers of legislators^ to prevent trendy political pressure from creating legislation that would hurt the individual. But the idea of the Charter supposed that judges were wise. We're not seeing much wisdom in some of the decision of judges at all levels, particularly at the Supreme Court. The Charter of Rights was not intended to be a way for guilty people to escape justice — it was intended to protect justice. What we're developing is a kind of legal shell game in which lawyers look for some legal technicality to get their clients off even if there is irrefutable proof of guilt. Attend a local court and you'll see it all the time as lawyers try to beat drunk driving charges. Since breathalyser tests prove the driver is guilty, all the lawyers can do is try to find something the police did wrong that can be interpreted as denying the accused his rights. Our system is coming dangerously close to that in the U.S. There, in one extreme case, a murder weapon seized by police when a mother let them search her house and her son's room, was not allowed to be used as evidence because police hadn't a search warrant or received the accused's permission before searching his dresser drawer where the weapon was found. Our justice system must be seen to be just for people to respect it — not just for the defendant, but just for society. It shouldn't be a game of "Mother may I" in which if the police don't ask "May I?" at the right times they have to go back to square one. We honour our judges, supposedly, for their wisdom. They must begin to use that wisdom or people will lose faith in the justice system. When people lose faith, chaos follows. Judges must find a way to balance the rights of accused against the rights of society and just plain common sense.— KR Setting an example In the grand scheme of things the generous gesture of Carl McNeil won't mean much, but the example he set is one that could turn Canada around if more people followed it. Mr. McNeil, a poor Fullarton Township farmer who lived without an electric stove or running water, was so concerned about the national debt that he left part of his estate ($37,634.61) to be given to the government to pay down the national debt. That will pay the interest on the national debt for just over 30 seconds. But futile as the gesture might seem, just imagine what could happen in this country if more people were like Mr. McNeil. Here is a man who gave rriore than he got, a rare example these days. Too often people are worried they won't get their share. People who don't need it take Unemployment Insurance because after all "I paid into it all those years". (Can you imagine smashing up your car or burning down your house because you had paid insurance all those years and wanted to get your money's worth?) Businesses that rail against government spending apply for grants for everything they can think of because "everybody else is doing it". Anyone who is interested in helping the national debt situation has an option: use as few government services as possible so that government spending will go down. Those who have lived a good life in Canada can do as Mr. McNeil has done, leave all or part of their estates to the government Sure it's generous, but if we're really con­ cerned, maybe it's time to put our money where our mouths are. — KR Lost hare1? Photo by Janice Becker Letters THE EDITOR, I have just received a green pamphlet from the Children's Aid Society, sponsors of "The Christmas Bureau," in which I discovered the statement, and I - quote: "Did you know that the Children's Aid Society of Huron County is the only Agency in Ontario that co-ordinates the collection and distribution of toys, clothes, and food to all needy families in the community." Since this pamphlet would seem to have been widely distributed, and to correct any misunderstandings people may have due to it, I would appreciate it if you would, through the medium of your newspaper, let them know: The Salvation Army will continue, (as it has for over 100 years), to provide for the needy at Christmas. Also it will continue to do so irrespective of age, sex, colour or creed, with hand to man and heart to God. Unlike some other agencies which help specific people, or people with specific needs The Salvation Army continues successfully to work with all. It not only co-ordinates the provision of toys, clothes, food and other necessities to the less fortunate at Christmas, but also continues to meet their needs throughout the tough days of winter and on through the year. Because of its local presence and reputation, it continues, and will we are sure, continue in the future, to enjoy the trust and respect of the community in Huron County, and indeed in Canada. To this end, those seeking help or assistance at Christmas, can apply for same as shown below. For information on Christmas assistance from: The Salvation Army "Christmas and Winter Relief Fund", simply contact, The Salvation Army Family Services, Wingham, 357-3757. ‘Thanks for coverage’ — writer There will also be opportunity to apply at any of the following from Nov. 28 - Dec. 2 between the hours of 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. - The Salvation Army Family Services, Wingham (The white building next to the church on Edward Street. See Mrs. Captain Edna Rowe.(R) ); the United Church in Lucknow, (See Rev. W. Bresnahan); the United Church in Teeswater, (See Rev. B. Morrison); the Brussels Mennonite Fellowship, Brussels, (See Pastor T. Warner). We want to sincerely thank the clergy and the congregations of the churches above for making their facilities and staff available to receive applications in their area, thus making it easier for those without transport to avail themselves of help which they may need. Thank you for your continuing support. Captain Roy Scott, Commanding Officer, The Salvation Army (Wingham). THE EDITOR, The Central Huron Mobility Service Inc. (CHuMS) is now incorporated and will be holding their inaugural meeting on Nov. 23 to elect the board of directors. Many members of the steering committee are planning to stand for election to the board. We have a potential chairperson, vice-chair and treasurer but what we are lacking is a secretary. This will be an important and respected position on our board and you will not be asked to make the coffee. Is there a retired secretary or a person who is experienced at taking minutes who would like to join a dynamic group who meet monthly to plan for the startup and operation of a specialized transportation service in central Huron? You would need to have access to a typewriter or computer, although eventually we will have an IBM computer in our office in Seaforth. If you would like to further explore this interesting volunteer position, please call either Ron Latham at 482-7366 or Bev Brown at 482-5666. Bev Brown, on behalf of the CHuMS Steering Committee. THE EDITOR, The Missions Committee at Brussels Mennonite Fellowship wants to thank you for the excellent coverage you gave to our SELF HELP Craft Sale held Oct. 13-15. Attendance surpassed our expecta­ tions, which resulted in sales totalling $3,600. This money will maintain two and a half families in the Third World for one year. We regret that everyone who came to our three-day sale did not have the same opportunity to see the total selection of crafts from around the world. Next year the sale will again be held the week after Thanksgiving and the SELF HELP organization has promised to send us double the amount of merchandise we had this year. We were impressed with the number of people who are interested in helping people in Third World countries. Huron County is indeed a caring place to live. Linda Garland, Chair BMF Missions Committee. THE EDITOR, "A Gas/Oil well in every backyard!" Sounds inviting, but too often this promise of instant wealth clouds reality. The landowner and his neighbours may well pay in the long run. Experience has shown that gas/oil leases favour the lessor and your rights are forfeited. Get qualified legal advice before signing anything. Make sure your lease has an indemnity clause. This does not necessarily protect the landowner if something goes wrong with the well - check out all possibilities. The $10 - $20 per acre usually offered the landowner does not begin to cover some of the future costs they may encounter. The scenario for gas/oil drilling is as follows: * The Ministry of Natural Resources is responsible for issuing permits to gas/oil drillers, and setting guidelines for gas/oil Continued on page 5