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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2005-02-02, Page 5()pinion Respect for other drivers is the most important rule on the road From Page 4 both the car and I survived. But there were a few situations where I was worried about both of our futures. One of those incidents happened as I was driving in the centre lane of Highway 401 between Guelph and Milton. During this trip, a transport truck behind me began to speed up rather quickly. I was already going 120 km/h and was keeping up with the flow of traffic. This idiot got right up behind my car and began flashing his highbeams and inched his way closer to my bumper. Eventually I changed lanes to the slow lane so this impatient truck driver could get past. I thought this was the last time I'd have to deal with him, but it wasn't. Somehow I ended up behind his rig again when I re-entered the middle lane. I was almost 100 metres behind the truck, but he thought that was too close. The driver began pumping his breaks to try and get me to back off even further than 100 metres. It became apparent that the driver didn't want anyone around his truck when he began blowing his horn at people passing him in the fast lane. At one point the driver started to signal he was going into the fast lane (which is illegal for truckers to do on a three -lane highway) and almost broadsided a compact car. I had enough of this driver and took some information down. I took down the license plate number, type of trailer he was driving, direction he was heading, company he was driving for and reported the driver to the OPP at a collision centre on my exit in Milton. Although my car and I have had our fair share of trine on the road, I still realize the need to respect others even if you're in a hurry to get somewhere. Letter Paul Steckle's comments on same-sex marriage issue frustrate reader To the Editor, I am frustrated by comments made recently by Huron -Bruce MP, Paul Steckle regarding same sex marriage. Although our representative has consulted the people regarding their views on this issue (with a very biased and unscientific mailout "survey") he seems to be trying to manipulate constituents with his blunt misrepresentations of facts. I believe Mr.Steckle is pushing his own anti -gay agenda first and foremost and in this way is no longer a credible representative. Steckle has stated that his opposition to same-sex marriage "is not a Christian issue" but one supported by many religions. There is some truth to this. First of all, let's not confuse civil marriage with' religious marriage. Civil marriage is the legal aspect of all marriage and, for many Canadians, the only type of marriage of concerns. Whether the participants are Christian, Muslim, Wiccan or atheist, to be married legally requires civil sanction. The civil definition of marriage is usally much broader than religious definitions and, even among Christians there is a great diversity among resrictions. For example, in some faiths marriage is a sacrament and in other it is not. It is the civil institution of marriage which is the unifying force in our society and not the various religious traditions. It is also a fact that some denominations of all major faiths (including Christianity) do support same sex marriage. Steckle also persists in perpetuating the myth that faith leaders will be "compelled to officiate over same-sex unions". Not only is this fear -mongering tiresome, it is unfounded. Despite all the advances made in civil rights in the past century, religious institutions can (and do) discriminate in ways that would be considered violations of rights in the secular realm. For example, women, though equal to men in civil life may not be ordained as Roman Catholic priests. In regards to marriage itself, churches can refuse to marry interracial couples, inter -faith couples and divorced people. Basically, religious freedom is considered a fundamental right in this country and it shows no sign of changing. Furthermore, the Supreme Court and the Prime Minister's Office have reassured us that this won't happen. Shame on you , Mr. Steckle for trying to feed this groundless fear! Finally, the comment Mr. Steckle made that "same sex marriages should not be consecrated" further shows his ignorance in this issuse. This opinion has nothing to. do with legislation and one would hope that an MP would be aware of that. Same sex marriages have and will continue to be consecrated no matter what happens in parliameiit, The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, The Ecumenical Catholic Church, The Church of God Anonymous, ALEPH Alliance,The Central Conference of American Rabbis, Reconstructivist Judaism, Unitarian Universalists, The Presbytarian Church (USA), The United Church of Christ, The Quakers, The United Church of Canada and the United Church of Religious Science all consecrate gay marriages. Perhaps Mr. Steckle is suggesting that these churches and temples must stop practicing their religious freedoms? That would be hypocritical to say the least. It is important to remember that, until 1967 in the United States, there were still states which outlawed interracial marriage stemming from religious protests. It is my hope that we will look on opposition to same sex marriage in the same we look on opposition to interracial marriage today -- as being the product of hatred and bigotry. I urge all constituents of Huron -Bruce who support or who have no opposition to gay marriage to make Mr. Steckle aware of you_ opinion. He may listen and, at the very least stop misrepresenting the facts. Michael Rayner Clinton, ON Breast Screening Saves Lives! Women 50 years and over can be screened at the Goderich Hospital. Book your appointment today. CaII: 44041183 w 1-800,461-0640 Ocrenntarioin g pros seram s car an mtano poyam NOT/CE OF THE 126TH ANNUAL MEET/NG (e9OF THE WEST WAWANOSH MUTUAL • INSURANCE COMPANY Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of the Company will he held at the: LUCKNOW COMMUNITY CENTRE On Friday. March 11t11, 2005 AT 2:OO P.M, 1. To receive, consider and approve the Financial Statement and Auditor's Report for the year ended December 31st, 2004. 2. To appoint auditors. 3. To elect two (21 Directors for a three-year term. 4. To transact anv other business that may properly come before the meeting. The retiring Directors are Ken Farrell of the Grey/Bruce designated area and Glenn Coupes, Director At Large. Glenn Coolies is not eligible for re-election. Any qualifying policyholder wishing to run as a Director for these areas must file their intention to run. in writing. along with a nomination form. with the Corporate Secretary or designate. no later than close of business. February 25th, 2005. By order of the Board of Dire! -tors, West Wawanosh Mutual Insurance Company, Dungannon, Ontario Cathie Simpson Corporate Secretor). THE HURON EXPOSITOR, Feb. 2. 2005-5 SEAFORTH INSURANCE • BROKER LTD. 527-1610 ir 711 • • Home • Commercial •Auto • Farm • Out of Province Travel Insurance 41 Main St. S. Seaforth Ken Cardno, Joanne Williamson, Chns►a O'Neil and Barb Watt Church Services You are invited to attend these area churches St. Thomas Anglican Church A Congregation of the Parish of The Holy Spirit Jarvis St. Seaforth Fr. Michael Atkins Parish Office 527-1522 Sat. Feb. 5 - Annual Vestry Meeting & Pot -Luck Supper at 5 p.m. Sun. Feb. 6 - Worship at 9:30 a.m. Mon. Feb. 7 Prayer Group at 7 p.m. Growers Group at 7:30 p.m. Tues. Feb. 8 - Shtove Tuesday Pancake Supper 5 to 7 p.m. In the Parish Hall Feb. 9 - Ash Wednesday Service 10 a.m. Catholic Church St. James RC Church 14 Victoria Street, Seaforth 527-0142 Weekend Masses: Sat 5:15 pm Sun. 11:00 am St. Columban RC Church SaturdayMass at 7:30 pm Father Lance Magdzlak • Bethel Bible Church An Associated Gospel Church 126 Main St. Seaforth 527-0982 Sunday Worship Hour 11 am Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Egmondville United Church Sunday, Febraury 6 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Worship Guest Minister Rev. Nick Vandermey Steve Hildebrand Lay Pastoral Minister in Training EVERYONE WELCOME BEREAN COVENANT CHURCH A BRANCH OF GRACE TRINITY COMMUNITY CHURCH Orange Hall, Seaforth 527-2682 4 pm Worship Service Pastoral Team: Pastor Bob Penhearow Pastor Ron Matthews Pastor Royal Hamel First Presbyterian Church Goderich St. W., Seaforth February 6 - 11:15 a.m. Rev. Henry Huberts `Time for Everything" Please stayfor lunch and the annual meeting. Sunday School and Nursery Provided during service ac can heti) us find ectforth' s fest cart Kindness... 1. The state, quality or habit of being kind. 2. kind act or treatment. 3. act of affection or goodwill. Charity... 1. an act of goodwill or affection to others. 2. voluntary giving of money or help to those in need. Benevolence... ate 1. an inclination to do good. 2. a kindly, charitable act or gill. Has someone helped you or someone you know and asked for nothing in return? Random acts of kindness often go unrewarded and this is your chance to say "Thank You" to your good samaritan! THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE A PRIZE PACKAGE WORTH OVER $300 FROM SEAFORTH AREA BUSINESSES! Here's how: Simply write a letter explaining how your nominee helped out and why they are Seaforth's Biggest 1-leart Deadline for entries Feb 7th at 12 noon Entries will be judged on Feb 7th and the winner announced in the Huron Expositor Feb 16th. Submit entries to: The Huron Expositor, l 1 Main St, Seaforth or The Municipality of Huron East, c/o BIA Secretary. 72 Main St, Seaforth, NOK 1 WO. Brought to you by... eaforth L11s