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Lakeshore Advance, 2011-08-31, Page 5Wednesda , Au • ust 31, 2011 • Lakeshore Advance 5 From theCountryslde From the Tower • conn Russell Bipedal to Lakeshore Advance Every so often a public figure throws out a shadow larger than those around him. The untimely death of Jack Lay- ton and the subsequent outpouring of public affection projects a feeling that Jack's shadow was indeed larger than some. It is rare in Canada for such public feelings to be manifested and even rarer that the the political experts/pundits are without explana- tion for our behaviour. I think our behaviour can be explained by looking at Jack's public identity. He came across as someone you knew or would like to know, Jack had an innate ability to be in the moment with individuals but also was able to project that same effective feel- ing to the public in crowds or on TV or in the House of Commons. His causes and his answers to questions were in simple language and were bought into by some who might otherwise not support his political aspirations. He knew that Canadians as a whole are receptive to straight talk and he acted likewise. Over time and many elec- tions this resulted in him becoming just Jack. People have responded in this way before to political figures who have touched us deeply. The funeral train of John Diefenbaker comes to mind, On the other hand, the public adulation for Pierre Trudeau in past times was tempered by the solemn state funeral upon his death. I see a more apt and recent common thread in the political career of Preston Manning. The lead- ing of the people with a cause from the fringes of political discourse to the centre of national debate with talk of common sense and a populist and deeply personal lingo. Being able to be identified with a cause is one thing, making it the people's is another. Jacks political career started in ,kronto where as a Councillor he was Or the side of many 'left wing' causes. some of these included inclusionary policies for the marginalized, whether they be poor or homeless, a social or sexual minority or bike riders. He fought for policies against violence against women and his crusade on that score has international implica- tions. Before he even hit the national stage, his social democradc roots were well developed and deep. When Jack became the leader of the national NDP, some pundits wrote him off as a municipal lefty with no heft. He proved them wrong in elec- tion after election as his message of working together and talking through solutions gained traction and reso- nance amongst new supporters. The fact that this happened during a period of Liberal disarray and a build- ing Conservative cohesion does not take away from the message nor its results. That Jack Layton became the leader of the Opposition in the House has its origins in the same roots of planning, talking, building consensus and partnerships honed in his early political career. One issue that seems to have gotten little play since the election is that Jack spoke eloquently many years ago on the need for dialogue with the'Ihtiban in Afghanistan. This was mocked In the House as foolhardy talk and disre- spectful to our troops fighting there. Be that as it may, this difference in approach to a war we were mired in gained a large audience in Quebec where such talk is considered reason- able not treasonous. Jack's slow and steady inroads in Quebec accelerated as much due to his unwavering ,truthful ,social democratic and federalistic talk, He walked his talk and the astute Quebe- cols voted for him and his plank, and him alone, When we look back on Jack Layton's career in the public eye, what will be his legacy? Will It be the simple truth that he led the NDP to Official Oppo- sition status for the first time and was gone before the fruits could be picked? Will it be the human face that some- times we saw in glimpses when the public/private lives of a politician col- lide?Tings such as his giving life to a strong prostrate cancer message, walk- ing the talk daily for minorities in nor- mal business or riding his bike daily and getting rid of his car. Will it be the inspirational values for democracy that he instilled in a new generation of young citizens? I hope it is all of these but mostly the last. We, as the ones left to carry a social democratic torch for Jack and his ideals, would do our country and our local communities well by creating forums for youth, Places where voices that matter but are seldom heard are given a hearing and respect. That would be a living legacy. And that's how I see it this week. tkesllor9Advmco, Scott Ruddle Lakeshore Advance "I ley I took swimming lessons, 1 can swine. I don't have to worry, right?" 1 can't say it enough. People over estimate their swimming ability and swimming in the lake is different than swimming in the pool, As I mentioned in article four, at a pool we have clear water, lines painted on the bottom, Zane ropes to keep us swimming straight, and buoy lines that mark where the depth changes. if you get tired you can hang on the side or a lane line. Most people seldom swim further than the distance from where you landed going off the diving board to the side of the tool. This lends a per- son to think that they are a "good swimmer': At the beach it is difficult to judge distances across open water, A 50m swim out to the swim marker might seem pretty easy, but then you have to swim back. 'Ihat might sound simple, but when was the last time you swam four laps of the commu- nity pool without stopping at the end walls? 'Ihmw in some waves and a current that drifts you a bit and the challenge increases. We do get some tri -athletes that come to the each to train and I've suggested that they practice the following way. Jog down to the north end of the beach where the Oakwood Estates start. Swint out to the back edge of the sandbar and go about ten feet beyond that. Now swim south using the water test- ing station and the pier light post as direction markers. Hyatt get a leg cramp or in any kind of dis- tress you only have to swim ten feet to stand up. There has been an increasing number of teenagers and adults that we rescue each year. Many had limited swimming skills or were not able to cope with the water conditions. I'd like to think that 1 could tell people to stay out of the lake and sign up for some swimming lessons, but 1 know that isn't going to happen. If you can't swim very well, don't go any deeper than your waist and stay with a buddy. If you kneel or sit down on the bottom you can soak up to your shoulders to cool off. lithe waves get much higher than two feet only go to your knees and stay with a buddy. All of the regular rules apply to adults as much as to kids. Stay hydrated, drink water. Avoid sunburn, wear sunscreen. Learn the bottom profile, go slow first time in everytime. Here is a final sobering fact. Almost half of all males (47%) 18-34 years of age that drowned had consumed alcohol, accord- ing to the latest National Drown- ing Report. (Available at www. lifesavingsociety.com) Alcohol and glass containers on the beach will get you a ticket. Bur- led glass bottles can get run over by the tractor that grooms the sand each morning and leave a pile of sharp shards for children to step on. Impaired Judgment and co-ordination can lead to a tragedy when mixed with water conditions you can't handle. Please don't drink on the beach. So please come enjoy the Keach. Respect the water and the other visitors. Save the alco- hol for the patio afterwards. Stay close and stay safe. 1)o you have any continents or questions? !lave you enjoyed the articles so far? Please e-mail the Lakeshore Advance and let me know. Relief in Goderich thanks to local organizers Lakeshore Advance Lakeshore Advance The local communities have Jumped on board to help the many victims affected by last week's tor- nado in Goderich, The list below lets readers know where they can donate and the upcoming local events. Wednesday August 31- 'Lumba, Uwe, and Community! Let's gather for a cause, Wedndesday August 31. South 1 luron Rev CentreDoors Open 7:O0pm - 8:30pm. Minimum $10 cash donation or non perisha- bles will be collected for the Goderich Tornado Relief Fund, Lots of ways to win stuff Will be a terrific time! All proceeds will go directly to Salvation Anny. Can't save that date! Not to worry 1 luron Motor Products has also opened their doors to accept donations. Feel free to bring dona- tions to them at your convenience, Friday, September 2nd -Goderich Aunt tussles music night fundraiser with their first being last Friday with a huge response. This Friday you will be entertained by Mike Monaghan and Patrick Powers. You need to reserve a seat by entailing your reservation. If you can come but cannot stay the whole night, please do so! aunt- gussies@itay.net Tickets are lim- ited. past and present staff to donate your time these nights. $10.00 will get you in the door. 'there will lw lots always to donate and lots of flan prizes to he won. All money raised these nights will be donated directly to Salvation Anny Goderich, Age of Majority. Monday September 5th-- Come out to the last Gables Jam Night of the summer to enjoy some great music and support those impacted by the tornado in Goderich. $5 cover, open donations will all be given to the .Salvation Army, which will go directly to the town of Goderich. It's a great time for a great cause! Age of Majority, Saturday Septetnber 17th- South Huron Recreation Centre will host Legends help Goderich. Mulit- award winning tribute acts will take to the stage at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20- $25 at the door. Call 519- 236-9908 for details of contact danny_.grangerpLive.com Donations can also be dropped off at Grand Bend Legion and 1 iuron Motor Products Food and Clothing, water are top priority at the moment, but any items donated are gratefully accepted and appreciated. Non perishable food including baby food'lbiletries (toilet paper, shampoo, tooth paste, tooth brush, etc) . Diapers, formulaClothing (all sues, all ages for men/ ladies / boys /girls/ babies)Plntes/ eating utensils. Children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters have lost their homes and ALL school supplies in Goderich. Please help and report this folks, Donations can be dropped off at Community Living in Dashwood or at myFM studio in Exeter. Or if you know me and close by 1 can pick up / drop oar. Donations need to be in by Sun- day. Please 11e1I) in any way you Gin!