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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1988-12-14, Page 23oubie Thke by Bruce Shaw At one time, the Mayor as Chief Magistrate was empow- ered to act as judge in certain situations and Anti! fairly recently could -even perform marriages. (Rumour had it that he had certain unwritten privileges on the highway as well, and stop signs weren't anything more than guides.) Unfortu- nately, perhaps, the only specific written power left is the obliga- tion of reading The Riot Act when the'community is endangered. But if I did have the power of a justice, I would like to rule on two cases currently, before the courts. No doubt, you also have 'tried' the two individuals involved in these cases: Thc two involved are facing extradition to the United States on charges of committing multiplemurders. The two men Iledto Cana- da, presumably, to avoid the law and the possibility of guilty ver - 'diets. As a magistrate on the extradition hearing, I, or you, must weigh the evidence on both sides. On one hand,:we are told they should not be •returned because they could face the death penalty if they are found guilty, and besides one, at -least, has made an attempt to adjust -to life in Canada (London). There appears to be no legal reason to keep them here as we do have a treaty with the U.S. for such matters. The defence seems rather simple.. Have 1 missed some- thing? • Let's look at the -other side. Thc reason for denying the Americans these fugitives is based on humanitarian grounds. Really, is that rea- sonable? Of course not! That concern should be directed against the left wing in totalitarian regimes of the Far East and the far right dic- tatorships of Latin American. It's ridiculous to look at the U.S. as anything but a legal, respected democracy with the same historic sense of justice and fair play as found in our own British system of law and order. (There may indeed he crackpots within the system, but the system is sound - there are few regimes that would peaceful- ly remove its head of state or government for such petty crimes as Richard Nixon perpetuated, for instance,) To return these men to the U.S. does not guarantee them torture or death. As well, most Cana- dians today and many courts in the Free World do not see executions as 'cruel and unusual punishment'. (We may eventually reach a stage in our evolution when society will deplore all forms of violence and eliminate the need for capital punishment, but not today.) Further, their alleged crimes may or may not callfor the death penalty. Many factors, including motive would be considered. But there is enough evidence to suggest that they should be returned, to at least, to stand trial. Let's look at the impact on Canada if the ex- traditions arc denied. First of all, if they have done nothing wrong in Canada, even if they are 'mass_murdcrs', shouldn't they be set free. Surely we are not experts to try them, incarcerate them (if they are found guilty) and sent to Canadian prisons for 25 years at a cost of over $100,000 per year. As well, do we really want to establish a re- putation for being a haven for American criminals flecinelbstice in their own Country?. How far do we go in protecting the rights of the individual even if the rights of the victims have been violated? When are the safety of society. and. the.expectations fz}usticxeto idcr•.e l? W3.th,the-- uncertainty of the innocence of these two men, arc we prepared to Accept either into our communities? I believe they would be as wel- come in Sou Huron as Toronto's garbage. • From this liilfhed perspective, 'there is no doubt that this magis- trate would have them returned to face their accusers. If they arc found not guilty and if they are ready to contribute positively to our society, let them return legally and go through the usual red tape others, who arc seeking political asylum, must go through. (Well, we -certainly ended 1988 on a serious note. 1989 will begin in a much lighter vein. All the best for a happy holiday.) Brownies donate - Pauline Lingard, volunteer coordinator with the Huron County Christmas Bureau. attended the December meeting of the First Huron Park Brownie pack to accept donations of groceries for the 6u'eats: Making the presentation are (left) Nancy Kranyi, Nora Parker, Lisa Clarke, Amanda Glavin. Mei,ssa Small,Melissa-Morgan and Lisa Hodge. Jewitt reacclaimed as CLINTON -'John Jewitt of RR 1, Londesboro, has been acclaimed as the chairman of the Huron Coun- ty Board of Education for the second year in a row,taking back the chair he first won last December. In making the nomination that was quickly approved by the 16 - member board at the Inaugural Meeting in Clinton on Monday, trustee Sally Rathwell said- that Mr. Jewitt had carried out his duties of Crediton by Mrs. Stan Preszcator CREDITON The Sunday School at Zion United Church held their Christmas Concert on Sunday. Mrs. Geraldine Schenk was the guest pianist. Harry Schroeder, the Sunday School • superintendent -called to worship. Songs and the Christmas Story was sung and told by the children of all ages. Benediction was by Rev. Bob Pebbles. Gifts and.candy were distributed. Thanks to all the children who took part, the teachers, leaders, pia- nist and anyone who helped.' Lunch and a time of fellowship followed. Choir practice is Wednesday eve- ning at 8 p.m. in the Sunday - School rooms. . The mailing address for Rev. Brian and Mary Elder and family is 404 St. George St., Box 1299, Port Dover, Ontario. NOA INO. Personals Mr., and Mrs. Stan Preszcator spent last week with Mrs. Jerry Dallier and girls, Kitchener and Mr. Gordon Grummett, Cambridge and Saturday evening were guests of Mrs. Lorna Barnes and Jenna, Ken Wcrnham, Lori and Carrie, Thedford and were treated to a delicious sup- per at Sarnia. ' After supper we drove around Sar- nia an viewed all the pretty lights. Mr. and Mrs. Roy Ryan, R.R.2 Crediton and Mr. and Mrs. Stan Preszcator were Thursday supper guests with John Brock and Bonnie Brittain; R.R.1 Crediton. board head his past term with "diligence and sincerity", despite an often -difficult agenda in the face of rising educa- tion costs and declining provincial support. . Formerly the trustee for Hullctt, McKillor and Scaforth, Mr. Jewitt will now serve Blyth and Hullctt Twp. under the new electoral boundaries adopted by Huron Coun- ty earlier this year. The new chair- man will make his Inaugural ad- dress at the board's regular January meeting. Also acclaimed for her second term as vice-chairman of the HCBE was Joan Van den Brock of Salt - ford, the trustee for Colborne and Godcrich Townships. Acclaimed as well to their second terms as committee chairman were Graeme Craig of RR1, Walton to head the board's Education Commit- tee; Brian Jeffray of RR 3, Wing - ham, to head the Management Committee; and Bea Dawson of RR I, Hensall to head the Personnel Committee. Tony McQuail of RR1, Lucknow was elected unani- mously as Member -at -Large to sit on the HCBE Executive Commit. tee. Dishing up beans- Rev. Duke Vipperman serves up baked beans at Satur- day's Christmas bazaar at Trivitt Anglican Church with the help of Mahan Bissett. Stratford group conducts Revival Centre service LUCAN - Sunday morning Jeff Duncan and his wife Sharon, leaders of the Sfratfdrd Vineyard Musical group. conducted -the worship ser- . iicc. The group sang gospel songs, accompanied by their guitars, drums, and electric piano. Pieter Schinkleshoek spoke from 11 Samuel 6:13-22, and Romans 8:5-13. it seems the deyil has put, in people's minds a resistance to openly worship God their Creator. Romans 8:5-7 says our carnal minds are against God. But God's Spirit that is within Christians frees them to worship the Lord. in Eden God communicated with His creation, Adam and Eve. When they listened to Satan's lying, they died spiritually, and disharmony came between God'and man. Prais- ing God brings a person an invita- tion"of ,His spirit to commune with God. The heart of the Bible is, praise to God. Communion was served after the service. The Stratford Vineyard Musical group again ministered in gospel —'Y v n,u�lc Sunday evening. Rev. Roger Mason spoke form Psalm 34:1. He rcad from Column 10 from the manual of discipline form the Dead Sca Scrolls, where a man commit- ted hinisclf,to praise God regardless of his circumstances. David said the same. in this verse. in Psalm 61:8• David said he would praise the Lord daily. Praise is what brings access of God. In. Matthew 6:5-6 Jesus tells of pray- ing in secret, not trying to impress' . people with great public 'prayers. 'Praise in private is to please God. Public praise should be an exten- sion of one's private praise to God, according to Hebrews 13:15. Upcoming events... December 24 - 6:30 p.m., Christ- mas Eve. service. Christmas Day, December 25, 11:00 a.m. service only, December 31 Watch night ser- vice at -10:30 p.m. January 1 - Pot Blessing Fellow- ship at 12:30 p.m. New Year's Day Service at 2:00 p.m. only. • December 14, 1988 Page 7A DI hosts yearly party Bart DeVrie�1° EXETER - Children from babes in arms to 12 years gathered at the . S.H.R.C. in' Exeter on Sunday for their annual Dashwood Industries, Christmas Party. The children start their day by giving to our less fortunate neigh- bours better known as the Christ- mas Bureau collection. This event has been taking place for the past three years with these youngsterk. We also take a collection of all sons of different items at our head office. - This is usually headed up by Mar- ' ilyn Riley at the office and Carol Manders at the Children's party. Both of these girls did a terrific job - and special thanks to all of you who participated.. Now that the children understand• the joy of giving we, the associates of D.I., give the children a fun - filled day. This years entertainment featured the London Laff Guards. It was a day filled with colouring, face painting, balloon magic, bubble magic, a magician, a juggler, -Pec Wee Hcrman, lots of -clowns and lost and lots of fun. The Jolly Old Fellow was there the whole day too! Rumor has it that after seeing all of these little people. that- day ..his list is bigger • than ever! The free draw for a huge stuffed Panda Bear was.won by Debbie Glavin and Family. After the little ones enjoyed the activities they wanted they were given a gift of a stocking for on their way home. I'm sure all these wonderful visions danced in their heads as they lay down to sleep that night. On location or Studio Barf DeVri PHOTOGRAPHY • COMMERCIAL . WEDDINGS - PORTRAITS . GROUPS PURDOITY • Telephone 21i-1298 - 11' flumes Rd., East, 1leler. 04i1 ere's Still Time to Send Your Christmas Greetings Let over 18,000 readers see your Christmas Greeting. All you have to do is complete the handy coupon below and make sure it reaches us by Friday, Dec. 17 NI NI NI NI NI VII III In III III EN RI 1 1 1 1 1 1 Name 1 :Address . Cheque Enclosed 1 Mail to: Times -Advocate, Box 850, Exeter, Ont. 0 „r. _ :4r�•t "..�s"r��Yy�SY.;!! .';�E-R'�i7C'�,rfi:7�l+�fae• My Christmas Greeting is e up to 25 words $4.00 r, '' oilal Words 10e each 1 NI l MI MI MI Ili• NI MI- In NI M IS Mlles se--- Is EN so so so- um m .1 Note: AH Greetin • s Must Be Received b Frida , Dec. 17