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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1992-12-09, Page 4Page 4 Times -Advocate, December 9, 1992 Publisher: Jim Becket News NdIlor:.Aditen Harts Business Meritor: Don Smith Compilation .1': Deb Lord C Pubboattons Meil Registration Number 0386 SUBSOMati RATES_ QA Main 40 miles (65 km.) addressed to nett totter oarrls► addreesos $30:00 plus 52.10 Q.S.T. Otrtdde 40 reeks (65 Ian.) or any litter con ler• address $30.00 plus 926.25 (total 56.25) + 3.94 O.S.T. Outs do aasads $68.00 11)1 ( 11. UI program neededreform mong the more contentious is- sues raised by the federal government's "mini -budget" released last week, is the plan to toughen the requirements need- ed to qualify for unemployment insu- rance. Many are complaining that employers will now have an edge over employees stuck in bad working situations, but otherwise, one must wonder why some of these reforms were not introduced sooner. The plan calls for denial of unemploy- ment benefits to those who quit their jobs without just cause. Exactly how the government will define what consti- tutes a good reason for leaving a job is not clear, but indeed there must be some leeway to allow for bad working conditions, difficult working relation- ships, and indeed to allow for ethical conflicts between employer and em- ployee. We will no longer be eligible for ben- efits if fired for misconduct. That par- ticular clause is open to abuse. Law- yers will inevitably get involved in dismissal cases when an employee has been denied benefits. This may pose a further problem for employers consid- ering firing negligent employees. On the other hand, the fear of being fired without a steady income to fall back on is another sword the employer can hold above the employee's head. The province is understandably unhap- py about the prospect of seeing Ottawa cut back on unemployment benefits, po- tentially swelling the welfare rolls that are a provincial jurisdiction. Despite these problems, the federal proposal recognizes that unemployment insurance is a safety net for those who lose their jobs. It is not a way of life. Any major employer can give instanc- es of employees who hang on to a job just long enough to qualify for .full UI benefits before quitting. They always seem to find a job just as the benefits run out. There are those who make a virtual career out of living on the unem- ployment plan as much as possible. These government proposals seem espe- cially targeted at cutting down on that abuse of the system. But at the same time, cutbacks to un- employment insurance shouldn't be viewed by the government just as a means of helping meet its budget. After all, it is an insurance plan that all em- ployees contribute to with each pay- cheque. A.D.H. Where did you learn that? "Stephanie, did you ever see Mom or Dad to that?" The girl was hammering the kitchen table with the end of her fork. There were mashed carrots sucking to the prongs of the fork, and little bits of mash were flying all over the table. "It's enough to make you stop believing in role modelling," Elizabeth said. "Dad and I don't punch holes in the table top. Why don't you try to eat the way we do?" Ever since the kids were bom, Elizabeth a:d I have been keen- ly aware or our responsibility to provide role models for our chil- dren. We've bent over backwards to show them how things are done. Take books, for example. We read to them from the day they came home from the hospital. First those little cloth books for infants, then sturdy baby books, and eventually night time stories of all kinds. The children have their own bookcases in their rooms, and we visit bookstores and libraries regularly. Eliza- beth and I read voraciously, all the time, and the kids are sur- rounded by books, magazines and newspapers. What's the end resit of this gi- gantic literary effort? Three lit- tle words: "Reading is boring!" I'm exaggerating for effect. They don't feel the way all the time, but far too often. Neither Elizabeth nor I slouch when we sit at the table. We don't kick each other under the table. We don't call each other insulting names (at least not at dinner time), and we always say Peter's Point • Peter Hesael "Alexander, pass the butter, please!" or "Duncan, would you please send the broccoli down this way'?" And then we thank the passer for doing the passing. Thank you! What a difficult pair of words! We must have tried to teach them tens of thou- sands of times - by example, by begging and leading, by order- ing and threatening, by denial and by reward. "How are you this morning, Alex?" "Fine." "Fine what?" "Fine day, fine weather, I dun - no, what do you want me to say?" "For the six -hundred and sev- enty-nine thousand, three - hundred and twenty-eighth time: Thank you!" "What are you thanking me for?" Another problem area where Lo t.. ' t•) 1.cli14,• role modelling has totally failed is the bathroom. Elizabeth and I always close the toilet lid, al- ways turn the sink faucet off, al- ways leave the soap dish in good order and the towel neatly folded on its bracket, always turn the light and the fan off. When the toilet paper roll reaches its end, we always install a new one and never leave the holder empty. After many years of providing such consistent opportunities for imitation, why is it that every time I enter a bathroom after one of the boys has just Left it, I find tl:,; lid open, the water in the sink running, the soap dish messy, the towel in a heap on the counter, the light on and the fan running? Once, just one in my life - about two years ago - I made the mistake of not taking my boots off when I came into,the house because the phone waringing. I tracked some dirt over the hall and kitchen floors. Stephanie saw me do it and scolded me about it. Now every time Elizabeth or I tell the kids to take their boots or shoes off, they shout: "Dad doesn't do it either!" Please, somebody answer my question: why is negative role modelling always noticed, re- membered and pointed out, while positive role modelling is always ignored and forgotten? Kids, I hope you're reading this! No fair! Thaflk artkle ,Dear Mr. Harte: I am writing to thank you for your sensitive article on the con- trol of head lice. The mestiago-ef the need for parents and teachers to know how to tvcognize, treat and control pcdiculasis was clear. 4 It really does • affect a lot of in Hu- ron cAtWy and SS you state so clearly it is no laughing matter. Sincerely Diane Petrie M:H.Sc., Director. Public Health Nursing "Men are never so likely to settle a (question Tightly as when they discuss it freely." _ ... Thomas Macauley Pnbnshed Each Wednesday Morning at 424 Main St, Exeter, Ontario, NOM 156 by J.W. Eedy Publications Ltd. Telephone 1.515.2351331 4.11.7. 111105210435 Dear Editor Community spirit is alive and well in Exeter! The Child Find Ce- lebrity lunch is proof in itself. On behalf of the Child Find (Hu- ron County) Executive Members, I would like to thank this communi- ty for their very generous partici- pation on November 27. As well, I would like to give special a men- tion to the Exeter Tithes Advocate. Their support contributed greatly Letter to Editor Comniunity spirit in Exeter to the success of this event. From all reports, partici- pating restau- rants, South Huron District High School, ce- lebrities and the customers thorough y enjoyed this fundraiser. Exeter's generous contribution of $1503.19 is very much appreciated. Letter to Editor The total amount raised, county- wide is $3515.28. A missing child is everyone's re- sponsibility. Child Find (Huron county) sincerely thanks Exeter and the surrounding area for their support. Yours very truly Julianne M. Varley Fundraising Co-ordinator Child Find (Huron County) Parade a success despite weather Dear Editor: Once more 1 am using this col- umn to say "Thank You" to all of the people who made this year's Santa Claus Parade such a success in spite of the horrible weather. To all of you who turned out with your floats - a very grateful and thankful "Thanks", to all of the bands who carne and played so bravely, in spite of the bad condi- tions, Thank you, and to all of you who didn't show we will ask you again next year - we understood! To the Rec Centre staff, for your cooperation and help, to Jane Dearing and her girls, without you the Skating Party would definitely be a failure. Also to people like Becker Farm Equipment who changed their plans at the last min- ute and entered a float when the Band they were to haul decided not to appear, to HMP and Bob Ha- mather for their time and help, a simple thanks. 1 have some `� } extra special thanks to say to Pepsi Cola Canada for their donation of free pop for the Skating Party and also for pick- ing up the lab for the ice time. To companies like McCann Construc- tion and the T.A. for their cash do- nations, it all makes my job a little easier. Lett(,r to Editor And last but not least to the BIA, without their financial assistance there would not be a parade, and honourable mention to my fellow Lions, many who turned out to help without being asked, thank you. To all of the spectators who braved the elements, without you there would be no need for a pa- rade, thank you. Enough is enough, I will close and hope I have not missed saying thanks and thanks again to any of you. Merry Christmas. Don Haines, Exeter Lions Club Stable funding legislation Dear Sir: 1 am a Canadian born and bred, brought up in the belief of the British tradition .of freedom and democracy. A system in which a citizen could freely pursue his livelihood as long as it was done by peaceful legitimate moans. It therefore offends me to futd that some groups :now intends .to force me to pay a fee to them un- der penalty of losing my rights as a citizen of a formerly free socie- ty. Such are the implications of this so called Stable Funding Leg- islation. Whatever the end this well meaning legislation , coercion is a means, is certainly notjjustified. -if, as is noted in Premier letter of November 4. general farm organizations provide "valuable education and reslearch services and policy advice that benefit all pro- ducers," then it to me that the funding theyry111) ould be df9rt - coming from a pThe erceptive and worthy tcd ein representsthat our industry all the above noted regards, Flowers Canada, receives its funding by voluntary means from anappreciative' membership as must be the case unless we are to continue 'down the path described by George This area of Mersea Township is an :intensely strong *PT r . Y are tomply unaware fthis Ig- or of its implic tats. is little doubt that the peo- ple who have the most to gain by this government intervention atp the heads of the so called "accredit- ed" organizations, the implications here are interesting. From a practi- cal perspective very interesting, since, if distribution of the funds Is to be equitable, choice on the part of the farmers is hardly feasible, since under free choice all tete funds could go to one organization. Therefore the government Al have to exercise control in is re- gard, and no other organization need apply. As a last resort then, to add some semblance of fairness to this other- wise high handed and divisive ef- fort, rifer it to a committee and then have the fanners vote. Yours sincerely, John H. Newland, Leamington