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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1983-08-17, Page 4Page 4 e Times -Advocate, August .17, 1983 Ames -; '1,',•4011111111110:4., f ze®11 9 dvocate Times Established 1873 Serving South Huron, North Middlesex Advocate Established 1881 & North Lambton Since 1873 Amalgamated 1924 Published by ).W. Eedy Publications Limited LORNE EEDY Publisher JIM BECKETT Advertising Manager BILL BATTEN Editor HARRY DEVRIES Composition Rlanager ROSS HAUGH Assistant Editor DICK JONGKIND Business Manager Published Each Wednesday Morning at Exeter, Ontario Second Class Mail Registration Number 0386. Phone 235-1331 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Canada $21.00 Per year; U.S.A. $56.00 C.W.N.A., O.C.N.A. CLASS 'A' and 'ABC' Distorting competition When thepoliticiansand government bureaucrats get as deeply involved in planning and running the system as they are now, distortions arise that have hor- rendous effects on the hard-working farmers, manufacturers and small-time entrepreneurs who really make the economy tick. Two recent, unrelated incidents highlight how serious the situation has become. With more than 1.5 million people unemployed in the country, Canada's farm community reports that hundreds of acres of berries have been left to rot in the fields because pickers aren't available. The reason? Potential workers fear they will lose unemployment insurance or social assistance support if they work for only a few days, which is common in Y the berry picking game as employees move from one farm to another. So rather than sign up for farm work, the unemployed continue to draw benefits, while the ber- ries rot. To add insult to injury, farmers were required to play the government's red -tape game: forced to fill out extensive government forms, even if the individual only worked for a few hours. Effectively admitting its mistake, Ottawa belated- ly backed off, relaxing some of the stiff new, regula- tions. But by that time, the berries had rotted. There is always next year. Across the country, governments at all levels are Time to With depressing news about everything from unemployment to bankruptcies cluttering our daily • lives, it is perhaps time to reiterate just how fan- tastically lucky we Canadians really are. First, let's consider the basics: Food - Thanks to our hardworking farmers and fishermen, the country has no shortage of foodstuffs. What's more, the prices (compared to most other coun- tries) are among the lowest in the world. The Japanese, for example, spend about 40 per- cent of take home pay on food products, and the West Germans about 30 percent. Canadians lay out a lowly 22 percent, which is not bad at all. Energy - We may complain about the high price of oil, gas and electricity, but at least we have an ade- quate supply. In fact, Canada is now a net exporter of energy. Shelter - Canadians are among the best housed people in the world and, compared to people in other nations, the cost is reasonable. One need only consider the tiny size of apartments in Japan or even Europe to understand how well off we are. Wealth - On a per capita basis, Canadians are among the wealthiest people anywhere. We have such It's been it's been a rather disastrous week for many area residents, most of the pro- blems stemming from the particular quirk of nature that has resulted in the weather falling to various extremes in re- cent months. It appe:'rs that people should become accustomed to the "spells" because that is what we've been getting in a feast or famine type situation. There is an inor- dinate number of dry spells, cold spells, wet spells and hot spells. Periods of moderation are uncommon. Area farmers have battled those condi- tions throughout the current growing season and have watched their fields suf- fer from too much hot, dry weather at times and then followed by too much dampness. The problem boiled over for farmers in the area stretching from Varna through to Staffa last week when giant sized hailstones battered their fields and caus- ed extensive damage. In the mere time of Tess than 15 minutes, the better part of a year's work lay wasted. Recent trips to the Mitchell, Stratford and Tavistock areas have in- dicated that many fields have been severely damaged by excessive rain and there are many other parts of the pro- vince where a variety of crops have been drastically reduced through the vagaries of weather. While crop insurance lessens the loss, it provides the farmer with nothing more than his costs in the best of situations and obviously one can not survive by merely meeting costs. Most people dismiss the devastating results by noting that the Toss of crops or reduced production are compensated for by higher prices due to the supply and de- mand philosophy. 1 tr spending money they don't have to provide so-called "job creation" grants to new or expanding businesses, all the while forgetting about the jobs that will be lost as unsubsidized firms have difficulty competing with those accepting the handouts. In Hamilton, Ontario, for example, a Winnipeg company plans a 302 -room hotel that will cost $15.6 million. The federal and Ontario governments are pro- viding the company with $3.9 -million as an outright gift, or a full 25 percent of the cost of the project. What's more, the City of Hamilton is spending $1.6 -million to build a subbasement and parking lot, and another $900,000 for a street overpass. The question: how will other unsubsidized hotels in the city compete to w 1 th the newcomer m er that has receiv- ed so many free taxpayer dollars? The simple answer: they'll have a rough time indeed. If this type of government largesse was a single incident, it might not be worth mentioning. But similar deals are be ;ng concocted daily in all regions of the country as one business after another hops on the gravy train. The politicians take credit for the "new" jobs, but fail to accept the blame for layoffs at competing firms. The sad fact is, governments are distorting the competitive, free enterprise system, creating a remarkable advantage for the companies that get grants. take stock an abundance of land, water, minerals and other resources that people in other countries have difficul- ty understanding why we haven't developed them to a greater degree. Support Systems - Through such programs as unemployment insurance and social assistance, Cana- dians are guaranteed that they won't starve and that they will have a roof over their heads. Medical care and education is available to all, and virtually anyone can receive a university or technical school education at bargain basement prices. Lifestyle - With a relatively low crime rate and few racial problems, Canadians live in a peaceful environ- ment that impresses most visitors to the country. In addition, we have a democratic system of government that provides the freedoms denied to a great propor- tion of the world's population. Canadians, it seems, are introspective. We com- plain about our seemingly horrendous day-to-day pro- blems, giving little thought to the hundreds of millions of people who go to bed hungry. So perhaps it is again time to take stock. No mat- ter what the news headlines may suggest, Canadians are very well off indeed. a bad week There's some validity to that, but there's not much consolation in a situation where people can only expect a fair return on their investment if disaster strikes their neighbors. But, it does appear that's about where agriculture is these days' What "spells" the weather will envoke before the harvest is complete is anyone's BATT'N AROUND with the editor guess, and based on the problems to date. a worry for a great many people. * The other disaster was the rather startl- ing news on Wednesday that the Lambton Health Unit had posted signs along Lake Huron beaches warning swimmers that the water was unsafe for swimming due to high bacteria counts. Early indications are that the prohlem stems from the prolonged dry spell, coupl- ed with run-off during the subsequent wet spell. it's much too early for anyone to press the panic button and it should be noted that a great many public swimming places have been similarly closed this summer, due to health hazards. Unfortunately, pollution levels do not in- crease significantly in a short time period without some rather obvious explana- tions, nor do the corrective measures generally occur in a brief period. • One cottage owner advised earlier this season that the water quality of Lake for area Huron appeared to he deteriorating as it was never entirely clear and a filmy waste frequently washed up on his shoreline. 1t could hardly he called a .:hocking situation in view of the ncv, for over a decade that a number of lakes and rivers in this province have been killed by man- made pollution, and with very few steps being taken to halt the destruction. it was only a matter of time before the problems compounded. 1f the problems arose through ig- norance they may be excused, but clear- ly that is not the situation Pollution has been paid only minimal lip -service for generations, despite the known conse- quences, and practically every step ahead has been accompanied by two back. Regrettably, most people have to be af- fected directly before they show any con- cern, and that usually arrives too late. a Weather conditions may prove to be the catalyst that triggered the pollution pro- blem, but it can not be dismissed as the cause. Pollution is a byproduct of humans in all but a minute number of instances. Given the chance, the lake can cleanse itself, in loth the short term and long term. But even a huge body of water can not be expected to he totally forgiving of man's carelessness and stupidity. Regardless of how quickly the current problem may right itself. it would be fol- ly to consider it other than a warning of what the future holds unless remedial ac- tion is undertaken. it is rather ironical that while many people in this country are concerned over the .risk of the total destruction of mankind, they ignore (he slow, lingering destruction that is very much a reality. rasortrogausteLMO "Fill 'er up! My inheritance came through!" Not good day for writing Too hot. Nothing on TV. Nothing in the papers. Two grandboys, one of whom wants a peanut but- ter and honey sandwich, the other a jam and banana sandwich. Not the best day for writing a serious column. So. Let's have something on the light side. I am deeply indebted to a faithful reader for the following, a compilationof "boners" or "howlers" put together by historian Anders Henriksson from students at McMaster University and University of Alberta in their freshmen year. I'd love to print the whole thing, but haven't space, so will set- tle for a few, with the odd editorial comment. First, about the Black Death. "In the 1400 hun- dreds most Englishmen were Perpendicular. Finally, Europe caught the Black Death. The bubonic plague is a social disease in the sense that it can be transmitted by in- tercourse and other etceteras. It was spread from port to port by in- flected rats. Victims of the Black Death grew boobs on their necks. The plague also helped the emergance of the English language as the national language of England, France and Ita- ly." Now you know about the Black Death, should the subject come up at a cocktail party. Just ask, "Where did you get those boobs on your neck?" Now, all the gen on the Middle Ages. "During the Middle Ages, everybody was middle aged." Well, I'd give him a mark for that. Now the next phrase. "The Middle Ages shm- pared to a halt. The renasence bolted in from the blue. Life reeked with joy. Italy became robust and more individuals felt the value of their human being. Italy, of course, was much closer to the rest of the world, thanks to northern Europe. Man Sugar and Spice Dispensed By Smiley Yr German Emperor's lower passage was blocked by the French for years and years." No wonder we had two world wars! Just some other gems. "Louis XIV became King of the Sun...if he didn't like someone he sent them to the gallows for the rest of was determined to civilize himself, even if heads had to roll. It became sheik to be educated. Europe was full of incredable churches with art bulging out their doors." that takes care of the Renaissance. Nicely. But the Reformation is not neglected. "The Refor- mation happened when German nobles resented the idea that tithes were going to Papal France or the Pope, thus enriching Catholic coiffures...an angry Martin Luther nail- ed 95 theocrats to a church door. Theologically, Luther was into reorienta- tion mutation...The Popes, of course, were usually Catholic...the last Jesuit priest died in the 19th century." More. "After the refir- mation were wars both foreign and infernal. If the Spanish could gain the Netherlands they would have a stronghold throughout Northern Europe which would in- clude their posetions in Italy, Burgangy, central Europe and India. The their lives." "The French revolution was accomplished before it happened... Napolean was ill with baldder pro- blems and was very tense and unrestrained." Poor detail. The 19th century? "In- dustrialization was precipitating in England. Problems were so com- plexicated that in Paris, out of a population of one million people, two million able bodies were on the loose." Hm! Always knew the French were loose, but not quite that loose. Politics? "The middle class was tired and need- ed a rest. The old order could see the lid holding down new ideas beginning to take shake. Among the goals of the chi usts were universal sufferage and an anal parliament. Voting was to be done by ballad."Well, have things changed all that much?" Culture? "(It) Tormented from Europe's tip to its top. Richard Strauss, who was violent but methodical like his wife made him, plunged into vicious and perverse plays. Dramatized were adventures in seduction and abortion. Music reek- ed with reality. Wagner was master of music, and people did not forget his contribution. When he died, they labeled his seat as "historical." Other countries had their own artists . France had Checkhov." Moving along. "World War I broke out around 1912-1914. Germany was on one side of France and Russia on the other. At war people get killed and then they aren't people any more, but friends....in 1937 Lenin revolted Russia." And on to World War II. "Germany was displaced after WWI. This gave rise to Hitler. Germany was morbidly overexcited and unbalanced. Berlin became the decadent capital, where all forms of sexual deprivation were practised. A huge anti - semantic movement arose.... "Moosealini rested his foundations on 8 million bayonets and invaded Hi Lee Salasy." Sounds jolly uncomfortable for Moosy. "Germany invaded Poland, France invaded Belgium, and Russia in- vaded everybody. War screeched to an end when a nukuleer explosion was dropped on Heroshima. A whole generation had been wipe out in two wars, and their forlorne families were left to pick up the pieces." Those are just sampl- ings. It's not quite the way I remember my history, but it sure as hell is more interesting. The year of the -spider One of the books that I enjoy reading to young students is called "Charlotte's Web", a fan- ciful tale in which a spider by the name of Charlotte is shown as a very in- telligent, hard-working in- dividual who is able to of- fer good advice to a young pig in the local barn. After you finish reading the book you feel'quite guilty about taking the heel of your boot to the spider which is crawling up the wall. Then when someone says it is going to rain for seven days because you killed a spider you feel even more badly, knowing that so many people are on vacation at this time of the year. However, "Charlotte's Web" and rain aside i have decided that this must be the Year Of the Spider. i've never seen so many of them in and of the dry July we had and the large number of in- sects around that spider are flourishing but Perspectives By Syd Fletcher around our house. I swear that it has been arunning battle for about the last two weeks. i open the front door and there's a great lig web extending from the top left to the top right. Open the back door and you're wiping more of the sticky stuff out of your hair. Maybe it's because whatever the reason there seems to be no getting away from the little devils. Anyway i've declared war on them. As soon as a web appears 1 get out there with the corn -husk broom and flail away. I've gotten cagey though now as I found out that if i just swept away the web, friend spider would head for the nearest crack and wait till my back was turn- ed before beginning his dirty work. As night falls now 1 go on 'spider patrol' and sneak up on then as they begin their evening's work. Bang goes my trus- ty fly swatter and another hairy eight -legged monster bites the dust. I think I'm winning. Would you believe there are three fewer spiders out of a cast bf thousands? Maybe by November there'll he some improvement. Whatever you do though, don't tell Charlotte (or any of those farmers who're trying to get their grain off the fields.) 1