The Times Advocate, 2005-01-12, Page 44
Exeter Times—Advocate
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
=CNA
TIMES ADVOCATE
PUBLICATIONS MAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER 07511
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications
Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing casts.
Jim Beckett
Publisher and Editor
Deb Lord
Production Manager
&Published by Metroland Printing,
rt Publishing & Distributing Ltd.
Metroland 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850
Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6 • (519) 235-1331
EDITORIAL
World response
impressive
Iis rare to see countries of all different
stripes work together towards a common
goal, but that's what has happened since the
deadly Dec. 26 tsunami in southern Asia that
has left 150,000 dead.
The outpouring of money, supplies, volunteer
work and rescue teams to the decimated areas
from countries around the world has truly been
impressive. Over $4 billion has already been
raised to help countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand
and Indonesia pick up the pieces and rebuild.
What really needs to be insured is that the
money and supplies are distributed quickly and
fairly and don't go to waste.
While there was initial criticism to the slow
reaction of Canada's federal government to the
disaster, Canadian citizens responded quickly
and generously, with a benefit show this
Thursday night on CBC featuring Canadian
musicians and other artists expected to raise
another significant amount of money.
On the local scene, many businesses are col-
lecting and donating money to the relief efforts.
The local Canadian Red Cross has been over-
whelmed with donations.
Unfortunately, it's massive tragedies like the
Asian tsunami that bring the world together and
cause many nations to cast aside their differ-
ences to help those in need. We're not so naive
as to believe this feeling of togetherness will last
long, but it's nice to see for a little while.
Thumbs up to the Juniors
With last week's gold medal at the World
Junior's tournament in North Dakota, Canada's
dominance in international hockey is unprece-
dented. With the recent gold, Canada's first in
the tournament since 1997, (to go along with a
mitt full of silvers in that time span) this coun-
try now holds all of the major international
hockey titles: the 2002 Olympic men and
women's gold medals, the 2004 World Cup, the
men's and women's world championships and
now the juniors.
With crushing defeats in the mid-1990s lead-
ing to this country doubting its hockey domi-
nance, Canada's success in its national pastime
is wonderful news in a year that may see no
NHL action.
Editorial Opinion
ThRE MIJ$T BE FIVE
CENTIMETRES OF SNOW
OUT THERE! .�„ ..
Flag flap floury, but pointless
If nothing else, Newfoundland Premier Danny
Williams makes for good copy.
The rather short -fused Williams made head-
lines across the country for his feud with
Prime Minister Paul Martin and for his deci-
sion to bring down Canadian flags at govern-
ment buildings. Williams is upset and accuses
Martin of reneging on a promise about
Newfoundland's offshore oil and gas
revenues.
Like any premier, Williams is simply
trying to get the best deal possible for his
province, even though in this case he's
looking a gift horse in the mouth.
While it's nice to see Williams chal-
lenge Martin, pulling down the
Canadian flag is going too far. If
Williams' actions weren't so ludicrous
and entertaining, the rest of us might
have to take offense. The Maple Leaf, you
see, doesn't represent the federal govern-
ment, it represents the entire country, and
by pulling the flags down Williams is basi-
cally thumbing his nose at the rest of us.
Besides, most Newfoundlanders disagree with
Williams' actions, so it's not as though he's rep-
resenting the will of his people.
There has even been some laughable talk
about Newfoundland separating from
Canada. No offense to Newfoundland, (it's a
beautiful province and I plan on visiting
day) but Newfoundland threatening to
Canada is about the equivalent of
Ringo Starr threatening to leave The
Beatles. Sure, it wouldn't be the same
without them, but we'd somehow
manage to muddle through.
Williams and his supporters should
remember their province has been
treated very well since joining
Confederation in 1948. Separating
from Canada would be disastrous for
Newfoundland's economy and quality
of life.
Still, it is amusing to see Williams
make idle threats. And if it's true that
Martin lied to him, then maybe it's about
time our arrogant prime minister was
called out for his dishonesty.
I encourage Williams to continue to battle
with Martin (hey, we need the entertainment),
but keep our flag out of this.
some
leave
SCOTT
NIXON
AND ANOTHER
THING
About the Times -Advocate
Address & Office Hours
Times -Advocate, 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850,
Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6. Our office is open Monday to
Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Closed on Holidays.
Contact Us By Phone or Fax
Classified ad & subscription sales ....(519) 235-1331
24-hour automated attendant (519) 235-1336
Fax number for all departments (519) 235-0766
Subscription Rates
One year rate for addresses in Canada: $38+GST
Two year rate for addresses in Canada: $70+GST
One year rate for addresses outside Canada:
$104 Call (519) 235-1331 to order a subscription.
Classified Rates
Word ads: $11.00 for 20 words, 20c for each addition-
al word+ GST. Notices (births, deaths, announcements,
coming events, memoriams, cards of thanks): $15.00 +
GST for up to 50 words, All ads must be pre -paid. The
classified ad deadline is Monday at 10 a.m.
Display Advertising
To place a display ad, (519) 235-1331 weekdays 8:30
to 4:30 p.m. or evenings (519) 235-1336 (leave mes-
sage) or toll-free at 1-888-270-1602. Deadline: Fri. 4
m.
-mail Us
Web site: www.southhuron.com
TA e-mail addresses consist of the person's first initial
and last name followed by @southhuron.com.
For example, Jim Beckett's e-mail address is <jbeck-
ett@southhuron.com> Our general e-mail address is
ads@southhuron.com.
The Times -Advocate Team
Publisher/Editor Jim Beckett ext. 109
ADVERTISING
Deborah Schillemore ext. 112
REPORTERS
Scott Nixon ext. 105
Pat Bolen ext. 113
Mary Simmons ext. 107
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Sue Rollings ext. 101
Sherrie Thomson ext. 102
COMPOSITION DEPARTMENT
Manager Deb Lord ext 114/103
Sharlene Young, Diana Hardy ext. 103
ACCOUNTING STAFF
Anita McDonald ext. 104
Ruth Slaght ext. 106
Christina Scott ext. 108
Marg Pertschy ext. 111