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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2005-01-26, Page 44 Exeter Times–Advocate Wednesday, January 26, 2005 zkxna =CNA Editorial Opinion 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 No more blockades They got the attention they wanted, but in the process farmers who blocked Highway 401 for six hours Jan. 21 angered and inconvenienced thousands of dri- vers who have nothing to do with the farmers' complaints. About 100 slow-moving tractors and more than another 125 cars and trucks led a convoy down both sides of Highway 401 between Putnam and Culloden roads. The protest was organized by Rural Revolution, which includes tobacco, beef and grain farmers and rural landowners complaining that the province is ignoring their con- cerns. The group is planning another blockade in eastern Ontario this week. The concerns and frustrations farmers feel about declining commodity prices and increased government regulations are real, but blocking the 401 isn't the correct way to protest. The blockade meant drivers — who had to take an hour-long detour — and truckers trying to deliver their goods, were late for work. In the trucking busi- ness, time means money and some truck- ers, through no fault of their own, lost money because of the blockade. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (AFO), while stating it supports Ontario farmers, declined to participate in the blockade, stating in a press release last week that "OFA's issue is not with truckers and motorists using that highway." And for his part, Minister of Agriculture Steve Peters needs to address the farmers' concerns. Their voices need to be heard, but not by blocking major highways. Rockin' at the Legion Thumbs up go to several area bands who will make sure the Exeter Legion is rockin' this Friday night with a benefit concert for the south Asian tsunami relief efforts. The concert is a great idea and another example of the willingness of local resi- dents to help those who need it. N'aiozo5 French Immersion in Huron County? Mais, out As long as there's enough interest and the Avon Maitland District School Board decides it's afford- able, I'm all in favour of a French Immersion pro- gram coming to Huron County. As you may already have read, a public meeting was held in Exeter last week to determine local interest in the program. Whether or not the school board gets the kind of commitment it needs from parents to go ahead with the program (about 60 students are needed) is still unknown. It's a great idea, though, and it's about time French Immersion was offered in Huron County by the public board. French, you see, is one of our two official languages — parents should have the choice to have their children educated in a French Immersion program if that's what they want. French Immersion may be a tough sell in Huron County, where French isn't exactly something you hear on the streets and in the coffee shops everyday. Nevertheless, it's clear there are people who want it. There will also be those who are against it, and the boorish English Canadian intolerance for all things French will no doubt rear its repulsive head. I grow wearier every day of this prejudiced garbage. You want to know why some Quebecers want to sepa- rate? Just ask your average redneck from Ontario or Alberta what he thinks of French Canadians and you won't blame some Quebecers for wanting their own country. It's no doubt my attitude is formed largely because half my family comes from Quebec, although we're English (try explaining that to the average "Hee Haw" viewer). In fact, my 96 -year-old great-grand- mother, who has lived nearly every day of her life in Quebec, probably knows about as much French as your average U.S. Republican, although her English is much better and she's a whole lot smarter. Random thoughts: • Just wondering how long it's going to take for people in Exeter to realize those Christmas trees they've dumped by the side of the road aren't going to be picked up. The municipality has already said on more than one occasion there won't be a Christmas tree collection, so how long are these people going to let their trees sit by the sidewalk? What are they wait- ing for? Christmas? • Another thing that has concerned me is letters to the editor (not in this newspaper) written by people upset that the federal government and Canadians in general are donating to the Asian tsunami relief fund when there are still problems in Canada. Just how selfish are these people that they would object to providing aid to people in nations much poorer than ours? Need we be reminded how pampered and easy our lives are in this country compared to most other nations? 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. 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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 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