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Exeter Times—Advocate
Wednesday, February 1, 2006
=CNA
Editorial Opinion
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tirt
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EDITORIAL
What's next?
They tried to put a positive spin on it
Monday, but Liberals have to know that
former New Brunswick Premier Frank
McKenna's decision not to seek the leadership
of the Liberal party is a significant blow.
After Paul Martin's announcement last week
he would step down as leader, followed quick-
ly thereafter by McKenna's announcement he
was quitting his job as Canada's ambassador
to the U.S., it was assumed by most
McKenna's resignation was the first step in
his quest to help the Grits regroup and
rebuild in the wake of last week's defeat.
McKenna put those thoughts to rest Monday,
announcing he would not seek the leadership.
His decision shouldn't be a major surprise,
since McKenna has already shown a reluc-
tance to spend the rest of his life in politics,
leaving his post as premier in 1997 for the
private sector.
His announcement Monday hurts the Liberal
party as the likeable, popular McKenna
seemed like the man for the job. But the spin
doctors were out quickly, suggesting
McKenna's move is actually good news for the
party because it could result in more candi-
dates looking for the top job. This, despite
another high profile candidate, John Manley,
had already announced he won't seek the
party's leadership and there are rumblings
that Brian Tobin may also decide not to make
a bid.
This could be the start of a major overhaul
of the Liberal party, out with the old and in
with the new (something long overdue). But
will the new crop of Liberals be able to stand
up against a re -energized and newly -confi-
dent Conservative party? If Stephen Harper
plays his cards right during his minority gov-
ernment, he could well lead his party to a
majority in the next election.
And that kind of competition is something
the Liberals haven't had to face in a long
time. Are they up to the task?
NOw-1-1�
IM NOT
SCARED.,.
ARE YYou
SCARED?
CANAD
2006 'Distributed by Canadian Artists Syndicate Inc.
An appreciation for agriculture
When I first started at the T -A I was given cer-
tain beats, areas in which I was to cover in and
around the Exeter community.
I didn't have a problem with any, until I reached
the bottom of the list and realized I was given the
agriculture beat...what?
Ha, was my first thought because honestly
when I began in August I knew absolutely noth-
ing about this topic.
In fact, I thought to myself I'm the absolute
worst person to cover this.
First of all I'm practically a vegetarian, I
can't look at a cow without thinking it's
cute, and a few years back I helped my
mom train a couple of our chickens to sit
on our laps so we could pet them like cats.
We also named them Thelma and Louise.
Over the past few months I've covered
quite a few agriculture events.
From meetings to stories in and around
the area, to open houses and more.
One of my first agriculture experiences
was a meeting in which I honestly think I
only understood about every other word.
Thankfully I was able to call someone
afterwards for clarification.
So I've noticed a couple things since my agricul-
tural journey began about five and a half months
ago.
First of all, I haven't run into one person who
I've disliked. Everyone has been supportive, help-
ful and understanding of my, well, "beginner"
questions.
That's one reason why I've actually enjoyed cov-
ering this.
Of course the tasty food has helped, too.
Anytime I go to a meeting I'm allowed to eat.
Yes, this has become quite a perk.
Something else I've noticed and have come to
appreciate is just how passionate everyone in
agriculture is.
There are so many different areas and
research and words I can barely compre-
hend.
There is one thing, I must admit that
I've disliked the past few months.
Most of the meetings I've attended have
been in the winter months, when the
snow's blowing, the visibility is terrible
and I have to go about 40 km/h in my lit-
tle four cylinder car.
Of course, most of the farmers drive
trucks.
Yup, every time I get to a meeting all I
see are big powerful trucks that can get
through anything.
So even though I'm still learning and I
definitely have a long way to go, I'm happy with
the agriculture experiences I've had the last little
while and I look forward to having more, espe-
cially when the snow stops.
NINA
VAN
LIESHOUT
KICK THIS
AROUND
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