The Times Advocate, 2008-04-23, Page 54
Times–Advocate
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
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TIMES ADVOCATE
Editorial Opinion
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EDITORIAL
Care for the
planet
It was heartening to see so many in the com-
munity participating in this year's Earth Day
on Tuesday.
From the local Communities in Bloom group
visiting schools and handing out trees to stu-
dents, to students cleaning up our towns and
rivers, efforts to keep our environment clean
really seemed to be a group project.
What we need to do is embark on these pro-
jects on a more consistent basis. In a perfect
world, these clean-ups wouldn't be needed —
we would all respect the environment in such a
manner that trash wouldn't litter our ditches,
trails and riverbeds.
Unfortunately, a walk around our area is evi-
dence we haven't yet reached this point —
walking along the MacNaughton Trail last
weekend, fast food containers, plastic bags and
bottles could be seen tossed aside, a scar on the
landscape.
Who does this and why? And why do others
have to clean up after them?
Hopefully this is a problem that is going away,
or at least getting better, as our schools educate
students on the importance of taking care of the
environment and why we need to look after our
planet.
Keeping our communities beautiful is going to
take constant efforts like those we saw Tuesday
— efforts like planting trees and making sure
trash and litter goes where it belongs.
In the meantime, kudos to the local
Communities in Bloom, schools, businesses and
individuals who were out working hard this
week to keep our environment clean. Let's keep
it up.
Additionally, we're lucky in this area to have
such a proactive group as the Ausable Bayfield
Conservation Authority, which works hard to
educate the public about the environment. The
ABCA keeps environmental concerns on the
front burner and we need that if we're going to
have a clean, healthy planet.
This Canadian tradition sucks
It's been a hot topic in the news lately.
Is it wrong? Is it right?
I'll tell you what it is — absolutely disgusting, embar-
rassing and unnecessary.
Seal hunting. What the hell is the point, honestly?
Every year an annual seal hunt happens in Canada,
and every year I want to puke my guts out.
In Canada, of all places. Don't we have enough animal
abuse in this country, with laws, that are at best, laugh-
able?
In fact, Canada's commercial seal hunt is the
largest slaughtering of marine mammals in the
world, according to the International Humane
Society. Their website also states that in the past
four years more than one million baby seals
have been killed for their fur.
What an utter embarrassment.
During this past seal hunting season, I've real-
ly noticed people protesting. It seems every year,
more people are getting involved, which is a
good thing. It's also about time!
I just can't comprehend the fact that seal
hunters will actually take a club to a seal. I know
lately some laws have changed, making the
"sport" more "seal friendly." Yeah, whatever; it
needs to be banned altogether.
In fact, I believe soon the hunters will no longer be
allowed to club the seals to death, but rather shoot
them.
Well, isn't' that nice? I guess a step in the right direc-
tion, but not good enough.
Last month a boat capsized east of Nova Scotia with
six seal hunters on board. Two men were rescued, while
Four men died.
You ever hear the saying, "What goes around, comes
around?" Was I supposed to be sad when that hap-
pened?
Recently I took my first trip to British Columbia, visit-
ing Whistler, Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
While in Victoria on Vancouver Island, we came
across a section by the beautiful harbour in downtown
Victoria.
The area was called, "Fisherman's Wharf," a small
community with floating houses on the water, a small
stretch of places to eat and relax.
I couldn't believe my eyes — there were two
seals, right there, in the water.
I was able to buy some fish and feed both of
the seals, while the one did tricks, turning over
on its belly.
It was so cool; they're like water dogs.
Really sweet, cute and smart.
My friend and I stood there for a few min-
utes feeding the seals while I took some pic-
tures.
Almost immediately I noticed one of the
seals was blind in one eye, and immediately I
assumed someone must have poked its eye out
with a stick or other object. Let's hope not, but
obviously there are people out there who think
hurting animals is "fun."
So, while standing there, I quickly thought about the
seal hunts taking place in Canada.
I just don't get it. They weren't vicious. In fact they
reminded me a lot of my two pups living at home.
Sweet, innocent and lovable instantly.
With people protesting the seals hunts, I ask that you
visit www.sealhunt.ca
This is one Canadian tradition that is long overdue for
change.
NINA
VAN
LIESHOUT
KICK THIS
AROUND
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