Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1985-12-11, Page 21 Huron . xpositor SINCE 1860, SERVING THE COMMUNITY FIRST BLUE RIBBON AWARD 1985 Incorporating BrusclIs Pest 10 Main Street 527-0240 Published in SEAFORTH, ONTARIO Every Wednesday morning ED BYRSKI, General Manager HEATHER McILWRAITH, Editor The Expositor. is. brought to you each week by the efforts of: Pal Armes, Bessie Broome, Marlene Charters, Joan Gulchelaar, Anne Hull, Joanne Jewitt, Stephanie Levesaue, Dianne McGrath, Lola McLlwain, Bob McMillan, Cathy Melady and Patrick Rattle. Member Canadian Community Newspaper Assoc. Ontario Community Newspaper Association Ontario Press Council Commonwealth Press Union International Press Institute Subscription rates: Canada $20.00 a year (in advance) Outside Canada $60.00 a year (in advance) Single Copies - 50 cents each SEAFORTH, ONTARIO, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985 Second 'class mail registration Number 0696 Encouraging effort It is encouraging to see the effort being made by educational authorities, both provincial and federal bodies, as well as local education boards, to continually improve and update methods of education. New courses suited to the present direction in which society is travelling are constantly being introduced, much to the chagrin perhaps, of proponents of basic education. Two fine examples of the progressive strides being taken by modern educators can be found right in this area. At Huron Centennial Public School in Brucefield, Grade 6 children are receiving an introduction into societal values which will prove invaluable to them throughout their formative years and later adult life. Values, Influences and Peers, VIP gives young students a chance to make an early assessment of their own values and priorities, as well as those of others. The course is designed to make children aware of such phenomenon as alcohol and drug abuse and peer pressure, prior to reaching the age where they have to take their own stand on such matters. Any background they receive can only help steer them on the proper course to good citizenship. At Seaforth District High School, students with exceptional capabilities for absorbing knowledge are given the chance to learn at their own excelierated pace in the newly -introduced Independent Studies program. Students who have trouble learning have long been afforded the opportunity to learn at their own pace through special education classes designed to meet their requirements. It is refreshing to see this sound principle now being applied to the gifted student as well. These programs are representative of a multitude of similarly upbeat educational opportunities being offered in schools across the country. They indicate a willingness on the part of educators to depart from tradition and respond to the changing needs of the students. The most important thing to realize about both these programs, and others like them, is the Studer, themselves are enthusiastic about them. Few livelier and more insightful discussions will be found in a classroom, than those found among the primary school students in the VIP program. Secondary students demonstrate by their very application to be considered for an independent studies program, they are excited about the chance to learn at their highest possible level. The enthusiastic interested student cannot help but learn and absorb more than he would if not challenged and intrigued, While it is vital that basic education in traditional subjects not fall by the wayside in favor of these more cosmopolitan courses, it must not be allowed to over -ride the need for advancements in education. The three R's, while still integral to the educational system, will no longer suffice on their own. — P.R. OPINION SWEAT SOCKS by Heather Mcilwraith What is Christmas? What is Christmas all about anyways? Myself, i think i know, but when I look around me at Christmas time, I have to wonder if anyone else does? Or if we all get so caught up in the commercialism that we forget. And I have to ask myself, would a visitor from another planet be able to discern the true meaning of Christmas just through simple observation of our preparation and celebration of the event? I kind of doubt it. How would Mork, from Mork and Mindy report back to Ork? What would his initial impression be of the eirent, or the season earthlings call Christmas. I think it would be something like this: "Mork calling Orson, Mork calling Orson, come in Orson." 'Yes Mork, what is it? What have you to tell me this time. Have you learned anything more about these creatures called earthlings? "W ell Orson, I've learned about a holiday they call Christmas. It's a bit confusing but Everybody is dreaming of a white Christ- mas although some people are in disagree- ment and say it'll be a blue Christmas this year. There is this big, fat fellow, who dresses in a red suit trimmed with fur that seems to get around during this time of year, but if you ask anybody nobody seems to know Santa Claus, for sure he is. Some people some call his Saint Nicholas and still others call him Kris Kringle, i think he makes toys fora living but I' m not exactly sure because I've seen him a few 'times on various corners in the city, standing beside a big kettle and ringing gsbe I'vetores also seen him in the department with the children. Despite the fact no one knows to this stranger's real name everybody seems willing to let him into their home, and funny thing is, he never uses the door and enters through the chimney. Some say he leaves toys for the good girls and boys, but I heard he was caught kissing mammy underneath the mistletoe last night. This character really is different from everyone else on earth but unlike the way they treat others that are different, he is treated with respect. He doesn't use the normal mode of transportation. instead he travels in a sled pulled by eight, actually nine, flying reindeer. Rudolph, the lead reindeer, Winter reflections by Patrick Raftis Legal system a farce A 17 -year-old youth brutally beats, then stabs a middle aged man to death. He plunged the knife into his victims body more than 20 times. His punishment, you see, was a severe wrist massaging of three years in jail. However, some quasi -psychologists and equally adept lawyers felt the little fella was really a nice boy and, as a result, the punk could be out on work leave in six months time. The real culprit here is the Young Offenders Act. It is a hair brained piece of legislation that virtually gives anyone under the age of 18 the licence to kill. William Jondreau, of Downsview, raped a Seven-year-old girl in May, 1984. What the creep did to the little girl can't be repeated in this paper. He was out on bail at the time of the attack, and guess what he was out on bail for? This blemish on humanity had sexually assaulted a 13 -year-old boy, and in 1982, indecently assaulted two boys, aged 11 and 12. His punishment for the attack on the little girl? Two years in reformatory, Yep, two whole years. Attorney -General Ian Scott is considering appealing the sentence handed down by Madame Justice Mabel Van Camp of the Ontario Supreme Court. I would hope so. Joseph Cornelius, 50, of Toronto, began having intimate relations with the 16 -year-old daughter of his common-law wife. W hen the young woman, now 19, broke off the relationship, Cornelius flew into a jealous rage. Wielding a butcher knife, he viciously slashed her across the face and chest leaving her permanently scarred. He swung the knife so hard it snapped in half when the woman has a very shiny nose that you can see glow, guides Santa's sleigh. In preparation for this stranger's visit some girls and boys leave their shoes outside for him to fill, but other children fight to see who can get the biggest sock and hang it over the fire mantlepiece. Then when the stockings are all hung up, the children go to bed, where visions of sugarplums dance in their head. But i think there's more to Christmas than this red -suited fellow. in another part of town children are playing with a holly, jolly soul; a snowman named Frosty who came to life one day, and now can laugh and play just the same as you and L There is a Christmas tree in almost every home and bright lights in all the windows. Those who don't have either a tree or lights, say Christmas is humbug. But underneath the Christmas trees are a number of brightly wrapped boxes, each bearing the name of its intended recipient. These boxes they call gifts, and I've learned it is better to give these gifts than receive them -- although I don't really know if all earthlings truly believe that. Everybody wants something at Christmas -- Johnny wants a pair of skates, Susie wants a sled, and Nellie wants a picture book, yellow, blue and red....and even one fellow had the nerve to ask for two front teeth for Christmas. It seems the bigger the boxes at Christmas the more people like it, and the more boxes the better. People say you don't have to spend a lot of money at Christmas to spread a little cheer, and at least one store tells people they can give like Santa and save like Scrooge, but nobody really likes this Scrooge fellow. Everybody eats turkey and stuffing at Christmas time, and sometimes finish up a meal with pumpkin pie and -or plum pudding. Aunt Em and Uncle Filmer are always invited to Christmas dinner although nobody wants anything to do with them during the remainder of the year. Everyone wishes everyone else a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year, and sometimes people will wish Peace on earth and Good Will Toward Men. But at the same time they wage war on each other and turn their backs on the needy. They say Christmas is the season to be jolly, but not everyone is jolly. (Continued on page A18) CORNUCOPIA by David Broome ducked and it hit a dresser. He then chased her down an apartment corridor brandishing a 15 inch screwdriver. His sentence? Well, he gets to cool his jets for nine months behind bars. A Flint, Michigan man, John Richards, was recently charged with attempted murder when he spit, yes spit, at four policemen when they answered a traffic accident call. Richard carries the A.I.D.S. antibody, and if convicted, could face life in prison. I know, the incident occurred in the United States but that does not make it less ludicrous. Police in Vancouver videotaped prostitutes and their customers without permission of a judicial order. The orders are required for taped conversations but not for silent film which was used. John Dixon, president of the British Columbia Civil I..berties Union blasted the police and prosecution for "dragooning" potential witnesses into testifying by sug- gesting the tapes might be shown in court. He called it blackmail. Clifford Olsen's family is given $100,000 after the monster leads police to the sites of his young murder victims. Olsen now squirms in solitary confinement. His only companions are the demons that infest his warped mind. Many people have suggested. at an enormous saving to the taxpayer, that Olsen would have looked good laying in a giant fry pan with the temperature turned up to 400 degrees. The whole legal system is a farce. The police have a haggard job most of us would not want. The work is difficult and dangerous and they have to feel outraged when judges and lawyers connive to' pass some outrageously light sentences. It's like an artist painting a portrait. He or she works long tedious hours at their work and then some joker offers five dollars for it. By the same token, police don't enhance their image by charging a spitter with attempted murder and employing legal loopholes to film hookers in action. Rapists, child molesters and murderers are a scourge on our society. Opponents of capital punishment like to claim it is only a revenge act anu serves little as a deterrent. The majority of Canadians tend to disagree. As long as the system remains the way it is. that is, less than cerebral judges handing down inadequate sentences, and forcing police to use methods that are less than ethical, it will continue to lose the respect of its citizens. People are frustrated and the police must feel they are many times shackled with their own handcuffs. Respect needed for the anthem The lights dimmed, the flag fluttered. and the crowd rose to its feet as the first bars of "Oh Canada" swelled throughout the arena. Meanwhile down on the blue line he fidgeted and fiddled, rocked and rambled. Don't be annoyed. He was a hockey player, keyed up. keen, ready to go! fight! WIN! The song seemed to go on for an eternity as he pivoted and peered about Before the final notes were played he had his helmet on and was heading for centre ice. Now he was really ready to go! fight! WIN! The national anthem ended, the lights flared, the crowd roared. and the referee dropped the puck. Seconds later our keyed up player was fidgeting, fiddling and frowning in the penalty box where he now had plenty of time to sit still. He would never have gotten that penalty just seconds into the game if i had been coaching. No, because I'd have had him cooling his jets on the bench for showing disrespect for our national anthem. This is by no means an isolated incident. For years t ve watched the antics of athletes and fans during the pre -game playing of our national anthem. The players can't seem to stand still for even a minimal amount of time. The stick boy wanders across the ice, the trainer keeps busy sorting out equipment and first aid materials on the bench. and the coach gives last minute instructions. Ushers squeeze along aisles to the seats, vendors peddle their popcorn. and fans roar and cheer HERE'S THE BEEF by Carolanne Doig before the song is half over. We have never been known as a nation of flag waving patriots moved to tears at the sound of our national anthem. However, when an American entertainer recently bungled "Oh Canada" at a baseball game. .well it became an international incident. We were insulted! We were offended! Yet many of the most vocal complainers couldn't get through "Oh Canada" alone if the world series depended on it. Whether it be in English or French or bilingual, the old version or the new, many Canadians are shaky when it comes to our national anthem. "Oh Canada," is not a long song. It takes about 70 seconds to sing the first verse. It is just over a minute to stand still and show respect for our country our flag and our national anthem. The national anthem is still sung daily in school classrooms at the elementary level, yet when played in public, many children don't seem to recognize the tune or the necessity to stop what they are doing and stand at attention Many teenagers are the same, as are adults it may not seem cool to stop and stand still, so they continue about their business as if they were listening to Tina Turner i remember in high school some of the most cool guys standing stalk still at attention in cadets They were proud to be Canadian and they showed it. I have seen our veterans, many now bent and stiff, straighten proudly in the cold November mist as they remember their comrades during the playing of our national anthem. i have seen our athletes. skilled enough to win the gold, stand proudly in front of millions ad "Oh Canada" signalled to the world our athletic success. and i have Seen little Brownies and Cubs, faces scrubbed, uniforms, crisp, stand erect and still throughout the entire anthem. Picture these moments the next time you attend a sporting event or social function and when "Oh Canada" is played set an example for your children, your parents. and your peers "Oh Canada" is a great song and Canada is something to sing about. Hugh is a strange bird A strange bird is our Hugh. An odd bird, — indeed. He can be as cunning and wily as art Egyptian bazaar merchant. Next moment. he can be as naive as a six- year-old who has been slapped for doing something unthinkable in our rectitudinous Canadian society. I observe him more closely than I have in years, because of geograf `'• h'or some years, he attended, oc'c.s . various universities, froth Toronto u Halifax, He worked on a boat on the Great Lakes, and another on the Vancouver -Alaska run. He spent five years in Paraguay. There were sidetrips to Mexico, Israel, Guatemala, Costa Rica. He's been to Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Bolivia. As a result, we didn't seem much of him. Now, he has rented a winterized cottage at a beach near me, while maintaining his practice in the city. Nobody but Hugh would rent a cottage which he must vacate from mid-June to Labour Day But he did. He arrives from the city on Friday evening. Does he rush out to his beloved cottage, which he rented to "get away from the city?" Not on your life. We have cups of tea, some food, a little yatter. He plays the grand piano and some new tapes he's discovered. W e watch late TV. He sleeps late, showers, brings me a cu pa in bed, plays more piano or guitar. and halfway through Saturday afternoon, i almost have to kick him out to go to his retreat in the country. He returns to my place Monday evening and the same routine is followed. Tea, shower, music, TV. He catches the early bus Tuesday, usually, and goes back to work in the city, where he sleeps on a bed in the clinic he shares A tough life. fiercely. c in spat, he's a believer. In ebut veythin: holistic medicine, astrology, reflexology — the mind boggles when he gets on to the SUGAR AND SPICE by Bill Smiley relation between music and the entire body. i ask snarky questions until his dark brown eyes begin to smoulder But he has a great personality, and a wonderful curlousity. He is very fit. because he eats only the right foods, except that every time he leaves, my refrigerator is almost cleaned out. He charms people. and opens up to them. He is an excellent listener, except that be gets a bit of a glazed look when i go on about something he doesn't agree with, or has heard before. ordoesn't fit into his scheme of things. He is completely amoral about money. He received a small inheritance from his grandfather, and admitted that it was just enough to pay his debts. lit wasn't, of course. I He has friends all over Canada and the U.S., and sees nothing wrong with "dropping in for a visit" and staying a few days, And he's just as hospitable with his friends. He's asked them all up to his cottage, where he has an electric piano, courtesy of you -know -who, a TV. all the appliances, and electric heat. This may sound as though I thoroughly dislike and am suspicious of my son. Not so. it's just that he has a human spirit that is not easy to pin down. He loves his sister twho is another weirdo), his nephews, and, at times, his father. He went on a long trek to see his grandfather, who is in his nineties. He came home the other night, and found his father draped in his favorite armchair, with a wet towel on his head. Was aghast. "Dad, what's the matter?" 1 informed him that I had come home late, left no lights on, carried four bags of groceries, had made a misstep on the back porch, and fallen (still holding two bags of groceries), and had cracked my head on the sharp side of the porch. By the time he got there, it had almost stopped bleeding down my neck. M, mother taught me that a cold compress would ease the bleeding, years ago, when there was no such thing as an emergency ward. But Hugh was horrified He insisted, over my objections, that we go to the hospital. (He loves driving my car). It turned out that the cut was fairly deep and wide, and the doc stuck some stitches in it. Did you ever try to get a bed in a hospital? it's like getting an engraved invitation to a garden party at Buckingham Palace, except that I doubt the Queen's signature would get you in. I'd been waiting three weeks for a bed, and there i was with a little cut on my head, being cosseted and sewn. Oh, it was worth it They put a great, flapping bandage on the cut, and then tied a thing around my forehead, so that I looked like a hippie or an Indian or a long distance runner. My neighbor was delighted by my band. But it fell off in a few hours. It was apparently designed only to hold me head together. So. You see? If Hugh hadn't come home, and wanted a chance to drive the car, I could be sitting, dead cold, in my own blood, still reading the paper.