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Huron Expositor, 2014-06-11, Page 44 Huron Expositor • Wednesday, June 11, 2014 lion Expositor PUBLISHED WEEKLY — EST. 1860 RO. Box 69, 8 Main Street Seaforth Ontario NOK IWO phone: 519-527-0240 fax: 519-527-2858 www.seaforthhuronexpositor SUN MEDIA A Quebecor Media Company NEIL CLIFFORD Publisher neil.clifford@sunmedia.ca MAXWELL BICKFORD Advertising Rep. max.bickford@sunmedia.ca DIANNE MCGRATH Front Office seaforth.classifieds@sunmedia.ca WHITNEY SOUTH Multimedia Journalist seaforth.news@sunmedia.ca SUBSCRIPTION RATES 1 YEAR $50.00 (47.62+2.38 GST) 2 YEAR $95.00 (90.48+4.52 GST) SENIORS 60 WEEKS $50.00 (47.62+2.38 GST) 120 WEEKS $95.00 (90.48+4.52 GST) Publications Mail Agreement No. 40064683 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT RO. Box 69 Seaforth ON NOK IWO For any non -deliveries or delivery concerns: phone: 519-527-0240 Advertising is accepted on condition that in the event of a typographical error, the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. In the event of a typographical error, advertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to set and may be withdrawn at any time. The Huron Expositor is not responsible for the loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other materials used for reproduction purposes. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canadian Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities. Canada' editorial Canada stands with Moncton There are tragedies that bring the entire country together as one. The terrible drama which played out in Moncton, N.B., that began last Wednesday evening, was one of them. Three RCMP officers — one a father of three — gunned down in cold blood, two others wounded. A city under lockdown, families living in fear, told to stay inside their homes, as hundreds of police officers searched for a suspect dressed in camouflage, armed with two high-powered rifles, whom they had identified as Justin Bourque, 24, of Moncton. Witnesses said he specifically ambushed the officers — looking for people in uniform to kill — while talking to civilians but not firing on them. We know all too well these horrors can happen any- where — in New York, in London, in Boston, through- out small-town America and now in our backyard. When they do, all of us become one, no matter where we live in Canada. We pray for the families of the officers who were killed, for the speedy recovery of those who were wounded, for the safety of everyone in Moncton and for the long healing we know the city will have to endure that has not even started yet. We think of the officers who searched for the gun- man, unable even to acknowledge their own grief and anger over the loss of their comrades, because they still had a job to do. It is a powerful reminder of who our police officers are, what we expect them to do and the ultimate sacri- fice they can be called upon to make, with scarcely a moment of warning. They represent our civilization when civilization breaks down. Along with other first responders like fire- fighters and paramedics, they run toward danger, on our behalf, when the rest of us are running away. There will be time, later, to debate the issues that will arise out of this terrible tragedy, debates that have occurred so often in the past — including reports the shooter was fascinated by guns, hated police and was angry about anti -gun laws. But for now, all of Canada stands with the people of Moncton. www.seaforthhuronexpositor.com Making the informed choice The year I turned 18, being able to vote was probably the last thing on my mind. After all, what difference would my one little ballot make? Over the years, I admit, I was pretty blase about the whole thing. I voted for who my parents voted for, not really caring one way or the other. Heck, parents claim to know everything, so who was I to argue? It wasn't until I was in college, and given an assignment to cover a local debate, that I became interested in what was really going on. Far more than just a popular- ity contest, I saw the careful decisions being made about everything from the candidate's mannerisms, to what they were wearing. It really was quite the sight. Residents of Kitchener Centre showed up in droves; packing the room, ready to ask the important questions, hungry for answers. Contrary to what I had always believed, the people actually seemed to care about who was running and what they stood for, regardless of their choice of tie. Hanging on every word, it was then and there I decided to become an informed voter. No more simply checking off a name in whichever box stood next to the appropriate party. I was determined to choose the candidate who represented the values and direction I agreed with most. Column Whitney South Huron Expositor Becoming educated and informed in my decision left me feeling relieved. Regardless of whether my chosen candidate won or lost, I could move ahead with the clear and confident knowledge that I had done my best in trying to help guide our government into the right direction. We all have ideas, beliefs and values we hold dear. Sometimes though, we simply don't take the time to really learn about those vying for our allegiance. And worse yet, for one reason or another, many of us tend to stick to tradition instead of edu- cation when choosing who we want to lead us. Sometimes it even just becomes an attempt at choosing the "lesser evil:' I encourage everyone to take the time to make an informed choice this election. Pick a plat- form that really speaks to you and go from there. Whether it be wind turbines, education reform or taxes, choose the candidate who will best represent you and your best interests. After all, it's in your hands. HEARTV MAKE STROKE HEALTH FOUNDATION LASTcA ASSESS YOUR RISK. www.seaforthhuronexpositor.com SEAFORTH HURON EXPOSITOR — HOURS OF OPERATION MONDAY: 9:00 - 5:00 • TUESDAY: - CLOSED • WEDNESDAY: - 9:00 - 5:00 • THURSDAY: - 9:00 - 5:00 • FRIDAY: - 9:00 - 5:00 • SATURDAY & SUNDAY: - CLOSED ADVERTISING DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT 2:00 • PHONE 519-527-0240 • FAX: 519-527-2858 www.seaforthhuronexpositor.com