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The Citizen, 1994-09-28, Page 4PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1994. The North Huron P.O. Box 429, BLYTH, Ont. N0M1H0 Phone 523-47! FAX 523-9140 itizen P.O. Box 152, BRUSSELS, Ont. NOG 1 HO Phone 887-9114 FAX 887-9021 Publisher, Keith Roulston Editor, Bonnie Gropp Sales Representatives, Jeannette McNeil and Julie Mitchell The Citizen is published weekly in Brussels, Ontario by North Huron Publishing Company Inc. Subscriptions are payable in advance at a rate of $20.50/year ($19.16 plus $1.34 G.S.T.) for local; $31.03/year ($29.00 plus $2.03 G.S.T.) for local letter carrier in Goderich, Hanover, Listowel, etc. and out-of-area (40 miles from Brussels); $60.00/year for U.S.A, and Foreign. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, only that portion of the advertisement will be credited. Advertising Deadlines: Monday, 2 p.m. - Brussels; Monday, 4 p.m. - Blyth. We are not responsible for unsolicited newscripts or photographs. Contents of The Citizen are © Copyright. Publications Mail Registration No. 6968 E ditorial I ........... Z2 When the pendulum swings When the pendulum swings it doesn't stop in the middle but swings to the opposite extreme. So it is with most social issues, going from the ridiculous on one side to the equally ridiculous position on the other extreme. Such is the case in the high profile sports labour­ management disputes currently monopolizing the media across North America. First it was the baseball season being cancelled because baseball players went on strike. Now it's the threat of the hockey season not even beginning because the owners are threatening to lock out the players unless they agree to a new contract that will put a limit on just how much of the teams' revenues can go to players' salaries. Listening to the arguments from the two sides is a bit like reading Alice in Wonderland — sometimes everything looks a little backward. We have multi-millionaire ballplayers using the same language of hardship used by Mexican farm workers or miners of the era when workers were routinely abused by management. Here are ball players who not only earn an average of more than $1.5 million a year but still have their meals paid for by team management, yet sound like they're working for starvation wages. There's the sense among players, as among most people in society, that things should always get better. Each contract should give the employees more than the one before. There’s never a sense that there is a limit to everything. And when the NHL owners, whether seriously or to make a point, start asking for things back from players, this is an insult. Then there’s the terminology. Players sticking together is worker unity. Team owners showing a united front are in collusion. Players say if the bosses are worried about high salaries they should stop giving them out, yet when baseball owners did that a couple of years ago, the players took them to court, and won. A contract is a contract, the players say, until they feel they should be getting more than the contract they have signed, in which case they refuse to go to work until they get a new contract that increases their compensation to the current going rate (See Mark Messier or Dominic Hasek). That contact may have to be ripped up next year, however, if the "going rate" increases in the meantime. There is no doubt that owners once oppressed players in all major league sports, making millions while the players made a comparative pittance. Now, however, the pendulum has swung. Players who make two million insist on their right to make four, even if they kill the goose that laid the golden egg by putting some small-market teams like Pittsburgh in baseball or Winnipeg in hockey, in cities that deserve to have teams. Cannot we hope that sanity and self-restraint will prevail or must we wait for the market to bring the whole thing crashing down by having sports teams going broke and leaving many cities? It seems we can't in baseball. Can we still hope for hockey? — KR A success story misunderstood It's the kind of success story we have built national pride around. A group of people, persecuted in their own country, is given refuge in Canada. They work hard, but they prosper and help build the new country they have adopted. Il's been told hundreds of times: the Irish victims of the potato famine, the Scottish dispossessed by their landlords, the poor of English slums, the displaced people of Europe following World War II. But these arc a different kind of people. They have a different skin colour and they don't blend in easily and people think they arc a burden on society rather than a strength. The story of the Vietnamese Boat People should be one of our proudest moments. Fifteen years ago thousands of individuals, church groups and community groups sponsored these people who had escaped Communist Vietnam in leaky boats with nothing but the clothes on their backs. A new study shows they have become successful people in their new land. Fewer of the Boat People arc unemployed than other Canadians. Twenty per cent started successful businesses that now employ others. Ninety-nine per cent have become Canadian citizens. Yet the perception is the opposite. A Gallup survey in August showed that 47 per cent of Canadians surveyed agreed that "accepting Southeast Asian refugees has cost Canadian taxpayers loo much money". Something has gone cold in the Canadian heart. We showed our best side 15 years ago. Ttxlay we're showing our worst. — KR Photo by Janice Becker Letters MP states his case THE EDITOR, My position on corporal punishment has received a great deal of attention from area newspapers and constituents. My petition to Parliament has over 1,100 signatures and counting. I am determined that accountability and discipline must return to our abused justice system. Violent and repeat offenders are not being disciplined. It is horrific to see the waste of time and taxpayers' dollars in an attempt to rehabilitate criminals who murder, rape, and violate our families, neighbours and friends. In Canada in 1994, we need a method of correction that is both cost effective and a strong deterrent to violent crime. Corporal punishment for the violent criminal element can be delivered swiftly at minimal cost and it is sure to make an immediate impact. I cannot agree with academia and bleeding hearts who feel that strong discipline is backward and narrow­ minded. Retribution for injustices must be reconsidered. We have a Charter of Rights and Freedoms which apply to every Canadian. Perhaps it is lime for a Charter of Responsibilities and Obligations. Every right and privilege should be accounted for by an obligation. If an offender disrespects another's rights and freedom for a safe home and community then he must be accountable for his actions. I believe I am a reasonable and compassionate man. My family is the most important thing to me on the face of the earth. It is for these very reasons I feel it is time to review the way we correct those who repeatedly and violently act out their aggression. When conventional discipline fails, is it not time to mete out some punishment? The critics of corporal punishment must offer a solution or alternative in conjunction with their opposition. I have made a stand on the issue. Conventional methods of "discipline" and rehabilitation have failed. We must open our eyes to the truth. There are times when it has to hurt before it can heal. Paul Steckle, M.P. Huron-Bruce. THE EDITOR The communication technology courses at F.E. Madill Secondary School provide students with theoretical and practical instruc­ tion, mainly in electronic communications. The Grade 11 course follows the prerequisite introductory course in Grade 10 where students learn how to use VHS camcorders and edit their work for the desired video and audio results. Students completed videotaping projects last year at Western Foundry, and this summer at the Wingham and District Hospital, and also within the high school. As a practical application of skills and techniques the Grade 11 class intends to provide a videotape of Commencement 1994 as a low-cost service to the public. Details of individual ordering for graduates, their families, and friends will be provided when arrangements are finalized. THE EDITOR, I wish to express my sincere thanks to The Citizen, my nominators and judges for selecting me to be a Citizen of the Year. It was indeed an honour to be chosen from so many deserving people, who are working each day for the good of the community. I would also like to commend the Blyth Business Association and Blyth council for the parade Friday evening. What a great way to celebrate the renewal of the main street. Because of their initiative and foresight we have a business core to be proud of. Blyth is a great place to live and I'm proud to be one of its citizens. With deepest appreciation - Helen Gowing.