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Times Advocate, 1991-01-23, Page 4Page 4 Times -Advocate, January 23, 1991 Publisher: Jim Beckett News Editor: Adrian Harte Business Manager: Don Smith Composition Manager: Deb Lord Published Each Wednesday hioniing at 424 Main St., Exeter, Oatarlo, NOM 156 byJ.W. E y Pubileatioes Ltd. Telephone 1-519-2351331 Second Class Mad R.Sisttatloa Number 0386 SUBSCRIPTION RATES; Canada: $27.00 plus $1.88 G.S.T. Per year, U.S.A. $88.00 pus $4.76 G.S.T. a.$.T.1R105310tas *4. 0 EI)I'I'OR1.\I.S No clear alternative While there are thousands of people all over the western world protesting against the war in the Persian Gulf, it is evident they don't share full public sympathy. The call for a withdrawal from the war is 't supported with a clear alterna- tive for the liberation of Kuwait. Sanc- tion . and boycotts have not had an ef- fect on Iraq's singlemindedness. In fact, historically blockades and sieges have seldom brought any nation to its knees. Chants about this being a war over oil are mostly misguided. An invasion of any country by a non-nuclear power would have elicited a similar response from the United Nations. Nevertheless, only the most right- wing rednecks are cheering on the bombing and killing in Iraq. Some are even criticizing the United States for not being more bloodthirsty. But for the most part, we seem resigned, to the possibility that this war is regrettable, but was inevitable. Jordan's King Hussein may be correct in his accusations that far more time and energy was spent on the prepara- tion to fight Saddam Hussein than to negotiate with' him, but that' inky have been because no one really held any hope Iraq would release its hold on Ku- wait. NDP leader Audrey McLaughlin's call for Canada to remain in a purely defen- sive role in the Gulf was, at best, a shab- by excuse to placate the peace move- ment. It makes no moral difference whether our aircraft are dropping bombs or defending those that drop them - we must face the fact we are a full partici- pant in this conflict, whether we approve of it or not. The biggest casualty in this conflict may be what some journalists are al- ready calling a shift in the world order. For the past decade, the increasing open- ness of the Soviet Union and its demo- cratic reforms have set the pace for glo- bal change. The role of the military was crumbling in the face of diplomatic and societal triumphs. With the use of force in the Gulf, ob- servers suggest a return to the "might is right" concept is possible, where diplo- macy can be ignored if you have enough weapons. The first casualty of war may be truth, but we should perhaps be worrying about what may become the last tragic casualty of this conflict. 2: A.D.H. T Not Nintendo war here is no doubt the most pop- ular form of entertainment for area residents these days is watching the war in the Gulf on televi- sion. What we've seen from both sides is a sanitized version where all news must be cleared by military censors before it is broadcast into our homes. Most of it shows people in suits discussing num- bers of sorties in front of wall maps or computer graphics. It looks so clean and neat and has been described by more than one commentator as surgi- cal...but all this is about to change. It started with the display of captured Al- lied air crews. Even in the safety of our own homes Canadians are slowly beginning to real- ize the cost of the war in human terms. Before it's over the casualties on both sides could number well into the thou- sands. We join with the majority of Canadi- ans who are behind our government's decision to support the United Nations actions to return Kuwait to the people of Kuwait. We also wish to remind ei,ryone at home that this is not a "Nintendo" war. Both sides have awesome weapons with tba potential of causing tremendous damage. The question is whether or not television viewers will have the same enthusiasm if they're watching even more violent pictures six months from now. J e. Letter to Editor Pigeons held in high 'esteem Dear Editor. Amid all the reports about the awe-inspiring high-tech, super- sophisicated arsenal arrayed in the Middle East. I came across one lit- tle item, tucked away on the back page of the Globe and Mail, that I thought might be of interest to your readers. "Switzerland is standing by. ready to supply 34,500 carrier pi- geons to the multi -national forc6 arrayed against Saddam Hussein. These include 3,500 regular birds and 31,000 civilian illi birds that could be drafted. The Swiss army, which has been training pigeons since 1917, holds thein in NO esteem and in- ccreeeaasstes their number"year by year, thought thehe romuch-maligned rac- ing (carrier) pigeon needed a plug. (And does this bold act constitute ane►d to Swiss traditional neutrali) - L.C. DeHaan A "Men are never so likely to settle a question rightly as when they discuss it freely." ... Thomas Macauley . 0t991 SAILER FEATURES ti Dictionary of Gulf speak If one could avoid television, radio and newspapers and spent the past week in a log cabin in the woods, there would be noth- ing to suggest our nation is at war. Gasoline prices didn't soar to 84 cents a litre as I predicted. For all intensive purposes, life t •.,• f� r ut all anyone .talks about ie. thayersian Gulf war. We con- stantly ask each other if we've seen the latest press conference, footage, or casualty figures. It is almost addictive. Since last Wednesday, when the CBC news was interrupted by a special bulletin announcing the outbreak of hostilities, my lifestyle has changed. A cable channel I had written off long ago as being far too American - oriented has consumed much of my waking hours. I expect the novelty will eventually wear off, but I'm still trying to come to terms with the first fully-fledged war of my lifetime. I'd like to think there is more to this than just the morbid fasci- nation of finding out "who got bombed today". This is a major world event that is certain to car- ry significant effects far into the future. I feel obliged to pay at- tention to it now, rather than ac- cept somebody else's version of it all some years later. I've actually been to Kuwait. Back in 1969 it served as a con- venient refueling point for jetlin- J-Iold that thought... By Adrian Harte ers and I spent a few hours in its airport. I recall very little, but I wonder what the scene is 1i) . at that airport today. The newscasts, especially those of CNN, have all the ele- ments of high drama, right down to the ominous music they use for the "War in the Gulf' intro- duction. Comic relief is also available when the bold faced lies of Iraqi officials and leaders are offered as proof of CNN's "lack" of bias. Watching a Pentagon spokesman get caught in a press conference where the journalists have arrived better informed than he is can also be highly amusing. But those who choose t� watch this drama unfold must also be conversant in the lan- guage of Gulfspeak. We are ex- pected to be instantly familiar with the terms SCUD, SAA, SAM, and a host of other acro- nyms that are seldom explained. 1e difference between strategic Arid tactical bombing is also sup4 posed to be obvious. And what we at home might refer to as death and destruction, the war- mongers have found a better tern for - collateral damage. For some strange reason, this "damage" is what is missing from most of the coverage I've seen so far. Bright lights in the sky and flashes on the horizon all suggest there must be thou- sands of people dead, some- where beyond the range of the television cameras and live feeds, somewhere 'within the range of the censors. Thus far, the war has been por- trayed as a kind of giant video game: Missile silos mu- nition dumps lined TO in the gunsights-bf a high-tech fighter/ bomber. When a "human f ce" is eventually put on this conftict, we may end up seeing mom than we bargained on. It is so cold that... Blru ulllrlullululr, I say. It's so cold my stuffed duck flew down to Florida for the winter. Actually, it's so cold that when .I tumed over my engine this morning it broke offl Isn't driving in cold weather grand? Especially when one is driving an older car 'which needs a few minor iepalra (master cyl- inder, muffler ... battery) and one's driving On an out -of -the way concession (What are the odds?). Ever have one of those days when it's so cold that die car is shaldng mom than you are? Priet- ty frightening isn't it? Lately we've been getting what scientists call sneakitus cold- airmtas. You're walking outside all bundked up; you've got the scarf around your neck, gloves, long johns, your warmest coat and boots, and then soddenly bang! Your tare drops tight ori your face. That's why Woe ars always bundlingsnail dachas - they like 'to have their noses stay firmly in place! O.k., three guesses - who are the worst kind of people to be around during cold weather? Why, the dreaded exercise en- thusiasts of course - I'm sure you know the kind. For example; "Hey, isn't this Say what? BY Cheryl Clark weather great? Let's go cross- country skiing!" -- This is the kind of close pal you should avoid in the winter months. The big question for cold air whop it- how can I avoid be- ing altogether? Well, you cant do ft, but you can out down on your below - freezing time by conveniently 4 planning your agenda around your spouse and/ or loved ones. For example: your 16 -year-old son Crash has been hanging around the house all day and fi- nally he decides to go outside. Step one: Crash can you go to the store for me? Crash: Mo-om, come on ... I'm busy. Step two: You can use the cars Crash: All right!! Step three: Be prepared to wait an hour or two for whatever j it is you wanted, but at least you don't have to brave arctic winds. O.k., o.k., there are some ad- vantages to below -freezing tem- peratures foremost being hot chocolate by the fireplace, but even then tie ice -scrapers, skat- ing rinks in the guise of side- walks and Jack Frost are waiting for you. My advice? Well, when it's so cold that Frosty the Snowman knocks on your door and asks to come in - stock up on cocoa and bundle up; it'll be over soon enough. HAVE AN OPINION? The Times Advocate welcomes letters to the editor. They must be signed and should be accompanied by a telephone number and address should we need to clarify any information. The newspaper also reserves the right to edit letters. Letters can be dropped Off at the Times Advocate Office or mailed to: Exeter Times Advocate 1 r" $ox 850, Exeter, Ontario NOM ISO A "Men are never so likely to settle a question rightly as when they discuss it freely." ... Thomas Macauley . 0t991 SAILER FEATURES ti Dictionary of Gulf speak If one could avoid television, radio and newspapers and spent the past week in a log cabin in the woods, there would be noth- ing to suggest our nation is at war. Gasoline prices didn't soar to 84 cents a litre as I predicted. For all intensive purposes, life t •.,• f� r ut all anyone .talks about ie. thayersian Gulf war. We con- stantly ask each other if we've seen the latest press conference, footage, or casualty figures. It is almost addictive. Since last Wednesday, when the CBC news was interrupted by a special bulletin announcing the outbreak of hostilities, my lifestyle has changed. A cable channel I had written off long ago as being far too American - oriented has consumed much of my waking hours. I expect the novelty will eventually wear off, but I'm still trying to come to terms with the first fully-fledged war of my lifetime. I'd like to think there is more to this than just the morbid fasci- nation of finding out "who got bombed today". This is a major world event that is certain to car- ry significant effects far into the future. I feel obliged to pay at- tention to it now, rather than ac- cept somebody else's version of it all some years later. I've actually been to Kuwait. Back in 1969 it served as a con- venient refueling point for jetlin- J-Iold that thought... By Adrian Harte ers and I spent a few hours in its airport. I recall very little, but I wonder what the scene is 1i) . at that airport today. The newscasts, especially those of CNN, have all the ele- ments of high drama, right down to the ominous music they use for the "War in the Gulf' intro- duction. Comic relief is also available when the bold faced lies of Iraqi officials and leaders are offered as proof of CNN's "lack" of bias. Watching a Pentagon spokesman get caught in a press conference where the journalists have arrived better informed than he is can also be highly amusing. But those who choose t� watch this drama unfold must also be conversant in the lan- guage of Gulfspeak. We are ex- pected to be instantly familiar with the terms SCUD, SAA, SAM, and a host of other acro- nyms that are seldom explained. 1e difference between strategic Arid tactical bombing is also sup4 posed to be obvious. And what we at home might refer to as death and destruction, the war- mongers have found a better tern for - collateral damage. For some strange reason, this "damage" is what is missing from most of the coverage I've seen so far. Bright lights in the sky and flashes on the horizon all suggest there must be thou- sands of people dead, some- where beyond the range of the television cameras and live feeds, somewhere 'within the range of the censors. Thus far, the war has been por- trayed as a kind of giant video game: Missile silos mu- nition dumps lined TO in the gunsights-bf a high-tech fighter/ bomber. When a "human f ce" is eventually put on this conftict, we may end up seeing mom than we bargained on. It is so cold that... Blru ulllrlullululr, I say. It's so cold my stuffed duck flew down to Florida for the winter. Actually, it's so cold that when .I tumed over my engine this morning it broke offl Isn't driving in cold weather grand? Especially when one is driving an older car 'which needs a few minor iepalra (master cyl- inder, muffler ... battery) and one's driving On an out -of -the way concession (What are the odds?). Ever have one of those days when it's so cold that die car is shaldng mom than you are? Priet- ty frightening isn't it? Lately we've been getting what scientists call sneakitus cold- airmtas. You're walking outside all bundked up; you've got the scarf around your neck, gloves, long johns, your warmest coat and boots, and then soddenly bang! Your tare drops tight ori your face. That's why Woe ars always bundlingsnail dachas - they like 'to have their noses stay firmly in place! O.k., three guesses - who are the worst kind of people to be around during cold weather? Why, the dreaded exercise en- thusiasts of course - I'm sure you know the kind. For example; "Hey, isn't this Say what? BY Cheryl Clark weather great? Let's go cross- country skiing!" -- This is the kind of close pal you should avoid in the winter months. The big question for cold air whop it- how can I avoid be- ing altogether? Well, you cant do ft, but you can out down on your below - freezing time by conveniently 4 planning your agenda around your spouse and/ or loved ones. For example: your 16 -year-old son Crash has been hanging around the house all day and fi- nally he decides to go outside. Step one: Crash can you go to the store for me? Crash: Mo-om, come on ... I'm busy. Step two: You can use the cars Crash: All right!! Step three: Be prepared to wait an hour or two for whatever j it is you wanted, but at least you don't have to brave arctic winds. O.k., o.k., there are some ad- vantages to below -freezing tem- peratures foremost being hot chocolate by the fireplace, but even then tie ice -scrapers, skat- ing rinks in the guise of side- walks and Jack Frost are waiting for you. My advice? Well, when it's so cold that Frosty the Snowman knocks on your door and asks to come in - stock up on cocoa and bundle up; it'll be over soon enough.