The Goderich Signal-Star, 1982-09-08, Page 4••;1'1:
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PAGE 4 —GODER1CH SIGNAL -STAR, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1982
DAVE
SYKES
I feel .caught in the middle. "
Being a relatively new parent, a little Wet
behind the ears you might say, has had it
tendency to change my relationihip with my
mother. While she still tries to apply her
pairentlal prowess on this skinny scribe, I, in
turn, exercise the same authority over a
young son, although in different ways.
- - --VelkilweilidthinkitWela4tozpeculate that
young couples, at the propsect of becoming
parents, vow not tosaise their children in
the same manner they were raised. But, I
suspect, our parent's habits creep into our
style of parenting despite vows to the con-
trary.
But both having a parent and 'being a
parent is no easy job, believe me. It is dif
ficult enough trying to teach my son that
repeatedly changing the television channel,
while dad is consuming a baseball or foot-
ball game, could be hazardous to his health.
He isn't able, or willing, to grasp that fact of
life yet:
By the same token, it is most difficult to
try and teach parents anything these days.
Just ask any teenager.
It is common fact that once a person
reaches the age of , 12 or 13 at the latest, he
or she is suddenly and constunroately more
knowledgable than either parent. It is a
strange -phenomenon that .,ultimately
presents itself in every family situation.
I think it took me a few extra years to
discover, in my opinion, .that my parents
had lost touch. Of course, most parents
never do really lose touch, except in the
children's eyes.
This past weekend, I had to severely bite
my lip and restrain myself from not
berating mom over her bad habits: While:
crossing the road, not at an intersection, she
was hit by a car and now has a host of
bumps, bruises and a fractured leg Qom-
plete with a full-length cast, to serve as a
reminder of the errors of her ways,
She Is the type of ladY Who triPt73 everyone
and the surroundings in which she lives. She
is trusting of the world for the matter and
would, never imagine that anything would
harnther.
So it was a little late, I thought, to caution
mother on crossing the roadat in-
tersections, she's been taking her chancesin
the middle of the block for too many years,
believing that people automatically stop for
elderly ladies. That is not always the case
but I didn't want to shatter her image of
mankind.•
- The attending officer also conyinced
mother that * was m the wrong, advising
her that it world be wise to cross at the in-
tersection. She was hit just 50 feet from the
traffic lights.
Andyet, despite her injuries, mother we
feeling quite badly about being responsible
for the accident. She even asked me, in view
of the fact that she crossed in the middle of
the Street,:ff she might have to pay for
&Magee to the car that struck her legs
about !wee -high.
I suggested it was unlikely that the car
sustained any damage but her statement
made me realize that I hadn't done a
creditable job of raising my mother.
Hopefully my son will be able to teach me a
few things about life.
That's the trouble with parenti. They
often become inflexible with age and no
doubt mother, when the leg heals properly,
will continue to walk at a brisk pace (I
couldn't keep up as a child) and cross the
road whenever she takes a notion, believing
that the trusting souls driving cars always
stop for older ladies.
But, for now, the kids are looking after her
and I think she will listen for a change.
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otet'eloS the door •
Park supporters cheered this sprhig, when the Minister
of Natural Resources,. Alan Pope, tabled a roster of more
than 240 candidate parks to be considered for inclusion' in
the provincial park system, A deadline of December 1982
was set for all decisions to be made on the allocation of
crown land to:forestryrniining! parks and other land uses,
More cheers -because firm deadlines from within the:
.,bareaucratic ivory tower ore hard M come by and s
- time the Minister seen con -fixated to *Meet*
An aggressive public participation campaign complete
with open houses would 'ensure local concerns were
considered in the decision niaking.:itore cheers -because
'we all like to have our say. But ilk, cause for alarm •
particularly among the residents of southern Ontario.
Of the 87 per cent of the.provincial land base known: as
crown land, an Overvilielmhig percentage is located in
northern Ontario so, unless southern Onitarians were
prepared to drive to the open houses inthe vicinity their
secret fishing hole, nature reserveor wilderness retreat,
they will be hard pressed to comment on what uses were •
allowed hi their favorite spots. „ .
Ilerein•lies One of the major weaknesses of the Ministry
of Natural Resourcespublic participation process. Major
decisiOns• are being made on a province -wide system of
parks; made up of land owned by and paid for by all
Ontarians. Yet, only local comment is being solicited.
Park advocates, particularly those in the north, need
• support. Their case for, parks hinges on the gleam in the
eye of the conservationists -a complete system of parks
that would truly preserve representative. portions of
. Ontario landscape, provide recreational opportunities'and
a broad economic base.for many Ontarians. •
Their opponents , are working with a well-established
network of support founded in the locg. communities of
. northern Ontario. The forest indur'ry claims expansionof
a parks system will "deal a crushing blow to their (sic)
industry and the provincial economy"..,The' .in-
dastry claims "vociferous environmentalists would close
.clown anything remotely related to mining". Many of the
northern residents believe these staternents.
Yet, in identifying candidate parks, the Ministry ,of
Natural.Resources went rat of:As warto screen out most
parks which had a high conflict with either forestry or
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And even if all candidate parks were approved, the total
area designated for parkland including existing parks,
would involve less than five per cent of the productive
forest land of the province and a smaller portion of land
with high mineral potential, ,•
Parks have been short changed for years. Not one
wilderness park has been designated in the 11 years Bill
Davis has been premier of Ontario. Yet, in the same
period, an area the equivalent of one wilderness park has
been written off every year from further commercial
forestry 'because of insufficient regeneration. It is time for
thepeeple of Ontario to stake their claim for parks before
it is too late. ••
7, •
It is unclear, but doubtful, whether there will be an
opportunity for southerners to support park advocates in
the north. This is a sad, comment on the Ministry of
Natural Resources public participation process. A,fter all,
85 per cent of Ontarians have visited a provincial park at
sOme time their lives and over hall do so in any one
year. And where is the vast majority of the population? In
• the south.
The Ministry of Natural Resources is not doing its job.
In soliciting public comment it should not be allowed to
close the door on the sast majority of Ontarians who
clearly have a vested interest in the parkland of Ontario.
(Nancy Patterson-Federatieh of Ontario Naturalists)
Just another meeting
So another confrontation between the provincial
premiers and the prime minister has come and gone. This
time the meeting, held in Halifax, was set up to persuade
the provincial leaders to implement Mr. Trudeau's
famous six -and -five solution to the inflation problem. The
premiers turned him down.
That meeting was disgustingly reminiscent of the
wrangle over the constitution and subsequent fiscal
conferences.
The average Canadian is left to wonder whether anyone
attending those useless conferences is actually intent on
finding answers to the country's woes or whether they
simply become an exercise in the demonstration of power.
The prime minister and his top-level rninisters appear to
be bent only on forcing the premiers to knuckle under,
while the premiers drum up provincial support for their
tough stand against anything and -everything Ottawa
suggests
Trudeau's proposal that all government employees be
held to a six per cent wage increase in 1983 and five per
cent thereafter is not or should not be unacceptable.
Such increases are a great deal better than most
Canadians in the private sector (those who still have jobs)
are going to get in the next few years. However, the
premiers are probably correct in their contention that the
six -and -five formula, will not of itself, solve our financial
problems.
Net result of these meetings between provincial and
federal leaders leaves one with the feeling that, despite
our new constitution, Canada is headed down the path of
disunity, as each area, with its own self-interest
paramount, does its level best to frustrate all the others.
It is not a good omen tor a nation which should be at the
top of the list of good places in which to live and raise
families. (Winghain Advance Time)
Thanks for the party Ontario
You can be proud (Warrens. E'en though -you picked up
the tab and weren't invited, you still throw a great party.
More than 9,fiO0 delegates- are attending the Inter-
national Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meeting
in Toronto this week and Premier William Davis thought
the taxpayers of this great province wouldn't mind
staging a little party in their honor. A noble and hospitable
gesture on our part.
So we set up the shrimp and assorted. seafood treats,
great dessert § and wines too numerous to mention for the
affluent bankers of the world. And it Only cost $200,000 for
the soiree?
„Surely that's a small price to pay fora bit of good public
relations work.
Davis has argued that the money has been well spent
hoping it will' produce business contacts resulting in the
export of provincial goods. Dr, at least, it may attract a
small measure of foreign invegtment.
Public relations should be an ongoing venture of any
government, but the Davis government $200,000 party is
going too far when people are out of work and their
prospects -for getting employment are quite slim.
Let the conservative government pay for this one.
4
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••••., 2, .• f•••.,141,.
By Joanne Buchanan
DEAR
READERS
SHIRLEY KELLER
I had lunch out on Tuesday, the first dayof
school for the 1982-83 year. I decided that more
than hall the fun of going to school for much of
the school population must be lunchtimes - a
whopping big hamburger, a plate of fries and
gravy, a giant soft drink, a couple of smokes and
good friends with whom to enjoy all of it
Then I thought about the moms and dads who
had seen the kids off earlier that morning. I
imagined them watching their offspring heading
out in the new jeans that cost the earth, a new
shirt of which mother disapproves, last year's
jacket of which the wearer disapproves and
scruffy, smelly running shoes of,which everyone
will disapprove after one whiff.
And I thought about the differences in purpose.
• Mom and dad look forward toson or
daughter's future - full of promise depending on
just how much effort is expended this school
3r64,-
The kids are bent on enjoyment - the first
dance, making the team, making new friends,
going out for the drama group, finding a steady.
Different strokes, alright, for different folks.
I know, I know. Some parents and their
children are on the same wave -length. All are
serious about getting the most from every day of
this school year - for all of them know there's
only one kick at the cat unless you want to waste
a year of your life.
I sure hope that's the scene at your house this
September.
1
But let's be honest. Isn't that ideal situation the
exception rather than the rule?
Ever wonder how moms and dads and kids
reach that blissful state of agreement?
Well I'm no expert but I believe it starts early -
very early in a child's life. I think it must start as
soon as the child is able td understand.
I think it involves Something as basic as mom
and dad taking enough interest in their child's
welfare to pull all the stops to make learning the
\ most exciting thing in the world.
It includes providing good books and reading
stories to these willing sponge -like creatures. It
means putting pencils and crayons, chalk and
scissors, puzzles and put -together -toys into their
hands and creating the craving for finding the
answers.
It means visits to museums and exhibits, plays.
and recitals, relatives and friends - even when it
would be easier to leave the children at home.
It means piano lessons and team sports,
Sunday School and Brownies, a library card and
a pet to care for.
It means getting actively engaged in your son
or daughter's life. It means giving up your own
• self on the majority of occasions - and pouring
out every fibre of your being into their world.
It means expecting them to excell in
everything - and praising them when they do
without deflating them when they don't.
It means taking an interest in their failures as
well as their triumphs. It means being there
when they need you and opting out when you are
unwanted - and knowingwhich is which.
It means leading and setting an example. It
ithfreeean. s self-discipline, when you'd prefer to be
But most of all it means consistency. Kidahate
incAnondsiwstheantcyif. you have followed all.those ideals •
to the letter - and your student leads the pack to
the arcade during school hours?
Here's the bad news.
There are no guarantees when it comes to
raising good Students.
But there is some good news.
- Statistics show that in by far the greatest
percentage of cases, your sons and daughters -
even -the rebels - will respond in their own time
and in their livvn way to your efforts. Seldom is
good parenting lost completely.
So mom and dad, take heart. This school year
may or may not be the one in which your son or
daughter will strutt his or her stuff - but don't
weary of the fight to instill good study habits and
offer encouragement.
School may still be not much more than
football, tacos and a steamy back seat for your
student at this point in time - but if you •and
you're influences a top priority in your: child's
everyday comings and goings, chances are good
you'll have a winner on your hands when all is
said and done.
Happy school opening mom and dad.
Loose ends remain after tree removed
Dear Editor:
The tree on Kingston
Street is clown and gone and
we have plenty of other
things -lined up for our atten-
tion, but a few loose ends are
still ,; flapping around. We
were of course never talking
about "juSta-treerAbetber
the subject is big and impor-
tant in the generally ac-
cepted sense or whether it is
small for many eyes, all of
ha show inevitably a great
deal about ourselves in our
values, principles, loyalties
and methods; our views on
equality and fairness; our
understanding of and
respect for the system within
which we work and live.
Last week the majority of
council members made a
decision to have a landmark
tree of 120 years eliminated,
in response to one person's
complaint that "this tree has
LETTERS
•become a nuisance in our
type :of business", a quota-
tion from Mr. Ilayter's re-
cent letter to Parks Commit-
tee. There w s a good fight
on behalf of the tree, but the
tree lost, a fa all of us must
accept, btitctoiiot have to ac-
cept quietly.
Next morning a small
group of people decided to go
and tie a yellow ribbon
around the tree, not to pre-
vent a legitimate decision
from being carried out, but
to take leave of the tree, to
ke it known that trees
have friends, to protest and
to make a few points. Credit
for the initiative Must go to
others, but I thought it was
an excellent idea and joined'
the effort wholeheartedly.
The majority has a right to
make a decision; the minori-
ty has a right to make a
point. Has the general
apathy left us in a state
where different, independent
and outspoken ideas and ac:
tions are to be treated with
scorn, ridicule -and abuse by
those who are representing
us as a community? Perhaps
some of my colleagues would
do well to think about it.
No committee has the
authority to reverse, a coun-
cil's decision. Do all council
members fully understand
the system under which they
have worked for years? The
Councilhad decidedby-a-mo-
tion in 1976 to let the
Kingston Street tree stand,.
The Parks Committee decid-
ed by two out Of thrte tti"
reverse the Council's deci-
sion. The matter was finally
properly concluded by the
Council. What IA the Berme in
directing furious disap-
proval towards the in-
dividuals who merely
pointed out what everyone
ought to have known?
The Council has turned
down long petitions just as
quickly as it now complied
with one man's request.
There were about 8 or 10 in-
• terested persons in the au-
dience at the special Council
meeting called to deal with
Mr. yter's; letter, The
Mayor refused any of these
people to say anything Eli all,
although the Council has a
long and honorable tradition
cif allowing anyone to peak
who wishes to ac1dreS the
Council, and for Ole last 10
years the Coin agenda
has Carried item it the
end called "Citizens' Ques-
tion and Answer Period7.
There was also redently
obtained information firm a
tree specialist stating, that
the sap dropping on the cars
was caused by aphids on the
tree, not by the tree itself,
and that this could bt coa-
trolled with chemicala. The
suggestion was to treat the
tree first and if for porrie
reason it did not Wide there
was enough time to out the
tree down 113 the last reSort. I
sent this information the
Mayor, with copies 'to all
Torii 44 page% •