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The Wingham Advance Times, 1995-03-15, Page 5• No excuse for abuse Dear Editor: This letter is written in response to the Supreme Court's decision in September 1994 to allow intoxica- tion as a defence in the case against Henri Daviault, who sexually as- saulted a 65 - year-old woman, who uses a wheelchair. Mr. Daviault claimed he could not form the necessary criminal in- tent to commit sexual assault. G Please note that Mr. Daviault could do the following coordinated activi- 1 ties: push the woman's wheelchair, lift her out of the wheelchair, put her on the bed, sexually assault her and punch her when she threatened to call the police. When I heard about the Supreme Court's decision, I was angry and extremely saddened by their ac- tions'. 1 know a family that has been deeply affected by a drunk man who tried to rape the. mother of the family. It was the four-year-old daughter who ordered the man to leave her alone. - The charges against the man were dropped be- cause he agreed to go to AA. As in this situation, the Supreme Court removesresponsibility from the ac- tual crime committed - sexual as- sault. The federal government is think- ing about passing a bill that makes extreme intoxication a criminal of- fence. If this law is passed, will drunk rapists and drunk drivers be held accountable for their crimes? A friend of mine often tells me that it will be the fathers of daugh- ters who will have the greatest in' - Social, summit Dear Editor: In a• month's time, the wor-1' leaders will gather in Copenhagen, Denmark for the World Summit for Social Development. On their .plate for discussion will be issues that in- clude poverty, employment and people's participation. The interna- tional focus will then shift to Beij- ing in September for the United Na- tions International Womens' Conference which will bring wom- en from all sector together in an at- tempt to build bridges between re- search, policy and action. That these two events are taking place within six months of each other makes 1995 a year that will place a major focus on the interna- tional scene. It is coincidental that all of this is happening at a time .when many key players on the in- ternational development/relief scene, including UNICEF, CARE and USC Canada, are also celebrat- ing their 50th anniversaries. It is impossible to put aprice tag on the impact that these organiza- tions have had on the lives of peo- ple in all corners of the world. But this is exactly what we are faced with when the federal government hands down its budget later this month. Canadians are demanding tighter control of the government purse strings and the impact will have to be felt across the board in all government departments. But the question remains, at what cost? In such a historic year, it would be a shame if the "work that these organizations have been best known for is severely jeopardized by cutbacks, in• overseas spending. The Canadians public still believe in contributing to development and aid programs that make a differ- ence. We can only hope the govern- ment feels the same. As activities are being held across the country this week in rec- ognition of the CIDA-sponsored In- ternational Development Week, and with the federal budget lurking' in the shadows, we Canadians who recognize the whole world as our 'neighbors have to wonder what will be in store for the next 50 years. John Martin, USC Canada fluence on ending violence towards women, Indeed to challenge these fathers by asking them the follow- ing question, "What if your daugh- ter, your partner or your mother had been raped by a man who got off because he was drunk?" I can't keep silent any longer about this issue. I look forward to the day when all people, including women and children, are treated with respect, honor and equality and the abuse against women and children becomes a non -issue. I be- lieve that for this world to become a just society, men who sexaully as- sault woman and children need to be held accountable for their ac- tions, despite their level of intoxica- tion. Let's not detract from the real crime that has been committed. I urge you to tell your MP that people who sexually assault need to be held accountable for their ac- tions, despite their level of intoxica- tion. There is no excuse for abuse! From a gentle, angry person, Gloria Workman MADD thanks Dear Editor: We would like to thank all those who helped in any way in the suc- cess of M.A.D.D.'s (Mothers 1. Against Drunk Driving) first annual Red Ribbon Project in Perth/Huron/ Bruce. As a result of your help, display of ribbons on your vehicles, and donations, there has been an in- creased awareness of the destruc- tion caused by impaired driving. A cheque for $2577 has been for- warded to M.A.D.D. Canada. The funds raised will help to fur- ther the awareness programs in our schools as well as other sectors of our community; to develop and maintain victim support groups at local levels and to promote changes to legislation affecting impaired driving. The devastating problem of im- paired driving can be stopped --but only if we work together! David, Lynne, Brendan and Erin Magee,Wingham4, Barb and Corey Rintoul, Lucknow. First Dear Editor: Paul Martin's budget is a good first step towards dealing with the Federal deficit. However, there are several issues which remain out- standing and must be addressed. -As the PC Candidate for Huron, I have had the opportunity of review- ing the budget plan of the Common Sense Revolution. It is important to recognize certain deficiencies in the Federal Budget: In the first place, the Common Sense Revolution has a plan to eliminate the Provincial deficit, and not just reduce it. Reducing the deficit to three percent of Gross Domestic Product is not an appro- priate goal. The deficit should be zero. We must balance the budget. Secondly, the Common Sense Revolution sets priorities. Health step care, law enforcement and class- room education must be protected. The Federal budget does not pro- tect these important priorities. Thirdly, the Federal budget does not have a plan to stimulate the economy. The Common Sense Revolution has a plan to cut taxes to initiate growth. I have been involved in small business for over 15 years. I under- stand the importance of bringing a business sense to our Provincial government. I also have a family and understand that we cannot sim- ply "slash and burn" programs. We must protect education, health care and opportunity. You and I know it's time for Common Sense. For a Change. Helen Johns PC Candidate - Huron OSPCA stickers Dear Editor: The Ontario Society for the Pre- vention of Cruelty to Animals (On- tario SPCA) is offering a free Ani- mal Alert sticker to pet owners. The attractive sticker alerts people to the fact that there are animals in- side the residence. This informa- tion is important and could save your pet's life should an emergency situation arise. The adhesive is on the front of the sticker so that it can be affixed to the inside of a window. The stickers are produced with inks that contain protection against ultravio- let rays to minimize fading. It is very important that if the situation changes and pets are no longer kept in the residence, the stickers be re- moved. We certainly hope that you will never have an accident or experi- ence an emergency situation that, will jeopardize you or your pets and these cards will only give some "peace of mind". However, should these cards need to be utilized, they may save your pet's life. If you would like to receive a free Animal Alert Sticker for your home, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope along with your request to: Publication Department, Ontario SPCA, 16640 Yonge Street, Newmarket, Ontario, L3Y 4V8. While these stickers are free, any donation to help offset the printing cost would be appreciated. N. Glenn Perrett Publicativ -ordinator Tory executive.e.Wingham lawyer John Schenk was recently elected to the presi- dency of the Huron County Progressive Conservative Association. Tom Jasper, left, is the past president, Barb Fisher, right, is the first vice president. Absent is Steve Sperling, second vice president. a 1,