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The Huron Expositor, 1986-03-05, Page 2Huron xpontor SINCE 1860, SERVING THE COMMUNITY FIRST OPINION A fine art to writing backwards. Incorporating $rttsscis Post 10 Main Street 527-0240 Published In SEAFORTH, ONTARIO Every Wednesday morning ED BVRSKI, General Manager HEATHER McILWRAITH, Editor The Expositor is brought to you each week by the efforts of: Pat Armes, Bessie Broome, Marlene Charters, Joan Gulchelaar, Anne Huff, Joanne Jewitt, Stephanie Levesque, Dianne McGrath, Lois McLlwaln, Bob McMillan, Cathy Melody and Patrick Rattle. Member Canadian Community Newspaper Assoc. Ontario Community Newspaper Association Ontario Press Council Commonwealth Press Union International Press Institute Subscription rates: Canada $20.00 a year (In advance) Outside Canada $60.00 a year (In advance) Single Copies - 50 cents each SEAFORTH, ONTARIO, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 1986 Second 'class mall registration Number 0696 c cn The tax man taketh away When I landed my first full-time job in the r FROM O T I S ANGLE field of weekly journalism roughly three years ago, I was puzzled and unsure whether to feel honored or apprehensive, when told writing the "Backward oolumn" would be among my duties. I mean there I was, a raw rookie, not overly confident of my ability to write frontward and here they were asking me to do it backward. Would I have to actually spell all the words used in this literary irregularity from back to front, as in t.a.c. spells cat, or would I merely. be obliged to type while standing on my head? I was forced to ask. No, I was told, none of the above. The Backward column, was simply the nickname of the excerpts from early files, or what is known in this particular publication as "In the Years Agone." I am now with my third newspaper, since that fateful day when L became a reporter and, as luck would have it, I am still in charge of the Backward column. (No, I am not referring to this particular piece of prose, thank you very much.) as I have been everywhere I have worked. I prefer to think this is because I am good at sorting through the dusty pages of ancient papers and choosing just the right items of historic significance to delight readers. More likely, it is because I can't seem to stay in one spot long enough to get seniority on someone so I can dump it on them, much as it has been dumped eagerly into my court by others. Regardless of the reasons, I try to make the best of my weekly sojourn into the past, by boning up on the local history of the community. It is always interesting to read by Patrick Raftis about the ancestors of the people you are dealing with today, as well as picking up some insight into the escapades of their own youth. The latter sort of information, I discovered early in my career as Backward editor, is befit kept to oneself. One of the first columns I did (not at this paper) included an item about a group of young bucks, who had gone on a bit of a bender. Actually the details made it seem more like a drunken rampage, in which some damage to property was done, and the lads ended up spending some time in the cooler for their trouble. I had been under the impression local folk might get a kick out of being reminded of the incident, from about 20• years ago. I was mistaken. The parties involved had all grown into respectable members of the community and it seemed they would rather just forget the whole thing. They were not amused. Talk of legal action was hastily defused with an apology, all was forgiven and, much to my dismay, I was allowed to carry on doing the Backward column. Another interesting aspect of the old files, is the style of journalism which prevailed in those days, particularly when doing the 100 and 75 -years -ago sections. important events invariably occurred "on Friday last", rather than "last Friday," and seemingly banal incidents, such as local residents having their tonsils removed, frequently made the front page. I try to imagine myself calling several of our good townsfolk and asking for an interview on the details of his or her tonsillectomy. The reactions would probably make a fascinating column in themselves. Obituary styles differ from paper to paper even today. In some municipalities, the only way to become deceased is to die, while in other towns people simply "pass away." Whichever style is used, it must surely be preferable to the wording once common right here in The Expositor, where people who died were often said to have "dropped dead." A touch blunt for my tastes. Whatever the various pitfalls and benefits of running an early files column may be, one thing is for sure, people really do read them. Some, it seems, read them rather critically, as evidenced by a letter to this office several months ago, claiming the quality of items included in the column was not up to snuff. Perhaps, our reader had cast his eye on some columns during weeks when nothing of consequences happened 100 years ago. In that case, there is little lean do from this end. You can't change history pal -- but you can fix the spelling mistakes. The tax man cometh -- and this time, it seems he has arrived with a bludgeon to encourage liberal donations to his apparently bottomless collection basket. From all indications, last week's federal budget should take a larger chunk than ever before out of the pay cheques of lower and middle-income earners. Corporations and high-income earners will also be hit, but not with the force those on the bottom of the pay scale had hoped for. If we ignore this obvious inequity, and it appears we must because no amount of hue and cry ever seems to deter our governments from extracting their pound of flesh from those who can least afford it, is there any reason for optimism about Michael Wilson's controversial document? Perhaps, however it is far too early to Judge whether this austere financial plan will have the desired effect on the country's economy. We have been told time and time again the deficit must be reduced, in order to correct Canada's economic ailments. If this is so, it follows only a period of penny pinching can achieve this long-term goal. While some critics claim this budget is pinching the pennies from the wrong places, others claim the finance minister has not squeezed the coppers hard enough to restore the global community's faith in Canada's financial solvency. Only time will tell. However, if the government can get the national debt down to manageable proportions, or even offer a token reduction in the debt to show we are trying, there could yet be some reason to hope for better times ahead. A strong economy will mean reduced borrowing rates, which will encourage financial growth throughout the country. Perhaps it will prove worthwhile to pay now, rather than later, or never, as has been the case for the past two decades. There Is some logic to Wilson's plan to increase taxation and reduce government spending -- the same logic the average person applies to his own household budgeting. If the bills are piling up unpaid, the Informed customer does not try to combat the problem with a renewed burst of spending, while at the same time looking for ways to lower his income. If the Conservatives were to cut taxes and Increase government spending at this time when the country struggles under the weight of tong overdue payments on the deficit, It would be seen as the height of fiscal irresponsibility. If these tough new measures work, future budgets can be more lenient on the taxpayer's pocketbook. If that happens, Wilson, Mulroney and the entire Conservative party will be seen as financial wizards and looked upon as economic saviors. If they don't work? Well, there's always another election down the • road and other would-be saviors to choose from. — P.R. SWEAT SOCKS by Heather McIlwraith Jogging is a fool's delight — trust me What kind of fool am 1'? Here I am sitting at my desk, wondering how I ever managed to make It this far, wondering if ill ever be able to leave this spot, and asking myself wfihat in the world ever possessed me to start up jogging - again. I don't know how many times I've started and stopped this insane form of exercise in the past, but i can assure you, it's been many times. And while my intentions are good when i start i always ultimately end the practice for the sante reason - Ican 't stand the pain anymore. Now they tell me once the fust two weeks are over I'll be homefree. Trouble is the way things are going now those two weeks might as well be an eternity. I doubt now there is even the smallest part of me that isn't aching. Oh, I'm all right when I'm in the upright position, but every step has become a concentrated effort and an experience in pain. Two weeks of this? I mean bowie anyone supposed to motivate themselves to get out every morning and jog when they can barely roll out of bed, dress themselves, muster the strength (or should I say courage) to make it down the steps, out the front door and into the street. Even if it was possible to make it that far (and you'd better set your alarm an hour earlier), chances are someone had better be on hand to give you a push start or you'd be standing there all day. It's agood thing I live on the top of a hill. That downhill start is a blessing these days. Seriously though f honestly thought this time would be different. I actually thought of the entire experience in very positive, even glowing terms, at least until the night before the fust big outing. Thed I was wishing 1 hadn't opened my mouth and uttered those fateful words, "rll jog with you." Neverending work by Patrick Raftis Up until the gime I actually found myself donning sweat pants I think I thought the whole thing would never take place. I thought my running partner might possibly let me off easy, and want to postpone the first running adventure. So wtten the one rang at 7 :45 a.m., mere seconds after d hit my snooze alarm for the last time, I was ecstatic Then I picked up the receiver and heard not the excuses i was willing under any and all circumstances to accept, but rather a wake up call from a third party, who ill wager, found and still finds the whole idea of me jogging, a bit of a joke. Unfortunately it is no joke, although I couldn't laugh even if it was - it hurts too much. But it is getting to be a routine, one ill probably stick with for at least two weeks. rm such a glutton for punishment. But if after the two weeks, Istill find myself in excruciating pain, I may once again be searching an alternative to this punishing brand of exercise. rd like to know anew what it is like to be able to sit down, and get backup again. Iwant to know I can bend over and pick up something Imay have dropped. rd like to be able to shift the gears in my car. rd like to walk again like a normal human being, and leave the snickers of a very unsympathetic office staff, well behind me. But most of all Td like to be able to do all of these things without them forcing a ay of anguish to escape my lips. Theysaypggmg is supposed tobegood for the legs and the feet but the way things are going forme I know that isn't going to happen tomorrow. But maybe someday. Right now as far as I see it jogging is only good for the ground • because- it makes it feel needed. Overcompensation on nerves The fine art of over compensation is getting on my nerves. It seems that overcompensa- tion is a factor in many aspects of our daily lives. The most obvious are evident in lawsuits. The financial compensation being awarded in rinses dealing with alimony, palimony. accident victims, mental and physical stress, wrongful dismissal, preju- dice, and more, are often far and above the realistic cost to the victim. My question is "How can a price be put on the mental and physical stress caused by something like sexual harassment in the workplace?" The plaintiff often states that "No amount of money can ever compensate for the loss of self worth, stress, lnrk of productivity, etc. etc." Yet they go ahead and sue for a cool million anyway. 1 could take quite a lot of stress for a million dollars. Often in the case of physical impairment caused by an accident not only the victim but members of the victim's family lay claim to some form of financial compensation. in some cases the entire family tree feels the accident and its repercussions are cause for financial claims. When e...omvne is warded compensation of $G,000,000. because they have been left handicapped by an accident, i wonder how the figure was arrived at, and who will benefit most from the big buck. It seems to me the plaintiff won't enjoy the cash nearly as much as the family and the legal advisors. Cmnot against financial compensa- tion....not by a long shot, but financial over -compensation is costing all of us. Insurance companies are now starting to over compensate for the overcompensation. The problem of overcompensation is not just measured in cash. 'There was a time when minorities were kept at bay. Prejudice against certain races, colors, religions, and ethnic groups, not to mention the handicap- ped, and even women, was evident by the absence of these groups from many areas. Breakthrough legislation regarding basic HERE'S THE BEEF by Carolanne Doig civil rights and more recently equal rights has helped to reverse dlscsimination from its blatant past. At one time there were no women doctors, lawyers, or construction workers. There were no blacks or colored people in high paying and high profile positions and people with mental and physical positions, were kept hidden away never to experience real life situations like having their awn apartment or holding down a job. Today re-education and re -legislation has opened many doors for minority groups. However, the new legislation introduced by Flora McDonald smells of over compensa- tion. Once quotas are put on hiring of minority groups, employers will be hiring you to fill their quota and meet government regulations, rather than hiring on the basis of individual merit. It will be a sad state of affairs if you must let a potentially goad employee go because you only have two openings and one has to be filled by a member of a minority group. it would be just as discriminating and just as much a put down to be hired because you are physically handicapped, than not to be hired for the same reason. individual cases warrant individual attention not quotas. Over compensation is not limited to the world of big business or the high courts. iI is with us at many other levels. As an illustration look at the area of minor sports. In small communities it is almost impossible to have teams coached by individuals who have no sons, daughters, or close friends on the team. In a small town where minor sports are always clamoring for help from adults to act ascoaches, trainers. or managers, the parent Mr. Wilson — Mr Wilson Hello again, Mr. Wilson. I must say I am Tess than honored at your reply to my letter. At least you didn't forget me. Certainly not! You remembered me well enough to answer me with yet another massive tax flurry. 1 should not have expected anything else. You, with advice from your Bay Street Bimbos, are really not capable of anything fair when it comes to taxation. Yup, ofi budget was a real kick to the groin middle class and the poor. There is nothing like pounding on a helpless victim when he is down. You can take pleasure, Cassius, in knowing this latest surker shot will surely drive thousands more people into the unconscious purgatory of red ink and poverty. No need to fret though, because the big corporations, like the American eavalry, will gallop to our rescue and save us all wi ,jobs, jobs, jobs. I saw your leader on television last Sunday evening issuing his ususel platitudes about how wonderful your government is. It was enough to make one retch. • and child tearn situation often develops. Although it may be advantageous to have coaches with no sons or daughters on their team, it is often difficult to achieve. it seems illogical to expect a father to coach one tearn while his son plays on another. The father would be too busy with his team to see his son play and offer the kind of support young sons so often look for. The problem of transporta- tion also doubles as Dad and his team head one way while the child and the remainder of the family often head to a different area at a different time. Many children in small communities participate in competitive sports with their parent as coach. This shouldn't be a problem if the coadn realizes his position on natters shouldn't be affected by having a child on the team. However, many coaches are so afraid of beu`ng pet Lived as showing favoritism to their child, that they over compensate. This overcompensation is often to the detriment of the child and the team. If you are being allowed to coach minor sports in the fust place you must be familiar with the sport and knowledgeable enough to make decisions. If you think Suzie should be out en the field because she's the best centre fielder you have, but Suzie is also your daughter, and Mrs. Jones may hassle you after the game because her daughter is on the bench... .Put Suzie out there anyway. Otherwise you're over compensating and everyone loses.. If people could look at things with an honest and objective eye we would have less problems with compensation, overcompensa- tion and the resultant endless chain of compensation for the, overcompensation. I'mnot pleased CORNUCOPIA by Dave Broome He ranted about the "hundreds of thousands" of jobs your government has miraculously created since coming to power. The way he warbled, you would swear there was no such animal as an unemployed person. He then chugged along about how your government has been the savior of the Canadian farmer. When questioned by a young lady about how all his so-called help is useless when a farmer can't even purchase a trader to work his land, Mulroney`s massive jaw quivered, dropped open, hit the floor, bounced up and slammed shut so hard he probably suffered a concussion. That, however, didn't slow down his yapping the next clay. He suggested you, Mr. Wilson, should have a gold medal minted in your honor for having the courage to produce such a tough, get 'em all, budget. I was thinking a more appropriate award might be your likeness etched in a mushy cow paddy. This again, was a budget that will produce nothing but long term pain for many, without any long-term gain — unless, of course, you are a corporation or very wealthy. You gotta wonder about the intelligence behind the thinking that suggests the more you tax people, the more they will spend to get the economy rolling. Two things are certain concerting your scandal -ridden government, Mr. Wilson. They will never be accused of being cerebral and are already on their way out of office. Yours f 2eimp Bankrupt