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Orono Weekly Times, 16 Jan 1985, p. 5

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ýSOL WAY "We wuz robbed!" -I t hink it was fight manager- promoter Mike Jacobs, a mani who had scant use for the niceties of grammar and symtax, who said it. He also said ':l shoulda stook in bed." A poet. A philospher. And a mani who really understood the system. Jacobs lived in a rough- and-tumble world. A world of winners and losers. Justice and fairness had very littie to do wîth it. "Clout" was everything. The bigger the fist the better your chances. Ruit -we are civilized and democratized and humanz- ed. We profess flot to believe in the Jungle of Life, but in- stead to believe in equity and justice under law. Our justice systemn is less than perfect. Democracy is less thani perfect. "Perfect" systems work better because they put dissenters in jaÈ without too much fuss over due process. Mike Jacob§ woulçi have been right at homne among theý Pro-Life people shouting "We wuz robbed." Having subject Dr. Morgenthaler to a properly constituted trial by jury (the fourth of them if you included the three in Quebec) which foiim in- nocent of ail QbI they then repudiateda qIdict. "They was roSff!' The idea of a trial is to seulie, in a democratic fashion, an issue of wrong-doing-. No one can stop any individual from disagreeing with the verdict of a jury and the sentencing by a. judge. But it is grossly imjproper to subject the systemt to abuse: improper because the system that ap- pears to have wronged you thîs lime, may shelter and protect you next time. The Pro-Lifers (and 1 object to that titie - it sounids like they have a monopoly on "Life") by Larry Solway complained (a) that the ve- dict was impossible becauae thec man was a self-confessed abortionist (b) that by, some scientific selection systemi those lawyers were able to pick a jury that wýould be sympathetic and subvert the rights of the anti- abortionists. As for the Pro- Choice forces, they can gloat over how "justice triumnphedl" again and that the verdict went in their favour, not because it was ex- posed to the systemr of due process, but because sornehow their cause was more j ust , more humane, andt that after aIl the jury only did what any right-thinking jury could do. This, in spite of the shamneful way the presiding judge loaded the dice against Morgenthaler. 1 ar nfot writing this in favour or in opposition to the Morgenthaler position. 1 arn writing it about justice and about how we perceive justice to be "working" only when it returns a verdict we agree with. 1 suppose there are people who will say for example that John DeLorean should have been jailed for life for his co- caine dealings and that he got off only because he had a high-priced lawyer. The same quality of high-priced legal counsel didn't do Ross That- cher rnuch good. What 1 see is that we agree with demon- cracy, but as John Schlesigner (one of John Kennedy's "Wise Men") said about Lyndon Johnson: "President Johnson believes in Free Speech. He just doesn't believe anyone shot4ld be allowed to use it." There is another apparent- !y undemocractic element in the systemr of due process. The jury system says that a person shal be tried by a jury Samiat ... at Queen's Park Now that we have embark- ed onua new year, it is a good time to look over somne of the events of 1984. On aIl counts, 1984 proved to be a memorable year in Ontario. We were honoured with the vists of Pope John Paul Il and Queen Elizabeth the Se- cond. Our Bicentennial pro- vided a great opportunity to celebrate throughout the pro- vince the rich heritage we ahl share. At Queen's Park, we had a busy and productive year with a number of important pieces of legislation con- sîdered in the House. Here are just a few of the year's highlights that are of par- ticular interest. 1984 wilI bc remembered for the economic advances that were made. Over the past year, 133,000 new jobs were created in Ontario, the deficit was reduced by $223 million and economic growth on the whole outpaced budget pro- iec!ions. We saw a special )asis on youith employ- and skýIlls traininu. xitfi acotu.prehtensivesraeyt helýp -young peotile to find j'bs an PI the ; cm imn of $150 million to ensure that our workforce will meet the challenges of the future. To promote our important agrifood industry, the red mecat plan was announced to provide producers with a wide range of options that will encourage good manage- ment, increased productivity and income from the marketplace. The new Export Growth Strategy is aimed at doubling the export sales of the agriculture and food pro- ducts, particularly tn the United States. Through this program, new product and market initiatives are being introduced and current pro- grams are expanding. 1984 will be rernembered, too, for the progress that was made in the justice and social fields. The problem of violent pornography in videos was addressed during this session of the Legislature. The Theatres Amnendment Act, whichi was given thirdi readini'g, will enable thie on- ',ario Censor Board to clarsify comimercially distribured videotapes. Each ideîJotape wil be liabelted aýcordiýng to of their peers. Meaning equals. Meaning sharing the samne general public standard, same level of intelligence or education. Fat chance. The jury systemi does reflect commrunity standards; it does reflect general public attitudes; it can neyer ever be perfect. When the judge "ýcharges" the jury before they retire, it is to try to make the jury reserve its own private prejudices and deal with the defendent on the basis of The Law and the Rules of Evidence. It doesn't work that way. There have been some terrible juries and some grotesque convictions. Think of the jury that haniged the Scottsboro Boys, think of the jury that hanged Reil, think of the Chicago Haymnarket Riot Trials. History is filled with injustice dlone because the jury reflected the general public hysteria and prejudice, rather than the purity of Law. 1 arn ashamed that we have a group of people cheering for McMurtry's decision to appeal. They cheer for the wrong reason. Having been Ilrobbed" in the first place, they now cry for "true justice". The Attorney General to his credit, is not. Serving those people. Hle is at least preserving theý impres- sion that he is serving the system of justice in asking for a review. The Pro-Lifers want to believe it is a blow for their side. The Pro-Choicers want to believe it is an in- sidious attempt to persecute Morgenthaler. But that's how real justice works. Irnperfect it may be, but it is the only system 1 would trust to judge me, or to protect me. Those wIho abuse it would overthirow it. And then what? its classification so that con- sumners will have this infor- mnation before they rent or buy. The protection and well- being of our childen was another important area which received attention. The new Child and Famnily Services Act creates means to en- courage long term foster rela- tionships and established highly qualified teams of pro- fessionals to tackle child abuse on a case by case basis. In addition, the past session dealt with legislation which will accommodate provincial law to the needs of young of- fenders. In the area of educafion, a new, course was set with the extension of public funding to Roman Catholic secondary schools. To guide the im- plementation of this reforrn, a Commission bas been established. The act which rnakes it compulsory for our school children to, be im- munized was revised to place responsibility with the parents. Grouinds for exemnp- tion fromt this legislation in- clu-de medical and religi1ous objections. The new Courts of J-ustice Act broughit about the first mjrreorganization of O)n- tr'scourts iný fifty years. Amoüng other things, the act (:SnagllSn s the fica gre aier achiievemnen ts for acting as M.Ç. language s o the courtsiad 185 Aiso, a special thank you lanuags o th cortsand Thanks to Peter Beacroft to Bob Alexandler, President steamîlines their organization. for his invitation to the of the Oshawa Rotary Club AUl Ontarians will benefit Newcastle Village Minor for asking me to participate fromt the economîc and social Hockey League invitational in the Club's Civîc Day advances that have been tournamnent hosting the Den- meeting/ where the Hon. made during the past year. mnark midget teamn and to Claude %ennett was the guest We can look forward to even Ron Featherstonahugh for speaker. CLARKE HIGH S"'CHOOL EVENING C LASSmà'AýE S ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: RICK ESSEX 983-4771 LORI WEST 983-5542 Classes wiII begin the week of February 4-8 Registration wilI be held Tuesday, Jan. 22 and Jan. 24, 7-8:30 p. m. Payment of fees on night 0f'Registration Fees: The fee for each course is $24.00 for eight weeks unless other- wise stated* BABYSITTING The babysitting and child care course will prepare the gracluate to deal effec- tively with every aspect of babysitting. The areas deait with include health of the babysitter, child care and.safety, fire safety and first aid, caring for the physicaiîy handicapped child and activities to keep the children busy. This course is a must for anyone who is serlous about being a good babysitter. Please bring 90(r for books and bring notepad. INSTRUCTOR: Carol Anderson TIME: Wednesday, February 6, 7-9 p.m. COM PUTERS This course is meant for those who are interested in learning to program or use a micro computer in the home, school or business, but have littie or nio ex- perience in that area. Commodore 64's wilI be used in class. INSTRUCTOR: Heather Wolfrey TIME: Tuesday, February 5, 7-9 p.m. CALLIGRAPHY: This introductory course teaching the art of handwriting, Iearning Italic and Gothic writing. Bring graph paper, five squares to an Inch, an Osmoride Pen B4 nib, and Parker super quick black ink. INSTRUCTOR: Ellen Cowan TIME: Monday, February 4, 7-9 p.m. GUITAR: BEGINNERS AND ADVANCED *$18.00 Please bring to f irst class the Alford Guitar Book. INSTRUCTOR: Mike Watson TIME: Wednesday, February 6, 7-8:30 p.m. HAIRDRESSING: Learn good hair care, styling, perming, colouring, and trimming along with in- struction of cosmetics. INSTRUCTOR: Cheli Vosburgh TIME: Tuesday, Fobruary 5, 7-9 p.m. HUNTER SAFETY: This class coricentrates on gun handling, regulations, hunting ethics, and game recognition. It prepares the student to write the Ministry of Natural Resources Hunter Safety Exam to obtain a hunting licence. (Mandatory under 20 years of age.) INSTRUCTOR: George Nelson TIME: Thursday, February 7, 7-9 p.m. KIDS'GYMNASTICS: Children from the ages of 5 years to 12 years are welcorne. If mom wants to take a course that same night how wonderful no babysitting cost and the kids are doing something they enjoy. Limit 15 (please bring OHIP No.>. INSTRUCTOR: Kelly Broome TIME: Tuesday, February 5, 7-9 p.m. LADIES FITNESS *$1800 Corne on ladies let's get into shape now before it's too late. Enjoy stretching those muscles and getting toned up for the Summer. Warm uip exercies, routine exercising and weight room. INSTRUCTOR: Lori McNeil TIME: Tuesday, February 5, 7-8:30 P.M. MENS FITNESS: *$18.QO Enjoy yourself while improving overaîl fitness. Classes will consist of exercise routines, team sports, and weight room. INSTRUCTOR: George Matsusaki TIME: Monday. February 4, 7-8:30 p.m. PHOTOGRAPHY: BEGINNERS AND ADVANCED Basics of Photography using theory and on harnds training. Advanced theory and dark room offered in this course. Students should have a camera at each class. INSTRUCTOR: Wayne Hunt TIME: Tuesday, February 6, 7-9 p.m. ST. JOHN'S AMBULANCE STANDARD FIRST AID Excellent f irst aid course. Know what to do in case of accident or emergency. IN'CTRUCTOR: Alf Brown (St. John's Ambulance) TIME: Tuesday, February 5, 7-9 p.m. STAINED GLASS* 6 weeks $18.00 This class is for begfinners and will offer a great opportunity to make lovely sun catchers, boxes, etc. Copper Foil technic. INSTRUCTOR: Npllieo Bothwell

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