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2 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, Wednesday, June 23,1993 Section Two For 139 Years, Our First Concern Has Been Our Community Publisher - John M. James Assoc. Publisher - Richard A. James Plant Manager - Donald J. Bishop Ad. Manager - Brian G. Purdy Editor - Peter Parrott Production Rick Patterson, Julie Cashin-Oster, Ross Fisher, Laurens Kaldeway, Doug Lugtcnburg, Sharon McMullen, Barb Patterson, Ralph Rozema, Jim Snoek, Vance Sutherland, Jim Tuuramo Advertising Laverne Morrison Editorial Brad Kelly, Lorraine Manfredo, Laura J. Richards Former Publishers M *° office Rev. W. R. Climie, 1854-1878 • M.A. James, 1878-1935 • George W. James, 1935-1957 Angela Luscher, Junia Hodge, Grace McGregor, Nancy Pleasancc, Marilyn Rutherford Produced weekly by James Publishing Company Limited p.o. Box 190, 62 King St. W., Bowmanville, Ontario, L1C 3K9 416-623-3303 Fax 416-623-6161 Best Strategy is To Ignore Them There is evidence that racist organizations are planning to set up shop in the Durham Region. While it is wise for the public to be alert to this fact, it is equally important for everyone to put the presence of white supremacist organizations in perspective. Certainly their ideas must be repudiated in the strongest possible terms. But, let's also get â grip on the facts. These groups, with their pamphlets and telephone hotlines and para-military style of operation are fringe organizations who represent only a tiny portion of Canadian society. Even ultra-conservatives (that's with a small c) would not support their viewpoints. . Nevertheless, in a country which prides itself on freedom of expression, it is inevitable that opinions which are offensive to the majority of citizens will surface. The alternative would be to place limits on citizens' rights to freely associate with each other or to express their ideas. Having a small group of racists in the Durham Region does not make the entire Durham Region racist any more than having a single fire makes die entire Durham Region a firetrap. And it would be unfortunate if white supremacist organizations were to further weaken the morale of citizenry. At a time when citizens face challenges such as unemployment, bankruptcies, and a government spending crisis, we really don't need the added fear that our society is also becoming intolerant. In fact, aside from the views expressed by a tiny minority, there is every indication that Canada remains one of the most tolerant societies in the world. When you hear or read about hate groups, keep in mind the fact that their existence doesn't mean that civilization is headed down the slippery slope to barbarism. In fact, the only reason why white supremacists must form their own organizations is because of the fact that their views are not accepted in mainstream institutions such as, for example, churches or political parties. There is nothing to suggest hate groups are anything more than a fringe clement which gains an inordinate amount of publicity simply because their message is shocking, controversial and offensive. We believe that the vast majority of Durham Region residents are fair-minded people who hold no malice in their hearts towards any identifiable group (with the possible exception of professional politicians.) - r Dealing with groups which openly promote hatred of other races or religions is not an easy task. If they are breaking laws such as those, pertaining to the distribution of hate literature, then they ought to be prosecuted. But, Canada's hate legislation is not easy to enforce if we arc also to ensure freedom of speech. In other words, spoken or written messages can be objectionable, but not prohibited by hatemongering legislation. If we widen the definition of hate literature, we might seriously impinge on rights of freedom of speech. For example, by giving too wide an interpretation of exactly what messages incite hatred, a citizen might be prevented from writing a letter to the editor attacking high taxes or a lack of parking. Forming counter organizations to protest extremist groups may simply inflame the situation and give the extremists more publicity. Perhaps the best solution for the average citizen is to .simply not choose to join organizations whose agendas promote hatred or suppression of any group. And, we should choose to ignore their messages. In addition, we can resolve to be even more willing to accept all human beings as wordiwhile. And we can pass these values on to our children. Such a strategy will not eliminate the possibility of racist organizations forming. But it will ensure that their membership is limited to the fringes of llic fringe. Is Consumer Spending Really Down... ? by Laura J. Richards : Or has it just gone Underground? Letter to the Editor Objection to Hwy. 407 Comments To the Editor: After reading last Wednesday's article on the 407 alternative I felt compelled to voice my opinion on the article by Laura J. Richards. First, let me say I am involved in a farm operation in the North end of the Township. One that might have been bi-sected by one of the proposed proposed 407 routes. Secondly, I have driven tmek for .. a building supply company for 22. -Dear Editor,: years, travelling the 401, #7, 115 and 35 highways. I realize the need for the 407 so if it was to come through our farm I,would have accepted it and not tried to dump it on someone else to save my home. Personally, I agree with the proposed link to the 115 and 35 as this should clear the area of heavy traffic quickly and efficiently. efficiently. Let's not create a bottle-neck in Courtice like we now have at 401 and White's Road area. We also don't need 115 and '35 commuters racing across the present roads in the north end of the township to reach a 407 that stops at Courtice. However, what I took exception to the most was Mr. Jim Slyficld's comment, comment, "It's open farmland and no houses." Could this be the same Mr. Slyficld who so venomously opposed the Ulrich Meat Packers expansion? It seems to me he really has an aversion aversion to agriculture and a complete misunderstanding of what farmland means to any community. Let me point out to Mr. Slyficld that houses arc being built everyday. I deliver the .building material to them. They are not, however, building farms anymore, anymore, So let's retain as much as pos sible what agricultural land there is. If the 407 crosses Mr. Slyfield's property maybe he should consider re-locating in the city where he might get a better perspective of rural life! Gerry Cornish Robbery Victim Asks for Help . I am surd that some of your readers readers will be able to relate to an event which we have recently experienced - one of the most frustrating of life's experiences - being robbed. We discovered on Wednesday, June 9, 1993 that our garden equipment equipment was stolen sometime between Monday evening of June 7th and Wednesday of June 9lh. The value of our loss was in the thousands. A relation of ours believes that there is good in everyone and has suggested this letter to the paper asking asking for the help of the public to retrieve retrieve our possessions. The police and the insurance com pany are doing their part to assist. However, should one our our readers happen to notice some garden equipment equipment being used in their neighbourhood neighbourhood that yesterday was not present would they please report it. If you wish to become involved call the police police at 579-1520, ext. 484. The equipment equipment was: 16 hp ROPER riding lawnmower (red coloured) MASTERCRAFT push lawnmower, XR-50 WEE- DEATER trimmer/edger. Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely, Name withheld by request School Celebrates 30th Anniversary by Rick James How often did your mother tell you, "put that away or you'll put somebody's eye out?" Or, "you're gonna fall and break your neckl" Eighteen months after becoming a Daddy, 1 find myself saying exactly the same thing. In fact, I often wonder how kids survived In "the old days" without all the little Fisher-Price safety safety devices that now fill our home. Most parents are reluctant to admit that they have "child-proofed" their home, Instead preferring preferring to say that little Johnny has to learn'not to touch things like china cups on the coffee table. That approach lasted about two weeks In our household until the favourite glass cooking pot became a victim of gravity. Immediately, after the spectacular sound of exploding glass, a tiny voice could be heard saying, "Oh, oh." Hence, the addition of child-proof locks on the pantry cabinets. The discovery of a well- aged cookie In the VCR slot called for a similar dclorront on that door. One of the first safety devices to bo Installed was a home-made hearth guard to prevent novice walkers from crashing head-first Into the edge of the fireplace. The Utile plastic plugs that seal electrical outlets wore also part of the Initial safely program, but those have now become become more of a challenge for baby to see how long It tokos to pull one out. Alter finding toothbrushes, shoos, socks, and face cloths floating In the toilets, I purchased universal-fitting toilet lid locks to keep Inquisitive Inquisitive Infant minds from playing In the porcelain fish bowl. Unlorlunntoly, It appears our toilets wore not made In this universe. The lid locks don't lit, Most unfortunate, because lost week end, we discovered half a roll of toilet paper nicely stuffed In the bottom of the bowl. No house with children Is complete without the mandatory room monitor. These are clever little devices that allow you to listen for the baby, baby, but still allow you to sit outside without constantly constantly checking on the child. They are, however, however, potentially very dangerous for parents. Take for example, the time the In-laws were visiting and like a good Daddy, I went to the nursery to help Mommy change the baby. Forgetting the monitor was still on, I blurted out, "So, how much longer are your relatives going to stay?" Ooopsl You also have to be careful that the frequency frequency of your monitor and transmitter are not the same as your neighbour's. It could provide some Interesting, gossip for the neighbourhood If left on at an Inappropriate time. Orthodontic pacifiers, high chairs with seat bolts, safety gates for stairs, padded car and bike seats, bumper pads (or cribs, furniture corner corner guards, and harnesses for walking In crowds are all standard equipment for over-protective over-protective dads like mo. Next on the list of baby safety purchases will bo an electronic alarm that attaches to your child to help locate him or her II you become separated In a crowd, Press a button and a loud shrill Is omitted from the device so that you can find your baby. I Just hope by the time my daughter Is a teenager they make them more powerful and with greater range. You can bet that her over- protective Daddy will have one attached to her boloro she goes on her llrst date. To Whom It May Concern: Would you please include the following following message regarding our school's 30th Anniversary Celebrations Celebrations in your newspaper's "Letter to the Editor" sections: "School's 30th Anniversary Celebration We arc hoping to locate a large percentage of the 6,500 people who have been associated with Gana- noque Secondary School (formerly Gananoque High School) over the past 40 years. Over the two days of August 13th- 14th, 1993, a very hearty handshake is extended to all former students and all staff to join us on the campus of nil Gananoque Secondary School. This celebration marks the school's 30th Anniversary (1963- 1993). If you would like to join our 30th Anniversary Celebrations, the deadline to register is July 16lh. If you have not been contacted, please send your name and address (and/or those of former G.S.S. students students you know) to: GHS/GSS Alumni Association, P.O. Box 1993, Gananoque,Ontario. K7G 1G0. School telephone is 613- 382-4741 and school fax number is 613-382-8240. Audrey Crawford-Mclntyre GlISIGSS Alumni Association." Sidewalk Sale If there is anything to be said about this past weekend it's probably this -- many people weren't happy, while others were. As 'this reporter was happily munching away on pancakes prepared by the town's wonderful firefighters on Saturday morning, ! overheard a number of people discuss the lack of the Strawberry Festival. I also was approached several times during the day and told by people people that they were disappointed the Strawberry Festival was not happening happening this year. I gave them the names of the folks heading up the Bowmanville Business Improvement Area so that the comments comments could be heard. One woman I spoke with said her family usually comes out to spend the whole weekend weekend in Bowmanville during the Strawberry Strawberry Festival. In the past, they have stayed at a local hotel, eaten their meals out, and purchased goodies. In other words, they have spent several hundred dollars dollars in the area during the weekend. However, they weren't going to be doing the same thing this year. Why? No Strawberry Festival. Merchants, on the other hand, were (from what this reporter has been told) excited about the amount of business they did. Walking up and down the street looking for photogenic people, this reporter reporter noticed how many businesses had actually put out displays this year. While most people enjoyed the Pancake Breakfast, and the entertaining entertaining First Edition Cloggers, people did wonder what was going on as the Karaoke Karaoke equipment was being set up. After After this reporter found herself to be the only person at the picnic tables at Temperance Street, she left to wander around to look for photos. Most people will not get up to sing Karaoke unless they have a good voice or arc well on their way to being inebriated. Perhaps BIA members should look at sponsoring a talent show next time. If the past weekend's event was lucrative lucrative for our merchants, that's great. In the past there has been some tension within the ranks of the BIA from members who thought their needs were not being met through the planned events. Maybe the Municipality of Clar- ington Economic Development Office can take over the development of festivals festivals for the town, with the businesses businesses helping by providing some funding and the rest coming from government grants from the department that deals with tourism. It is always a difficult decision to take something away that people enjoy enjoy attending and being a part of. While many of the merchants were not pleased with the events held in the past, it is hoped that they don't lose sight of the fact that if they can't entice entice people to Bowmanville they will lose. The Strawberry Festival attracted people and the Apple Festival attracts even more. Although canning the Strawberry Festival may have seemed like a good idea, there arc other area residents who didn't think so. Hopefully, some of those who spoke to this reporter will contact the good folks silling on the BIA board of directors to let them know loo. We Asked... What is your opinion on the new leader of the Progressive Conservative Parly? .. .And You Said §g||É| / 'M t # 1 1 / Dan Grandovcc Oshawa "She kind of looks flaky, but her past track record beats Brian's." Shirley Eustace Toronto "I like it because I think site's intelligent. It's about time we had a woman running things. She looks like a no nonsense woman." Wall Woodward Bowmanville "Very good. 1 figure she'll do a good job." Anna Strike Bowmanville "I think she'll be a very able Prime Minister." Next week's question. What do von plan to do on vour summer vacation?