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8 -- PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, October 27, 1987 jaa - Viewpoint by John B. McClelland TAKEN TO TASK Last week in this space, | wrote about the free trade issue in general terms and the relations between Canada and the United States. A reader took me to task over it, saying it sounds like I'm ready to give up Canada and sell it down the river to the Yanks. We had a heated discussion on the issue. We didn't resolve anything other than to come to the conclusion that we agreed to disagree. But we parted company on friendly terms. All I really said in the column last week is that Canada is damn fortunate to have a neighbour like the United States. We could do a lot worse in this crazy mixed-up world. I certainly don't worship things American. I think their gun laws are barbaric. I think the U.S. made the biggest foreign policy mistake of the 20th century in getting into Viet Nam. And I most certainly don't share the popular U.S. notion held by many in that country that there is some kind of world-wide "Commie conspiracy' just waiting to pounce on any country that lets its guard down. What I do believe is that it's in the mutual best interest of both Canada and the United States to come closer together over the next couple of decades. Canada is not going to find too many good buddies in the rest of the world. I also believe that 121 years after Confederation, it's high time this nation pulled itself out of its inferiority complex shell vis a vis our neighbour to the south. Nobody is going to gobble this country up politically, economically, or culturally. But it's a fact of life that we share a land mass called North America. Wishing otherwise won't alter that fact. Much of the rest of the world is in chaos and anarchy, beset by political, economic, religious and linguistic strife. Canada and the United States will have no choice but to co- operate better over the next 20 year. And if we have to co-operate with anybody, for my money, I'll take the Yanks any day. That's all I said in this space last week. I did not say that we apply for membership in the Union as the 51st state. No way. 'Nuff said on that, for the time being. ONE WOMAN'S VIEW by Chris Carlisle (From page 6) just not enough of a challenge. Perhaps it's too easy haunting so- meone who's receptive and any ghost worth his glow only materializes before skeptics. Whatever the case, it'll be with a lot of doubt this year that I pull out the Ouija board and light the candles. I'll only half-heartedly call on the spirits because it's obvious they just aren't out there and there's no sense setting myself up for disappointment again. There are no ghosts and I don't believe any more. Halloween is a sham. Spread the word for me. Maybe, just maybe, if they think I've given up and closed my receptors, some renegade spirit might just give me a scare. In the meantime, pass the Smarties and perhaps just one little bag of chips. Random Jottings (From page 6) around with my legs, while all the time banging my head on the floor. (I don't believe that for a moment). She cured that habit, she says, by throwing a dustpan full of snow in my face one day. Apparently that was the last time I tried that atten- tion getting prank. Anyway, I am assured by others who have had two year ~ old boys, (boys are apparently worse than girls), that he will soon grow out of this stage of his life. Letters Closing of the Flamingo plant (From page 6) ing to just sit back and relax, and take a well-deserved rest from it all, while others are out already "poun- ding the pavement' looking for employment so they can continue to take care of their families. The company says that they are still going to give us the Christmas dance, and I think all of us should be there. It'll be the last time we do anything like this together, and it will be a good time for all of us to say goodbye, and tell of our future plans. I would like to think that the company would foot the bill for the booze, as most of us are busy putting our money away, for the time while we're out of work. They could let us enjoy the whole thing, and pay the bill, it will be the last time they'll have to pay for us. And yes, management will be there, but it won't stop me from hav- ing a good time. Some of the management will be without jobs as well as us. I've never conversed with management at a function yet, and it won't change in the least. But it would be nice if they could keep their comments to themselves, and not talk about what their plans are. We don't need to hear it. We want to go out and have a good time, and for one night, forget about what is hap- pening to all of us. I haven't been working in Flam- ingo as long as some, but I've work- ed there longer than others. I've seen people come and go, I've seen fights between others, and I've even fought with a few. But all in all, 1 never wanted this to happen to anyone. And when the final day comes, we should leave with the best of luck from everyone, and keep our heads up, and try to believe that where we go from here will be much better. It'll be hard for some of us, but we have our pride, and for some, we've probably faced a lot worse, and we've pulled through before. This will just be another bridge to cross, a little longer for some, but we'll 2? & INSERTS uh Class by ftself & WOODSTOV 'NAPOLEON: Nestleton Airtight Stove Co. make it. We'll do just fine, and we']) come out of this a better person. We are all showing up for work still, and just to let management know, we're doing it just for the pay cheque, not for their promises of money. If it were in writing, all of these promises, we'd probably be coming to work for that too. We've met a lot of people over the years, and I will never forget any of you. Just remember to keep your heads up high, and things will work out for all of us. 986-5350 158 Queen Street PORT PERRY PET SHOP 985-8065 DURHAM REGION'S LARGEST PET SHOP ALL Merchandise Included. Offer expires Dec. 31/87. Rainchecks given. now presents another first ... CLIP ANY COMPETITOR'S (including major chains) 'SPECIAL' AD or COUPON and WE'LL MATCH IT! Right reserved to limit quantities. (hor of] ey HAGEN Quality Pet Products compliments of these Nancy and I hope it is soon, or it won't matter. PORT PERRY PLAZA MERCHANTS Kip £. Gemmill Antiques and Estate Jewellery will be featuring a collection of ... VICTORIAN JEWELLERY For Sale -- Saturday, October 31st at .THE NORTHERN CLOTHING Co. 227 Queen Street, Port Perry 985-0154 Gate Restaurant Lifestyle 2000 The Hair Centre Best of Things In Fashion Almost New Shoppe Stedmans Department Store ~ Canadian Tire Smith & Smith Big 'V' Pharmacy Ports Photo Sears Canada Inc. Ridgenorth Realty Ltd. Bank of Montreal Dowson's Valu-mart