The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

wr SR AA Ra EI TTT RAIN =. coc ep Pr aA aR RE "A Family Tradition for 125 Years" PRESSING MIATTERS *Hitlerisallve?" When the phone rang late last Sunday evening, the first words wryly uttered by an old publisher crony were: "Welcome to the silent majority, Paleface?" he added: "My goodness, we're pushing all of their buttons this week, huh?" Those comments referred to the possibility his paper, and other running our column, might receive some negative reaction from folks who disagree with our opinions. We concurred it was a possibility. The smart move was obvious. Avoid stirring up a hornet's nest. We should have immediately sent off a sec- ond set of faxes asking each publisher to bury the col- umn, and pretend we'd hung up the skates one week earlier than intended. 'With life gradually returning to normal one month after the death of Linda's mother, this looked like a good time to provide a change of scenery for Missus James. Faxes saying "See you after the New Year" had already been prepared. We re-examined the column. Nothing there that didn't represent - in our opinion - major problems on the broad scale for general public. Yeah, the arguments were expressed in blunt terms. Sure, we can appreciate a few folks getting hot under the collar. But, unless a lot more people start getting hot about issues addressed in that column, we risk losing a Canadain way of life this writer - and plenty of others - will fight to preserve for future gen- erations. We decided to let the column stand. Nice going, Biff. On our tombstone the inscription will probably read: "Seldom made the smart move." Less than 24 hours after papers carry that column hit the street, a response from an irate reader lay on the desk of one publisher. "Irate" doesn't quite cover this lady's reaction. To paraphrase, we were bagged, tagged and buried as a: "bigoted, homophobic Neanderthal... defending a world reminiscent of Hitler's dream state, where intoler- ance, prejudice and homogeneity are encouraged." Hmmmm, does that resemble Bob Rae's handwrit- ing? The writer also accused us of "arguing against progress, future, and development," and promised to protect children (despite having none of her own) from a menace who might encourage them "to grow up to be cold-hearted individuals like your columnist." Unfortunately, our critic chose not to identify the specific issue(s) provoking such a visceral response. That is the main reason we're still here this week, writing one more column than originally planned. Allow us to ex- plain. The attack revealed some writing talent, but in- stead of hard facts justifying a different point of view, the letter contained a disappointing attempt at character as- sassination. Smoke and mirrors is what lies within, Ahah, the old alarm bells start ringing. For the record, we're willing to engage anyone in de- bate on the subject matter at issue here, or in any other column. In fact, one reason community newspaper run our stuff is to encourage readers to think beyond today's front page headlines, or 15 second film clips. Any issue affecting life in Smalltown Canada will reap benefits from additional examination, or expanded debate. Think about it...that's one of the best examples of how Freedom of Speech works. We present one point of Ca aa view. Other feel inclined to offer a different point of view. Everybody is provided with more input pn any given is- sue. Readers reach their own conclusions, but those de- cisions would be made with the benefit of more informa- tion and awareness. In a nutshell, that's basic editorial philosophy for any responsible community newspaper. Should anyone have a problem with that? Obvious- ly, some do. This letter writer - in one ambitious sentence, - decries censorship, then amazingly recommends "book burning" as the most effective response to the opinions ex- pressed in last week's column. Sorry, that doesn't fly. She may well have a legitimate position, It sure isn't revealed within the text of the Tomahawk missile she fires at our backside. Mud wrestling may be her favourite art form, but here it serves only to muddy the waters. In the interest of faimess, we're prepared to take our chances by offering the other cheek to this cryptic Pen Pal. As mentioned earlier, there wasn't going to be a col- umn next week because come Hell or high water, we're playing hooky. Assuming the publishers concur (no doubt they'll gladly do so), we'd like to offer a "guest shot" to the writer, examining the specific issues contained within the original November 13th column. Let's see what the lady has to say. We'll try to arrange for a response the following week. Who knows? this might be the beginning of some- thing not seen since Pierre Berton and Charles Temple- ton's old radio debates. Sister, if you want to play Hardball we're happy to 'oblige. Just put the Spitter back where it belongs, and show us your fastball. LeHers tothe editor To the Editor: How ironic that on the day aft- er a municipal election, when the town concentrates on the words "progress", "future", and Laydlooments I should read on your editorial page the words of a man who argues against all these things. John James' column "Halt! Or I'll Shoot Myself" (if only he had done so before he wrote the arti- cle) defends a world reminiscent of Hitler's dream state, where intolerance, prejudice and homo- geneity are encouraged. . Every week I read in your newspaper about people who struggle and delight in making this town a better one, and who Rape of the To the Editor: It is interesting to note that two of the returned incumbents are already proposing the rape of the taxpayers from the rural wards to Reach, Scugog Island and Cartwright for the benefit of Port Perry. Councillor Christie identified the sewer system as the key to development in the Township: the sewer system benefits Port Perry not the rural regions. Councillor Pearce said a Jot of projects did not get off the ound last term, one being the $8,500,000 recreation facility for Port Perry. She mentioned the $750,000 development of Water Cold-hearted individual I'm sure could fill that half-page with relevant, progressive jour- nalism; yet you choose to pay a weekly commission to a bigoted, homophobic Neanderthal. Surely you can do better than that. Or does the Port Perry Star defend the views of Mr. James? Perish the thought. I don't believe in censorship, but if I had children growing up in Port Perry today, I would have quickly used Mr. James' article for kindling to warm our house, lest my children grow up to be cold-hearted individuals like your columnist. Yours sincerely Karen Miller Port Perry taxpayers? Street, but did not say this resulted in a reduced roads budget for the rural areas. It is my opinion that the three returned incumbents favor Port Perry in spending tax dollars to the detriment of services in the rural areas. However, the elec- tion of four new fiscally respon- sible council members should bring a return to control of our tax dollars and equality of ser- vice throughout the township. I wish the new council well and urge them to aim for a zero increase in taxes. Sincerely Colin L. Kemp Nestleton better community news LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Star encourages our readers to make use of the letters to the editor column to. express their opinions and vi about any subject, as we feel a lvsy letters column helps make a r. We in writérs sign their name. Sorry, no anonymous letters will be printed. ints on just sist, however, that all letter When ? HISTORIC PHOTOS COURTESY SCUGOG SHORES MUSEUM a da Lh lt hi A i BA "When | was a young lad, | had to walk five miles to school each day. And the snow! It was as deep as | am tall!" Do you remember telling those storles or listening as your grandparents or parents recounted them? Well, here's the proof. In this picture, circa 1910, an unidentified youth stands between two snowbanks. 48 YEARS AGO Thursday, November 14, 1946 Mrs. S. Ploughman and Mrs. Raines were delegates at the 54th Convention held in the In the Judging com etition at Guelph, Mr. Royal York Hotel for the Central Ontario Area of (}) Mac Christie of with Mr. Jack Pearson, won the judging rize was a South Ontario Trappers Council presented Ted the Royal Jackson, local auctioneer, with championship for beef cattle. The trip to Ottawa, Niagara Falls an Winter Fair. Mrs. M. W. Orde, o 35 YEARS AGO Thursday, November 15, 1956 The guest speaker at the Remembrance Da rt Perry High School, along Women's Institutes. At a special meeting held at the library, the a plaque in appreciation for his effort in conducting the first anist and choir leader at fur auction of this council. Port Perry United Church for 11 years, was honored by choir members and friends at the home of Gordon Reesor upon her retirement. 30 YEARS AGO Thursday, November 9, 1961 Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Sadler, Nestleton, celebrated their silver wedding anniversary. Miss Kathleen Trenka was valedictorian at the annual High School Commencement in Port banquet held at the Legion Hall was Colonel G. Perry. Mr. Murray Croxall entertained guests Arthur Welsh, holder of the D.S.0. and Bar and with a piano selection. Croix de Guerre (Belgium) and now Sheriff of Ontario County. PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 10