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THE NEW TANNERTHURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2007 7THE NEW TANNER THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 20076 GRAPEVINE with Mike OLeary The Way I See It Sounds like Canadas top sol- dier is in hot was again because of comments he made to his troops during a recent inspection tour of Afghanistan. General Rick Hillier told the troops that training Afghan police and soldiers, to the point where the Afghan Central government could defend its bor- ders, would take years longer than the current mission timetable, as determined by Parliament. General Hillier is not a stupid man so he must have known that such a controversial statement would merit an immediate reac- tion from the government. And react they did. Everyone from the Prime Minister and Defence Minister to the goofy socialists and traitorous block were look- ing for Hilliers head. Even the Liberals, who got us into this conflict originally, were piling on the bandwagon. Let me state that I believe in parliamentary oversight of the military. I think its dumb that in theory, soldiers report to the Governor General and not the Prime Minister. Everyone knows the Golden Rule. He who controls the gold rules! Since parliament set the annual military budget, they are clearly in charge. Hillier has been a tremendous military leader. He has done wonders from troop morale after decades of Liberal mismanage- ment of military human and physical resources. His advice to the government has caused the Conservatives to plan for a quick reaction force that will serve us well into 2020 and beyond. So were Hilliers comments planned to deliberately embar- rass his political master? I cant see that. Why would he bite the hand that literally feeds his department? Is his ego just run- ning amok because he thinks his personal popularity has put him into a position where he is untouchable? He knows better, ~ but if its true, he should read up on the career of Douglas MacAuthur. Closer to home, he can look to his friend Lewis MacKenzie who tried, and failed, to convert his high profile military success into political power. That said, I also believe that P.M. et al should cut the General some slack. It seems to me that Hillier was simply doing what he does best. Talking to his troops and telling them the truth, as he sees it. Surely our soldiers, who put their lives on the line for us every day, deserve at least that. Isnt that what a true leader does? Our federal politicians reac- tion to this issue makes me want to puke. From the P.M. on down they appear to be only concerned with proving that they are really in charge. Why couldnt the govern- ment just have a quiet word with Hillier and if necessary dress him down. Oh, I know, the opposition has tried to make it a federal case (no pun intended). But who listens to them anyhow? I have heard that P.M. Harper is losing patience with Hillier and might even consider giving the good General his walking papers. That would be a big mistake. Hillier is very popular with his sol- diers and has earned their respect. The General also has a positive public persona. One that could be used to Harpers advantage once the pecking order has been firmly established. On the other hand, should Harper give the General the old heave-ho, the opposition would certainly make it seem that the P.M. acted out of frustration and petulance. Thats another good reason why the P.M. should be defending his General in public. Whether you agree with the Af- ghan mission or not, its obvious that most Canadians support our troops. All you have to do is look at the message stickers on the back of car you are following/passing. The news media of all types are trying to bring attention to the humanitarian aspects of the mis- sion to Afghanistan as well as the combat victories. I have never been shy about expressing my admiration for our soldiers. We have many other overseas assignments other than Afghanistan. We dont hear much about those efforts because our troops are so well trained and disciplined, they perform their duties professionally and in anonymity. Canadians, as a whole, are not known in the world community for chest thumping or braggadocio. I see that chang- ing somewhat and I, for one, am pleased to see more national pride being overtly shown. We have a lot to be proud of. While I do think that General Hillier needs to be reined in a tad, the smart move, in my opinion, would be to use his high profile to achieve the governments long range plans for our military. I have this ongoing problem. On the one hand we have our soldiers who demonstrate daily that they are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country. On the other hand we have politicians in charge playing sill little political games with our soldiers while the most dangerous thing MPs do is go for a manicure. So heres my message to MPs. Stop already with the inane politi- cal posturing. Our soldiers around the world are facing serious, often deadly, situations. Situations that demand serious debate and thoughtful decisions. If you think party platforms are more impor- tant than the lives of our troops you should resign. Soldier and General Rick COIN CALL: Fred Dunn brought in some of his collection of coins to show John Murray an avid coin and currency collector at the Acton Seniors Centre last week. John talked about the history of coins and paper money. Jane McAllister, program chairperson, looked on with interest. - Julie Conroy photo Plastic bag haven Dont know what to do with those plastic shopping bags? Halton Region has the answer. A new program Take It Back Halton launched on Wednesday, Oct. 31 with retail partners taking back plastic shopping bags for recycling and also often customers reusable bags. Shoppers can take back their plastic bags to Sobeys in Acton and a number of Georgetown loca- tions. Its planned to add retailers that take back batteries, car oil, compact fluorescent light bulbs, fertilizers, paints, Pharmaceuticals, solvents and thermostats will also be added to the program. P.A. Day movies Kids are invited to spend this Fridays P.A. day watching a free movie at the Acton Library at 12 noon. They can bring their lunch and munch to How To Eat Fried Worms. The film features Billy on his first day at a new school be- ing challenged by the school bully to eat 10 worms in one day. Its rated PG. Seating is limited. In Georgetown, the library is show- ing The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at the John Elliot Theatre at 2 p.m. Unclaimed funds Jason Sack, a member of the Mississauga-Meadowvale Rotary Club is helping find those who are owed portions of the $274 million in unclaimed back accounts held by the Bank of Canada in trust. Five Acton accounts are named includ- ing: a balance of $390.22 opened in 1992 for the Acton Open, an account at the Bank of Montreal; $249.76 for the Acton Community Garden c/o Madge Turner, 122 Longfield Rd from CIBC from 1996; $77.34 for Acton Novices (Wright Brace) from 1996 at the CIBC; $2.24 for 3rd Acton Group Juice, Tidey Ave, opened in 1989 at CIBC; and $5.25 for Acton Photo Camera from 1987 at B of M. Check http://www.bankof- canada.ca/en/ucb/index.html for verification. In Terrys shoes Students at McKenzie Smith Bennett public school finished one last lap around the school field on Friday, Oct. 26 to complete Terry Foxs memorable journey across Canada. Since the start of school in September the students have been walking laps around the school field and logging each kilometer as part of their Quality Daily Fit- ness activity to finish the distance Terry Fox could not do because of illness. Second City here The best of the Second City is ap- pearing at the John Elliott Theatre in Georgetown this Saturday, Nov. 3. The hilarious revue features some of the best scenes and songs from almost 50 years of comedy and also features their trademark improvisations and new scenes created just for the tour. Show time is 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the theatre. The theatre is also looking for musicians to perform at a service of free concerts in the Cultural Centre Gallery starting in January 9 and on the second Wednesday of the month. The concert takes place at 1 p.m. and runs from 45 minutes to one hour. Any artists interested in showcasing their classical or jazz repertoire can contact the theatre supervisor at jssmith@haltonhills. ca Deadline is November 19 at 9 a.m. Hollys Song Local singer Alysha Brookes new single Hollys Song has been accepted by Sick Childrens Hospital as a fund raiser project for their research in Neurological Birth Defects. The song is named for Holly Tyalor, an almost 2- year-old Milton girl with a very rare disease, Schizencephaly. Part of the proceeds from the single goes to Sick Kids. The single can be obtained by email at royalacresmusic@hotmail.com if its not available in the stores. First Aid courses The Red Cross is now offering the newest, most up-to-date First Aid and CPR training certified by WSIB at regular weekend courses. Special weekday company courses are also available. More informa- tion or to register call your local Red Cross office at 905-875-1459. November is designated at CPR month so it is a good time to get trained, says Allison Goetzen, coordinator of Safety Services for Halton Region branches of the Red Cross. Grand Dessert Night The Wellington Unit of the Ca- nadian Cancer Society, of which the Acton branch is a member, is holding their first Annual Grand Dessert Night and Silent Auction at the Italian Canadian Club in Guelph on Friday, Nov. 9. Appe- tizers, decadent desserts and music from the Royal City Big Band are on the menu. All proceeds go to fund and research local programs and services of the Canadian Cancer Society. Tickets can be purchased in advance. Call 519- 824-4261 for more information. Museum Christmas Guests will be welcomed by the sound of distant bagpipes at Halton Region Museums Historic Christmas Feast on Saturday, Nov. 24. The festive evening includes a dinner of traditional period fare and entertainment in honour of the pio- neer Alexander family who farmed the museum site from 1836 to 1961. The event is part of Miltons 150th anniversary celebrations and is being held as a fundraiser for the Museum Foundation. Tickets can be purchased by calling 905-875- 2200 ext. 21.