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OPINION Made in Canada terrorism threat Homegrown terrorism. Once upon a time it seemed terrorist threats were the distant concern of our U.S. neighbours and other ally nations an ocean away. In the nearly 11 years that have passed since the Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168, and more than five years since 9/11, the biggest risk to Canada seemed to be its proximity to and relationship with the United States. Last Friday night all that changed. Any hope that Canada might miraculously keep a safe distance from acts of terrorism evaporated with last weekend's massive counter-terrorism sweep. It was replaced with detailed media coverage of what the RCMP alleges was a homegrown terrorism plot to launch a series of terrorist attacks in southern Ontario utilizing three times the explosive material as the 1995 Oklahoma bombing of the Murrah Federal Building. The 17 suspects apprehended in the case include 12 men ranging in age from 19-43, plus five teens. All of the accused are either native Canadians or have lived in the country for years. In the aftermath of last weekend's shocking news, many questions remain unanswered but primarily: How did the co-defendants-- reportedly from vastly different social and economic backgrounds and most born or raised in Canada-- come to be accused of such a heinous plot? What could have fueled the anger of those charged? While we certainly don't condone mindless acts of vandalism such as the recent attack against a GTA mosque, we reserve our strongest condemnation for those who would plot to bomb anyone-- at home or abroad. While Canada has grown accustomed to combating terrorist threats overseas, we have to look back more than 35 years to the 1970 FLQ Crisis to find a similar situation where our nation faced the threat of an enemy from within. Time will tell if this is an isolated incident or the tip of the iceberg. If nothing else, this case has given Canadians a wake-up call that we are not immune to the threat of terrorism. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Shrub thief is the `lowest of the low' Dear editor, This letter is intended for the individuals who choose to shop for their trees and shrubs out of my front gardens, free of charge. I live in the country and take pride in my home and surroundings. The trees and shrubs I have planted at the end of my driveway cost money and hard work. What makes some individuals think it is fine for them to skulk around in the middle of the night and dig up my trees and shrubs in order to beautify their home? I am at a loss for words to describe my feelings for the low-life who would do this. If you can't afford to landscape your place, then like the rest of us, wait until you can. I'm sure you find it amusing and you must be very proud of yourselves that you could actually pull this off. What a wonderfu lesson you are teaching your children. Now they will be able to go out and help themselves to other people's property and go undetected because "mommy and daddy taught me how." If you are so desperate to have trees and shrubs at your place, then maybe you should have knocked at my door and asked for a donation of plants, etc. I would have given you some rather than have my garden destroyed. I hope you can live with yourself and consider yourself a good parent, teaching your children responsible lessons. I consider you the lowest of low and unfortunately in the years to come if your children follow in your footsteps they will also be the lowest of low. Enjoy my trees and shrubs! Deanne Osborn, Acton Free trade deal the least of our concerns Dear editor, The letter from Cammie Pierce in the May 31 issue of this paper is pure fear-mongering (Free trade deal with Korea is bad for Canada). The truth is that it will soon make no difference how many Canadian manufacturing jobs go overseas, or go south, or how large our trade deficit is with the nations in question. If we stick with our government's policies for a long enough time, there will be nobody left in Canada with a job that pays enough to purchase these imported products and therefore, the problem will be solved. Then, Cammie, the 25 cent per pound wood pulp sales to Korea (which you mocked) versus zero automobile imports, will create a trade surplus of a couple of thousand bucks a year, at least. I hope I've put your mind at rest. Darrel MacCrae, Georgetown Raffle for Spinal Cord Society nets $3,000 Dear editor, The Spinal Cord Society held its sixth annual raffle on May 13-14 at the Georgetown Market Place and raised $3,060 for cure research. As in years past, the community and local businesses supported the Halton Hills chapter. I am always very humbled by the amazing people who make up our community. I deeply appreciate the support I receive each and every year. This year a balloon artist from the Twisted Ones entertained the kids with amazing balloon art. Debbie also donated a vase flower combination made of balloons. She spent three hours preparing this beautiful piece. I decided to use this to help Bethany Winter of Georgetown with an impromptu raffle. The funds would help support the Winters in making a private space in their home for their disabled daughter. The raffle for Bethany raised $285. I, along with Mr. and Mrs. Winter, am deeply touched by your support. Wayne MacDonald, Halton Hills SCS Correction A letter printed in the May 31 Independent & Free Press contained an incorrect surname. The correct name was Elly van Rijs. The Independent & Free Press regrets the error.