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

Dear Sir: On Nov. 11th, I attended the Remembrance Day service at St. Georges Square with my father, mothâ€" er, and brother. Each time I attend this service, I always come away with a deep sense of pride for my father who served, and for Canada, the country, for which he served. However, each year I attend, I also come away slightly offended by the wreath laying segment of the program. Specifically, I find the laying of wreaths by companies distasteful and insensitive for several reasons. Ontario; this past weekend the Progressive Conservative Party gave an illustration on how not win friends and influence people. It was ironic that both the New Democratic Party and the Tories decided to hold their annual conventions on the same weekend. The NDP chose Hamilton, the PC‘s, London. If anyone has any doubts about the options for the leadership role in By all accounts, the NDP effort was a pretty lowâ€"key affair by party stanâ€" dards. The attendance, by some accounts, was the lowest in decades and the party faithful were obviously hurting at the poor support in the polls. Even worse, after a relatively gungâ€"ho speech by Premier Bob Rae, outâ€" going federal NDP leader Audrey McLaughlin took the opportunity to critiâ€" cize the recent China Mission. That trek saw all the provincial premiers, except Quebec‘s Jacques Parizeau, journey over to China to make some business deals. Even Bob Rae attended and was very positive over the trip. Let‘s call it a political faux pas. But instead of reaping the rewards of this free ‘gift‘, the Tories decided to act like delinquent children by having a camera crew pass itself off as reporters at the NDP gathering. They took footage and showed it to the Tory convention delegates in London. Accounts indicate that PC leader Mike Harris then proceeded to use the tape as a way to ridicule the NDP. If this escapade on the weekend is any indication is what we could forâ€" ward to in a common sense Progressive Conservative government at Queen‘s Park, heaven help us all. We find the entire exercise childish in the extreme and completely unworthy of any political party let alone one which touts itself as having the "Common Sense" solution to the problems in Ontario. Regardless of who will be the head honcho in the green monster on Bronte Road, one thing is clear; there has to be a better way to choose a regional chairman. Hamilton Wentworth Region has just chosen their regional chairman through direct voting by the electorate and we suggest to any winning candidate for the same job here, that they follow that lead. All of them, fresh from a political campaign, will have to mount another campaign to bolster their fortunes at Halton Region. The race will come down to just who can curry the most favor or who other regional councillors believe will act in the leastâ€"parochial way. They will also have to find someâ€" one who knows the meaning of the word ‘consensus‘ and will apply the powers of persuasion and diplomacy in this most sensitive of political posiâ€" tions. Chairman Peter Pomeroy who is stepping down. Two Oakville regional councillors, Kevin Flynn from Ward 1 in the southwest and Stephen Sparling, representing Ward 4 in the northwest of town, are both looking for support. The candidates are lining up to take over the job of Halton Regional They join an expanding list of elected regional councillors looking to take the region‘s top political post. Compassionate concerns over Remembrance Day We do have a pesticide sign on our lawn. In black letters two inches high on a bright yellow background, the sign states "PESTICIDE This morning, we called the Petroâ€"Canada Hotline with an odor complaint â€" the aroma of oil was strong in our backyard. An hour later, the Petroâ€"Canada shift supervisor called us to report that their investigator said the odor came from just having our lawn sprayed with pestiâ€" cides. Dear Sir: It seems Petroâ€"Canada will use any excuse to claim that refinery odors are not their own. Dear Sir: On behalf of the volunteers of the Oakville Fareshare Foodbank, I would like to thank the organizations, churches, and individuals who were so generous with their time and resources during our Thanksgiving food drive. Reporting on special event journalism at its worst No doubt that something stinks at refinery We, especially, applaud the efforts of the fire stations, participating food stores, volunteer drivers, collectors, and sorters who contributed Dear Sir:; Your article on the Appleby College Remembrance Day preâ€" sentations ("Speakers Try to Relate War Experiences to Students", Nov. 13th) was an example of journalism at its worst. As organizer of the event, I would have gladly spoken with Brad Reaume, as would any of our 550 students who listened to the presentations. However, Mr. Reaume did not take the time to interview a single soul about their impressions of the mornâ€" ing. Nonetheless, he managed to arrive at some ridiculous concluâ€" sions. He writes, "Students lisâ€" Community opened its heart to Fareshare Foodbank Let voters decide No sense It is amazing that Mr. Reaume believes he can make such a sweeping statement withâ€" out speaking to anyone in the audience. It is even more amazâ€" ing that you would allow him to print this kind of pseudoâ€"editoriâ€" al babble under the banner of "news". Has the art of interviewâ€" ing died or was Mr. Reaume simply in too much of a rush to tened politely, but their minds were not focused on these witâ€" nesses; their hearts were not heavy with hurt; and their underâ€" standing of Remembrance Day did not undergo a profound change." Mr. Reaume concludes his We agree with the concept of community investigation of odor complaints, but suggest to Petroâ€"Canada that â€" before sending investigaâ€" tors out into the community, please teach them to read. FREE. Safe for children and other living things". We have never had our lawn sprayed, and there are no pesticide spray signs on any of the other nine houses on our street. We also had a campaign sign for a candidate for municipal office in our yard â€" perhaps, Petroâ€"Canada could try to pin the odor on her. Firstly, it appears to me as an attender of the serâ€" vice and as a consumer, that the corporate laying of wreaths is viewed by business big and small as another opportunity to have their names in front of consumers regardless of the venue. The Remembrance Day service is just that...a service. A service that is no less solemn and reflective than any other religious service. If these companies truly want to support our local veterans then, perhaps, they should do so with a donation and receive a hardy ‘thank you‘ and honorable mention in the Remembrance Day serâ€" with such enthusiasm to the success of this year‘s drive. Congratulations to the people of Oakville whose generosity has made this possible. For the time being, our shelves are stocked and our goals met. We can continue to help the nearly 300 families per month who come to our door. article by describing the presenâ€" tation as "forgettable vignettes". How insulting for him to describe the tales of three Canadian servicemen â€" the Executive Director of the National â€" Association of Japanese Canadians and two Holocaust survivors in this manâ€" ner. Our students were mature enough to show due respect to all the speakers. It is a pity that your paper‘s account of the morning lacked that same qualiâ€" ty. Stop trying to be the next Carl Bornstein Mr. Reaume...do your job and report the news! Christopher Shannon Head of Social Sciences Appleby College Patricia Johnson For the staff at Fareshare Steven Susan Moore The Oakville Beaver welcomes your comments. All letters must be signed and include the writer‘s address and phone number. Letters should be typed, doubleâ€"spaced and addressed to: Letters to the Editor, The Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville, Ont. L6K 3$4 tnis ie ons mm . Robert Glasbey Advertising Director | Guardian, Burlingion Po: W No an Alexand ito lndepenqent/ Acton Free 467 Speers Road, Oakville, Ont. L6K 354 yey M Economist and Sun, Stou 845â€"3824 ‘Fax: 845â€"3085 Dircctor the No Classified Advertising: 845â€"2803 Terl Casas Office Manager M f Circulation: 845â€"9742 or 845â€"9743 Tim Coles Production Manager whole or in part of this mat Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, the applicable rate, The publisher the right to categorize and reject advertising. in the event of typographical error, advertising goods or services at t} a wrong price, goods or services may not be I also understand that within minutes of that 911 call, personnel from Ambulance, Fire, and Police services were on the scene administering early CPR, followed by rapid defibrillation since no vital signs were preâ€" sent. When my condition was stabilized, I was transported to the Oakvilleâ€"Trafalgar Memorial Hospital whose wonderful mediâ€" Lastly, Nov. 11th is always a cold day. As menâ€" tioned above, the veterans and participants are an aging group. It is difficult for them to stand through the entire service in these predictable weather conâ€" ditions. As well, the school children that attend are normal kids; they have a short attention span and have trouble paying attention during the entire serâ€" vice. By allowing corporate sponsors, we are teachâ€" ing them, once again, that everything is for sale! Perhaps, it would be appreciated by all who attend that the laying of corporate wreaths be disâ€" pensed with altogether. Thirdly, the World War II veterans are an aging population. By virtue of their age and the signifiâ€" cance of Nov. 11th, we all have mortality on our minds. Surely, the people at Kopriva Taylor and Ward Funeral Homes should recognize this and not appear so blatantly commercial. I am certain that all funeral homes have had veterans and their famiâ€" lies as customers at one time or another, and they are simply making an effort to honor them but, perâ€" haps, they should also be more sensitive. Promotion at an event such as the Remembrance Day service is truly in poor taste. Cameron McTavish | Help received after accident was much appreciated Dear Sir: Little over a month ago, while driving through the Nottinghill Gate area of Oakville on my way to Burlington, I suffered a heart attack that caused me to lose control of my car, mount the curb, and finally come to rest against a chain link fence of St. Matthew‘s Elementary School. I understand there were few children around at the time of the acciâ€" dent â€" thank God â€" (it was around 3:30 p.m.) although, very fortunately for me, there was an alert school crossing guard who had the presence of mind to call 911. cal staff took over responsibility for my care. Through the medium of your newspaper, I would like to publicly recognize and thank, most sincerely, the following people (and those whose names are not known to me!) for the precious gift of life. Crossing Guard at St. Matthew‘s (Name unknown) â€" Without your 911 call, none of this could have happened. Halton Ambulance (Shamez Kassan) â€" In admiration of your skill and proficiency; but mostly, for your caring. Halton Police (Greg Davidson partner) Secondly, if a company is going to sponsor a wreath than, perhaps, they should show up to lay it. At Friday‘s service, the master of ceremonies had to call out for the T.D. Bank several times because no one from the bank had shown up. The T.D. Bank was not the only company not to show up; however, Nov. 11th was a banking holiday in recognition of Remembrance Day, yet no one bothâ€" ered to attend on behalf of the bank. vice program. If the companies that have participatâ€" ed in the past, drop out and pull their support then, perhaps, it is for the better. We will know with cerâ€" tainty that they only supported the veterans for the exposure and not for the contribution and sacrifices that they made for our futures. THE OAKVILLE BEAVER Ian Oliver Publisher Oakvilleâ€"Trafalgar Memorial Hospital â€" With gratitude to the medical and nursing staff in Emergency, ICU, and Ward 4 West, but especially: Jeanette, Elaine, Linda, and Wanda. Halton Police (Greg Davidson partner) â€" My ribs will remind me of you for a long time, guys! Through the medium of your newspaper, I would like to publicly recognize and thank, most sincerely, the following people (and those whose names are not known to me!) for the precious gift of life. Instead of congratulating each other for securing $8.3â€"billion in commercial agreements, our trade emissaries would do well to engage in a little soulâ€"searching. Under the circumstances, their actions are nothing short of shameful. Given these atrocities, and others, it is particularly alarming that the Government of Canada, supported by its provincial counterparts, would initiate a trade mission to China without first addressing the fundamental issue of human rights. After all, did Canada not support a decision by the international community to impose economic sancâ€" tions against an apartheidâ€"based South Africa? Is the suffering at the hands of Chinese authorities any less miserable than that carried out by former Afrikaner regimes? In June, 1989, Chinese authorities carried out a massacre against students who had gathered in Beijing‘s Tiananmen Square to protest their government‘s oppressive policies. The aftermath saw many Chinese dissidents cruelly imprisoned without fair and proper hearâ€" ings simply for expressing proâ€"democracy ideals. Conduct by successive Chinese regimes has been no less represâ€" sive than that recorded in either Stalinist Russia or Hitler‘s Germany. Since 1949, the independent state of Tibet has been under Chinese occupation. This action is in direct violation of resolutions adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in 1959, 1960, and 1965 respectively. During this period, more than one million Tibetans have been killed; in excess of 6,000 monasteries have been destroyed; the majority of Tibet‘s preâ€"occupation territory has been appended to neighboring Chinese provinces; in the remaining Tibet Autonomous Region, nuclear tests continue to be conducted; an indigenous popuâ€" lation has been overwhelmed by forced Chinese colonization; finalâ€" ly, thousands of Tibetan citizens have been tortured, imprisoned, and directed to forcedâ€"labor camps merely for their religious and politiâ€" cal views. Since 1959, the Dalai Lama, Tibet‘s spiritual leader and head of state, has been compelled to live in exile. Dear Sir: In his Nov. 9th political cartoon, Steve Nease deftly exposed the Prime Minister‘s equivocation over human rights during the recent trade mission to China. Canada‘s failure to link human rights to trade is particularly disturbing in light of China‘s stubborn refusal to endorse the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. China mission flawed The Oakvile Beaver, published every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday, at 467 Speers Rd., Oakville, is one of the Metroland Printing, Publishing Distributing Ltd. goup of suburban newspapers which includes: Ajaxâ€"Pickering News Advertiser, Barrie A ance, Brampton Guardian, Burlington Post, Oollin%wood Connection, Etobicoke Guardian, Georgetown Independent Acion Free Press, Kingston This Week, Lindsay This Week, Markham Economist and Sun, Stouffville/Uxbridge Tribune, Milton Canadian Champion, Mississauga News, Newmarketâ€"Aurora Eraâ€"Banner, North York Mirror, Oakville Beaver, Orillia Today, Oshawa/Whithy This Week, Peterborough This Week, Richmond HilVThomhilWaughan Liberal, Scarbor Mirror. All material published in the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Any reproduction in whole or in part of this material is strictly forbidden without the consent of the publisher. onable allowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell and may be withdrawn at any time. Ken Price ECOLINE. by Catherine Farley Make a draft dodger: Every outside door needs a draft snake to stop the wintry wind. Take a leg from old pantyhose; stuff with scraps of material or foam; sew up the end and decorate. Other ideas: Book on the environment, donation to an environmental organization, gift certificate, tickets to a show. 2 Avoid wrapping paper. Hide your gift in another useful item: teatowel, Tâ€"shirt, sweater. Decorate package with dried flowers or leaves Wasteless gift list The best Christmas * y â€" ecoâ€"gifts create no waste, save resources and have a lasting effect Peter Pellier November 23, 1994