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6- The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday December 20, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com OPINION & LETTERS The Oakville Beaver 467 Speers Rd., Oakville Ont. L6K 3S4 (905) 845-3824 Fax: 337-5567 Classified Advertising: 845-3824, ext. 224 Circulation: 845-9742 Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. THE OAKVILLE BEAVER IS PROUD OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR FOR: NEIL OLIVER Publisher JILL DAVIS Editor in Chief ROD JERRED Managing Editor DANIEL BAIRD Advertising Director RIZIERO VERTOLLI Photography Director TERI CASAS Business Manager MANUEL GARCIA Production Manager CHARLENE HALL Director of Distribution ALEXANDRIA CALHOUN Circ. Manager THE OAKVILLE BEAVER IS A DIVISION OF METROLAND MEDIA GROUP WEST GROUP PUBLISHER IAN OLIVER Metroland Printing, Publishing & Distributing Ltd., includes: Ajax/Pickering News Advertiser, Alliston Herald/Courier, Arthur Enterprise News, Barrie Advance, Brampton Guardian, Burlington Post, Burlington Shopping News, Caledon Enterprise, City Parent, Collingwood/Wasaga Connection, East York Mirror, Erin Advocate/Country Routes, Etobicoke Guardian, Flamborough Review, Georgetown Independent/Acton Free Press, Harriston Review, Huronia Business Times, Lindsay This Week, Markham Economist & Sun, Midland/Penetanguishine Mirror, Milton Canadian Champion, Milton Shopping News, Mississauga Business Times, Mississauga News, Napanee Guide, Newmarket/Aurora Era-Banner, Northumberland News, North York Mirror, Oakville Beaver, Oakville Shopping News, Oldtimers Hockey News, Orillia Today, Oshawa/Whitby/Clarington Port Perry This Week, Owen Sound Tribune, Palmerston Observer, Peterborough This Week, Picton County Guide, Richmond Hill/Thornhill/Vaughan Liberal, Scarborough Mirror, Stouffville/Uxbridge Tribune, Forever Young, City of York Guardian Be prepared As we steamroll our way to the Christmas and New Year's holidays, the coming days can be filled with fun and frivolity as we enjoy time with family and friends. However, this can also be a time when a pleasurable outing turns tragic with little warning. While we have enjoyed an unusually mild December so far, it's more than likely we will be in the grip of Old Man Winter before long. That is why we remind everyone who takes to the road to be ready for bad weather. All drivers should be prepared for an emergency with the following items in their trunk: ice scraper, windshield de-icer, flashlight, whisk broom, gloves, blanket, booster cables, extra clothes, candle/matches, bottled water, snacks, necessary medications and a first-aid kit. If you are planning a long trip, it is best to let someone know your travel route. Check weather and travel conditions before heading out and don't take chances if the weather is bad. Allow yourself extra time for travel, or wait until conditions improve. Call the Ministry of Transportation's information number on road conditions, listed in your local phone directory, or check the on-line Winter Road Condition Reports. It is also wise to ensure your vehicle is ready to tackle winter conditions. That means having your vehicle checked by a licensed mechanic to ensure that things like your vehicle's critical fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, etc.), wiper blades, lights, bulbs, battery and most importantly, the tires, are all in good condition. In a skid, it's important to regain control of your vehicle, especially if it skids sideways. To do this, decelerate by taking your foot off the brake, step on the clutch or shift to neutral, then look where you want your vehicle to go and steer in that direction. All of the above are simple, common sense tips that are easy to follow. However, it is almost a certainty tragedy will strike someone this holiday season who didn't follow one or more of these safety tips. Don't let it be you. The Oakville Beaver welcomes letters from its readers. Letters will be edited for clarity, length, legal considerations and grammar. In order to be published all letters must contain the name, address and phone number of the author. Letters should be addressed to The Editor, Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville, ON, L6K 3S4, or via e-mail to editor@oakvillebeaver.com. The Beaver reserves the right to refuse to publish a letter. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Old oak tree provides a valuable lesson in democracy Although I am not a resident of Oakville, I have been following your dilemma concerning the "fate of an historic 250-year-old white oak tree". Traditionally, families have tied yellow ribbons around oak trees as they wait for the safe homecoming of their husbands, wives, sons, and/or daughters. I find it interesting that it is the route of the road (Veteran's Road) that is in question. This is the very problem that is facing our politicians concerning the peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan. Do they stay the course or do they find the strength to search for a less direct route to peace? It is interesting to note that this tree was no more than an acorn when the Seven Years War began in 1756. This was the first global conflict ever. A history we should never forget. How fortunate we are to live in a country where we have the freedom to have divergent opinions and to express them without fear of torture or imprisonment. This is my hope for the people of Afghanistan. It is the fate of this tree that has highlighted the strength of your community. We have been reminded that people can rally together for a common goal. Thank you to those of you who reminded us about environmental issues and to be mindful of poverty. We also appreciate those of you who are concerned with being fiscally responsible. Above all else, thank you to all the people of Oakville for your example of the democratic process. May we all remember our peacekeeping troops during this holiday season. May we work tirelessly for peace in our homes, communities, country and globally. May the road lead to peace. May the road lead home. P.S. Thank you Old Oak Tree for reminding us how fortunate we are to live in this country. Thank you for your wisdom. VICKY ULRICH, KITCHENER Pud BY STEVE NEASE snease@haltonsearch.com In praise of save-the-tree donors Re: Poor could use save-the-tree funds by Peter Swirzon, Oakville Beaver, Dec. 15 Those twisted and selfish people that want to save a historic tree by raising funds are the exact same people who give to the Salvation Army, regularly volunteer all over our community, donate to fight heart disease, cancer, support our local hospital, environmental causes and yes, they are even sitting beside you in church! Sorry if I'm one "twisted" giver, but I'm afraid my priorities are quite straight, thank you. LESLEY DALGARNO The Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council. The council is located at 80 Gould St., Suite 206, Toronto, Ont., M5B 2M7. Phone (416) 340-1981. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate.The publisher reserves the right to categorize advertisements or decline.