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Page 6 Halton Hills This Week, Wednesday, September 30, 1992 EDITORIAL Be informed With just over three weeks to go until the October 26 referen- dum it is becoming more important that people know what they are voting for -- or against. While we respect the views that each side is putting forth, it is important for the general public to understand -- even if only vaguely -- what is contained in the Charlottetown Accord. It is not an easy document t Full of legalese and political double talk, the Consensus Report on the Constitution does not make for a good evening story. As an example: "A provision should be added to the sConstitution stipulating that the Government of Canada must pro- id vide to the g of a province that chooses not to participate in anew y Canada- wide shared-cost program that is established by the federal government in an area of exclusive provincial jurisdiction, if that province carries on a program or initiative that is compatible with national objectives." And while the Consensus report maybe a tough read, voting without reading it would be like taking a driving test without hav- ing driven a car -- very irresponsible. As voters, none of us can afford to listen to the rhetoric spewed out by the the two sides in the referendum debate. As the weeks leading up to the October 26 vote pass, we can all expect the rhetoric and fear-mongering to reach a fevered pitch. We urge you to get a copy of the Consensus Report on the Constitution, read through it and then start asking questions on it. Go to public meetings about the referendum and ask Cyc there as well. The bottom line is that an informed voter will not be swayed by the rhetoric or by the personalities behind the rhetoric. Reader responds to letter The following letter is written in response to Giuseppe Gori’s letter published in Halton Hills This Week, September 26, 1992. Dear Mr. Gori, Giuseppe, Giuseppe, are Once again you have ably de aalea'y your ignorance and aie ance toward any member of society who does not meet with your politi- cal agenda. I am referring, of ° course, to the spousal benefits awarded recently to homosexual couples. You define this ruling as an assault on society, and an attack on the family. It is, in fact, neither. It is merely a decision mirroring the progressive open-mindedness that most Canadians wish to observe, consistent with enviro-awareness, anti-racism, gender equality etc. I chuckled while noting your Gallup poll statistics. You, as an educated man, must be aware of the ease by which statistical accurance can be compromised, if not downright fab- ricated. Why should homosexual couples (male or female) be denied any - basic rights that a heterosexual cou- ple may have? They are still peo- ple, humans, regardless or their sexual orientation. They are no dif- ferent than the immigrant represent- ing us, or the native Canadian sit- ting beside you. Why, I bet you even know a gay person! You prob- ably wouldn’t admit it though. Homosexuals must be allowed all tights allowed to non-homosexuals, just as we must practice equality among other facets of society (eg. sex, race). It’s called tolerance, Giuseppe, anything else is inhu- man ie. Granted, a problem with biologi- cal reproduction may be evident among gay and lesbian couples, but I don’t think homosexual Heres. are going to extinct humanity. Th orientation should not ptecliide them from beginning a family, if they so wish. If two people love each other, and wish to begin a family, you and I have no right to deny them it, any more than we can deny anyone the right to work, to purchase a car, to pursue a hobby. Let them have a family. Tolerance. Ah, the family. Let me quote you, in your September 26 letter. Since the primary roles of a fami- ly are: 1) forming a community o) persons, 2) serving life, and 3) par- ticipating in the development of society, then, a “nuclear family” can be defined, in a simple way, as a single parent or two parents with children. In today’s society, chil- dren may be natural or adopted, of only one parent, from a previous marriage or out of wedlock. In addition, an “extended family” can be defined as including any person related by marriage, blood or m. Biology aside, I defy you to judge why it is that this definition can apply only to heterosexual cou- ples. Read it again. It obviously applies equally to homosexual cou- ples. Why, then, in the event of death or injury, should spousal ben- efits not apply to the remaining member (no pun intended)? Furthermore, how can you define this as an attack on the family? Rather, it is in defense of the fami- ly, the cell of society, as you call it. I find it difficult to understand how a deputy leader of a provincial political party can legally Promote homophobic hatred towards certain members of our society. One is reminded of a small, mustachioed European political leader some 55- odd years ago who promoted hatred against a particular sect of society. We learned then that political hatred is a formula for disaster. I applaud the Human Rights Commission in their decision, for they provided just that — funda- mental human rights. How dare anyone deny anyone else just that? Wake up Giuseppe, your agenda is fatally flawed. Sincerely, Cameron MacLean That was then... about 1914 -- featured a 50-foot spire with a bell. Built i 1849 Hy the Eptocopal Methodists, now St. John's United Church, the structure -- seen here in Photo courtesy of the Esquesing Historical Society Family Violence Help is necessary and effective By Jacie B. Palmer We all need help from others sometimes. Seeking help is not an admission of your own inadequacy. It gives you the chance to take a look at yourself and to have the opportunity to review future options and obstacles which must be overcome and recognize changes that must be made. It takes real courage to allow another person to help you with the difficult problems in life — like accepting yourself as you are. A dear friend of mine visited recently and, although we’ve known each other for thirty years, we rarely see each other because our homes are separated by thousands of miles. During this visit she remarked that she’d always admired me because I’ve always been so comfortable with myself. I have to admit I am. I accept myself — frailties and all. Often I can be too hard of myself but I’m getting better at that, too. At the same time I want to grow and develop as a human being. Help! I’ve always prided myself on the fact that I could tackle pro- jects, achieve results and be suc- cessful in my own eyes, at least. Yet a few years ago I realized I needed help. I was terrified! At one point I felt no-one could help me. I felt hopeless. But help I finally sought and found and much to my betterment. In our society most of us are too wrapped up in business, stress and commitments to take a look at our- selves and recognize our own needs. Most mothers talk of run- ning from school to work to ball games to gymnastics and finally home. Fathers, too, are running around in all directions trying to fight fires, maintain home, attend to kids and often leave no time for themselves after commitments. Tired out! Too many commitments! ‘There is nothing wrong with tak- ing a “time-out.” Sometimes that may involve a job switch to a less stressful position, a vacation alone or with your mate or a move of some type. These all involve change — and change takes courage. Today, because of the recession and job losses many fam- ilies are facing enormous changes and the challenges that accompany these economic times. A minority in society choose to take a look at themselves and allow growth and development to enable them to be better human beings. That is the most difficult form of change. Taking a look at yourself challenge. Revealing one’s inner thoughts and ideas to a stranger or a group of strangers may not be easy — but for a better you — it is absolutely worth it. Choosing to make each day of You must make that choice. Yes, it’s scary! Yes, you may shed tears _ lots of them. Yes, some of your will likely end — HELP US HELP OURSELVES and dreaming of the person you would like to become is difficult. We can never measure up to our own expectations and those who hold Christian or other religious beliefs are often extremely hard on themselves when they make a mis- Trying to assess what it is that will truly make us happy — rather oe what we believe will make us y — is challenging. I was pee Td be disappointed in me. — But — boy, am I glad I took up the that’s perhaps the scariest part. But I can guarantee that if you choose to work towards under- standing yourself, if you choose to accept help from others, if you choose to take a cold, hard look at your life — you will reap the bene- fits of more satisfaction, content- ment and peace. Your life will become more fulfilling. Asking for help — admitting we're hurting and in pain — is not easy because we want to feel “in- control” of our own lives. As you seek help — admit your need — you will be blessed with a new, dynamic, wonderful you! If you — want to live a high quality, fulfilled. life don’t be afraid to take that step to obtain some help. It’s not a crime to need ee — it’s an oppor- tunity of a lifeti Life should te “enjoyed — not survived! Feel free to contact Jacie in confidence by directing letters to her attention at Halton Hills This Week. All correspondence will remain confidential. Jacie can be reached in person through the Distress Centre at 877-1211. If you are in crisis, call the Distress Centre or 911. ug [HIS WEEN Halton and is tend in Oakville by Q.E. Web Printing Guelph St., Georgetown, Ont. L7G 4B1, In the event of not be sold. Advertising is or services may PUBLISHER: Ken Bellamy PHONE: 873-2254 REAL ESTATE MANAGER: Kathy Toth IRCULATION MANAGER: Merle Shadbolt PRODUCTION W. HALTON HILLS LLS THIS WEE WEEK Is Cis INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & peat alla ‘AX:873: -3918