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i ) SECTION TWO WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1988 Ebe Canadian Statesman 623-3303 Duitwm County's Qrsat Family Journal EalabllaRao 134 yaai-a ago In 1854 Alaolncerpôramg The Bowman vine Nawi The Newcastle Independent The Orono News Second class mall registration number 1561 Produced every Wednesday by THE JAMES PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED 62-66 King SL W., Bowmanvl He, Ontario L1C 3K9 JOHN M. JAMES Editor--Publisher GEO. P. MORRIS Business Mgr. RICHARD A. JAMES Assistant Publisher BRIAN PURDY Advertising Mgr. PETER PARROTT Associate Editor DONALD BISHOP Plant Mgr. All layout* and composition of advertisements produced' by the employees of The Canadian Statesman, The Newcastle Independent and The James Publishing Company Limited are protected by copyright and must not be reproduced without permission of the publishers. $20.00 a year -- 6 months $11.00 strictly in advance foreign -- $60.00 a year Although every precaution will be taken to avoid error, The Canadian Statesman accepts advertising in ils columns on the understanding that it will not be liable lor arty error in. the advertisement published hereunder unless a proof of such advertisement is requested in writing by the advertiser and returned to The Canadian Statesman business office duly signed by the advertiser and with such error or corrections plainly noted in writing thereon, and in that ease if any error so noted is not corrected by The Canadian Statesman its liability shall .not exceed such a portion of the entire cost of such advertisement as the space occupied by the noted eipr bears to the whole space occupied by such advertisement. Newcastle Block Parents Searching for Volunteers Government as Editor An interesting political decision took place in Great Britain last week when the government moved to ban radio and television interviews with members of the Irish Republican Army and representatives of any other other extremist forces connected with the civil unrest in Northern Ireland. This development is interesting because it represents one of the few times that a democracy has moved to stifle dissent by refusing to grant its opponents access to the media. It is also interesting to note that the ban does not extend to the print media, only to the radio and television stations. stations. Does this indicate that the government government feels nobody pays any attention to the written word? Or is it that the government is more willing to restrict restrict the freedom of the electronic media than to tamper with the long- established British newspaper traditions? traditions? If we understand the situation correctly, broadcasting in Britain is less well-developed than the print media. media. Remember. The tradition of a free press was started in England and it's unlikely that a restriction on who may and may not be interviewed would be cheerfully accepted by those who are carrying on that tradition. The government probably doesn't want to get involved in a battle with the print media. Or, as one perceptive editor has remarked: remarked: "Never argue with a man who buys his ink by the pail." There's also a more, disturbing possibility: possibility: .Maybe the government of Britain is attempting to use the di- vide-and-conguer strategy. Rather than restricting the freedom of the media all at once, it prefers to do so piecemeal. Perhaps, when the other shoe drops, the print media will be under under similar censorship. In using the word censorship, we are certainly showing what we think of the restrictions placed on the British British media. The extremist views of both sides involved in the Northern Ireland conflict certainly make censorship an attractive option. "Why give such men and women a public forum in which to spout their propaganda?" the government must be asking itself. But, the fact of the matter is that censorship of the media will not make the problem go away. By censoring censoring groups such as the Irish Repub lican Army or protestant extremists there is the danger of turning these groups into modern folklore. Information Information which is banned is far more alluring than information freely available on the TV screen or the radio. radio. Moreover, history reveals that you cannot keep opinions or ideas from being expressed. And that goes double in today's technological environment where any ideas that are banned by the government can be readily printed printed and circulated by anyone with access access to a typewriter and photo copier. Moreover, the government is suggesting suggesting that it should do the public's thinking on the public's behalf. In banning extremist propaganda on the public airwaves, tne government is suggesting that citizens lack the'good judgement to decide for themselves the merits of the claims made by the propagandists. For some time, as we understand it, extremists have had access to the media. And the British government has failed to show any evidence that their rhetoric is winning any converts. converts. And, of course, there's the obvious point that a government which bans the reporting of the views of terrorists and outlaws may find the practice so comfortable that it will use the same power against opposition parties and anybody else with whom it disagrees. It is possible that to some extent, the journalists may be responsible for the government's action because they should have, exercised better judgement judgement in quoting extremists on both sides of the violence in Northern Ireland. Ireland. There are many individuals in the world who are eccentric and/or deranged deranged and who would love to have a forum to express their opinions. Such persons often seek out the media to get their point across. Usually, we make a judgement call and decide that such ran tings do not serve anyone's best interest and don't deserve reporting. The British media could, on the basis basis of news judgement, screen out some of the extremist propaganda. There is no requirement to report everything that extremists say -- only that small amount which is newsworthy. newsworthy. One thing is certain: The government government has no business playing editor in Britain or, for that matter, anywhere anywhere else. Children's Right to Vote The history of voting is one in which the number of persons eligible to vote has been gradually enlarged to the point where it includes everybody. Well, almost everybody. Let's not forget the fact that persons under the age of 18 are still without a say. And, although no one would suggest suggest that babies, toddlers and elementary elementary school youngsters are entitled to a vote, a case could certainly be made for extending the franchise to include those age 16 and over. This may seem an odd idea at first glance. But let us play the role of Devil's Devil's Advocate and present some evidence. evidence. In the early stages of the democratic democratic process, some age -, ----- form of property or income, requirements were attached to the right to vote. The theory was that the clamoring hordes were not entitled entitled to participate in government -- only those with a minimal amount of wealth and a stake in their country. .That idea was gradually eliminated eliminated but. there was an even larger hurdle in the way of universal suffrage. suffrage. We refer, of course, to the fact that it was not until early in this century century that women were considered worthy of the right to cast a ballot. Still later, it was ruled that one did not have to be.21 to be old enough to vote. The age limit was reduced to 18. And, most recently, the courts have ruled that persons under psychiatric ^ ea î? en ^ * n m , en tal institutions should not be denied the voting privilege. privilege. There are some persons (in avant- garde places such as California) who are seriously talking about the right of individuals 12 years of age and older to vote. Objectively speaking, teenagers certainly have many of the requirements requirements of good citizenship, They are capable of reading and writing, following following the election proceedings and making a decision. Certainly, they have a stake in their country's future. Many of them pay taxes. Some people who observe teens' taste in music and clothes, would have some questions concerning their judgement. But an age of 18 or 21 or even 48 does not guarantee mature judgement in the adult world. Few of us would disagree that the opinion of an enlightened 15-year-old is preferable preferable to the viewpoint of an ill- informed 30-year-old. „ Furthermore, it's unlikely that voting voting by youths would drastically change the outcome of an election. "Straw votes" conducted in high schools before an election usually reveal reveal that students' voting preferences are in step with the community at large. The only thing that prevents youngsters from voting is an arbitrary arbitrary ruling that persons of age 18 are mature and those under that age are not. Before long, somebody will suggest that this is an open-and-shut case of discrimination on the basis of age. They may even argue that it is unconstitutional. unconstitutional. Well, there you have it. The case for teenage voting can be made. We suspect that it may be a very long time before there are 12-year- olds at the polls. But the lowering of the voting age to 16 could be accomplished in tne not- too-distant future. As we mentioned at the outset, the historical pattern is to enlarge the number of eligible voters. And those who scoff at the possibility of teen voting voting today are not much different from the persons who scoffed at the idea of ballots for the landless or for women or for those who are in mental institutions. institutions. Look at it this way: Which would you rather give to a 16-year-old? A ballot or a car? You may want some time to think about an answer to that one. by Andrea Adair Newcastle Block Parents need volunteers. Louise Beach, chairman of the central committee for the Newcastle Block Parents, said there are six schools in the area that don't have chairpeople: Lord Elgin Public Public School, Mitchell's Comers Public School, Enniskillen Public School; Kirby Public School, St. Stephen's School and Ontario Street Public School. The lack of chairpeople is a problem for many reasons. First of all, children's education education about the Block Parent Parent program either suffers or doesn't exist. Part of the chairperson's job is to go into the schools once or_twice a year to make children aware of how the program works. Mrs. Beach said "The Block Parent signs aren't any good if children don't know what they are for." The chairperson also is responsible for carrying out twice yearly checks of Block Parents in the area to make sure they are still residents. (There was a recent incident in Oshawa where a Block Parent had moved and left the sign for the owners of the next nouse). Block Parent volunteers also find out if anyone over the age of 16 has moved into the Block Parent home and remind Block Parents not to leave their sign in the window if they aren't available. Education and clerical duties duties are the main reason for the need of volunteers yet there is another less obvious one. The Block Parent executive executive in Newcastle is usually run by people' who have been chairpeople and have learned how the program works through hands-on experience. experience. Mrs. Beach said the program program needs people coming up through the ranks with new ideas to keep the program program fresh and flourishing. She said Oshawa is in danger of pulling their signs from the windows because they don't have enough people people sitting on their executive. Newcastle isn't close to the situation yet, but volunteers volunteers are still desperately needed. Mrs. Beach figures that volunteers spend two to four hours a month doing Block Parent work and that includes includes attending monthly meetings. The program, in existence in Newcastle for 12 years, now has roughly 800 Block Parents throughout the municipality. municipality. The group is incorporated and receives partial funding from the United Way. If anyone is interested in . helping the organization, call Mrs. Beach at 623-2309. Seen here playing the Block Parent Safety Game are Lori-Ann (left) and Melissa Melissa Beach. The game is played like snakes and ladders yet teaches children while they are playing. by Peter Parrott Ask any six-year-old what they did in school today and you will probably probably learn something quite startling. You will, in all likelihood likelihood learn that they did "nothing much". Perhaps this response from child to believe that it's supposed to be hard work. In actual actual fact, any visit to a kindergarten kindergarten class will convince convince you that a kindergarten day is a fantastic time that is filled with toys, tape players, sand-boxes, old clothes for playing you do in school today." These specific, leading questions managed to spark a certain amount of discussion over kin- she likes to use the calculator calculator button on her Sesame Sesame St. cookie counter in order to watch the ma- , , ,. ... „ . chine add up big num- dergarten activities. But bers. (That's anything up to 99 plus 99, you see.) varies from child to ciotnes lor playi child. But it seems that dress-up, paints, and egg cartons. You may won- most parents find it rath er difficult to pry information information out of a student on topics related to school. This may lead parents to suspect that schools have discovered a way of placing students in suspended suspended animation -- not that I could blame them - and reviving them sometime shortly before their senior prom. Another possibility is that kids just don't want to tip their hand and show that they actually like school because they der about the egg cartons. But the fact of the matter is that kindergarten teachers have discovered a million and one uses for discarded egg cartons. cartons. Last year in sometimes kids can be evasive. For instance, on one recent occasion I learned that during a day in school my daughter did not: draw, paint, color, do math, read, print, have a story, sing songs, Although students seem to enjoy school and learn from school, I don't really know why they don't talk about school. Actually one of the biggest descriptions that we received of something play games, or visit any happening at school was place interesting outside an account of how our year in my daughter's kindergarten, kindergarten, tne class jeven had a rabbit on loan for a few weeks. Knowing of the existence of Casey the rabbit, I managed to ask specific questions such as "How is Casey?" rather rather than the generalized questions like ."What did lg the school. This led me to wonder about the possibility possibility of suspended animation. animation. Don't get me wrong. Kids seem to like schotfl. And they are learning things. My daughter's printing is magically transforming itself from kindergarten shakiness to the more sophisticated script of grade one. And grade one scholar was accidentally hit by a stray foot on the playground playground climbing apparatus. apparatus. Since her lip was bleeding a little, she went to the teacher who had a look at it and sent her down to the office where they provided some additional sympathy, sympathy, inspected the injury and decided" that she would be okay. Our youngster seems to have discovered early that it's often the bad things in life which make news. I The only thing that I can see which might account account for the lack of school-related information information is the possibility that students see their school activities the same way many adults view their jobs. Perhaps, they even E ick up this pattern of be- aviour from their parents. parents. It's just possible that after a busy day of dodging dodging stray feet in the playground playground and doing whatever whatever it is they do in the classroom, they don't want to re-live those experiences experiences - good or bad - - at the dinner table. And, I suppose they deserve deserve their privacy. They're growing up. It's time we stood up as Canadian citizens and take a stand against our government government who seems to take an "anything goes" attitude when it comes to passing laws for minority groups. I believe we need to take a few fast lessons from our true Canadian Christian heritage heritage since the moral structure structure of our society has so quickly decayed in the past twenty-five years or more. I believe abortion by choice is murder, homosexual homosexual leadership in politics, ministry ministry or anywhere else such as teaching our children, is unethical and unbiblical. And keeping our children from learning about God through the Lord's Prayer is slanderous to our National Anthem, which upholds our claim to be a Christian nation. nation. It's time we cleaned up our act and began teaching, our children some true values values in life, which all by the way, come fromthe Holy Bible, the inspired Word of God. Our forefathers all lived by it and our democracy democracy has its roots in it. We are responsible as parents and as Canadian citizens citizens to allow our children the right to know about their Creator so that they will at least be able to have a conscience conscience that will help them learn right from wrong as they grow up. They need to know they have a choice to follow Bible principles and guidelines on love and life in this society or whether to choose this "anything goes" way of life. It's our choice. Do we let the government now get away with this banning of the Lord's Prayer or do we let them know it doesn't do our children anything but pood. If we sit back ignoring it, what are the implications? Shall they ban Goa out of "O Canada" next, or cancel Poppy Fimd Supports Vets , In 1987, 13,522,600 poppies poppies and 69,262 wreaths and crosses were distributed in Canada. For every donation received, a poppy, wreath or other acknowledgement is given. These items are financed financed out of the receipts of the Poppy Campaign. All poppies and wreaths are made in sheltered workshops, workshops, or in homes, by ex- servicemen and women or their dependents. Thus the Poppy Campaign helps to support ex-service personnel and their dependents in all phases of its operation. Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day. Do all these Christian holidays holidays and celebrations also offend minority groups who attend our schools? I am greatly offended as a Canadian citizen to have laws made before me with- 1 out me having a say about what I believe is right and just. I believe the majority of Canadians feel the same. I want this law against the Lord's Prayer appealed. My children have a right as Canadian citizens to pray this prayer in their school just as I did as a child. My children have an inherited inherited right to carry on and know their true Canadian heritage. Marcia Richter R.R. #5, Liberty St. N., Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 3K6 THE GOOD CHEER NURSING HOME MINISTRY Dear Editor: Those non-Christians who pressured the Ontario Supreme Court to prohibit the use of the Lord's Prayer and Scripture readings during during opening exercises in our province's public schools should be asked this question? question? "If we lived in your former former country and objected to the religion being taught in its schools would the courts listen to us as foreigners and take religion out of the schools?" Of course not! It is revolting to think that we have people who leave their country because of oppression, oppression, unemployment, and various disadvantages, and come to Canada with its many opportunities and freedoms, and its Christian ethical standards and liberties, liberties, and fight the very institution institution that guaranteed them many privileges: our Christian Christian foundation. What is so disgusting and frustrating is the fact that we have an Ontario Supreme Court that will listen to these minority groups, and ignore the Christian rights of the majority. And Education Minister Chris Wnrd, who should realize and acknowledge acknowledge these obvious facts, bows to the entirely unfair dictates of this court. The Canadian Charter ol Rights and Freedoms has been used and abused repeatedly repeatedly to crush majority rights for the minority. How long must the nominal Christian Christian majority in Canada tolerate tolerate this oppression? Just so long as it greets every oppressive oppressive measure meted out by the courts with an atti tude of indifference, laziness or cowardice! Incidently, the so-called Lord's prayer was pre-Christian. Moses could very well have written the, same prayer. Sincerely, Reverend G. H. Clement, BA B.Th Bethany, Ontario. On October 4,1988 I saw to my utter disbelief, workmen workmen stripping the roof of one of the Work-Departments salt storage cones on Taunton Taunton and Best Rd. (Orono) "WHY?_There was not a loose or warped shingle noticeable noticeable on that building. It cannot be older than 8 years, the second one is only 6 years old. Is this another instance where there is money left over from the budget of the . department that nas to be used up? As it is common practice with the allotment for road salt? It has to be purchased and distributed on the roads, needed or not, just to spend that money? Not to mention the added pollution. At a time of ever rising costs and constantly increasing increasing property taxes that is a ridiculous system of "House- këeping". A blatant waste of taxpayers money. Instead, those funds not currently needed should be kept in a special account and added to next years budget for possible unexpected expenditures, expenditures, e.g. roofing when needed, a piece of new equipment or for extra salt if winter conditions are especially especially harsh. Lamenting about high costs and a deficit is of no use, do something about it! Whoever is responsible for managing the town's financial financial affairs so un- conscientiously, "should be replaced"! I know: It was always done that way "CHANGE IT"! U. Wegner R. R. 1, Orono LOB 1MO In Editor's Mail Dear Editor and Readers of Canadian Statesman: Like thatyroverbial road, of "Good Intentions" here is a brick that wasn't laid. Peter Parrott's column in The Statesman, is so well worth reading. I hardly have time to read the commercial ads. After the Council News and Briefs, it is like a drought of fresh air or cooling elixir. Peter remembers, though many forget, what it is like to begin humbly, and by hard work and sheer diligence become become a goal to be reached,. for other young writers. A column for all ages and "the smile", that Bill Smiley's missing column left. Congratulations Peter, your wife and family, seem to be a support to you, as well as I hope your growing prosperity, is to them. Sincerely and gratefully, R. A Lilley. Crossing Guard Put on Hold A request for a crossing guard at Simpson Ave ana King St. in Bowmanville has been put on hold by Newcastle's Newcastle's general purpose and administration administration committee. A report from Brian Irwin, Irwin, the Town's by-law enforcement enforcement officer, stated a guard was not needed at the intersection because traffic lights and a push-button' crossing light is already there. A study was taken of the area at various times on October October 4 and 5.. Staff determined that visibility visibility in the area was good and that traffic travelled within the speed limits. They also found that a crossing guard was posted 100 yards west of Simpson Ave. on Frank St. "The maximum number of students observed crossing crossing with the light during a 30 minute interval numbered 14," the report stated. The committee tabled the matter to a future council meeting without making a decision on it. Maple Leaf Karate Club Hosts Jun ior Competition place winners in the intermediate division of Kata. The Maple Leaf Karate Club hosted a junior competition competition Sunday, October 16, at Bowmanville High school. Pictured here are the first, second and third Tho Maple Leaf Karate Club of Courtice earned silver silver and bronze medals at a tournament they hosted in Bowmanville October 16. Members of tho club, Paul Murdock and Shannon La- zure each won silver medals for kata while Cristina Santos Santos won bronze. Charles Kcnnish. tho club conch, said "Kata is a prearranged prearranged sot of moves From left to right are: Cosimo Ribezzo, first place- Ray Tio, second place; and Albert Hung, third place.' against an invisible opponent," opponent," Competitors score points for dilferont moves performed. performed. Bronze medals for kumite were earned by Paul Murdock, Murdock, Christina Santos and Dan Smith. Kumite is fighting technique technique and ability. There is no contact but points are scored as if there were. Competitors fight for two minutes or until the first three full points are scored. Tho tournament on October October 16 was a junior tournament tournament for competitors up to ago 17 and was helpea by Karate Ontario. Mr. Kcnnish said the aims of Karate Ontario are assisted assisted by indivdual clubs hosting hosting tournaments. Stanley Janusas, spokesman spokesman from Karate Ontario, said the aim of the organization organization regarding junior competitors competitors is to "develop junior competitors as well as select individuals that would represent represent the province at National National Junior Level championship." championship." He said it also further enhances enhances the competitors' skills and abilities.