4 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, Wednesday, October 23, 1996 Elle Canadian Statesman Former Publishers and Partners Rev. John M. Climie and W. R. Climie 1854 -1878 M. A. James, 1878 -1935 • Norman S. B. James, 1919 -1929 G. Elena James, 1929 -1947 • Dr. George W. James, 1919 -1957 Produced weekly by James Publishing Company Limited P.O. Box 190,62 King St. W., Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 3K9 905-623-3303 lnternet-statesman@ocna.org Fax-905-623-6161 HOURS: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. For 142 Years, Our First Concern Has Been Our Community Publisher-John M. James Plant Manager - Rick Patterson Assoc. Publisher - Rick James Editor - Peter Parrott Ad. Manager - Brian G. Purdy Production Supervisor - Ralph Rozema, Suzanne Bennett, Laurens Kaldevvay, Doug Lugtenburg, Sharon McMullen, Barb Patterson, Jim Snoek, Vance Sutherland, Jim Tuuramo Advertising Editorial Laverne Morrison Brad Kelly, Lorraine Manfredo, Laura J. Richards Office Supervisor - Angela Luscher, Junia Hodge, Grace McGregor, Nancy Pleasance-Sturman, Marilyn Rutherford, Sharilyn Carnegie Day of Protest V T he planned day of protest in Toronto on October 25th is pushing the boundaries of free speech and democratic rights. It really boils down to a question question of whether the objective of the day is to shut down Ontario's biggest city or to merely show' opposition to the cutbacks handed down by Queen's Park. If so many protesters arrive in Toronto that sheets are blocked and traffic is impeded, it could be argued that this is just a by-product of people expressing their democratic right. There are occasions in big cities when, due to parades or celebrations celebrations or special events, traffic is disrupted and people are inconvenienced. But, that's just the price you pay for living in a large urban centre. And most people are good-natured about these events. Especially if they are witnessing something like the Santa Claus Parade or the Blue Jays World Series victory parade. But is Friday's protest by organized labor in quite the same category? Not if the intention of the exercise is to stop traffic, close businesses or impede other people's day-to-day routines. Groups have a right to assemble and canry placards, distribute distribute leaflets, give speeches, chant slogans and do all the other things we normally associate with protests. But, nobody has the privilege of taking away someone else's right to go about their daily business. Democracy is, after all, a two-way street. The problem with protests that deliberately set out to obstruct or impede other people is the fact that they lead down a very slippery slope towards polarization and confrontation. More than one observer has remarked that a protest such as the one planned for Toronto could backfire. It could have the effect of driving undecided and moderate citizens into Mike Harris' camp. Any supporter of Mr. Harris will remind opponents of the provincial government that the Tories are not an occupying army, by a group of politicians who won the last provincial election clearly and legally. Moreover, they followed up the election by doing exactly what they said they would do. It seems to us that the Tories' vow to completely overhaul Ontario is the issue on which they will sink or swim. Even though the provincial government has been in power for a year, it will take some time for its reforms to take effect. And there's more cutbacks coming. So far, the provincial government message has been one of trimming the frills and giving excess bureaucrats and politicians politicians their walking papers.All this is popular stuff -- especially especially when you promise a hefty tax break as a result of the cutbacks. cutbacks. But, sooner or later, Mr. and Mrs. Ontario will discover that the supposedly over-paid bureaucrat is really their next door neighbour or a relative. And they'll discover the "frills" in public public spending just might be a school program in which their child is participating. v Then, then Mr. and Mrs. average Ontario taxpayer will be taking a second look at the Mike Harris revolution. It is the concrete results of the cutbacks which will determine determine the success or failure of the provincial government.. Not a single day of protest in Toronto. Election Posturing O ne can't blame municipal politicians for starting starting to discuss budgets well before the end of 1996. Ninteen ninety-seven is, you see, an election year for municipal politicians.. And no incumbent wants to go to the polls with tax increases or cutbacks in the recent memory of his or her voters. In Clarington, elected officials face a difficult choice. For several years, they have managed to hold the line on taxes, giving no major increase to local property owners. But now, with more cutbacks continuing at the provincial level, elected officials are feeling the squeeze. It is a damed-if-you-do and damed-if-you-don't dilemma. Clarington could bring in a zero per cent tax increase. But, that would mean cutbacks and possibly -- for the first time -- staff layoffs. The imposition of user-fees for municipal sports programs was a direct result of last year's financial pinch at the Town Hall. The imposition of user fees on soccer players was one of the results of last-year's cost-cutting and if Clarington were to cut services, lay off staff or impose user fees, incumbent incumbent councillors would be easy pickings in the next municipal election. If Clarington councillors opt for an increase, in taxes, they will be easy pickings too. It's a tough decision. If you are interested in running for public office and facing seemingly impossible choices like this one, it's not too early to begin your campaign. But, in today's political climate, don't count on politics being a long career. Small Business Week T his is Small Business Week in Ontario. A casual glance at provincial government statistics will prove that small business is where so much is happening in the life of the Canadian economy. People generally agree that the role of small business is important. But, to sec just how important important it is, read on. Did you know total private sector employment in Ontario is 4,263,000 and small business makes up 43 per cent of that? Did you know small businesses dominate the business, personal personal service, retail and primary industries sector? Did you know in the last decade employment has grown most dramatically among firms that have fewer than five workers? workers? Did you know dial between April 1 and August 31 of this year, about 30,000 new businesses were started in Ontario? Over the 12 months between April of last year and March of 1997, it is expected that number will climb to 80,000. The Ontario government is attempting to encourage small businesses with many initiatives, including the elimination of much of the red tape associated with starting a business. Thirty-two business self-help offices arc operating across the province. And this year, estimates indicate Ontario residents residents will invest up to $1 billion to start businesses in this province. When you stop and think about it, diere's nothing small about small business. Class of ' 96 Durham College turns out the first graduates of its Casino Worker Course Make Mine Gluten Free Outlook Laura J. Richards Statesman Staff If you've been listening to the radio lately, you will have heard the commercials about a guy at a party being invited to partake in the holiday buffet. buffet. He tells his friend he is unable to because he is unsure unsure of what ingredients have been used. Of course, his friend inquires inquires as to why he is so cautious, cautious, and then he explains about celiac disease, and how he must maintain his diet for life. He states when he goes grocery shopping every label must be read in order to ensure ensure that no gluten (a part of flour remaining as a sticky substance when starch is washed out) will be in it. Gluten Gluten produces a toxic effect in celiacs, causing anemia, chronic diarrhea, fatigue, cramps and bloating, irritability irritability and weight loss. Some ce liacs may get some or all these symptoms or may develop develop an intense burning and itching rash called Dermatitis Herpetiformis. He noted not everyone who has it develops it as children, children, but it happens later in life too. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye, tricalc and oats...at least here in Canada. Some Celiacs in Britian can use oats. Here in Canada, doctors are cautious about allowing allowing oats, but do allow pure buckwheat (a plant related related to rhubarb and the flour must not be cut with wheat) in a Celiac diet. However, I have met a few Celiacs here who use oats, but admit to not wanting to over do it. Some Celiacs are also allergic allergic to milk products. The testing for the disease is the invasive small bowel biopsy, which is done by a gastrointestinal doctor. It's not the most pleasant of tests to be put through. In thé United States, a blood test is being worked on so that people won't have to go through the small bowel biopsy. I've been living without wheat and other gluten grains for three years. So, what exaedy can a Celiac Celiac eat? First, you clean out your entire kitchen. This will only work if your family eats what you eat, or you are single. Otherwise, a clean-out won't be possible. Then you re-stock your shelves with foods and grains that are just becoming more available at the local health food stores. Flours like com, bean, rice (white & brown and even organic), tapioca, potato, soy, and so on. There are suppliers for things like xanthum gum which acts as a binder in foods like breads, pizza dough and cakes. While some folks might react by saying 'blech,' living without wheat, oats, barley, and rye can be done. I must admit, it can be 'blech,' depending depending on what has happened happened to what you've cooked. I've been living without wheat and other gluten grains for a little over three years now. I must admit, that I do cheat now and then, and pay for it. Fortunately I live in an area of Canada where I can get products that are gluten- free and feel the need to cheat often. With a few good cookbooks, cookbooks, a room-mate who puts up with a lot of cooking failures failures and lots of suggestions from other friends who have problematic digestive systems, systems, what looked to be a daunting task, has turned out to be eventful. The all important 'mouth- feel' that is lacking in many alternative flours has lead me down a number of paths searching for tasty pasta, breads, sauces, and so on. For more information, please contact the Canadian Celiac Association, Toronto Chapter at (416) 781-9140. Teens get Bad Rap Letter to the Editor To the Editor: Spurred by a letter which appeared in last week's edition of the Whitby Free Press, I am writing to share my views about a topic which has been bothering me for some time - namely the widely held view that most teenagers are miserable miserable people. Teenagers, like other other human beings, come in many varieties, with widely differing temperaments and manner. As a high school teacher, I deal with hundreds of teens every day, and I find the vast majority to be "model citizens". citizens". Most teens are polite, considerate, and respectful of the needs and feelings of others. others. Many participate in volunteer volunteer work of some form, but this is not usually highly publicized. publicized. Unfortunately, positive items are seldom considered newsworthy. Most high school students take their education very seriously and spend countless hours not only on homework, but on part-time jobs necessary to finance a post secondary education which is becoming, increasingly increasingly expensive. Recently, as Courticc Secondary Secondary School representative on the Clarington Youth Committee, Committee, I had the "duty" to supervise supervise a dance which the Youth Committee sponsored. It was a "Much Music" dance, held at the Garnet Rickard Arena Arena and it was advertised throughout the Clarington region. region. A large crowd of 875 youth attended. The Communi-, ty Services Department supervised supervised the Pre-Teen Dance prior to the Older Teen dance. These young people waited patiently outside in unpleasant weather; they lined up in an orderly manner as they underwent a security security check, and when inside their behavior was also beyond reproach. No foul language or otherwise undesirable behavior of any kind was noted. The kids just had fun. Even though I had been up since before 6 a.m. and at work since 7:30 a.m., I enjoyed staying until 11 p.m., an hour later than had been asked of me. Yes, a few teens are sometimes sometimes loud and obnoxious. They should have more parental parental supervision. However, "to paint all teens with the same brash is just as ridiculous as it would be to say that all adults are bad just because some have committed despicable acts. To those people who arc paranoid of teens corrupting their pre-adolescents, and to the owners of some donut shops and convenience stores who view all teens with mistrust mistrust and consequently treat them badly, I can only say that I feel sony for you. You have obviously cut yourself off from contact with a generally delightful delightful segment of society. E. Gillies Courticc Secondary School Teacher. Thoughts Unlimited Into Every Apple Pic, A Little Rain Must Fall Okay, so maybe I'm to blame for saying that rain was not an option for Saturday's Apple Festival in downtown Bowmanville. More than a few people mentioned that to me as the blue dye from my favourite golf cap streamed down my forehead. For those who might have thought it, no, I do not colour my hair! Even though the weatherman did iris best to put a damper on the day's festivities, merchants merchants and shoppers pul on their wetsuits and braved the elements to make the annual event another success. As for The Statesman's 3rd annual apple pic baking contest, we had 88 entries this year. According to our esteemed panel of judges, the competition was very close. In fact, we even had a tie-breaker in the preliminary preliminary round. This year we had a combination of veterans veterans and rookies make up our panel of judges. Back for another year of judging were Anna Strike of the Memorial Hospital Foundation; Randy MacMillan, Finance Director of Memorial Hospital; Charlie Trim, Industrial Relations Manager for Goodyear; Donna English of the Bank of Montreal; Tom Morawetz of Evergreen Farm Equipment; and Dr. II.B. Rundlc, our Fie Judge in Perpetuity. New recruits for this year included current - by Rick James M.P.P., John O'Toole; former M.P.P., Gord Mills; Inspector Ross Smith of the Durham Regional Police; and Rick Vanderkooi of the Clarington Fire Department. Special thanks go out to Charlie Trim and Goodyear for once again placing the highest bid for the number one apple pic in Clarington. Goodyear has always been a strong supporter of community events and deserves a round of applause for helping us gel through a very damp day. Thanks Charlie. Despite the cold and rain, we still managed managed to raise over $500 for the Memorial Hospital Foundation. Thanks to everyone who took the time to bake a pie for a worthy cause. As for me, with a little more scrubbing, the band of blue dye on my forehead should be gone by next year's BIA Apple Festival. Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer? It took Nicklaus six and half years and 25 victories to earn that much in prize money. Arnold and his Army needed 12 years and 46 win to reach that plateau. But, prize money isn't the motivator for Tiger Woods. He's already signed more than $50 million in deals with Nike and Titlcist. His goal is to crush the record book set by Jack Nicklaus. At the rate lie's going, perhaps Nicklaus will become the Trivial Pursuit question. Tiger Who? About two months ago, I almost wrote a column saying that golfing sensation Tiger Woods would fade away and become a Trivial Pursuit question when he joined the big boys on the PGA Tour. Whew! I may have thought it, but at least I didn't pul it to paper. To give you an idea of how rapidly the rookie is eating up the tour, lie has placed no worse than 5lli in his last five tournaments. In eight weeks, lie has won almost $750,000 and has two victories, How docs that compare to legends like One Very Classy Guy You may recall a column and photo from last month when I had a chance to meet and hit some golf balls with Number 4...Bobby Orr, I mailed him a copy of that column to replace replace that "flying through the air, Stanley Cup winning goal" photo on his mantle piece. But, I certainly wasn't expecting to hear from the superstar. Needless to say, I was more than a little impressed when he phoned me at home from Boston to say thanks. I've already warned my wife to never wash that phone again! At a time when professional athletes seem to worry more about showboating than playing playing the game, players like Dion Sanders and Rickey Henderson could learn a lot about class and sportsmanship from the greatest hockey player of all time, Bobby Orr.