2 - Orono Weekly Times , Wednesday, October 20, 2004 SSh Subscriptions $29.91 + $2.09 GST =, $32.00 per year. Publications Mail Registration No. 09301 • Agreement No. 40012366 / Publishing 48 issues annually at the office of publication. ___ __ _^.. v __ T;i . ., n=!ii .,. "We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through i « rp< the Publications Assistance Program (PAP) toward our mailing costs. Weekly I limas CanadS The 0™ WeeK,y T m es welcomes ,e„ers<o .editor onsets o«^",e=^ S^nSE?^ p,H. OronoVehly T^s wi. no, be responsible .or the !oss or dama 9 e of such „em, ^ Aocna ORONO WEEKLY TIMES - 5310 Main St., P.O. Box 209, Orono, ON LOB 1M0 Email: oronotimes@rogers.com or Phone/Fax 905-983-5301 Publisher/Editor Margaret Zwart Sports and Display Advertising - Donna Wood Front Office and Classified Advertising - Rosey Bateman Kendal for Kerry, Orono for Bush! The latest polls conducted by this newspaper show. . Just kidding! As you know, this humble journal does not sponsor polling. For that, we have to rely on the national and international media. The latest U.S. polls report that the candidates candidates are "neck and neck." Internationally, we read that Mr Kerry is favoured in seven of nine countries surveyed.Canadians much prefer Kerry. It is fortunate for the Bush camp that only Americans can vote! Even without a survey here in Orono, we do hear the comments. comments. One local worthy says "I can't stand U.S. politics". Another says "I don't like either candidate"; and another states "whoever wins, nothing will change". Maybe those people are right. After all, it is the right of the American people to elect a President. As is also the case in elections elections here, millions won't bother to vote.Those millions dont care, and maybe Canadians should also pay no attention. Yet, sometimes we hear the U.S. President described as "The Leader of The Free World." If that includes Canada, then perhaps we should pay attention to the selection of our next leader. More importantly, the winner will take control of a huge supply supply of nuclear weapons. He will also be the final decision maker on trade matters,such as imports to the U.S, of cars made in Oshawa, Windsor, and Oakville. Canadian beef farmers should be watching very carefully, as the next president has their future in his hands. And there is the "war question" For the first 180 years ot its existence, the U.S. was seen as a peace-loving country, and was very proud of that reputation. For that reason, the U.S. watched from the sidelines in two world wars, until the sinking of their ships forced them, into delayed, but splendid, action. In 1945, the thought that nuclear power was in the hands of a reluctant warrior, warrior, a nation that did not embark on military adventures, was of comfort to the world. These days, in the debate, we heard Mr. Kerry say "Wè will find the terrorists and kill them." Mr Bush likes to be known as "The Commander-In-Chief." As such, he has launched the invasions invasions of two countries, with the death toll in the tens of thousands. In the most recent debate, each candidate devoted time to speak of Christian beliefs. Neither mentioned the sixth of the Ten Commandments, which reads "Thou shall not kill. Regardless of who wins, is it time for the U.S. to return to American, and Christian values, including striving for peace? Letters to the Editor Common sense goes out the window with Pitbull legislation To the Editor 1 have been in the dog business business running a licensed commercial commercial boarding, breeding, and training facility here in Clarington for the past 16 years and have been involved with dogs since childhood. Over the years I have been bitten a number of times. The worst injury 1 ever sustained was from a loveable Labrador Retriever and in my experience, experience, the most likely candidates candidates for aggression are the toy breeds. Dogs are pack animals and very territorial. All breeds were developed for very specific specific purposes from herding to draft to hunting to guarding the owner's home and family. Unfortunately, many individuals individuals purchase companions based on fashion rather than use. We constantly receive calls from prospective buyers looking looking for the current trendy breed. Our advice is generally to research a few breeds based on their expectations and lifestyle rather than purchase "a dog like Eddy on Frazer". I have discussed this issue with several other professionals professionals and the consensus is that legislation must be directed towards ensuring the owner is held responsible for the conduct conduct of the animal regardless of the breed. All the proposed Pit Bull legislation will do is move the problem on to another unfortunate unfortunate breed that fulfills the power issues of their owners. Once again good government government is being ignored in favour of playing to a media driven frenzy designed to garner garner votes at the expense of common sense. We might be better served with legislation requiring the muzzling of self-serving politicians. Regards, Tim Tufts Kendal Hills Kennel, Orono il!i mil „ mm A M uww/wt, iimm ill! tilt 'Ll doTighan.com ! Staying in Touch MPP John O'Toole Pit Bull ban going to legislature soon Ontario's MPPs will soon be asked to decide on a breed- specific ban against pit bulls. There is no doubt the majority of Ontarians want tougher sentences and higher fines as a deterrent against irresponsible owners of any dangerous dog. This follows a number of particularly vicious attacks that have raised alarms in Ontario communities. If passed, Ontario's pit bull legislation legislation would double fines to Support your local churches O Christ for Whom We Search 0 Christ for whom we search, Our help when help has failed; Give us courage to expose our need And ask to be made whole; That being touched by you, We may be raised to new life In the power of your name, Amen. - Janet Morley Dear Editor, As a confirmed member of our local United Church, I'm sending a very important invitation invitation to all folks in our community! community! Having just arrived home from our church's 157th anniversary, 1 have a very serious serious thought to share with you... If only in a new year's resolution, we urge everyone to plan to attend our two local churches more often. In a world of upheaval, our spiritual lives should be refreshed! We here in Orono arc so lucky to have two such beautiful beautiful churches and both churches churches need our help. Sincerely, Isabelle Challice $10,000. Persons convicted under dangerous dog legislation legislation could spend up to six months in jail. The proposed breed-specific ban is the most controversial part of the legislation legislation because pit bulls are not a specifically . recognized breed. So far, the McGuinty government hasn't explained what is or is not a pit bull. Definitions are important if the proposed legislation is to succeed. In my view, the legislation legislation should focus on the responsibilities of the owner, and not necessarily the breed. In an announcement last week, the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association stated that breed bans don't work. The Association urged the provincial government to consult consult with animal behavior experts if it plans to proceed with "breed specific" bans. In announcing vicious dog legislation, legislation, Attorney General Bryant said people who already own pit bulls can keep their dogs. However, there would be a number of restrictions restrictions and requirements for existing pit bull owners during a transition period. Update on Nutrient Management Act The provincial government announced last week that it would give large livestock O'TOOL set pegs 3