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ha fiihh EE a Tr ---- Letters to the editor PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, February 13, 1990 -- 13 Growth is not to blame for society's problems To the Editor: Yes, indeed, let the discussion on Scugog growth continue. Having read the two letters (Feb. 6) directed towards my views on area growth (Jan. 30), I would like to clarify a couple of points brought up. At no point in my Jan. 30 letter did I attempt to define those against growth as "old' or "retired." It is my belief that there are people of all ages and work status on both sides of the issue. My remarks were directed simply at 'those against growth." It is Mr. Tansley who has defined this group as "old and retired." I had no intention of targeting any specifig age group as this would show disregard for individuality. I am confident that there are many older citizens who see area growth in a positive light as it will The truthis not popular To the Editor: In support of your views - February 6, regarding the language debate, Sault St. Marie. No doubt you will receive any number of counters. The fact re- mains, the truth is not always popular. W. Wood Durham P.S. An ex-Quebecer, with fami- ly members still living in a unil- ingual 'French' province. Sou Saga To the Editor: Re your editorial 'The Sou Saga," your paper of Feb. 6, 1990. Please permit me to lend my name and support to you. A well expressed and factual editorial. F. Bellingham Durham. Abortion is the worst child abuse To the Editor: I find it interesting to learn that our MP, Mr. Ross Stevenson, thought it necessary to conduct a survey on the advisability of per- mitting abortion. The one absolutely unavoidable consequence of abortion is that lit- tle babies are killed. When are our politicians -- and the general public -- going to have the hones- ty to recognize this fact? There is an increased sense of concern in our society today about child abuse, as there should be. But the worst form of child abuse -- abor- tion--- is still being permitted. Why? Yours very truly, Sean J. Madsen, Port Perry. New Busines in Town ... PVB See Real Estate Section directly and positively affect their children's and grandchildren's futures. As far as the other readers' con- cerns about higher crime rates, pollution, and increased traffic, I am certainly not blind to the reali- ty of these possibilities and I definately see these as legitimate concerns. As citizens' of this area, we have the responsibility of electing a council that has the strength and diligence to monitor and con- trol the negative side effects which are traditionally linked to growth. It is discouraging to think we would let fear of the uncertain control our future. Have we not the strength to overcome pro- blems? In personal life we must overcome problems to survive. I believe that the people of this community have the strength to deal with and overcome those problems that may arise as a result of area growth. Please do not sell short the acili- ty of this community to control its own destiny. The town of Markham was put forward as an example of the questionable affects of growth. I wonder, would a town like Markham continue to grow if it was not a desirable place to live? The reason it is growing is because people believe the positive aspects of living there outweigh the negatives. Certain- ly some people leave because they only see the negatives. That is their choice. That is democracy in a very active form. For it to grow, more are obviously attracted to it than have turned against it. Look at the beauty of the rebuilding of the downtown area of Markham. That was a result of growth which provided increased public funds to pay for the improvements. There is no "Utopia," at least not in this life. We do the best we can to make the positive outweigh the negative. I, for one, believe this community and it's people are strong enough to control any downside associated with area growth. I grew up in the small town of Gananoque, Ont. (pop. 5,000) and every day I wake up, I thank God I got out of there. It's a beautiful place to visit because of the splen- dor of the islands, but I wouldn't want to live there now. In the 18 years I lived there, the population never changed. Certainly traffic and pollution haven't radically changed, but crime certainly has increased. And this is a result of the frustration of youth because there are no new career, business or social opportunities to spark in- terest, and challenge young minds. All there is, are the same old factories and tourist attractions that have been there forever. If you're lucky enough, you get a factory job and retire with a pen- sion. If not, you work in the tourist business which means employ- ment in the summer and unemployment in the winter. Many people I grew up with work in tourism in the summer and collect unemployment in the winter and spend it in the loca bars. . Idle hands breed contempt. This is certainly part of the pro- blem in Gananoque, and it is a direct result of a lack of growth. Lack of growth might protect us from traffic problems, but not from crime and other societal maladies. . Lack of growth will only lead to stagnation, inactivity and frustra- tion. These are the true causes of societal evils. Please don't make progress and growth the scapegoat for our social problems. The reality of it runs much deeper than that. Sincerely, Mark Hamilton Port Perry. IF YOUR AD WAS HERE Over 20,000 people could have read it this week. That's a lot of potential customers for your business. 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