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"A Family Tradition for 132 Years" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, July 7, 1998 - 7 LETTERS Politically correct... is wrong To the Editor: So the homosexual community was not satisfied with forcing their lifestyle on Torontonians one day a year. Toronto now has to put up with a whole week of the glorification of this lifestyle. Mel Lastman is a good exam- ple of the gutless federal, provin- cial and local politicians who do not have the courage of their convictions. The people elect these politicians to uphold and pass good, moral laws that made this a great nation, laws that reflect our Christian heritage. Instead, most of our politicians are more concerned with taking the easy way out and being polit- ically correct than doing what's right. I firmly believe that the major- ity of Canadians know deep down in their hearts that homosexual- ity is wrong. We have been brain- washed by the media, the courts, and our politicians to believe that to speak out against this unnatural and immoral lifestyle is intolerant, bigoted, homopho- Cancer Society, "thanks" To the Editor: The local branch of the Canadian Cancer Society would like to thank everyone who contributed so generously to April Cancer drive. * Special thanks to the captains, the canvassers and the ladies and gentlemen who sold daffodils. Our total for Scugog Township is $46,674.15. This includes daffodil sales and pins. Campaign Chairman bic, and politically incorrect. When I consider the kind of country Canada has become with the passing of laws to force Canadians to accept this lifestyle, it makes me cringe. When I think about the immoral country we're passing on to our children and grandchildren, it makes me want to cry. Canada is celebrating 131 years since Confederation. We have very little to celebrate in the moral department. Dave Switzer, Frankford Doris Taylor, GM strike drags on, but both sides continue talks By Chris Hall Port Perry Star The American Independence Day long weekend wasn't much of a holiday for US General Motors officials as talks continued with striking workers at two parts plants. GM Canada spokesperson Charles McGregor confirmed yesterday morning that talks were held between GM officials and UAW representatives in an effort to send thousands of workers across North America back to work at production and parts plants. "They didn't take the weekend off, which is a good sign. They're still talking and as far as I know they worked right through Saturday, July 4 and maybe Sunday as well. "So far they've told us nothing about the meet- ings except for the fact that they are still talking. There is progress, but they have not let out anymore information than that." Employees at a Flint, Michigan parts plant went on strike during the first week of June over job security and other issues and were joined by a neighboring Delphi manufacturing plant a week later. Materials made there, such as engine cradles and other electrical components, are crucial to the production of most GM vehicles. The strike has shut down both Oshawa car plants, which produce the Chevrolet Monte Carlos and Luminas as well as Buick Regals and Centuries. Also affected are two Oshawa parts plants; com- ponent plants in St. Catharines and Windsor; and the St. Therese, Quebec Firebird and Camaro pro- duction plant. All GM plants have been shut down for more than a week now because of the company's annual two-week summer holiday. The Oshawa truck plant is expected to start production on the new 1999 line when employees there return to work on Monday. A large supply of parts for the plant have been stockpiled. Reports from the American national newspaper USA Today last week have rumored that GM may be looking at obtaining supplies from inde- pendent companies if the strike lasts much longer. Mr. McGregor insists no talks have begun for alternate parts. "That's news to me," he said when told of the report. "The only thing I have heard is from what is said in USA Today, and that's not necessarily the best source for information. "It would be extremely speculative to say that. We have contracts with all our suppliers and we're going to honor them. Right now I've heard nothing about that or about the talks in Michigan." Editor's Notepad by Jeff Mitchell YO, CANADA: It surely was nice to see the effort made by some folks to get the Maple Leaf flying last week, in celebration of Canada Day. The red and white bedecked many porches, flag poles and picture windows, adding a patriotic splash to the perfect summer day that almost always seems to arrive for July 1. Regrettably, however, many of those flags were folded up and put away after the holiday. It's both endearing and frustrating, this quiet kind of patriotism displayed by Canadians. On one hand, you can argue-that a little more flag-waving would go a long way toward helping solve the never-ending questions of identity and unity that plague us. Then there's the legitimate view that our brand of nation- love is preferable to jingoistic chest-thumping; the Love It Or Leave It approach doesn't appeal to us. Self-doubt and introspection are as much an element of our collective personality as good-natured- ness. and that innate toughness that allows us to endure winter and thrive, despite living in the shadow of the bullyish giant to the south. It is the sweetness of character of the nation that leads to heart-rending affection and devotion among us. It is a beautiful thing we have created, and well worth celebrating. SIGNS OF LIFE: It was also heartening to tune in on the opening day of the CFL season and see more than 22,000 fans out for the meeting between Montreal and Winnipeg Wednesday. And that night a healthy crowd packed into the stadium in Calgary for the Stampeders' clash with the' Hamilton Pussycats. One hopes the fan enthusiasm continues. A good sign is that there have for some time now been no reports of the league's imminent demise, no crises, no hare-brained expansion schemes ("Hey! I've got it! A CFL franchise in England! Can't miss, | promise!"). The CFL is concentrating on doing what it does well, which is present football to a core group of fans, and - look for sensible ways to broaden that base. | admit that when | wrote in this space -- not so long ago -- that the CFL should gracefully fold, | was wrong. That was before | joined thousands of scream- ing lunatics in the SkyDome for the Eastern final last year, and saw the best football game I've ever wit- nessed played between the Argos and the Alouettes. I'll definitely be back. in A tow Wosks 2 ago there was the school's property after school hours. But there still remains a problem! In order for skate boarders to enjoy their sport 'they need more than flat pavement. They require "ramps, jumps etc. to practice their skills and tricks. - 'Recently we've had teens using the back of The b boards and the loading dack. same way, = area for skate boarders on school hen, we've learned that kids have Star office for a skateboard area, using the picnic unately (and this is why adults eventially 0 lds packing) they leave their garbage and never put anvihing. back when they. are finished. 'This has happened on numerous occasions and "our patience is wearing thin as we are forced to return everything to its rightful spot, as well as clean up debris and bottles each morning. . While we support the need for Kids to have a place to hone their skills, we don't necessarily like ; them risking injury on 'makeshift ramps, etc. in our parking lot. And most other business people feel the nting the liability if someone is hurt, let alone the mess left behind. some talk about setting up an 'Some of thetown's ardent skateboard fans should : set up an appointment with members of council to see if there is anything that can be done to provide a proper skate boarding facility. ~~ 'Maybe if our town fathers see a little initiative from our teens... something good will come from it. Just a thought... a QUIET TIME By the time this column reaches you, Nancy and | will have spent two quiet days at home without our children. They' re. all swatting mosquitoes somewhere in the Haliburton ales, enjoying a week at summer camp, while we're enjoying the peace an tranquility of a home without the constant turmoil and noise associated with normal children. It'll seem like a dream not having to cook meals, running them to soccer, having sleepovers, breaking up fights, fixing scrapes and cuts, etc., but we'll get an abrupt wake-up this Saturday when they arrive back home with a hundred stories to tell. And as much as the quiet seemed a little like heaven, it will be nice to have them back. MORE EXCITIEMENT AHEAD If last Wednesday's Canada Day festivities and tremendous fireworks display wasn't enough excite- ment for you, get ready for this weekend. Festival Days arrives starting this Thursday night, and Port Perry's popular summer festivities once again promises to be a fun time for all ages. There's lots for the kids, including the midway, mutt show, Teddy bear picnic, parade and a zoo. For older kids and adults there's plenty of action along the street and great music and dancing in the | festival tent near the Latcham Centre. For a complete list of events see elsewhere in today's Star.