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8 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, April 4, 2000 - 7 Question of the Week... Should the federal government invest Ralph Larmer more money in assis- vgs, 0/5 Al Soc Ions Or agriculture tance programs for that need help. Ontario's farmers? Carolyn Taylor Yes. Because their cash crops can fluc- tuate from year to year. quately compensat- ed for their services. Brad Kyte | feel that the root of the problem is that farmers are inade- Dave Elliott Agriculture is an essen- tial industry that is reg- ulated to a great extent. Because of free trade and other issues gov- emments at all levels should look to preserve this most essential ser- vice. Carol Thornton Yes. Because agri- culture is a big part of employment in Ontario, especially in the Durham Region. The creation argument continues To the Editor: Re: Rik Davie's article on Creationism being considered by the Durham District School Board, Star, March 28: The argument between creationists and evolutionists continues. Let me offer a view of these two static and seemingly opposing concepts. The process of evolution is obvious to anyone with minimal perception. The evidence of a developmental process in nature is overwhelming. We see this natural phenomena reflected in our own human creations. Consider the evolution of the computer over the past two decades or the evolution of the aircraft and the automobile over the past century. These are only reflected images of the process that is a continuum in nature. Darwin described this constant change as the survival of the fittest. His book "Origin of Species" | consider a milestone revelation in our understanding of the process of creation and should be considered as another chapter of the Bible. It is a snapshot of our evolving understanding of how this whole universe works. The Biblical story of creation again is a snapshot of a perception that was understandable by the population when it was written and for many years after. But like any- thing written, while it retains conceptual truths itis a static image of the perception at the time. Both of these stories are like charming old photos. Both Darwin's view of evolution and the Biblical creation story are valid, but both dated, and to get hung up by thinking that either of these snapshots is the end all and be all is like being caught in an eddy in the great moving river of creation. We must rely on science as our technique of validating our understanding of nature/God/life, but science has a Please turn to page 14 \ very now: arid again : as | write, me shooting out of the hard drive p! comes out and sits there, times it with raws by itself, having finde its "point. Others it stays there, sullenly, waiting for me to urge it back into its slot. On those occasions it may choose to rest in peace, or -- and this is espe- cially chilling -- begin to shoot out, then in, then out, and in, andonand on. | At first | found it amusing. Now it's kind of sinister. But, then 1 think, hey: We've got spell check, why not Editor Check? Whenever a writer of opinion, analysis, or, God forbid, humour, should stray into hyperbole, cynicism, sophistry or simple foolishness, the machine might react the way mine does. Is right now, in fact. Why not, indeed: They've come up with devices that will prevent drunks from starting their vehicles. What if your car could say to you, "You're going a bit too fast for the road conditions, Big Boy. And besides, the chicks will never be impressed by a balding, middle-aged man in a lime green Chevette, age Seven : ST I THE MACHINE by Jeff Mitchell anyway." How about a television that at a certain point would simply turn itself off, and transmit a message such as: "You've been sitting there watching drivel for more than long enough. There's a big, beautiful world out there. Get off your bum and do something, you slob!" A dinner table that will open up and simply swallow your plate when you've eaten enough. Whiskey bottles that tell nasty drunks to pick on somebody their own size. Telephone answering machines that rudely inter- rupt people who insist on leaving ten-minute mes- sages: "Listen, you boob, | know it makes you feel all important to gas on in such detail, but all | really need is your name and number, thanks." Oh, this brave new world is surely on its way, friends, don't think for a minute that it is not. In an age when pigs are cloned for transplantable organs and shady entities squabble over the rights to human genetic information, surely there will come a day when your toaster talks back, when your microwave remarks that you've been putting on a few pounds as of late. Soon the ATM will send you off with a cheery "Don't spend it all in one place!", and your refrigerator will simply refuse to allow you entry after a certain point: "You don't need anymore beer. Go to bed." Maybe this is a good thing; maybe not. The CD tray in my machine has not offered any further com- mentary, so | have no way of knowing. Random Jottings by ). Peter Hvidsten MITCHELLS DESERVE THE RECOGNITION The Lake Scugog Historical Society held their annual general meeting last week in front of a small but enthusiastic group of members and interested partias at Town Hall 1873. Among the evening's events was a presentation to Tom and Daphne Mitchell in recognition of the efforts they have made towards the preservation of the archi- tectural heritage of the downtown core. Mr. Mitchell was quick to note that there are many others along Queen St., who have contributed to the restoration of the street; but the evening's moderator, Paul Arculus rightly pointed out that the Mitchells were the catalysts for the main street we have today. Had it not been for their vision and initial restoration efforts almost two decades ago, it is highly unlikely downtown Port Perry would have become the attractive and popular shopping centre it is today. There have been many other contributions to its cur- rent character.... the Re/Max building, the Nutty Chocolatier, Dana's Goldsmithing, the old Port Perry Star building, the Stone block and the Royal Bank are just some of those who took up the torch and did their part. There are others that still need work, and over the next few years, hopefully some of them will do their part in returning the entire downtown to its former glory. During a panel discussion, in which the protection of the character of the town was debated, it became apparent that almost everyone agreed that while it is important to nurture and protect the downtown, growth of the commercial sector of the town is also important. It was apparent that most of the downtown business people attending understood that growth outside the downtown is inevitable, and most felt that it didn't need to be a threat to the local businesses. Port Perry's unique character gives it a distinct advantage over many other communities, and continual promotion of the town as not only a place to shop, but a place to visit and live, for its varied passive and active recreation facilities, is essential. Few towns have the advantage of such an attractive main street with a lake and beautiful park in the central core of the town. It is these amenities that make Port Perry a destination point for many tourists and visitors throughout the summer months. Where else can a visitor enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the park, rent a boat and go fishing or sightseeing and still be able to walk to some of the most attractive shops in southern Ontario? Recognizing that tourism can sometimes frustrate year-round residents, it was pointed out that tourism must be encouraged, not discouraged, if we want to continue to have a vibrant and successful downtown. The advent of larger box-type stores near the entrances to our town is more apt to come sooner than later. While they can be a positive force, by keeping people home and attracting other to the town, it's also important to be wary of the negative effects they can have on small downtown businesses. For this reason alone, it is important that Port Perry continues to be promoted as a tourist destination. It is the extra dollars brought into the town by these daytime visitors that will ensure a prosperous future for the mer- chants of our downtown. rp 0. Nt