www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday September 26, 2008 - 33 The world is watching U.S. presidential race By Laura Jakobschuk and Kelly Clark GRADE 12, T.A. BLAKELOCK e don't cast the vote, but the outcome of the American election will undeniably affect Canadians. America is today's superpower and its choice of leader will influence Canada and the rest of the world. With the American and Canadian election campaigns happening simultaneously, one wonders what the impact of the American election will be north of the border. Some suspect that Stephen Harper purposely set our election W Pathfinders bound for TO Nearly three dozen members of Pathfinders of Oakville, a seniors' walking group, will take part in the 5km walk in downtown Toronto as part of the ScotiaBank Waterfront Marathon on Sunday, Sept. 28. Pathfinders is headed by former Oakville restaurateur Eddie Tsang. It operates out of Sir John Colborne Recreation Centre for Seniors. Pathfinders Hiking Group is comprised of more than 120 local seniors, and its members regularly enjoy Oakville's trails and outdoor areas on weekly hikes. A bus will transport participating local seniors downtown at 7 a.m. and back at noon. Tsang, who hosts Steak Out For a Good Cause fundraiser at the Colborne Centre and was a member of the Seniors' Advisory Committee of the Town of Oakville is also a member of the board of the Mon Sheong Foundation, a charitable organization, which operates a trio of long-term care facilities for seniors in Toronto, as well as three Chinese schools. Tsang said the Oakville seniors will participate in the walk to express consideration of seniors elsewhere in the GTA, to promote multiculturalism and raise awareness of Pathfinders of Oakville. For information or to contact Tsang, call 647-886-8810. date before the Americans vote because he worried about the influence of an Obama victory. Yet the certainty of an Obama victory diminished when John McCain announced Sarah Palin as his running mate. The most exciting election in our generation is in progress, with the possibility of the first black president and the youngest female vice presidential candidate. If Barack Obama wins presidency, America's world relations are likely to improve. Obama aims to jumpstart the American economy and aspires to end the war in Iraq. He has stimulated interest in the younger generation and captivated the world with "Obamamania." If the world could vote for America, Barack Obama would be president without a doubt. A global BBC poll of 21 countries indicated an overwhelming majority in favor of Obama; however the decision is in the hands of the Americans. Obama's youth and energy offers a contrast to Republican John McCain. McCain openly mocks Obama as a celebrity. He supports the war in Iraq and is dedicated to finishing the mission over there. He appointed Sarah Palin as his vice-presidential candidate, a move that has been criticized. Palin has received wide- spread media coverage for the Republicans. Palin may be a very nice person, but many, except apparently John McCain, question her suitability for vice-presidency. It is necessary to question McCain's reasoning and judgment over this decision -- will he consistently appoint the wrong people to powerful positions? If Palin ever became president, would she be up for the job? Our future is looking grim and there is a need for strong and intelligent leadership from decision makers around the world. A Palin administration, if her beliefs are to be considered, would not rely on science and academia. Unlike Obama, there appears to be not the same concern for the threatened Arctic environment or the effects of global warming. Now let's take a step back. Could these events be avoided if Americans place a checkmark in one little square box opposed to another? The answer is yes. Whether it is the first African American president or the first female vice president stepping into the White House, this is going to be an election that defines a generation. Along with a generation, it will be affecting the entire world. There is no doubt that the upcoming U.S. election has just as much, if not more influence on other countries. So that leaves Americans with two choices: the Democrat Barack Obama, with his experienced running mate Joe Biden, or John McCain and his inexperienced Sarah Palin. The world can only hope that the American electorate will make a sound decision. Bachelor of Education in Adult Education Degree and Certificate Programs INFORMATION SESSION Wednesday, October 1st 12-1 p.m. in room A106 OR 5-6 p.m. in room A106 Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning Trafalgar Campus, 1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville The program is designed for those working or aspiring to work in adult learning environments including health care, human resources, business, social services, industry or formal academic settings. Think Green. Breathe Easy. HUGE CENTRAL AIR & FURNACE $ Up to 3450* MANUFACTURERS CASH BACK SALE BEST PRICES EVER! Cash Back AND NO PAYMENT! NO INTEREST! FOR 6 MONTHS *OAC HYDRO CASH BACK UP TO UP TO UP TO $1400 + $1500 + $550 GOV. CASH BACK *Call for details. Financing Available Brock University offers BEd in Adult Education degree and certificate programs in Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning. Study parttime to enhance your understanding and application of adult education principles and practices. Courses are offered on Saturdays at Sheridan or online. Applications are now being accepted for the Winter 2009 session. For application information for the BEd in Adult Education, visit our website at http://adult.ed.brocku.ca or call 905-688-5550, ext. 5547, or e-mail: adulted@brocku.ca ST. C AT H A R I N E S | O N TA R I O | C A N A DA | W W W. B R O C KU. C A 8 Locations To Serve You Better! 905-849-4998 www.aireone.com 1-888-827-2665 GAS FIREPLACE REPAIR WE SERVICE: CFM, DRU GSM, Hunter, Insta-Flame, Valor, Napoleon, Regency, Majestic, Heat-N-Gllo, Heatilator, Selkirk, GTI, Dovre, Pacific Energy, Security, HearthStone, Montigo, Lennox, Temco, Kingsman, Polaris, Heritage, Drolet, Continental, Vermont Casting, Osburn & Many Other Brands ON SALE TODAY AT 10AM Solving Problems Since 1982 CLINT BLACK Thursday, November 13 8pm HAMILTON PLACE Tickets available at the Copps Coliseum Box Office, ticketmaster.ca or 905-527-7666 Experience is the difference! 905-845-0701 Email:scott@gasfix.ca