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~ OPINION Leave religious teachings out of the schools Dear Sir: I would like to comment regardâ€" ing an article I read recently in an Aug. 29th newspaper. It refers to "Parents‘ Group wants religion in Public School." Apparently, Manohar Singh Bal and other Muslim, Hindu, and Christian parâ€" ents are saddened by the governâ€" ment‘s decision in 1990 to keep reliâ€" gious instruction out of our public school classroom. Dear Sir: Your article in The Oakville Beaver, dated Sept. 2nd entitled "Disillusioned with South African Wines", by Alex Eberspaecher was read with interest. Living in the main wine growing area of South Africa, as I do, within a radius of 30 km of Nederburg, S.A. Farmers‘ Winery, and the famous Simonsig Wine Estate, all mentioned in the column, I can only come to the conclusion that the heading to the article was done by your editorial staff and not by the obviously knowledgeable author of the "Wine Cellar®". The public school system is not the place to study "Religious Cultures, only academics". Why do these selfâ€"righteous religious coaliâ€" tion groups continuously intrude and Dear Sir: I have just retired as a teacher. I told my husband, the first day of school that I hoped not to see any children on their way to school. My puppy changed that and as we were out for our morning jaunt, we saw Six school buses filled with excited chilâ€" dren and parents loading their chilâ€" dren off to school. As I begged my puppy into the house, I saw the new shoes, new jeans, skirts, etc. that I was to notice with the children on the school yard the first day. Having visited your lovely country in 1988 and again in 1994, the improvement over the years in the quality of Canadian wines is most marked. I can only agree too, that Australian, Californian, and Teachers deserve vote of confidence Regional Council in June whisked through a bylaw ensuring that any politician facing legal fees over jobâ€"related circumstances, could have the region cover those costs. But the interesting part here, is that the wording of the bylaw is such that any elected regional official could get the cash to pay his legal fees and then walk away, having not paid a dime. Even if the charged party is guilty or not. First, Parizeau will have to go to the people of Quebec again to ask for support of his referendum for independence. But this document is a minefield for Parizeau and he knows it. The wording is critical as will be the response from the prime minister. That will be the time for Chretien to speak out for Canada. The issue here is that, once again, there seems to be two sets of rulesâ€"one for government types and another for the common electorate who, facing similar charges, would have to fend for themselves. In ousting Johnson and party, they have voted for change and followed their political history. Quebeckers never elect provincial governments to a third term. Even former PQ boss Rene Levesque couldn‘t pull that off. That is the agenda of the people of Quebec. It is, of course, also the agenda of Parizeau. The trouble here is that change has two meanings in a Parizeauâ€"led Quebec.For Parizeau, change means seeking independence from Canada for his province and that will be his main thrust. But change for Quebeckers means a better quality of life, including jobs, better education facilities, better roads and better representation in the provincial parliament for their needs. Some regional councillors don‘t like the bylaw or its implications and intend to try and have it amended. We wish them well in their endeavours. _‘ liticians these days wonder why the public generally feels so negatively Pgbout their elected officials. The truth is the majority of politicians deserve any bad press they get. That point was again driven home last week (Sept. 9th Oakville Beaver) when it was revealed that Halton Region has paid the first in what will likely be many installments, of Regional Chairman Peter Pomeroy‘s legal costs surrounding conâ€" flict of interest charges. Headline and contents of wine column in conflict In fact, what this election has done and will do, is to illustrate the political savvy of the Quebec people. They have not been taken in by Parizeau or his party. Popularity polls throughout the election show the average Quebecker perâ€" sonally likes Liberal leader Daniel Johnson better than Parizeau. But at the same time, they were fed up with nine years of Liberal rule that saw no job gains, no improvement to their social system and nothing in the way of hope for the future. While Parizeau revels in victory today he has to be disturbed with the popuâ€" lar, or should we say unpopular, vote. The PQ won more seats but took 44.7% of the popular vote compared to 44.3% for the Liberals. And while PQâ€"backers say that when the percentage of other parties are added to theirs, that boosts them above the magical 50% mark, the fact is that there are legions of people who voted for the PQ who will not vote ‘yes‘ for separation. Parizeau should know that from his own previous experience. the horror that has been painted by some members of the media. Some of those quoted in the press and interviewed by the electronic types, have been equating the elevation of Jacques Parizeau as Premier, to the end of Canada. The victory of the Parti Quebecois Monday night should not be viewed with Oh yes, our teachers are short About equality The first step Mr. Bal and the other coalition groups are the ones who would be instilling racism amongst the public school children if this ruling were ever to be overturned. He also seems extremely upset because the school system acknowlâ€" edges drama programs, our own native culture, and kids having learnâ€" ing difficulties...so he figures his reliâ€" gion is being left out!!! GIVE ME A BREAK...continue to worship in staffed and I ache not being with them their first week of school. They are busy learning children‘s likes and dislikes, abilities, learning needs etc. Meanwhile, spending many late nights writing their plans for themâ€" selves, superiors and counts of how many children they have in class. Next comes meet the ‘creature‘ or teacher night. As a teacher stands over a hot barbecue cooking hot dogs or dipping into an iceâ€"cold container to serve pop, you do your best to remember those names and how each child is doingâ€"â€"keeping in mind most disrupt an already passed court rulâ€" ing. How many times must it be said that the home environment and one‘s chosen place of worship is where matters of religion should be taught. Portuguese wines mentioned are of the highest quality. What does perturb me is the blaâ€" tant contradiction of the caption to the article and its contents. Your writer, correctly gives high praise to, and comments the South African product. I am sure that teachers have families at home that they have to tend to and return. Let‘s say hats off to our teachers. Classes are large, they keep growing, they also have to do without helpersâ€" all for that dedication to your chilâ€" dren. Could we not give our teachers a pat on the back also? They have a tremendous responsibility and deserve the best. They are a great team all working to assist your chilâ€" dren. Marion Wilsonâ€"Lindars On arriving you try to think "is that Tommy Jones or Tommy Smith?" your home, your taxâ€"free place of worship, or go back to your roots Mr. Bal. The taxpayer cannot afford to accommodate all of the multicultural religions that exist in this province. As you are aware, this was a new program for us. Our objective was to create activities that were not only Dear Sir: I would like to thank the Oakville Beaver and the Oakville community for their support during our recent "Nuts About Kids" Summer Activities Program at Oakville Place. Alex will agree with me when I state that for the past few years, South African wines have won some of the highest awards in interâ€" national shows, mainly in France. Perhaps, he would be so kind as to refer to some of these accolades of Support of ‘kids‘ program gratifying All callers are allowed 45 secâ€" onds to express their opinion and must provide their name, address and phone number for verification. A cross section of the responsâ€" es will be published in next Wednesday‘s Oakville Beaver. Got a gripe? Give us a call. Readers are invited to express their opinion on a topic of their choice by calling 845â€"5585, box 5250. |SPEAK YOUR MIND The Oakville Beaver welcomes your comments. All letters must be signed and include the writer‘s address and phone number. Letters should be typed, doubleâ€"spaced and addressed to: Letters to the Editor, The Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville, Ont. L6K 3$4 pMDMSNGG every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday, at 49/ Speers Rd., Ian Oliver Publisher Oakville, is one of the Metroland Printing, Publishing Distributing Ltd. of suburban newspapers _ which includes: Ajax-PKxerin% News Advertiser, Barrie Advance, Brampton Robert Glubey Aduertismg Director | Guardian, Burlingion Post, Collingwood Connection, Etobicoke Guardian, Georgetown Independent/ Acton Free Press, Kingston This Week, Lindsay This Week, Markham * Norman Alexander Editor Economist and Sun, Stouffville/Uxbridge Tribune, Milton Canadian Champion, Missi 467 Speers Road, Oakville, Ont. L6K 354 Geoff Hill Circulation Director fone No: Mitor, Gakvile: Beaver, ‘Onlia Today, 845â€"3824 Fax: 845â€"3085 Teri Casas Office M S:Ia:‘/a/Whlby ThIsMWeek. Peterborough This Week, Richmond Hil/ThomhilWaughan C yolll anag eral, Scarbor * f 3 ol o 072 or 245973 Tim Coles Production Manager _ | Circulation: 845â€"9742 or 845â€"9743 Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of the advertising space occupied by the erronsous item, together with a reasonable alowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. The publisher reserves the right to categorize and reject advertising. in the event of typographical error, advertising goods or services at the wrong price, goods or services may not be isi er to sell and may be withdrawn at any time. THE OAKVILLE BEAVER ///{(//”Tf The Region of Halton is, indeed, very fortunate to have many people and programs that provide education and assistance for the breastfeeding families. As we all work towards the goal of promoting breastfeeding, our rates will conâ€" tinue to increase. Thank you. A Breastfeeding Support Clinic opened at OTMH in January 1994, and we have provided support for families during the first week following the birth of their baby. We also have a 24â€"hour telephone helpline number for parents to call whenever they need help and advice. Both of our services have been used extensively. We also inform our new parents of the resources in the community and encourage them to access appropriate support. Strong academic skills is what our younger generation deserve, and every dollar available should be put towards those goals. Halton groups encourage breastfeeding This became evident during "Be Friendly to Animals" hosted by The Oakville Humane Society and "The Teddy Bears Hospital" hosted by Oakvilleâ€"Trafalgar _ Memorial Hospital. Both groups showed patience and caring, beyond the call of duty, when dealing with children. As with any new program, we are aware of a few bugs to be worked out but we hope to be back next year with a bigger and even better program. I truly believe that this event was sucâ€" cessful because of the people within this community and your support. Dear Sir: We were pleased to read Maureen Thorpe‘s letter to the editor (Aug. 17th) regarding the importance of support for the breastfeeding family. She menâ€" tioned that Halton has a very high breastfeeding rate which indicates that famiâ€" lies are aware of the advantages of breastfeeding. The Oakvilleâ€"Trafalgar Memorial Hospital actively promotes breastfeeding, and we are encouraged to see more women choosing to breastfeed. fun but educational and involved community groups wherever possiâ€" ble. In putting together this program, I was impressed to discover the level of enthusiasm when it comes to carâ€" ing for our own. By this, I mean that we live in an extraordinary communiâ€" ty that cares about the people within it. merit which unfortunately, being so far from home, I am unable to furâ€" nish. With greetings and good wishes Penny Deathe Marketing Director Oakyville Place for your newspaper which I find of such a high standard. An errant Council seems to forget that it represents the ratepayers. It has taken more than three months for the public to begin to catch on. John Graham P.S.: A copy of byâ€"law #79â€"94 is available at the Main Library in the package for June 1st. The amendment may be found in the recommendaâ€" tions from the Administration and Finance Committee. On careful reâ€" reading of the byâ€"law, it is noted that the new policy is applicable, retroactively to Jan. 1, 1974, the inception of the Region. What the buildâ€" up of earlier legal fees and what other hidden costs are there? Would some regional councillor stand up and explain? Can you believe it? Does it mean that the reelection of a friendly Council might ensure that reimbursement is not necessary? That‘s what it means to this former councillor. What do Oakville ratepayers say? "I‘m shocked!" "Despicable!" "That‘s wrong!" and those are the mild responses. Apologists for the Regional Council have a novel point of view. Councillors are not rich people. They represent the little man, the man on the street, (no mention of women). Members of Council may not be able to afford legal counsel. Where do men and women who can‘t afford legal fees go? They go to Legal Aid, that‘s where! "Where it is determined by the Region that exceptional circumâ€" stances exist such that reimbursement is appropriate, the individual shall be required to reimburse the Region for all costs paid by the Region and shall be responsible for the payment of their penalty and any other additional costs in connection with representation on the matâ€" ter... Now, just what does that mean? How does the Region determine? By vote of the Council, by direction of the chairman or is it an adminisâ€" trative decision? But, says the chairman, he‘ll have to pay it all back if convicted. Well, perhaps. Maybe not exactly. What does a special amendment from the Regional Council on June 1st say and what does it mean? Dear Sir: Our regional chairman admits that his lawyer‘s fees are being paid by the Halton Regional government. The Council passed a new byâ€"law on June 1st of this year, #79â€"94. That means that we pay as ratepayers and a top lawyer‘s bills won‘t be small. To the surprise of many councillors, a bill submitted this week for $28,000 has been paid. That may be the first; it will only be the tip of the iceberg. fabt W\ Joyce Jackson, RN IBCLC Why are we paying" The Oakville Beaver, published every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday, at 467 Speers Rd., Oakville, is one of the Metroland Printing, Publishing Distributing Ltd. group of suburban newspapers which includes: Ajaxâ€"Pickering News Advertiser, Barrie Advance, Brampton Guardian, Burlin Post, Col ood Connection, Etobicoke Guardian, Georgetown Independent/ Acton Free Press, Kingston This Week, Lindsay This Week, Markham Economist and Sun, Stouftville/Uxbridge Tribune, Milton Canadian Champion, Mississauga News, Newmarketâ€"Aurora Eraâ€"Banner, North York Mirror, Oakville Beaver, Ofillia Today, Oshawa/Whitby This Week, Peterborough This Week, Richmond Hil/ThomhilWaughan iT Te Oaknille Bea tected b ight. Any reproduct material p in i ver is protec y copyright. re tion in whole or in part of this materia! is strictly forbidden without the consent of the pmf;her. V.L. Clegg September 14, 1994