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The Canadian le OUR READERS W THE CANADIAN CHAMPION Foley uses 'blame game' in Mike Harris criticism Dear Editor: In response to Mike Foley's vitriolic December 22 letter castigating the current provincial govem- ment of Mike Harris for the increasing poverty in Toronto, I paraphrase this quote: "The fault, dear Brutus, lies not in the stars, but in ourselves." Using the 'blame game' to describe complex socio-economic problems solves nothing and explains everything when Stats Canada defines a family of four with an income less than $31,000 as being 'poor.' Obviously there are individuals and families liv- ing on much less, however our social welfare net is far superior to that of Calcutta or Bombay where the real poverty exists. Mr. Foley further states this government has destroyed years of social engineering. If that implies taxpayers are entrusted to keep more of their own money or signalling able-bodied welfare applicants they are not perpetually entitled to other people's money for life-time support, or eliminat- ing employment-equity which essentially discrimi- nated against Canadian-born white men, then I fully support the demise of social engineering. Self-employed people lessen the power of self- righteous social engineers who claim they have more understanding and control over our lives than we, ourselves. Although sincere, these misplaced sentiments for the relatively described 'poor' usually stem from feelings of guilt, similar to survivors' guilt after a plane crash, hence the above-mentioned quote. Gordon Vinkle Milton Reader responds to citizen's phone cail Dear Editor: I am writing in response to the recent letter submitted by Greg Snow to The Champion regarding snow removal ser- vices. I am Jim Finn's daughter, the "female" you spoke with when you called our home on Sunday, Jan. 3. Of the phone calls we received that day, yours was easily recalled. You were very frustrated and rude to me when expressing your concems about being "stuck at home." When I said Jim was unavailable he wasn't "out" like you seem to think, but actually at work since the start of the snowstorm. And yes it is a good thing he and other employees were able to get out or we would all be stuck at home! When I couldn't answer your questions and said that you were speaking to the wrong person, I meant myself, not my father. I'm sorry the snow removal sched- ule is not known to our family, and we couldn't tell you what you wanted to hear. Let me ask you a question, how would you feel if your family received phone calls at home regarding your work? You told me you had called your MPP and he had told you to contact Jim Finn. I'm sure he didn't tell you to call him at home! That Sunday you said you needed out for work and in the paper you said it was a family tragedy. How did it escalate to this? Everyone has concerns about how things are done, but please remember that when you call somebody's home they may not be able to give you the answers you want. The Milton public works department and all of its employees have done a fabu- lous job trying to keep up with this endless battle of snow, and as a family we are supportive of them. Kylle Finn Milton Big thanks from UNICEF Dear Editor: At this festive holiday season, UNICEF Ontario wishes to thank all the members of the community for making this an outstanding year for UNICEF and thus for children. A special thank you goes to Ontario teachers, the driving force behind the Halloween orange box school program for 43 years. This year, during a difficult time, teachers once again distributed boxes and taught students about their world and children's rights and responsibili- ties. Along with parents, they empowered children to act a global citizens to ensure a better future for other children. Community organizations, youth groups, businesses and media also provided invaluable support. As coin counts are still arriv- ing, we anticipate reaching our target of almost $1 million - an outstanding achievement! Our thanks also to the many people and corpora- tions, who through the purchase of UNICEF cards and gifts, share this holiday season with children around the globe. Many volunteers, groups, merchants and corpo- rations also help UNICEF cards. Collectively, these sales indicate another goal will be reached - approximately $1.4 million will be directed to the world's most underserved chil- dren. Education, immunization, safe water, sanitation and improved nutrition will all flow from these funds. Through your support, millions of children will be helped around the world. Our thanks to all. Laura Ludwin, provincial chairperson UNICEF Ontarlo ITE Canadian-owned division of Welcome Wagon okay Dear Editor: As a Welcome Wagon hostess, I have the enjoy- able job of visiting newcomers to Milton from far away places like South Africa and Ireland and closer communities like Brampton and Mississauga, all of whom are seeking a hometown with the qualities Milton provides. I take pleasure in assuring them that they have 4> chosen a great community for their home where C they will find the business people friendly and cus- tomer-oriented. Recently some incorrect information was report- ed out of the U.S. about the personal visits that Welcome Wagon provides here in Canada. Although the U.S. company has decided to dis- continue personal delivery of the Community Welcome packages, this in no way affects the Canadian management-owned Welcome Wagon Ltd. o Our business community and civic-related ser- c vices have always been very supportive of our welcoming basket of gifts and information. I would like to assure new residents that we will continue to provide them with a warm and wel- coming package of goodies. The Canadian Welcome Wagon Ltd. and most certainly the Milton program are vibrant and strong and reflect the open, friendly and welcom- ing tradition that's alive and well in our communi- Linda McLeod Community welcome hostess w wm1f . ~ wm ý1J I0,(111ý/ 110.m 101 1-800350-361