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ra ---- A. arte 8 -- PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, November 15, 1988 Letters Voting for the lesser of two evils To The Editor: There really is nothing new about Finlay Grant's frustration with the lies and distortions in the current Federal election and another debate will not alleviate it. Over eighty years ago G.K. Chesterton wrote: "--people have got into their heads an extraordinary idea that English public school boys, and English youth generally, are taught to tell the truth. They are taught absolutely nothing of the kind. At no English school is it even suggested, except by acci- dent, that it is a man's duty to tell the truth. What is suggested is something entirely different; that it is a man's duty not to tell lies. Can anyone on earth believe that if the seeing and telling of the whole truth were really one of the ideals of the English governing class, there would conceivably ex- ist such a thing as the English party system? Why that system is founded upon the principle - half a truth is better than no politics." It is in politics that we learn the hard way that partial truth is often more dangerous than outright falsehoods. Since Chesterton's day we have a more sophisticated communication system that permits the entry of a third manipulative personage. Now, if we permit it, we have the additional confusion of polls, almost daily, that attempts to per- suade us how Eenie, Meenie, Minie and Moe are going to vote. Much rhetoric and long debates were expended to persuade us the need of repatriating the Constitu- tion. We are learning that the premises were incomplete and lead to false conclusions. The preamble of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms reads: "Whereas Canada is founded upon the prin- ciple that recognizes the JUpremacy of God and the rule of aw." There are those, including some judges who are not elected, who have a mistaken belief that God is relatively unimportant. Thus it is that we have a "broad-minded"' approach that religion is bound only by the principle of law, and therefore the law is used accor- ding to personal opinion. It is a dangerous course. In our endeavours to protect the rights of minorities we quickly discover that we cannot do so without infringing upon the rights of the majority. Thus it was that back in 1981 the Canadian Human Rights Commission ruled that the wearing of a religious symbol, the turban, had precedence over the wearing of a hard hat, the decree of the safety regulations of the Canada labour Code. Now we take away the rights of the majority and erode our heritage by taking prayer out of the schools. Our fathers had an unspoken but tacit agreement that they would not discuss religion or politics except in their proper place. It was not because they were unimportant but because we could not reach understanding in our mental processes. The Biblical story of the Tower of Babel is about this and not the confusion of languages. Today we witness the spectacle of major leaders failing to com- mit themselves to some impor- tant issues, not because they do not have some opinions on the subject but because they seek popularity over the welfare of people. They disclaim belief in polls but they study them to see which way the winds blow. C.S. Lewis once remarked that every increase in man's power over nature can turn out to mean an in- crease in the power of some men over others, and he warned of the "abolition of man". The major issue before the people today is the economic principle of spen- ding more than you earn. We all are aware of it because each of us face it daily. By all means vote as you like but be an informed voter even although it most often means choosing the lesser of evils. Yours truly, F.W. Hobbs, Prince Albert. Appreciates the help To The Editor: There are not enough words to express my thanks to all the peo- ple for their help on Thursday Yesterday's NMemories (From page 7) 20 YEARS AGO Thursday, November 14, 1968 Congratulations to Mrs. Robert Heayn, of Port Perry on the occasion of her 99th birthday. At present it is a two-way battle for reeve in Port Perry's upcoming election. The present reeve, J.J. Gibson, will be seek- ing re-election to the position he has held for over a decade. The second candidate is Robert Kenny, who has been on council for many years. Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Mitchell, Utica, celebrated their 50th Wed- ding Anniversary at an Open House on November 2, 1968. A three day deer hunt in Reach Township really paid off for one hunting party. They bagged 4 deer in 3 days of hunting - two does and two bucks, the largest weighing 176 lbs. dressed. Par- ty members included Lew Fielding, Nelson Cochrane, Albert Leach, Roy Leach, Ray Skinner, Harold Timms, Art Fielding, Harold Snooks and Glen Thertell. : The old Foot School on Scugog Island was sold by auction recently - the highest bidder was Sid Chandler, clerk-treasurer of the township. Building and property were sold for $775. with the condition that the building be removed. Mrs. Shirley Garvey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Smith, Prince Albert was awarded first prize and best at the Atlantic National Exhibition, St. John, New Brunswick, for a landscape in oil. 10 YEARS AGO Wednesday, November 15, 1978 Plans are presently underway for construction of another retail plaza in Port Perry. The proposed plan calls for a two- storey building with a total area of 14,000 sq. ft. Mark W. Bayley graduated from Aircraft Maintenance Engineering at Centennial College. Mr. and Mrs. Russel Larmer of Blackstock celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on November 14. Neil Malcolm celebrated the 2nd anniversary of Malmont Sales arena last Thursday. On Saturday, November 18, Fred Cookson will retire after 38 years of mail delivery. Ed Olsen, a graduate of the minor hockey ranks in Port Perry has earned a spot on the University of New Hamp- shire varsity hockey team this year. After more than a year of planning and there is now an adventure playground just outside the door of the Blackstock Nursery School. during our fire. To the person who first spotted the fire and went to Port Perry Star for help. To Peter and John and all the wonderful staff at the Star, Elaine Vaughn, Bob Alexander and the Port Perry Fire Dept. Because of all these caring people everything was under control within a short time and with a minimal amount of damage. It is a terrific feeling to know we live in a community with such wonderful people. Thank you all. Special thanks to Peter Hvidsten for all your assistance and generosity in getting our store back in operation as quickly as possible. Sincerely, Marg McDonald, Strawberry Threads. Parked car To The Editor: On Sunday, November 13th, I went to get into my car only to find it had been heavily damaged by a hit and run driver. My car, a 1986 grey Pontiac Bonneville had been parked along by the building where I live. This parking are is provided for public parking. With the amount of damage done to my car the person had to have known they had hit it. For them to just take off and not report it to the police makes one wonder how much respect does this person have for the Highway Traffic Act as well as other peoples property. The person has failed to report an accident and failed to remain at the scene of an accident. victim of hit and run driver How would this party feel if they had left their vehicle and returned to find it had been hit and the driver had left? I hope that the person who hit my car reads this article and if anyone who may have seen who did the damage will either contact me or the police. I close in saying that I don't ap- preciate having to pay out hun- dreds of dollars to have my car repaired due to the ignorance and inconsideration of someone who can't even take the responsibility for their own actions when it comes to the care and control in operating a motor vehicle. Lynn Cook Queen Street, Port Perry. Do your homework on Free Trade To The Editor: Finlay Grant's comments to the editor and your response (Port Perry Star Nov. 8th) are disap- pointing as there is no indication that either of you, have made any attempt to do a little 'Citizens Homework", in order to form your own opinions on "The Free Trade Act'. As a 60 year old stu- dent, attending Trent University classes in "Canadian Politics' at Durham College, I have enjoyed reading the wealth of information that is available from the Govern- ment, the local libraries and the political parties on this subject. The following is a short list of recommended readings: 1. "Bill C-130 An Act To Imple- ment The Free Trade Agreement Canada And The United States Of America'. Available from the Ministry of International Trade. (About 60 pages). : 2. "The Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement Synopsis". Available from the Department of External affairs, 125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, K1A 0G2 (about 50 pages). 3. "Free Trade The Real Story" edited by John Crispo Gage Publishing Co. Toronto 1988 (about 200 pages). This is a collec- tion of articles in support of Free Trade. Available in local libraries and book stores in the region. RE ... N d PORT PERR auto glass & trim WITH THIS COUPON 4. "The Free Trade Deal" edited by Duncan Cameron Lorimer & Co. Publishers Toron- to 1988 (about 250 pages). This is (Turn to page 15) Her view Is a minority To The Editor: Re: Letters - your paper of Nov. 8 and in reply to Margaret Rowland's "self righteous Christians'. With respect, may I remind Rowland of one Canadian/Chris- tian ethic, a combination of which is embodied in our rule of the ma- jority and as applies to our various systems - jury, union vote, municipal, federal elections, etc. In other words, our way of life and to which so many other peoples aspire. Otherwise, why the pressures on our immigration system? To accept Rowland's view is to accept the thesis of minority rule. To put it mildly, "as self evident contradiction to history and cur- rent fact." Yours truly, A. Grant, Port Perry. 139 WATER ST.. 6 HIGH STREET PORT PERRY | 7) - MOBILE SERVICE - GUARANTEED WORKMANSHIP