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6- PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, December 20, 1994 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice' I > PORT PERRY STAR DITORIA Editorial Comment Christmas spirit alive It would appear that the Christmas spir- it is alive and well in Scugog. During the past couple of weeks, we have received numerous reports of ef- forts that have been launched to help the needy at this special time of year. And time and time again, organizers are tell- ing us, the people of scugog have re- sponded to the call with generosity. This isn't a surprise; it's what we've come to expect from the people here, who are adept at identifying needs and worthy causes, and backing them to the fullest. Remember how Scugog reacted to the tragic robbery and shooting at the Bank of Montreal in October? Instantly, it seemed, the community was banding to- gether to offer support in any way they could. It's still occurring. Just last week, we took another picture in connection with the effort to help Debra-Ann Taylor, a |: shooting victim who has been off work since the incident. It's a wonderful thing to consider. And in the past couple of weeks, we've seen numerous efforts to help the needy to en- joy the warmth and joy of Christmas. Here are a few examples: a Port Perry High School students is- sued a challenge to local businesses, as well as their colleagues at school, to col- lect food, money and toys for distribution by Operation Scugog. The result was $1,096 worth of food collected, and $1,247 in cash. a At Cartwright High School, students endured a 30-hour "famine" to raise mon- ey and awareness for world hunger. some 60 kids gathered pledges and spent the long night together, without food. a Merchants in the township responded to challenges by holding food drives, while others came up with innovative methods of collecting donations for the needy. a Everywhere, people are pausing to drop off food or toys, or make cash dona- tions. It's become a common sight at Christmas here. These are just a few examples, and we in no way are downplaying other efforts by omission. The point is to say Thank You. To the organizers who started the efforts, and to those who responded so generously. A challenge made on this page a few weeks ago was answered resoundingly. Merry Christmas, Scugog. p-------- ---_----. Pa . tet of 7) oe CN ' . ~~. "Ye Fo. PN ) \ : ALTTNRA if} L I. LE; 50 Sy oo JE ( ' Z gy . bad Lah SAE Ji A pr asa We + S3a TES FIRTH LITA bso huke KJ F577 ~ - Pd sro re . x Sw ET a ' - gi" 38 us (NE Zr hg AA x - . » "d " wa , " LI " . re ge . . ni p ~~ --, LEI ~~ ol . / LN LTA Le - 4 7 77 SF 7 Vr, » / ys ) = A family of six takes a break from a car ride in downtown Bla ]_ETTER OF THE WEEK Who speaks for the disabled in debate? To the Editor: The deaths of Tracy Latimer and Ryan Wilkieson trouble me. Their physical deaths are relentlessly tragic. I empathize, admittedly to a situation I am unaccustomed to with what Laura and Rob Latimer, and Cathy Wilkieson have endured emotionally, spiritually, physically, and financially in raising their families. But who empathizes for Tracy and Ryan? Most of us are inherently selfish crea- tures; it is our nature. Mr. Latimer and Mrs. Wilkieson have committed the most selfish act possible - they have tak- en the life of another human being. If the law, which is humanity's social covenant, does not protect individuals like Tracy Latimer and Ryan Wilkieson, who or what will? Many Canadians are naively guilty of collapsing and blurring the distinction between their deaths and those like them, such as those individu- als who choose voluntary euthanasia. Over the past several weeks, many people have written a number of articles primarily expressing empathy for Mr. Latimer. In many cases, these people have distorted the gravity of this issué, by comparing their 75 year old relative suffering from Alzheimer disease with Tracy and Ryan's cerebral palsy. Is soci- ety that medicated that it cannot make the distinction between a child, unable to protect itself, with a potentially astounding life ahead of them, and an Turn to page 7 by J. Peter Hvidsten SANTA CLAUS OVERDOSE Every year about this time | get upset with how commercial- ized Christmas has become. In particular, how the image of Santa Claus is used to sell everything from chicken dinners to furniture. Starting early in December Santa is exploited in commercials, sitcoms and advertisements with no thought to how it affects the youngsters who still believe in the miracle of Christmas. In addition, Santa can now be found in almost any shopping centre 7 days a week; he visits Christmas parties, attends Santa Claus Parades and hands out goodies on the street in aimost every community. In fact, sometimes two Santa's are working the same town at t same time. | know it's all done with good inten- tions, but personally I've had an over- dose of the jolly old elf this year. This once mystical figure is almost as common place today as Mickey Mouse and it's ruining Christmas for the kids. It's no wonder they begin to have doubts in Santa at such a young age. And that, | think, is very sad! MERRY CHRISTMAS By the time this edition of the Port Perry Star arrives at your home, there will only be a few days left until Christmas. It's a wonderful time of the year. This season we are blessed with a blanket of white snow, crisp nights flavored with the aroma of wood burning in an open fire- place and homes decked out with an array of lights and decorations, which all bring back memories of the traditional Christmas of years gone by. We would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of our friends, neighbors and acquaintances a very Merry Christmas. To our business associates and col- leagues we extend best wishes for con- tinued health, happiness and prosperity in the new, year. And to the staff of the Port Perry Star, Nancy and | would like express our appreciation for your loyalty and support over the past year. Merry Christmas to all!