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"A Family Tradition for 128 Years" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, November 14, 1995 - 7 from our readers Separatists are strangling country To the Editor: For the last couple of months the Quebec separatists have had their hands around Cana- da's throat. The stranglehold that Mr. Bouchard and Mr. Parizeau ad- ministered has brought our na- tion to its knees. The dollar took a beating, interest rates jumped around radically, and the House of Commons has been re- duced to a theatre playing out the act. Nothing is happening in Ot- tawa. And what is more, I'm not sure that anything is about to happen. The Liberals are aston- Equality must be achieved To the Editor: Canada is a great nation founded on the principles of freedom and equality. Now, more than ever, we Canadi- ans must reaffirm our com- mitment to these principles. Now, more than ever, Prime Minister Chretien must reaffirm his belief in these principles. Instead, he plans to give Quebec the spe- cial status of a "distinct socie- ty." Chretien is tragically wrong. Canadians cannot be equal if some Canadians are more equal than others. Dis- tinct society status for Que- bec undermines the equality of all other Canadians. Canadians must not and will not abandon their com- mitment to freedom and equality to appease anyone. Distinct society status for Quebec will neither leave Canada whole nor leave us with our cherished princi- ples. Sincerely, David Somerville President, National Citizens Coalition ishing the House by filibuster- ing their own bills with lengthy delays. The government is idle while our nation's real prob- lems go unaddressed. We cannot afford to ignore the serious issues such as debt, deficit and criminal justice. We must get on with trying to find solutions to our nation's prob- lems. Mr. Chretien's status quo comfort zone has been shaken by the closeness of the referen- dum results. The danger of Can- ada granting Quebec special status or other special treat- ment is apparent. My fear is that we may be fac- ing a hung Parliament in Otta- wa for who knows how long. This government has to decide whether to get on with the na- tion's business or adjourn Par- liament until they are prepared to present meaningful legisla- tion. Sincerely, Andrew Cobean, Pickering Local road's dangerous To the Editor: Last Monday evening I came across the site of a four car acci- dent on icy roads between Good- wood and Stouffville. A beauti- ful young pregnant woman was injured. It was heart breaking to see her injured. Ican't get her out of my mind, and I pray that she is okay. I write this letter for two rea- sons: to warn others about that section of highway, and to ask if anything can be done about a dangerous situation. I drive about 50,000 km a year and the two hills on High- way 47 west of Goodwood and east of the intersection with Durham/York Road 30 are much more dangerous in the winter than any other road that Itravel. If you pass that way when the temperature is between +1 and -4 and there is any moisture (melt water, rain or snow), be very careful: It ices more than any other part of the road. I have seen several accidents there. I wonder if accident sta- tistics are available for that road? Can anything be done to im- prove the situation? Is there anyone involved with winter road maintenance who can ex- plain whet is happening or sug- gest changes? Can more injuries be prevent- ed? L. Thorkelsson, Port Perry Labor's plan is looney To the Editor: The gamble by Buzz Har- grove and labor leaders to shut down cities and plants in On- tario with rotating wildcats, including Oshawa General Motors plants and hospitals is asinine. It is illegal, and could cost those wildcating, and others, their jobs. It would then be used as a bargaining tool, to get their jobs back at contract time. We have seen this happen many times before. By keeping the cards closer to your chest at contract time, you are not jeopardizing the union mem- bers bargaining potentials. Herman van der Veen, Oshawa by Jeff Mitchell A BIG PLAYGROUND SQUABBLE WHO'S A CRYBABY? It's with interest I've been watching over the past week Dan Rather's coverage of the budget crisis in the U.S., and all the acrimony that's accompanied it. Newt Gingrich and Bill Clinton squared off, and neither, until Sunday afternoon, appeared willing to back down. It reminds one of primary school days, when the two big kids everyone knows have hated one another for years finally square off in a winner-takes-all fist fight. It would be amusing were it not for the thousands of folks who were needlessly inconvenienced by the 90 per cent shut-down of government operations. But more than anything, it's surreal. Imagine: The most powerful country in the world brought to a grinding hault because of a squabble involving two men. In Canada we have filibusters, sure, and there's even the occasional bit of cranky behavior on the part of Senators who want to trip up the government over legislation -- witness the gun bill debate currently going on. But shut down government services temporarily? No way. In Canada, we go whole hog. We fire the government workers outright, tell recipients of the service that's tough, but that's life, and then go on our way, mumbling and fretting about the next internal crisis. If countries could develop ulcers, we'd have no stomach at all. OUTER SPACE KITCHEN: Here's a cheer for Canuck astronaut Chris Hadfield, who put a special Canadian spin on his mission aboard the space shuttle last week. His knowledge and competence were evident throughout the the mission's early stages, but it was when | the shuttle docked with the Russian space station Mir that Chris really shone. These outer space rendezvous events are typically akin to state visits, with a lot of pomp attached. But what does the Canadian boy do? He brings along a guitar, and sits down with the Russians for a jam. So instead of waving the flag, the boys made like they were in someobody's kitchen, and had a good time. All that was missing from the images was a table full of Ex bottles. | GUESS WHO?...Here's a reminder to plan now to be in attendance when Santa makes his first visit of the festive season to Port next Saturday. It's time for the Santa Claus parade, and organizers have been working like frenzied elves to put on a great show for you and yours. There are plenty of details on times, etc. elsewhere in today's paper. Come on out. I EE Random Jottings i by J. Peter Hvidsten PORT PERRY BURNED TO THE GROUND... REALLY! The very successful historical talks presented by Port Perry Star columnist Paul Arculus, author of _ --1 Sketches of Scugog, will wind up this Thursday when Paul gives his final lecture at the Head Church at Scugog Shores Museum. Those who attended either of his first two lectures has come away with a new appreciation for the his- tory of this community in a fashion that only he can present. Paul makes learning history fun and you can be sure there will be a full house for this Thursday's final talk. His lecture this week will focus on one of the areas founding fathers, Joseph Bigelow... the com- ing and ending of the railway... the fires which destroyed downtown Port Perry, not once, but twice over a period of a few years... and the recovery from the devastation of these disastrous fires. If you are unable to attend the lectures, don't for- gettoread Paul's popular historical column, Sketches of Scugog which is published monthly in the Port Perry Star. SANTA'S ON HIS WAY Canyou believe it? Inless than five weeks from now Christmas will be over! But before that happens there will be plenty of opportunity for the kids to see and visit with their favorite big elf. Starting this Saturday, Santa arrives in Port Perry, taking partin the annual Santa Claus Parade, which this year has a theme of Christmas In Wonderland. The Scugog Chamber of Commerce has been sponsoring the annual Santa parade for more than three decades and once again this year they are asking local organization, businesses or individuals to participate by entering a float. There is still time to enter, so ifyou have and idea that will help make a childs Christmas just a little brighter, call the Chamber today and enter. And don'tforget, after the parade winds it's way down Simcoe, Queen and Water Sts., the little tykes can visit and have a photo taken with Santa in the formerY building on Queen St., across from IGA. AFINALNOTE | found out late last Friday that Canadian illusionist Claude Haggerty would perform a show at the new Scugog Centre Hall. There was little publicity surrounding his arrivalin town, and only after speaking with him did | find out he publicizes his shows by offering free mini-shows atlocal schools the week leading up to the main performance. And his system works. The hall was packed with kids, parents in tow, for the show which included making a tiger disappear, sawing awoman in half, levitation, and other amazing acts. Itwas a great show for the kids, who went home wide eyes and big smiles on their faces.