OPINION Ly The Castl agar Sun - ~~, 7; Serving the 16,000 people of the Castlegar area, The Castlegar Sun ts Lid, at 465 by Columbia Ave. Castlegar, B.C, VIN 1G8, The Castlegar Sun is politi- Slt intopondert and a member et the Staring News Service; Cane dian Co y , B.C Assocation, and the B.C. Press Council. Established 28, 1990. Pu Mail 10420. PUBLISHER MARILYN STRONG HARP?.. WHATS WRONG WITH A KAZO00? TH ANDINGDE =a POTASH IN editorial comment Breaks will break us ‘The carnage on B.C. roads has got to stop! Last year there were over 500 fatalities from motor vehicle accidents in the province. Injuries topped 48,299. Think about it for a moment. Five hundred people gone from the face of the earth. Another 48,000 injured. That's a lot of hurt and pain. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Last year, in B.C. alone, there were 11,300 crashes directly related to unsafe speeds. And yet the numbers keep growing! Locally, it’s just as frightening. Recent speed reader board isti the total di: many area drivers have for speed limits. At 24th St. and 9h Ave., 148 drivers were recently monitored. Almost 60 per cent were found to be speeding.’ Worse yet, that area is a 30 kmh zone—Kinnaird Elementary School students walk those, bvery school day. At Columbia Ave. and 14th St, 158 vehicles were monitored. 138 drivers were speeding. So what does this mean? If you've never had a family member injured or die in an acci- dent, or if you haven't been in an accident yourself, it’s hard to contemplate what that means. But speeding drivers injure all of us. If we're lucky, they only injure us financially when we have to collectively pay the costs of. their speeding. High insurance rates, and yes, even our taxes, are affected by those who speed. Society as a whole pays the price. Despite this, there are still those who continue speeding. And after sitting in court and observing proceedings against Speeding drivers, it’s not hard to understand why speeding cam- Paigns aren’t as effective as they should be. Last week, a young man appeared before the judge to answer to charges of speeding. A local and well-seasoned RCMP officer gave testimony that the driver was observed travelling at the same rate of speed as the vehicle ahead of him. The Officer's radar clocked the first driver at almost 20 kmh over the limit. The officer in question has over 20 years experience in traffic enforcement. His testimony was clear, concise, credible and well delivered. The driver in question has had seven speeding tickets in four years. That's almost two speeding infractions a year. But because the officer used his judgement and not his radar gun, the judge ruled on behalf of the accused. “The defendant has to get the benefit of the doubt,” the judge said in summation. The defendant had already had the benefit of the doubt seven times. Victims of Speeding driver's don’t get a second chance. The week before last, a woman appeared in front of the judge for i argument was that her cruise control had been ‘Set at the speed limit, i ing. t “mean to speed”. Guess what, judge. Those who get in accidents don’t “mean” to get in accidents. And those who die in accidents caused by speed- ing drivers don’t “mean” to die, either. appeared in front of the court for speeding ‘was a respectful and polite young man. His The kindly judge reduced the fine to $50 from $100. “T'll give you a little break,” he said to the accused. In effect, RCMP have become toothless tigers when it comes to enforcing speed limits. If this is how things are going it might just be cheaper to reduce speeding fines to $50 with the understanding it's the bot- tom-line deal of the day. No breaks, no deals. That way taxpayers are spared the expense of the judge's, officer's, court clerk’s, Crown counsel's and defendant's time. Not to mention the time spent on preparing the case for hearing. If the income of the accused is limited they also get a “break” . seems the only people getting the breaks are those who break the law. KK ERRORS: The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in any advertisement beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by that portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred, whether such error is due to the negligence of its servants or otherwise... and there shall be no liability for non-insertion of any advertisement beyond the amount Paid for such advertisement. All advertising subject to publisher's approval. Contracts must be completed within one year from contract date. No contingent orders accepted LSS; ; . f / ™2-\ J WH eS UD SO Ae F, : more Fleur de igs and Make bigger. WHO HAS VETO? -LION, OR UNICORN? INS EST. Why support teen sex? I feel so alone. The parents want condom machines in the high school. The students want them, too. The public health nurse wants them. And my colleague, Karen Kerkhoff, appears to want them, judging from her column last week. Am I the only one who believes it’s a bad idea? At the risk of sounding old-fashioned, I was under the delusion schools were places to learn math, grammar, Spelling and science. I guess teenage se% is now an official extra-curricular activity because the school is thinking of supplying some of the equipment. In my day, extra-curricular supplies were basketballs and uniforms. How things have changed. I’m somewhat shocked the school board is taking the request for condom machines seriously. For starters, condom machines don’t belong in schools. There are plenty of out- lets where condoms are available and the local high school doesn't need to be one of them. What's next? Should schools also find a way to get into the Cigarette and liquor business, too? After all, high school students drink and smoke, so why not sup- ply that, too? Schools can’t now because the students are underage. But shouldn’t sexual relations be confined to adults as well, even though there aren't any formal laws governing it? Secondly, should the school board approve condom machines, it also offically puts a stamp of approval on pre-marital teenage sex. Yes, it’s a reality some high school students will engage in sex and the board would be foolish to believe it doesn’t happen. However, that doesn’t mean the board should actively aid and abet the practice by providing easier access “to birth control devices. The board becomes a willing partner: if it approves the machines. One of colleague Kerkhoff’s arguments is having condoms in the school john saves students the embarrassment of having to buy them in a public place like a drug store. Instead of assuming the embarrass- ment will encourage unprotected sex, why not consider the embarrassment a helpful deterrent to any kind of sex? Secondly. if | BANCARZ ssc teenage sex is acceptable and right, then why is there any embarrassment? The fact teenagers feel any embarrassment must mean they intuitively believe what they are about to do is wrong. Maybe they feel uncomfortable enough to make the right decision and abandon their plans. If safe Sex is the ultimate goal, then why discour- age the safest option, namely abstinence? This singular issue points to two bigger issues, the first being the whole sex educa- tion business. Proponents of sex education had the best intentions. But like so many things, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. The rationale behind sex educa- tion was to make sure students were informed. Better education would prevent teen pregnancies and lessen the incidences of sexually transmitted diseases. Unfortunately, sex education has had the opposite effect. Both pregnancies and cases of STDs among teens have increased since the so-called “dark, old ignorant days.” Instead of providing students with needed knowledge, sex education has become a “how to” manual. This leads us to the second bigger issue. In the dark old days, sex education and, more importantly, values associated with sex were responsibilities of the home. But like so many other things, the state or its agents (in this case, schools) have taken over functions which rightfully belong in the home. Then again, it'appears today’s parents are more than willing to let the state take over because 75 per cent of them want schools to dispense condoms to their chil- dren, according to the survey quoted in last week’s story. That’s a shame. Such over- whelming support makes it more difficult to return to options which got better results. Not that educators would ever consider the so-called “old ways.” They were much too confining and involved “morals”, thus making them unpaletable to the progres- sive, open-minded education establish- ment. Well, current policies also follow a morality, whether the establishment wants to admit that or not. It’s a morality which advocates anything goes and no rules. Condoms in schools, more teenage mothers und more kids with STDs are the results of that morality. Unfortunately, it’s a morality 75 per cent of local parents appear to share. I truly do feel alone. Page A7 purposes Axworthy argue that B.C.'s three- month residency requirement is against the freedom of mobility clause in the Charter of Rights, they are out to a Very long lunch at taxpayers’ expense, No one is preventing anyone from moving to B.C. The problem is when someone gets here, the streets are not paved with gold. Brian Zacharias Wednesday, December 13, 1995 Sere Politicians only act to suit their own Dear Editor: It is really quite frustrating watching our politicians perform. What they are doing is rather serious, and I am always wonder- ing how we the people can make them accountable. Since our courts and political leaders are Chretien are using the Canada i ing laws to. Assi: Plan and the Charter of Rights to say B.C. is breaking the law. Their view of reality is the cial Jusisdiction should cause the court to rule in favor of B.C “Generally all Matters of merely a local and private Nature in the Province.” The people of B.C. are the ones left holding thé bag when it comes down to looking after the homeless and the hungry, If that isn’t a matter of local and private nature in the Province, what is? When Chretien and enumerated; #2 Direct Taxation within the Province in order to raising of a Revenue for Provin- cial Purposes.” Both the Federal and Provincial governments have broken the Supreme Law of Canada and are now scrapping over their ill-gotten gain, Who is going to suffer from this dispute? The poor, of course. Section 16 of exclusive Provin- law. Allow me to explain Federal Human Resources Min- ister Lloyd Axworthy is currently withholding $47 million in wel- fare funding from B.C. because of a residency requirement for wel- fare eligibility. Axworthy and federal government has the power to collect income taxes in B.C. and return some of this revenue in transfer payments, B.C. is taking the federal government to court What does the constitution say? In Section 92, “In each Province, the Legislature may exclusively make Laws in rela- tion to Matters coming within the Classes of Subjects hereinafter their view of reality. It is time we the péople insisted they obey the Pub owner responds to coverage Dear Editor: ATTENTION CUSTOMERS been for eight years. am strongly opposed to. Castlegar is growing, I would like to respond to both the pro- posed pub article which appeared on the front page of the Nov. 29 issue of The Castlegar Sun and the editorial written by Trent Bancarz in the same issue. To set the record straight, I—Val Bann, (not I was at that meeting, representing all other pub owners in the city. Mr. Turta, owner of the Fireside Inn, was representing the Hotelman’s Association. I am not afraid of free enterprise or iti am I opp to Gardeli's opening a neighborhood pub. However, in which is good. But do we need the potential for a neighb pub in all shopping centres or anywhere that is C-1 zoned? This includes areas adjacent to residential neighborhoods. I urge everyone to look at the zoning map at City Hall to see if they live near a C-1 area: Our telephone number in the Yellow Pages was misprinted. Bond) am not the manager of Banjo’s Pub (not nightclub). I am one of the owners and have d to include order to accommodate this, all C-1 zoning was h ighborhood pubs. This I This re-zoning could affect them in the future, Val Bann School is no place for condoms Your articles by Karen Kerkhoff are truly fascinating. It appears the direction of education in our schools is lacking and the moral fibre of our students is perhaps a reflection of society in general. Our public health nurse can present the figures after the fact, but gives no mention of offering our children the sex education needed by them to make any decision, rational or otherwise. If 73 per cent of the parents want condom machines installed in the school, then perhaps they should take the initiative to supply their children themselves. It was com- mented in the article that “coun- cilors suggested a warning, visi ties cond oF aren’t 100 per cent safe, could be affixed to each machine.” The question is: can these students read and understand instructions? Schools are educational institu- tions that are supposed to be offering our children knowledge and direction, not a quick fix. And what may the next step be by our board of trustees? Will they Thanks for the article Dear Editor: Many thanks for the Remem- brance Day article about our late father, Flying Officer Virgil Lee Riley and the naming of Riley lake as part of the provincial govern- ment’s Commemorative Place. * Name Remembrance Day List’ Your article engendered many interesting comments and conver- sations. There are still many people in Castlegar who remember him. For anyone who might be interested in the location of the lake or in finding out more about this program— including a list of other 1995 honorees—we have donated copies of correspon- dence, maps and the beautiful certificate signed by Premier Har- court received yesterday, to the C.P. Rail Station Museum in ‘downtown Castlegar. The muse- ‘um already has a large collection of artifacts on loan from the Branch 170 Canadian Legion on displa’ Our father’s eldest living brother, 91-year-old Carl Riley in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, has agreed to lead our hike into Riley Lake next year! Carolee Fitz-Gerald & Sherrel Koreen Thanks for the help Dear Editor: Kudos to all of your readers who responded to our collection of old phone books for recycling. A special thanks to Jeff, man- ager of Dairy Queen, who pro- vided a nice treat for the 20 children that gave up Saturday morning cartoons to help the environment. To the parents who drove and to the other district schools that responded, THANKS. Ron Heuer, Division Two Kinnaird Elementary School Don't toss the shell Dear Editor: have to initiate a needle exchange program? Opening the door for enlight- enment and education of the stu- dent is one thing, but opening the door to providing condoms for the few for their lack of respect of themselves or society is a step in the wrong direction. Let the parent take responsibility for their child and provide the con- doms from the home environ- ment. The schools must provide the child with the necessary information and education to be able to make rational decisions, for the child has to live or die with the consequences of their decisions. Perhaps it is both the parent and the school that are failing to offer the child viable choices and now wish to take the easy way out by providing an excuse for a solution. Peter Popoff The correct phone number is 365-5944 We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. ¢For all your breads, buns, AUTOPLAN 1996 More'than one million claim-free BC motorists will pay less for their Autoplan insurance in 1996. That's good news for ICBC customers and a sign that the province-wide Road Sense Program not only saves lives—it can save you Good News For More Than One Million BC Motorists. Who Pays Less in 1996? © Most RoadStars — ICBC customers who have maintained their 40% discount for more than five years in a row with no at-fault claims; 0 The majority of claim-free drivers; Yes, I'm sure there are high school students who are sexually active. These students have a night to protection and the machines would solve the embarassment of buying them at a Pharmacy. — Jeff Drayton condom age group. in The Castlegar Sun. If appear in Speaker’ s Corn Yes. The installation of machines would promote safer Sex to a sexually active — Lori Brown Speaker’s Corner Castlegar student Tamara Terry is pounding the pavement in search of answers to questions,that correspond with news stories that have appeared you see Tamara, it could be your opportunity to er, which is published each week. Question: Should condom machines be put in high schools? No. Being a student, I be abused. Students will buy them just to play pranks with and add to our problem of litter on — school grounds. — Phons Sennhavong With the increase in know the machines will disease and pregnan- cies, T think it's impor- tant lecnagers have an easier way of getting what they need for sex. safe sex. — Glenn Magee Yes. Condom machines will fight against dis- case and promote the responsibility of teenagers to have safer — David Miner The eggshell has calcium. So when you use eggs, boil the egg shells to put the calcium in the water and use the water in your coffee, etc. Don’t waste the calcium. Make complete use of the egg (including the shell). money. We're doing everything we can to hold the line on premium increases and make BC a safer place to drive. Nevertheless, some Motorists, particularly those with at-fault claims, will pay more in 1996. What's new for 1996? RoadStar Savings Hl@sfemtntreye leat RoadStar Savings for customers who have kept their 40% discounts for more than five years in a row with no at-fault claims. Now RoadStars will see additional discounts on the Cost of Autoplan Basic and other commonly purchased optional coverages. That's in addition to the free Discount Protection RoadStars automatically receive. However, due to rising claims costs in some areas of BC and the higher claims costs for vehicles that are stolen frequently and/or cost more to repair, some RoadStars will see slight increases in their total premium ey debe” Introduced in late 1995, Autoplani2 is the new monthly payment option from ICBC. If you have relied on a series of short-term policies, Autoplan12 can save you money. Just see your Autoplan broker to enroll and payments will be deducted automatically from your bank account each month. 0 Many residents of the Kootenays, Peace River, Vancouver Island, and the North Coast — due to the relatively low overall cost of claims in those areas; Most four-door-sedan and minivan owners will pay less for Autoplan Collision and Comprehensive coverages. Who Pays More? OAs in other years, motorists who have had at-fault claims in 1995; © Owners of high-performance sports cars and other vehicles that cost more to repair or are stolen frequently; 0 Some Lower Mainland motorists — because of the high number and cost of claims in that area; O Many motorists in the Fraser Valley, Squamish/Whistler and Maple Ridge — due to rapid population growth and increased traffic that has led to more crashes and claims in those areas. Peter Kastrukoff Sr. Got a point to make? Write a letter to the editor. 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