OPINION WEDNESDAY, Decemb 1, 199. WIZZ > a The Cast gar Sun ATS is published every Wednesday by Sterling Newspapers Ltd at 465 Columbia Ave. Castlegar, B.C. VIN 1G8, The Castlegar Sun is politi cally independent and a member of the Sterling News Service, Cana dian Community Newspapets Association, B.C. Community Newspapers Assocation, and the B.C. Press Council. Established November 28, 1990. Publications Mail Registration pending PUBLISHER MARILYN STRONG SHARLENE IMHOFF CATHERINE ROSS EDITOR ADVERTISING REP. NICOLE BEETSTRA ADVERTISING REP. LISA ANDREW TELEMARKETING CHRISTINE MOYER PRODUCTION MANAGER. TRICIA LAKTIN PRODUCTION ASSISTANT JOHN VAN PUTTEN SPORTS REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER KAREN KERKHOFF REPORTER MARGE LALONDE CIRCULATION MANAGER SHAUNA KATTLER OFFICE MANAGERVCLASSIFIEDS Direct Department Phones General Office 365-5266 Circulation 365-5266 Classified Ads 365-7848 Display Advertising 365-2278 Newsroom 365-5579 Fax 365-7762 editorial comment The end of a dream Once again vandals have struck deep at the heart of Castlegar. The recent torching of Zuckerberg’s cabin on the “Jewel of the Kootenays” is a tragedy of utmost proportions and might sadly be one more indication of the declining health of our society as a whole. In days gone by there were certain unspoken boundaries and rules which most of us knew couldn’t be overstepped. Somehow, in our increasingly permissive civilization, some of those who follow in our footsteps are choosing to take detours from the beaten path of social rights. One might wonder what drives a person to set fire to a sign welcoming visitors to Castle gar, or even more repugnant, to a cabin that exemplified in its glorious simplicity all that was right in our world. While volunteer labor and donations might be able to re-build where the once-humble cabin used to nestle, it would be folly to try and do so—there are some things that are irreplace- able—and the little cabin in the. woods was surely one of those things. Underlying in this tragedy is that not only was a pioneer’s cabin torched, the true heart of Castlegar is forever gone with the simple, yet irrevocable, act of striking a match. The cabin was much more than a decrepit jumble of weathered logs, and more than a prized Castlegar heritage building. It was a symbol of hope. Over a half of a century ago Alexander Zuckerberg came to Castlegar when it was little more than a drop of spit on a dusty road. This proud man looked around at the bounty and wild beauty which surrounded him and knew, without a doubt, that this was where he wanted to spend his twilight years. He believed in dreams, and he believed in Castlegar so much that he was willing to live in the minute and cramped sod cabin while he wove his dreams. Day after day Zuckerberg struggled with his labor of love, the building we now know as the Chapel House. It couldn’t have been easy to live in such depressing cir- cumstances, and yet, somehow, Zuckerberg struggled on, returning to the unpretentious cabin every evening. Zuckerberg in his regal modesty embodied all that was right in our world, and now, sadly, because of someone’s dark motives, a symbol of an era is forever gone. Don’t mourn for the cabin, nor for the lost era. Instead mourn for the person who was driven to commit the act. Surely the deed was not directed at the cabin, but instead at society as a whole. Somewhere in the darkest recesses of the arsonist’s heart an anger lies coiled and ready to strike out at any moment. That is the true tragedy of the crime, and of our times. ERRORS: The advertiser agrees that the publisher shail 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 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 Printed in the US A Debunking Der Spiegel article The latest entry in the war on British Columbia's forest prac tices is the German news maga zine Der Spiegel In an article in its November 15 issue, the Spiegel (German for Mirror) lumps Finland, Alaska, Siberia and British Columbia together, branding them “Pil lagers of the North.” The article is the stuff the envi ronmental fringe element's dreams are made of. With little regard to facts, the Spiegel paints British Columbia as a haven for rapacious multi-nationals, hunt ing down every last stand of primeval forest to satisfy the mar- ket for advertising flyers and, of all things, disposable diapers. I can’t comment on the arti allegations regarding Finnish or Siberian forest prac- tices, but I consider myself quali- fied to make a few observations on some of the rather wild state- ments dealing with British Columbia. ‘Only 10 per cent of the denuded British Columbia are reforested with a few species of genetically-manip- ulated saplings, most of which soon die,” the Spiegel says. “Heavy rainfall washes away the humus layer, which causes the rivers previously clear and full of salmon, to silt up,” it adds. Actually, 100 per cent of the harvested areas are being refor- Tell me The new and tough Ministry of Forest’s proposal “Forest Practices Code” for cleaning up improper, poor, and uncaring logging contractors and individ- uals with tighter restrictions, million dollar fines, and a more environmentally aware piece of legislation is just what the doctor ordered. Or is it? As I understand it there’s real- ly not a whole lot of changes from what the new “Forest Prac- tices Code” says and what the mandate of the M.O.F. was pre- vious to the new code It all still boils down to the discretion of the district manager in the Arrow Forest District This gives me a whole lot of faith in the M.O.F.’s ability to enforce the law when they apparently cannot govern them- selves appropriately. But the most absurd part of this whole menagerie of smoke screens and mirrors is that the mighty M.O.F. wants the Min- istry of Environment (M.O.E.) conservation officers to enforce their regulations. cle's areas of ested. Seems the Spiegel dropped a zero. As for saplings dying reforestation in most areas runs at a 90 to 95 per cent success rate Diapers, eh? Someone should tell the Spiegel that Germany has becomie quite the market for the better wood harvested in British Columbia. A number of thriving, labor- intensive remanufacturing com- panies are turning out some pretty good window frames for the German market The reference to reforestation with genetically-manipuylated species is equally spurious. In every region of the province Native species are used to replace harvested trees. How about the salmon streams which, the article implies, are fast becoming an ecological waste- land? Actually, the salmon har- vest in British Columbia has been the best in 75 years. Yes, some companies have polluted streams, but the govern- ment has been on their case almost immediately. The article also states that the rape of the forests is feeding a hot market for paper. Last time I checked, the world pulp and paper markets were quite soft. The only British Columbia source quoted in the Spiegel is Paul George of the Western Canada Wilderness Committee who says that the U.S. has destroyed 90 per cent of its tem perate rainforests and that it was, therefore, imperative that British Columbia save the Clayoquot Sound. No mention of the fact that future forestry operations in ‘the Clayoquot will be subject to the most stringent forest practices in the world, far more stringent than anything in Germany, Also no mention of the fact that most of the Clayoquot Sound will not be logged. Apart from George, the only other Canadian quoted in the Spiegel article is Aubrey Diem, professor of geography at the University of Waterloo, who says that British Columbians will be leaving behind “a desert of tree stumps and debris.” I don't know who the hell Diem is but I'd like to point out that he lives just about as far from British Columbia as he does from Germany. It is evident from the article that the Spiegel didn’t have any- one here to take a look at the situ- ation, The entire story was put together in ¢ help of s mentalists, no doubt I have been an ardent reader of the Spiegel for more than 40 years, and I'm.a little concerned that a news magazine of its repu tation could do such shoddy work of its research Makes me wonder how many other con jobs it has put past me without my knowledge. Apart from the journalistically flimsy piece itself, I'm not sur d by the increasing interna tional pressure on British Columbia. The environmental groups have said they will try to organize an international boycott of B.C lumber, particularly from the Clayoquot Sound, and that's what they’re doing. At the time the Spiegel article was written, Greenpeace held a protest in front of the Burda pub- lishing house in Munich to force a meeting with management about the use of B.C. paper products. What I find laughable is that the environmentalists keep talking about the power the multi-nation als wield when, in fact, they are not a match for the clout of orga nizations such as Greenpeace. And when it comes to bending the truth, the environmentalists have far surpassed the forest companies. another bedtime story Not a bad idea you say? Take a closer look. With this new code they're really going to get tough. Right, they're really going to crack down on these groups. We're going to get really serious! Yeah, right! Out of Castlegar, the M.O.E has two conservation officers covering an area from south of Slocan City to the border, and from Kootenay Pass to the Blue berry Paul¥on. THe M.O.F. has approximatély 38-40 field tech- nicians for a slightly larger area We're really going to hammer them with those two conserva- tion officers. You betcha! The M.O.F. say the M.O.E. will be assisted by the hiring of approxi mately 100 more staff to help enforce the new code. If they follow the usual alignment of staff you would probably see 65- 70 office staff and 30-35 field staff for the entire province The local conservation office used to staff up to five conserva- tion officers to enforce the M.O.E. regulations and write permits for this district The new breed of conserva- tion officers are trained more for chasing down environmental polluters than your common poacher, wildlife offender, or soon to be tree poacher. With all their budgetary restraints and mileage quotas there is absolutely no question the local conservation officers in Castlegar cannot enforce the Wildlife Act in this district Now the M.O.F. wants the M.O.E. to enforce the new code for them? It’s like putting your muzzled guard dog on a short leash to protect your valuables It’s apparent to me that gov- ernment whether it be the N.D.P., or Socreds, do what politicians do best—give you a very convincing and eloquent procedure, their warm jacket off their backs and when you're relaxed and not looking rip the shirt off of yours. The government is calling for public input. My suggestion to anybody would be to hire the 100 people for the M.O.E enforcement and tell the M.O.F. to get off their asses and do the| job they are supposed to do. Steve Davis is a local outdoo! recreation enthusiast and is the manager of Aasland Museum! Taxidermy TRIPPING SLAGHING CROSS - CHECKING Wednesday, December 1, 1993 The Castlegar Sun Letters to the Editor Page 7A Are Clayoquot protestors biting the hand that feeds them? Dear Editor: It was said by Premier Har court shortly ago, that the gov emment was going to seriously Jook into welfare fraud in B.C Joy MacPhail, Minister of Social Services assured the peo: ple of B.C. that she was prepared to review the cases of the con victed Clayoquot protesters. The very next day, this ‘same lady said that she would not look into it, or this is what I understood her to say! The Honorable Joy MacPhail Downtown business owners’ financial help required Dear Editor: The following is an open letter to down- town business owners. * As you can see the downtown streets in Castlegar North look excellent. In keeping with the revitalization that most businesses have given their building, we too are giving an uplift to the Castlegar and District Heritage Museum. Clear Christmas lights will adorn the out- line of the Museum thanks to the generous was hired to do a job, and the welfare fraud in this country must be stopped. If she will not do her part, then I think that it is Premier Harcourt's job to replace her with someone who will I do not feel that the tax-pay ers in this province should be _, responsible for supporting the people who are not either look- ing for work, or not disabled. I have talked to hundreds of people on Vancouver Island who are sick of people collecting wel- from § fare and abusing the system while stopping Other people from getting work, We call it biting Perhaps they ought to call the ~ Social Service office in Tofino and ask how many new claims by Social Services for persons on welfare, It is also my under standing that it is mainly Legal tell you something? Sincerely the hand that feeds you there were at the beg There are people out there — July this year! who really do need assistance! If the frauds were found out, per haps these people could get a lit tle bit more on their monthly cheques If the Government thinks there were only three people at the Clayoquot blockades collect- ing welfare, they had better give their heads a shake! c Mill To make the whole West's Department Store and also to West Kootenay Power for the hanging of the lights. plete, we would like to install a sound system at the museum with speakers outside to play Christmas carols. This system will also be used at Zuckerberg Island for functions that Christmas theme com- Thank you for your generosity. are held during the summer. A message of vital Dear Editor: Although millions of dollars are being spent on research on breast cancer its cause still eludes scientists. Early diagnosis and treatment remain the only effective control for women. This control is in the hands of women themselves through yearly medical check-ups, and in British Columbia, yearly mam- mograms for those over 40, combined with monthly checks by themselves to look for changes in the breast tissue. This Breast Self Examination Letters Policy Letters to the Editor are welcome on any topic of local or general interest Letters should be double- spaced, typewritten, or legi- bly handwritten, and no more than two pages if pos- sible. Letters will be edited in the interests of brevity or taste if necessary. All let- ters must be signed, with address and telephone number, although names may be witheld from publi- cation for oie season by the approval of the editor. Send letters to: The Castle- ar Sun, 465 Columbia Sn Castlegar, B.C., VIN 1G8, or drop them off at the office. Poetry will not be published. THE KIDS ARE THERE. DRIVE WITH CARE! YOUR LOCAL POLICE OPEN SUNDAYS until December 5 10:00 am to 3 pm Beside Greyhound RED MOUNTAIN SKI SHUTTLE Lift Tickets Frequent User Discounts 365-0211 or B.S.E. should be practiced by all women. A B.S.E. teaching clinic is held every year in Castlegar This past November six nurses specially trained by the local Cancer Society Unit taught 63 women of the community this special skill on a one-to-one basis These women had all had mammograms at the travelling van in July and are to be con- gratulated for having the initia- tive to take control of their own breast health We are a non-profit organization and are looking for financial help of any kind in the I don"t really think a this area would be surprised by the answer, but our general pop- ulation is surprised by the lack of response by the Government, particularly Social Services, of not being concerned enough to do something about it It is my understanding that Legal Aid lawyers are provided laundry. I fee) he was justified in his statements; as a columnist his job is to make statements to cause people to think about their situations. He did not give details about his homelife, and presented an impor- tant conceptualization regarding problems facing teenagers. purchase of this system. The system will be purchased locally at Pete’s TV who have givep us a very generous price reduction. Any monetary help that you could give us would be greatly appreciated. Large or small Debbie, our co-ordinator at the Museum, will be contacting you shortly regarding this letter. Brenda Terhune Castlegar and District Heritage Society gof Aid lawyers defending the Clay oquot Protesters. Doesn't Anita Waugh that Ucluelet, B.C. yone in Dear Editor: With regard to the rece! I feel a certain amount vindictive. Comments unfair nt slash and burn attempts by Dan Carl- son’s mother and grandmother, I feel I must say some things on his defense. In no way did I find his column, “When it’s time to go”, offensive; nor do I see why they feel he was publicly airing dirty of apathy for Dan, and | think the actions of his mother and grandmother respectively were both unjust and Unsigned \ Castlega a concern The van will be returning on February 25, 1994 for five days and women may start making i by phoning 1-800- Sun Classifieds Sell Carol Rempel Mal Stelck Carolea Cutle Dr. J. Walton Fred Kinicki 663-9203. This mammography screening will be followed by another B.S.E. clinic in March. Women under 40 should watch for this announcement because it is vitally important that they check their breasts also. Ruby J. 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