Wednesday, April 22, 1992

Letters to the Editor
Serious errors being made against teachings |

The Castlegar Sun

OPIN ION WEDNESDAY, April 22, 1992

They might be apples and oranges, but it all has to add up

Meat

Z
The Cast! r Sun
of,

PUBLISHER JON JARRETT

editorial comment

Calling the
game is easy
when you're
not the ump

political p in Castlegar

that an and tur-

loon te tn
bulent i

scene can be

over the next few

weeks.

What brought sbout this sedden chang: in climate? The

otal

y. has decided to

hold its own public opinion poll in order to determine
whether

residents want the public works yard

moved from its current location downtown, to a more
location.

chi ng to CURB ) is not

not acknowledge anyway.

‘This has, ot suryeisingly, angered
believe the members of city council must adhere to the
wishes of the majority, which is absolutely correct. r)

On its own however, CURB hardly represents the majori-
ty. But if it can actually get a majority of Castlegar residents
to say ‘no* to this impending move—that would be some-
thing. Heck, if CURB can attract more than 20 per cent of
Castlegar voters to answer the poll—it has accomplished
more than the city could do during the paving referendum
(realizing of course, two different circumstances).

But no matter what the results of the poll are—they ulti-
mately mean nothing to the city. Zero. Zilch. Zippo.

CURB does have a place in Castlegar politics if it
remains within the
for which it was formed—a watchdog,
ions and raise questions to our elected officials and their
actions—that does not include holding public opinion sur-

ston tok ust onda oan tace eee
stating that other more pressing needs should take prece-
dence—such as an improved sewer system in south Castlegar

The city meanwhile, has been planning this move for
months; undertaken the legalities, red process
and now, it is ready to begin the job at hand. After all of this,
CURB chooses to hold a public survey—which the city will

tape, tender

CURB officials, who

and stays within the reasons
Teady to voice opin-

When it comes to questioning the motives and actions of
officials,

CURB is an absolute ace. But when it

the vote. And ifcaisene ae fed up with thei polnicime, tut
citizen can vote for someone else.
But CURB does not face that kind of public

+ Flooding the Arrow Lakes was
enormous wealth generating move,
but someone forgot to deduct the
cost of the valley.

+ Cutting trees yields needed
jobs, profits and taxes, but we've
long ignored the resource side of the
ledger.

¢ Harvesting Grand Banks Cod
was a tremendous wealth generator
for fe but their
asset depreciated until they have no
more. That's bad accounting.

Our society is great at counting
dollars, but we've only recently
noticed that the balance sheet doesn’t
track our Earthly corporate assets —
natural resources. We haven't prac-
tices “natural resource accounting” ,
and failed to track depreciation of
our assets. This is the key to the con-
cept of sustainability.

Simply put, we need an interna-
tionally-recognized system of
attributing dollar values to natural
resources and all environmental
impacts. Until it is place, entrenched
and accepted as fundamentally as

bookkeeping, all the talk
of A

accounting, which is called “full-cost
accounting” by the BC Round Table
on the Environment and the Econo-
my. We can still support resource-
extraction industries, as I do, while
taking into account the real and full
costs of resource utilization.

The concept goes beyond the

Kootenay
Commentary

Gerald
Rotering

easy task of applying values to mea-
surable non-renewable resources or
paying stumpage and replanting
when harvesting a renewable one. It
means valuing in dollars — the uni-
versal language of our society —
every cost of a given re source
extraction to the economy, the envi-
ronment, people's health.

Such an integrated approach
would see corporations, investors
and governments take non-direct
fi costs into account in all

impact
mitigation and sustainability will be
so much pollution-filled hot air.
Once und

decision making. Unless we succeed
in integrating economic and envi-
ions, we will

every
dependent worker and thus politician
will support natural resource

Too arrogant
and too
insecure

Well you can chalk up another one
for the quiche and Perrier set.

Another important (and civilizing)
Parliament Hill tradition has bitten
the dust.

Mike
Duffy
Syndicated
Columnist

This year, for-the first time in
more than 70 years, there will be no
“show” following the annual Parlia-
mentary Press Gallery dinner. There
aren't enough among the 350 mem-
bers willing to write a play.

In fact some are predicting the
tumout for this year’s dinner - unfor-
tunately set for May 16, the Saturday
of the long weekend - will be so low,
this event could well turn out to be

. the last.

To the reader, the fate of the
gallery dinner and show probably
sounds like small beer.

But the lack of interest which led
to the show cancellation is a reflec-
tion of the malaise that has fallen
over Parliament itself, a malaise that
does not bode well for the future.

The descent into the black hole of
incivility began with the end of night
sittings.

Since regular evening debates
were ended nearly a decade ago,

never measure accurately which
exploitation of our environment is

outrageously counter- productive,

If accomplished, natural resource
ig can help society achieve

and which expl is
able, justifi and

less

y for
human life.

If the ‘Arrow Lakes flooding
example, costing should have gone
beyond buying out landowners to
calculating the perpetual cost of lost
farmland, forest growing land and
wildlife habitat.

Attempts are being made to
design a system of valuing natural
resources, such as by the United
Nation's environmental program, but
many disagree on how to place val-
ues on clean air and water, For now,
those values should be placed arbi-
trarily but on the high side, because
we must start, otherwise those envi-
ronmental assets will continue to
have no economic value at all.

Some consider this a sterile
to biol

ethics and production. Hints of this
are already seen in capitalist adop-
tion of “green products”. It's a small
start. World trends don’t indicate the
of 80 r4
it in its own language — money —
how to survive and even prosper is
the only road to planetary survival.
We may yet evolve toward
economies of sufficiency, rather
than of wealth; of more fair material
istribution, both i ionally and
within nations. The ethic of simple
living or, as Canadian entrepreneur
and environmentalist Maurice
Strong calls it, “lives of sophisticat-
ed modesty”, ony blossom, in part
by p in part by ity.
Material goals my, we hope, be seen

PP 4
issues. But biology and ecology
haven't yet shown themselves to be
deciding factors in politics, which i is
d for human
by whatever political system.
Human activity in all countries is
largely economic, and unless envi-
ronmental considerations achieve
full economic status on the balance
sheet, they will continue to be left
out of our most important decision-

making equations.

as inc gly crass. We might
explode the myth of “guilty produc-
ers and innocent consumers”.

Whether believers in God or not,
we should memorize a quote from
the Bible, which poses the funda-
mental question, “What shall it prof-
it a man, if he shall gain the whole
world and lose his soul?”

Gerald Rotering is a former
mayor of Nelson, and Constituency
Assistant to New Democrat Member
of Parliament Lyle Kristiansen.

peal CRITICIZE A
MAN ‘TIL ae

WALKED
INHIS CHES.

there's been a steady decline in par-
liamentary decorum.

Those long evenings gave MPs on
all sides a chance to meet informally.
It’s a lot more difficult to yell outra-
geous partisan slurs across the floor
of the commons if you actually know
the MP opposite.

Joumalists also learned a lot about
the human side of politics chatting
with MPs during those night-time ses-
sions. They had a civilizing influence
on both politicians and the press.

Tellingly, today the MPs who
shout the most outrageous insults
rarely socialize outside their own
caucus, and thus feel no hesitation to
go to the gutter.

And so it is with reporters.

One young Carleton grad told me
she'd been taught the only way for a
journalist to lot at a politician was
down.

An assignment to cover Parlia-

ment used to be Considered atop post-
ing. But now many younger Hill
reporters openly brag about disliking
politics and politicians.

Journalist don't have to like politi-
cians, but they should at least respect
them, and the process of which we're
both important parts.

The annual dinner was an oppor-
tunity for political leaders to roast the
media, while the show gave media
types who could sing or play an

a chance to lamp the
politicians in satirical skits. It was all
good clean fun

Now many gallery members say
they won't attend because it’s being
held on a long weekend, while others
say they’ll mingle with the politicians
only if their employer pays all the
costs, and pays them over time to boot.

The idea they might get to know
and perhaps better understand an MP
during the course of such an evening —

ty. If they really want to back their words with actions, they
might consider standing for election next time Castlegar
goes to the voting booths.

—SI.

Weeldy on
485 Columbia Ave., Castlegar, B.C. VIN 1G8

Ageism

Discrimination against aging has
been with us for some time but, in
historical terms, ageism is a relative-
ly modern phenomenon and, fur-
thermore, one which has surely run
its course. We are heartened when
we realize that only a few short
years ago, workers were required to
cease active employment at age 65.
You have to wonder what our ances-
tors, the pioneers, would have
thought of such a concept! Manda-
tory retirement at any age is now
viewed as discriminatory, but the
affects of discrimination based on
image is still very much with us.

Seasons

Elma
Maund

=

Billy Crystal, throughout the
recently televised Academy Awards
Night, was obviously much taken
with the extemporancous display of
fitness by Jack Palance, awarded, at
age 72, his first “Oscar”. I doubt if I
shall ever see Palance’s award-win-
ning performance, in a forgettable
film, the name of which I cannot
remember and will happily miss
However, I do remember his many

ila’ hy h

is now considered laughable

Is it any wonder journalists rank at
the bottom of the list (right there with
Politicians and used car salesmen)
when it Comes to public respect?

Some of these “new age” journal-
ists think the way for the press to
regain the public trust is simply too
renounce pergs like parking on Par-
liament Hill.

If my mail is any guide, the public
doesn’t think parking has made the
gallery a tool of the Mulroney gov-
emment.

No, those who write me believe
the media have been taken over by a
small elite which is pushing a politi-
cal agenda far out of touch with the
desires of real people.

An elite too arrogant to laugh ft
itself, and too insecure to meet the
people they cover, up close, face to
face.

discrimination without imagination

elly voice. I will now always
remember Jack Palance doing a
number of one-handed push-ups t 0
verify his fitness and allay any fears
that he could not, because of his age,
meet any future film production
schedule. His point is well taken!
Just recently Isaac Asimov, author
of almost 500 books, died at age 72.
‘When once asked what he would do
if he discovered he had only six
months to live, he replied “I'd type
faster”! Women, particularly those
in careers in which image plays a
major part, such as films and fash-
ion, have been ining for some

the stars”. They did indeed change
the world, but many would question
whether it was an improvement
Now it would seem that our past
infatuation with youth has given our
young men and women the idea that
they are in some way special, while
our older individuals are scoffed at,
made the brunt of unfunny jibes, and
generally left out of the mainstream
of society. We talked about our chil-
dren being our most precious natural
resource, while undervaluing the con-
tributions and wisdom of our experi-
enced seniors. Our media has
d much to this unfair and

time about the discrimination
against women in general and
women over 30 in particular. A male
actor has now demonstrated the bias
and misconception against old men
as well. It seems that women just
suffer from discrimination earlier!
From where have we, as a society,
derived our negative misconceptions
about anyone over 30? It was the
moonbeam generation, exemplified
by present Presidential candidate
Gerry Brown, who warmed “never
trust anyone over 30"! Our love affair
with the young and all things youth-
ful was, like all love afraid, destined
to change. Especially since the 60's
generation are now over 30! We
placed very high expectations on our
youth. In the 1960's our youth
ieved they really could change the

gh
his career, capitalizing on that grav-

world, as we told them to “reach for

misguided myopia. I contend that our
seniors are our most underestimated,
trivialized and minimalized resource!

Happily, attitudes are changing, as
our seniors are changing. Our seniors
are living longer, healthier and more
active lives. Thus “old age” is now
Perceived as something that happens
much latter in life, after 75 or so, and
usually as a result of deteriorating
health, which is being postponed
longer. The negative images of
seniors are slowly being replaced
with more positive images that more
accurately reflect the realities of our
society of the late twentieth century.
Our so-called “baby Boomers” are
becoming the “boomerangers”. They
are not entering happily into middle
age. Gone, hopefully forever, are the
associations of frailty, confusion,
inadequacy and ineptness from our

perceptions of our parents just enter-
ing retirement. The images now are
much more positive, as we have
irrefutable proof of life improving as
you near middle age and remaining
productive and fulfilling well beyond
our active working lives. The image
of seniors now is that of a smiling,
grey-haired couple in track suits and
Reeboks, striding out along the
paths and shores, bicycling through
the park, or hiking up mountain
tracks with backpacks. You will see
many of them in our local parks and
on local hiking trails. Healthy
seniors are will represented among
travellers everywhere.

Statistics show that you will now
spend at least one-third of your life
as a senior. No one deserves to be
unfairly branded as “an old hag
“past your prime” for fully one-third
of your life, particularly if it is not
true! So, go ahead! Get yourself a T-
shirt with “Once over the hill you
Pick up speed!” on it, a track suit for
comfort, a waist pouch for your
valuables, which leaves your arms
free to swing, grease up your moun-
tain bike and go exploring! Or try
some of the activities offered at our
local Recreation Complex, or the
many other events and activities
around and about Castlegar and
other near-by communities. You will
meet a lot of lovely people out thee.
Many of them will be seniors.
Ageism is no longer in season!

Dear Editor;

A response to the Castlegar
Sun's | April 1 article on “NDP

hospi about ab
policy” and a letter to the editor of
April 8 — headline “Church led
moralists should see real picture.”

For thousands of years all peo-
ple have recognized a supreme
being(s) as a logical deduction
from “Motion” nothing moves of
itself. So the first mover is God.
From “causality” nothing causes
itself so the first cause is
uncaused ‘who is God. From

“contingency” things come and
go - exist and do not exist - they
are contingent and dependent on
one necessary being who always
exists - God. From “perfection”:
Nothing is fully perfect in the
world - this points to one who is
all perfect God.

Only for the last 200 years
have some proud men tried to
deny God. Many ordinary and
miraculous events in the old and
new testament have been corrob-
orated and recorded as part of

Headline

Dear Editor:

My attention was drawn to a
letter in the Sun (see April 8)
with a two cm. high headline
“Church-led moralists should see
real picture’. It looked impres-
sive. However, after I had read
several of the rather disrupted
paragraphs full of wild general-
izations and distortions I began to
wonder if the: late unlamented Dr.
G

history. God manifested Himself
through the prophesied Messias -
Jesus, who through his life, cruci-
fixion, and resurrection, opened
heaven to those of good-will who
follow His teachings.

Jesus instituted the one
catholic apostolic church with
Peter as first Pope. This R.C.
church has never altered its doc-
trine, dogmas or moral teaching
although some followers have
made or are making serious
errors against its teachings, but
that does not affect the truth as
taught by Jesus and written in the
bible and which the catholic tra-
dition confirms.

Natural law - part of God's
order - caused animals to protect
their young as also people have
acknowledged in their laws until
the sixties. Now in this province
and country, as elsewhere, we are
violating our own nature and
God's laws.

The NDP is against life;
through | ype otieen pro-
ys

for letter

from the grave. I was disappoint-
ed to find that the writer was
nearer in time and place.

It is a shame that your corre-
spondent and others like him
should spend so much time and
effort in attempting to reduce com-
plex moral, ethical, socio-economic
and historical problems to ‘my-

of Propagan-
da for Hitler’s Nazis had not risen

pro-choice protest creates more

pro-divorce, pro-c:

God's c we land

pro-premari sex and the “party
is implementing educational pro-
grams that encourage acceptance
of this society and these evils
which destroy family.

When we break a man-made
law we expect punishment. When
we, in a serous manner, bréak

into eternal hellfire - because our
soul made in God's image and
likeness has willingly turned
away from God.

Our society reflects more and
more through its governments,
laws and justice (77?) the adminis-
tration anti-Christian bias with the

inevitable accelerating increase of
all types of crimes, discord, big-
otry, hatred, selfishness, sexual
crimes through violent TV pro-
grams and pornography as com-
pared to or prior to 1960.

Herman J. Kemperman
Castlegar

Earth Summit could further
collective Suicidal behavior

Dear Editor:

The vast herds of “main-

The Earth Summit is supp
to produce an international treaty
to limit the rate of acceleration of
global warming. That it, if there
is an ecological brick wall ahead,
and if all the goals of the Earth
Summit organizers are met, civi-
lization will still be increasing the
Tate at which it accelerates into it.
I saw the Summit as d:

stream”
on the other had, supported the
Earth Summit. After years of lip
service by national g

all documents that will be signed
in Rio. Anyone who had any
hopes at all for the Summit will
be hard pressed now to describe

that there is an ecological crisis,
an international agreement to act,
even if it is only in a token way,
is the next logical step.

However preliminary diplo-
matic i have resulted

because, if successful, it “would
add further legitimacy to collec-
tive suicidal behavior.

in all language referring to defi-
nite timetables for action on any
issue at all being removed from

was unimpressive

heat that light and does little for his
support of rights to abortion while
the jargon only reveals its intellec-
tual .

My personal abhorrence of
abortion and my opposition to its
use as an instrument of policy is
based on a wide spectrum of rea-
sons, the least of which is direct-
ed by my personal faith, but all,
nonetheless, well grounded. I
take strong exception therefore to
your correspondent’s attack on

City should work on essentials

Dear Editor:

As a concerned taxpayer, I
would like to know why our
Mayor finds it necessary to
devote so much of her time, and
our money, to Eastern Canada
and China, assuming the work of
an International Diplomat, while
neglecting the most essential
needs of our over-taxed and
underserviced little town?

Why have the most rudimenta-
ty skills of diplomacy and negoti-
ation not been applied in order to
obtain the right of passage for
essential traffic through a sec-
ondary road in Castlegar?

With the present volume of

traffic of Columbia Avenue, a
major accident on Sherbiko Hill
is not a question of IF but a ques-
tion of WHEN. An accident
involving a tractor trailer, or a
number of vehicles could tie up
traffic completely between North
and South Castlegar. An ambu-
lance rushing to the Castlegar
Hospital from anywhere in
AREA I or J including South
Castlegar or Blueberry Creek,
would have no hope whatever of
getting through, since the only
access would be blocked.

The City is being callous and
negligent by ignoring a potential
denial of Hospital access not only

to the people of Sough Castlegar,
but all those in the surrounding
area who help pay for Hospital
services. We agree that a paved
secondary road would be nice to
have in the future. However, a
passable, accessible by-pass road
is IMPERATIVE today.

We suggest the City set aside
some of their grandiose plans
being talked about, and get to
work on the essentials

The tax payers of Castlegar
deserve no less from their elected
representatives.

Nick Ogiow
Castlegar

Fan of youth takes a lesson

Dear Editor:
lam writing this letter because
T leamed a lot this k about

fun, friendly competition, and
community spirit — and little
!

my family's life in Castlegar and
how important it is for me, as a
parent, to be informed, involved
and supportive to my children in
a nurturing, healthy, and respon-
sible way.

Castlegar and area offers a
wealth of recreation and athletics
for the people who live here. For
our youth, the positive influence
and development offered through
active participation in such pur-
Suits is vital as they mature into

ge or

My family members ended up
humiliated, injured, stolen from,
discouraged, and paying for
something which I will not allow
them to finish (proceeds to the
eventual “winner”).

I ended up feeling angry,
ashamed, irresponsible. I wrote a
letter of apology to a young per-
son to whom I spoke disrespect-
fully in the presence of his peers.
I am not proud of my example;
however, I do hope the apology is

d. Ob ly, I have a lot

dulthood and responsible, influ-
ential community members;
wherever they choose to live.

I encourage my family to

to learn myself!
Emotions run high in
WIN/LOSE situations when my

kids’ safety and dignity are at
risk. It’s no excuse but it’s my
reason for protecting my off-
spring and writing this letter to
other kids and parents. My
actions and words for ALL OF
YOU were because I care about
your safety and well-being. I am
a great fan of our youth.

For my family, it’s some
lessons learned, bruised bodies
and egos, wiser (I hope), and new
day tomorrow. Live and Learn!

Please withhold names
and events.

| Classifieds 365-7848 |

involve th in
and athletics individually, as a
family; participant or spectator at
whatever level feels comfortable
and enjoyable. Through these
endeavors we learn and teach val-
ues which will last throughout
our lifetime: safety, rules,
healthy attitudes, sportsmanship,
leadership, discipline, respect,
honesty, comradeship, pleasure,
perseverance, reward, self-
esteem, compassion, challenge,
endurance, how to succeed, how
to fail, integrity ... and more.
This weekend our family
stayed home so that we could
participate in a new, competitive
team league. We entered the
event with the attitude of good

(604) 365-7616
Res 365-3253

NX

Schedule for Apr. 22, 23 & 24

Wed. 6:30 pm, Thurs. 9:00 am
+ West Kootenay Today - looks at upcoming programs.
Wed. 7:00 pm, Thurs. 9:30 am
* Children's Development centre Parade of Stars - More
entertainers who helped make the telethon a success.
Wed. 8:30 pm, Thurs. 11:00 am
+ Job Talk (part 2) - School District #11 hosted this one day
workshop for students and teachers on securing a job.
Wed. 10:00 pm, Thurs. 12:30 pm
* B.C. Mining, The Way It Is - Mining technics.

Thurs. 6:00 pm, Fri., 9:00 am
+ Castlegar City Council - gavel to gavel coverage.

Sunday, April 26
+ 5:30 pm - West Kootenay Today - repeat from above.
* 6:00 pm - Children's Development Centre Telethon part 2.
* 7:30 pm - Job Talk - repeat from above.
* 9:00 pm - B.C. Mining, the Way It Is - repeat from above.

those, who like me, fail to fall
within the narrow confines of his
small world.

In brief, I would defend any-
one’s right to his own beliefs,
whether it be that the earth is flat
or that abortion is a panacea for
all major human ills, so long as
they do not seriously intrude on
the rights of others. I seriously
question his right, on the other
hand, to damn, defame and
denounce anyone who fails to
agree with that opinion, especial-
ly in the public press. I am partic-
ularly concerned that the public
press should see fit to banner
headlines this kind of verbal vio-
lence in its Letters to the Editor.
It comes close to aiding and abet-
ting. Definitely unimpressive.

John A. Charters
Castlegar

A great battle, according to
Winston Churchill, is one of
those which: “won or lost, change
the entire course of events, create
new standards of values, new
moods, new atmospheres in
armies and in nations ..

Perhaps after the Earth Sum-
mit the environment “move-
ment’ will be transformed in this
way. Acceptance of a great defeat
might produce the humility nec-
essary to focus on the depth of
the problem.

On the other hand, perhaps “the
movement” won't notice: coming
to grips with the political implica-
tions of global warming lacks the
appeal of “saving” the old growth
forest. Why anyone believes that
any climax ecosystem can be

“save” on a planet undergoing
wholesale climate change and a
deterioration of its primary radia-
tion shield is a mystery. A path
beyond the politics of endless
growth must be found, and it

Jamboree

Sliced Bulk

Side Bacon

never will be unless the
is seen c! . If we wonder why
international efforts to come to
grips with these difficult issues are
so clearly failing, we have only to
look inside ourselves.

David Lewis
Crescent Valley

Volunteers begin canvassing

Dear Editor:

The Canadian Cancer Society
is the only national organization
in Canada supporting research,
education and patient services for
those people whose lives have
been touched by cancer. The
symbol of hope for over 50 years
has been the daffodil.

The Canadian Cancer Society,
BC & Yukon Division, is the sin-
gle fund-raising body for BC
Cancer Agency and the BC Can-
cer Foundation’s Research Centre
as well as the Society.

During April, our volunteers
are going door-to- door £ for our
annual appeal. They are fre:

activities. Sometimes people
have the impression that by giv-
ing donations to these other
groups, they are helping to
finance the services provided by
the Cancer Society. This is not
the case.

So, when the canvasser calls
or an appeal comes through the
mail, please look for the daffodil:
if it is there you will know that
your money will be used in your
own community.

Ruby Marsh
Castlegar Unit
Cancer Society

ly asked about other agencies
raising money for caner-related

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Selected T-shirts, sweatshirts & pants - 20 - 50% OFF
SALE ENDS MAY 1st

455 Ward St. Historic Downtown
Nelson, B.C.
ph. 352-9114

Tip Roast

2°
6.56 kg. Ib.

Breaded
Chicken Cutlets

| 69
3.72 kg Ib.

Gainers
Bulk Weiners

1.96 kg 89 Ib,

Vans Bacon

4 59
500 g. pkg. ea.

. 35) 00g.
Many more in-store specials

Prices in effect
April 23, 24 & 25, 1992

Thurs. & Fri. 9am - 9pm