OPINION __. Symposium raised more questions than it answered © thumbs up to the Kootenay Tse w Euthanasia fraught with dangers 1 doe't know what I would do if I were faced Legaliacd " spent my childhood years in Nazi Germany. which used cuthanasia to rid itself of tens of thousands of “unproductive” citizens, the infirm, physically-handicapped. Those rumors turned out to have been all too that society, im the future, will handle the right to kill for reasons of mercy and with how, I felt I had no right to tell a dying woman that rather than fighting life, she should fight death. Now, it seems that what she didn’t achieve the same safeguards we may build into it? A Jyh nl eg the point that if euthanasia is Beyer Beware legalized many old and infirm Hubert Beyer might become victims of mercy killing danger that impressionable old and infirm people might be surreptitiously persuad- ed that doctor- assisted suicide is preferable to a Holland allows assisted suicide. About 1,000 people are killed under that law every year. Ne i with physical or mental dis- abilities can also be killed under that law. The very concept scares the hell out of me. While I followed the Sue Rodriguez story through three courts, right up to the Supreme Court of Canada, which ruled five-to-four against her campaign for assisted. suicide, it often occurred to me that she had it all wrong. ‘The incredible passion and inati the disease through before screening for HIV became mandatory. Doug is the closest I have ever come to meet- ing a true hero. His will to live, and not just so, but with joy and fervor in spite of the ravages AIDS has inflicted on his body, is awesome and inspiring. ‘Svend Robinson, the NDP Member of Parlia- ment who was at Rodriguez’ side when she died, described her as a heroic woman. I admit she showed remarkable determination in the pursuit of her legal battle, but I am somewhat reluctant to equate that to courage. Doug Hinkel was originally given six months to a year. Through sheer courage and obstinacy, he’s cheated death for four-and-a-half years now. ‘That, I submit, is true heroism. To die at 43 is tragic, whether death comes spent on being granted the right to kill herself with someone else's help, I thought, would have been better spent on wanting to live, even know- ing that, in the end, she would lose that battle. As long as Rodriguez was alive, I resisted the temptation to inject myself into the issue. Some- NDP is ignoring what it can ‘These’s 2 moldy piece of cheese under the NDP kitchen table, and it’s color darkens as that pasty falls deeper imto a pit of imcomprehensible- mess over the three-way mess that now cxists the go Cc law than most lawyers will ever know, and is. by a bell imcaded under the mandatory lly or by suicide. But I hope our parlia- mentarians will not be swept away by the wave of admiration for Rodriguez to the point where they will legalize mercy killing in her memory. Life should be held sacred. If someone wish- ¢s to commit suicide, so be it. But allowing oth- ers (0 assist in suicide is killing by another name. ’t understand ® cent of my wage lost for ANY length of time— forget a lifetime! And I don’t know many working, families who could—between the vehi- standard coverage. reguit, I am not entitled to any ion from ICBC. Let's say Pm on my way to take 2 photograph ‘a8 the local complex. I jamp imto my vehicle and take off, cruise down Columbia Avenuc until I So, I suc for loss of fall wages, as well as more harm than good, since it only serves 1 dish up more politics. So why is Canada so intent on being part of this organization, and why isn’t our gov- emment doing more to change the cffective- fox my pain and suffexing and loss Mo—sight? xs pasts for a local car dealership. It was during the normal course of his duties that he hit me_ Eater WCB and ICBC. As of January 1, 1994, ‘both myscif and the Gegligent driver were _have beem paying premiums ' ek for third-party liability in case such an accident ever occurred. To add insult to injury, WCB, will only pro- vide me with 75 per cent of my salary, and no money for “loss of enjoyment of life.” If I'm not happy with my settlement, I can of WCB, no matter how far I take the appeal. If Tm still with my too bad! Under something called the Privative Clause, I cannot have my day in court, since the judicial decisions could be appealed in court. ‘There’s a number of things wrong here—and mo one’s getting the message. First, if we're all considered employees under WCB, our right to sue for damages has just been taken away. Sec- ond, WCB has absolute authority over claims. "Third; I personally could not afford to have 25 per involving WCB compensation. In June 1974, the NDP unde: Dave Barrett passed the Worker's Compensation Amendment Act, which successfully_served to cre- ate this flawed system: taking away the: injured: worker's right to sue the negligent worker, despite the fact that such a move was not condoned by then Justice In January 1994, the NDP compounded this flawed system by passing Bill 63, which in effect, brought all employers and employees under it. Actions, I might remind you, by a political party that claims to have the patent on protecting the rights of the everyday worker. The province of Manitoba has already seen the light. Although it has similar legislation to BC., the crucial difference in its legislation is that motor vehicle accidents are exempt—making a gli mploy ible in such cases. New Brunswick and the Yukon are following suit. Perhaps the NDP should repeal Bill 63 as Terry Dalton is But if the can’t understand this colossal blunder, they’re certain the rest of us won't pick up on it either. They're wrong, and when they do realize what they’ve done, it won't make for a pretty picture. Say cheese! After 26 years, it was nice to think seriously of heritage “nouna and nonmo™ ber My youngest daughtcr’s wish to spend 2 Christmas\in Rome, with patcrnal grandparents came true this past Christmas. Sceking the soots perhaps? As for me, it has been 26 years since I last spent Simce I canigeated, the spixited most favorable opportunities. Many new Canadians know this well. If citi- zenship means being a member of a civitas or city, then citizenship is what each of us makes of it. Citizen by birth a good citizen con- Wednesday, February 23, 1994 The Castlegar Sir Letters to the Editor Get on track and Save Our Steel Dear Editor: CPR filed a formal Application to Abandon the Slocan Subdivision rail line on February 7, 1994. public interest to keep the rail line and also must state that ugh the line is p i the line has a reasonable probability of becoming Station A, Momreal, Quebec, H3C 3EA and Neil Thurston, Director, National Transportation Agency, Ottawa; Ontario, KIA ON9 You could send copies of your letters to our Mem- ber of the Parliament, Jim Gouk, 684 18th Street, Castlegar, B.C. VEN 2M9. Mr. Gouk has expressed his support for keeping rail lines i [ The Sun Classifieds - sell, sell, sell! If you would like more information or would like to join the group “Save our Steel”, (SOS) and help il thi You letters go to both: H.C..Wendlandt General Solicitor, CP Rail Legal Services, P.O. Box 6042, us is please call Larry Avis at 226-7849 or Jo Brown at 226-7792. Jo Brown Member of Save Our Steel Tribute to Sue day welcomed Dear Editor: The following is an open letter to the Prime Minister of Canada: Dear Sir, I have written before, I hope that you will find the time to read this letter and to respond favor- Perhaps I should identify myself. I am what could be con- sidered an average Canadian— * one of the dwindling survivors of a by-gone age. I was born in Nel- * son, B.C., in 1914 and have lived in British Columbia ever since. I have obeyed the laws, paid my taxes and have witnessed the good times and the bad. I was elated by your victory at the last election and optimistic for the future of Canada, I am however, saddened to learn of the death of that great lady, Sue Rodriguez. Her heroic gesture should be recognized. I eamestly urge the government to designate February 14, St. Valentines Day, a tribute to love and a i Piecekeeping? Dear Editor: Russian peacekeepers in Sarajevo? Interesting! Over the years they have taken many pieces and kept them too. Tom Allis Bae : a soe | PRICES IN EFFECT TIL Saturday, Feb. 26, 1994 | $25 Bonus Item anraz sacs 49°... “penn over to this gentle lady as “Tribute to Sue’ day. In these days of crass commer- cialism it is not too late to inject a ety. Thank you for listening Mr. Prime Minister. Pat Romaine Signs of our times Svend Robinson, the NDP member of the House of Com- mons from Vancouver and self- professed homosexual who speaks for special (beyond the right everyone already has) homosexual rights was present at Sue Rodrigues’ murder—suicide by an unnamed physician. ft wonder ifthe court proce-. dures normally followed in cases of suspected homicide are going to be adhered to—subpoena to testify under oath as a witness and possible contempt of court conviction if uncooperative. Chretian quickly said Robin- son's intended filing of a private euthanasia bill may see a free vote in parliament. Usually a pri- vate bill has no chance or takes We vote into public office many people who vote in legisla- tion in favor of murder of the unborn, who are ambivalent about or support euthanasia, who enact laws and rules that limit peaceful demonstration, who restrict parental rights over minors and provide immoral edu- cational guidelines in schools. God, in His justice, will deal with us sternly as He did with the unfaithful Israelites. By voting. “these politicians into office we:, are also guilty of breaking so many of God's commandments and we will suffer the conse- quences. By Christmas 1995, we will have seen one or two warnings to repent and convert radically to God, those ‘difficult’ signs will be clearly i as coming from God. Revolutions and fur- ther ethnic strife will occur in Western Europe and other conti- See LETTER 8A wan 3-5 YEAR OLDS TED Early Childhood Education Play Group Program for mornings, 9 a.m. - noon March 14, 21, 24, 28 and April 1, 18, 25 £ at Castlegar Campus "To register by March 4, call Madelyn MacKay at 365-7292, et. 391 and Bes (PPh: (604) 365-7292 Fax: 365-3929 leave your name and phone number. Castlegar Campus Box 1200 Castlgar, B.C. VIN 331 Sell it quick - in the Sun classifieds Call 365-7848 pascats and. from the old stock. as if by magic, a vibrant new generation of be Tew = peacekeeping? One that actually leads peace? Is there a price to be paid for peace? While the symposi d some questi more that were left unanswered. people has ‘Traditions of my younger days also have changed slightly, yet are still familiar and very dear to me. Most of my stomping grounds have remained muuch the same. Some are no longer My command of the language that gained me a Giploma, resty at first, soon polished by heated debates on poli- tics and other topics. Those conversations reveal to me that we learn to cope to survive. The soccer game was just as well attended, noisy and thrilling as. ever. My team lost to my brother's and we teased and laughed all the way delights, the thought of which still makes my mouth water games that kept family and friends awake till the wee hours of the morning. ‘All part of a long tradition. A radio station playing the hits of the sixties ‘Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s cathedral was a moving experienbe. And the view of Roms, from the top of the cupola, was a postcard picture. ven the or tributes to a community fully. A revised initi Id read: of Canadi making music, a symphony. So where is home for me? The choice is clear. I have lived the greater part of my life in Canada. My friend Bea tells me her Canadian story. When still a young woman she left her northern , Searching to find her Canadi- chaotic challenging traffic had a special appeal The visit has question such as: What is Canadian? ieyphenated or straight Canadian? Ase my daughters more Canadian than 3 Tam because they were born hese? Why do some take the liberty to say “ge back to whese you came from™? Where is home? ‘After some reflection I decided that ignorance is not worth paying attention wm Ki and ison of is required before choosing the an She tells me of the tears, the fears, the fatigue of the trip and the i since her dep The ic native person, no words spoken, watching over her while waiting long hours at the train sta- tion. The question burning in her mind: will he arrive? ‘Thé pride and joy when he came and took her with him to Renata, Arrow Lake, B.C.. She sums up her life in Canada with “I have not regretted it once”. I believe Bea to be an exemplary Canadian. She commands great respect from me. Next time you are invited to or happen to be present at gatherings, ccle- brating ethnic customs and cultures think of those people as the players of an orchestra music. You may not know the music score, but does the music strike a chord in you? The key to survival of our cultural heritage, like the music from music scores, is in sharing them with our neighbors. Tony Guglielmi was born in a small town in central Italy and immigrated to Canada in September 1967. A School District No. 9 trustee, Tony is involved in many in the ity such as the Trail Society of the Performing Aris of which he is director, and the West Kootenay British Columbia School Trustees Association in which he is a board member. ¢ b, SR. CITIZENS ASSOCIATION #46 Business Meeting March 3 2 p.m. Whist March 10 & 24 7 p.m. St. Patrick's Day Coffee party 10 a.m. Bake & craft tables. THE SENIOR GAMES SOCIETY ZONE 6 MEETING Feb. 24 10 a.m. at the Seniors Hall 210 11th Ave. Castlegar. Anyone interested is welcome. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN MEETING OTHER MOMS (OR DADS) AND BABES? Moms and Babes is starting a new sion March 9 for 10 weeks. Evefy Wednesday from 9:30 -11 the Tender Care unit. For more info. call Kootenay Columb o 65-8448- PROJECT LITERACY - Do you have time to help an adult ° ic id ing skills? Training for volunteer nings, starting March 16. Call Castlegar Library 365-7765 CASTLEGAR WOMEN'S AGLOW Legion Hall March 2, 10 a.m. Janis Hollefreund, soloist/speaker from Medicine Hat. Admission $3. Phone 365-5456, 365-5186. CASTLEGAR BABE RUTH BASEBALL Registrati "94 season, Feb. 20 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Selkirk Coll Feb. 23 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Complex. Registration fee is $6 Coming events of Castlegar and District non-profit groups and organizations may be listed here. The first 12 words are $5 and additional words are 15¢ . Boldtaced words (which must be used for headings) count as two words. Subssquent weeks are 25% off when booked at the same time ( no copy change). Please note ads must be PREPAID. Deadline is 11:30 Monday for Wednesday's paper. Please bring in or mail your notices to: The Castlegar Sun The & Sun 465 Columbia Avenue Castiegar, BC V1IN 168 CHICKEN BREASTS 4.44 hg., back attached, family pack | or inside round, 6.35 kg. familly pack.......... PRODUCE GROCERY MJB GROUND COFFEE Valentino's, assorted varieties ..s..........- Classico, 700 Mil., 4 Vartethes ......-.--reoeerene oes We reserve the right to limit QO IPEN ‘SUNDAYS. ¢ SA ADDITIONAL EXCLUDES S WHILE QUA quantities. HOURS: Mon. + Thurs., & Sat. 9 - 6, Fri. 9 - 8 QO DEF Fieve ALL CLEARANCE O% OF F Ticketed Price On ALE ITEMS IN THE FEB. 23RD TO 27TH FLY NTITIES LAST. DISCOUNT GIVEN AT POINT OF SALE 310 COLUMBIA CASTLEGAR Thursday — 9:30 - 5:30 p.m. + Friday — 9:30 - 9 p.m. + Saturday — 9:30 - 5:30 p.m.