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Flawed voting process used to reach conclusion
(Owen Sound Sun Times)
 

As I start to write this column, Barbara Tuchman’s book,

The March of Folly, comes to mind. I recommend politicians read this work. It might save us from more political follies. 
2/26/05  Read More...

The idea of freer debate is dashed by council. Yet their very

discussion of more open debate and less closed sessions demonstrates the obvious need for such. Barry Schmidt brings forth a suggestion for such debate.
2/16/05  Read More...

The Kincardine council would like to set terms of office at four years

instead of three. In a free society, the cost of an election should be the last consideration for increasing the term of office. Perhaps recall legislation is needed more.
2/9/05  Read More...

by Fred Kirby              February 2, 2005

 “Asbestos shuts down part of Kincardine hospital for a month” shouts the headline. Specialists, “wearing disposal suits and breathing apparatus, will remove the asbestos and ensure it is disposed of properly.”  The concern is for the safety of patients and staff. It is an interesting local story with international significance. 

Canadians are aware of the dangers of asbestos. It causes asbestosis, a deadly progressive disease of the lungs. The medical science supporting these findings is indisputable. So I ask a simple question. Why is Canada one of the world’s largest exporters of asbestos? According to the International Labour Organization, 140,000 people worldwide die premature painful deaths from asbestos-related cancers every year so why do Canadians permit this poison to be sold to countries where unsuspecting workers and the general public will be exposed to this deadly substance? 

Yes, we have just witnessed an outpouring of emotion and money for the victims of the tsunami in the Far East. Yes, it was a great tragedy but without the media bringing the terrible details to us day after day would we have responded to the same extent? The lack of reaction to Canada’s asbestos trade in death would suggest not. 

 Care and giving is an ethical matter; it is not a matter of economics or hype or simple emotions. If we truly care, we must see that our government’s trade policies are not harmful to the citizens of other countries as they are with the asbestos sales and we should be consistently supportive of those international agencies that work with the impoverished men, women and children throughout the world. 

CARE, Inter Pares, OXFAM are excellent such agencies operating on low overhead working in the front lines every day, year after year, working for wages we would never accept. Think what they could do if thousands more Canadians signed up for a monthly donation to one of such charities?  Whether it is $10.00 a month or a $100.00 it is something they could count on and plan for and you will make a difference in the world. Signing up is thoughtful, ethical, and lasting. Emotional binges do not last.