Letters: Feb 28/13

Jeff Green | Feb 27, 2013

Re: Algonquin Landclaim

A house divided against itself cannot stand

The native peoples living in Canada are the feathers on the Eagle’s wings. Right now the Eagle sits like a plucked goose on the ground. Only in complete unity will the Eagle fly. There is no point in going to the government one by one. In that way you only go in weakness. In fact that is the way the government wants it. The government wants weak adversaries, that’s how they win. The only way is to speak from a position of strength. The only way to do that is in great numbers. The only way to speak in great numbers is to unite and forget past and present disagreements and anger. All native bands, associations, groups, and tribes must unite to get what they believe they deserve. If you speak to the government in weakness you will only get what the government decides will shut you up.

David Bate

Our tax dollars at work

I recently learned that since the 2008 recession the federal and provincial governments in Canada have increased their aggregate debt from $750 billion to more then $1 trillion. Now, recessions have a tendency to increase government deficits, and we have all heard a lot about the efforts governments are making to rein in spending and perhaps even increase our taxes.

And then I read in the February 21, 2013 issue of the Frontenac News about the encounter a father/son ice fishing pair had with the MNR on 13 Island Lake. A helicopter, three conservation officers and a sniffer dog to shake down a father/son fishing trip - you have got to be kidding. I am all for preserving our environment and for conservation efforts, but I somehow don't see the value proposition here. Couldn't one or two guys show up on snowmobiles rather than a helicopter? Another high water mark for the government's prudent management of our tax dollars.

Bob Webster

Another successful Polar Plunge

This was my third Polar Plunge as part of the Sharbot Lake Heritage Day festival and again I would like to thank all the people who took part. It seems to have really captured the interest of the local area and was a huge success. I would like to especially thank the organizer – Mark Montagano who once again managed to sneak by me in the funding competition. I humbly concede. I would also like to thank the volunteer fire department staff who were again there for backup. There are lots of other people quietly involved in the background who also deserve credit for what this has turned into. Of course, lastly I would like to thank all the people who pledged me. The generosity of the individual donors was matched once again by my fellow fanatical members of the Sharbot Lake curling club and the great folks at Community Living-Treasure Trunk. I will jump again!

Art Holloway

A Tribute to Arden on Behalf of Bill and Kay Nash

Last week the Arden community was saddened to learn of the death of Kay Nash (predeceased by her husband Bill). Many of you will have read the lovely note in last week's Frontenac News in which the Nash family captured what so many of us value about life in our special village of Arden.

It is difficult to place a price on good country values, relationships and support systems that have united village residents for many years in so many small rural communities such as ours.

Urban life may provide many physical facilities and opportunities, but often support and relationships can be missing. Country life can provide space, peace, tranquillity, hard work and cooperation, support and care for one's neighbours (whom you actually know) and an amazing number of shared enjoyable events.

Thank you, Nash family, for reminding us that we are so fortunate to live in this wonderful community.

Terry and Judy Kennedy and the Friends of Arden