Page 2 Friday, February 10, 1978 CASTOR REVIEW CASTOR COMMENT Amid confusion and_ soul- searching prevailing in Canada and about Canada at the present time, the editors of The Castor Review are firmly of the opinion that our readers are entitled to know exactly where we stand on the great issues presently agitat- ing this nation. The first of these is the question of Canada's survival. As far as we are concerned, we have no doubt that this nation will survive. We have no doubt that Canada will move on in years ahead to a future whose broad and dimly perceived outlined make the noble story that has gone before mere prologue to greatness. For, if any nation among the world's nations is slated for greatness, that nation is Canada with its space, clean air, pure water, energy, soil, minerals and trained, skilled and disciplined people. Canadians ask for but little. A chance to work, to show what they can do; to put aside for a rainy day, to improve the talent the Lord has given them in order that their children may know a greater depth of freedom and personal leisure than has been ours. Something more is needed. A belief in the nation that is, for the sake of the nation that is to be. Many Canadians in years ahead may be confronted by the question, Am I willing to fight for 'my country? How far does belief in Canada go? Canadians have not been loth to stand up and be counted in the past. Not so long ago, the fathers and grandfathers of the present generation of young men and women went out to fight for a concept far more abstract and remote than hearth and home, individual freedom and dem- ocracy. As ways of peace have lain long on our frontiers and it is doubtful that the spirit which makes men spring to arms in defence of their homes and firesides burns as bright in Canadian hearts as it once did. This is not to say that this country, as other nations have been, may not be tested by the pressures and exigencies of a world in which almost anything is conceivable. Who, a few years ago, could have visualized the constant, unremitting and futile bloodshed of Northern Ireland? Who could Where we stand have visualized the total and mindless slaughter in Beirut? One can imagine the constern- ation and unbelief of Angolans as the Cuban trucks and tanks rolled over their land, air-lifted by the giant Iiyushins of Soviet Russia in a desperate and conscienceless gamble for the riches of Africa. It would be a brave and even reckless prophet who could at this juncture say what the future holds for Canada. Far too many Canadians, we feel, are content to leave the ultimate decisions affecting this country's destiny to policies made in the United States. America's interests will not always and inevitably be Canada's interests and it is conceivable that at some point the United States might decide that it can live with a truncated and invertebrate Canada. The question is, Can Canada live that way? Our position in the context of these general considerations is crystal clear. We believe in Canada as a nation from sea to sea. We believe that the future greatness of this nation is assured by time and guaranteed by history. We believe that the world needs what Canada has to offer; a civilized and humane system of laws; a relatively clean and uncorrupted system of government; respect for the rights of individuals. We feel that these things and the over-riding necessity of main- taining the administration of the Northern half of this continent in the hands of one Confederated State are matters of far greater import than the language people speak or the schools they attend. (Mary Rowsell photo) Snowbound Spring, Metcalfe CASTOR REVIEW "One Canada' Box 359, Russell, Ont. Editor: 445-2080. Reporters: Karen Bowley, 445-2051; Joyce O'Reilly, 445- 2008; Suzanne Schroeter, 445- 5709. Sports: Jack MacLaren, 445- 2131, Peter Van Dusen, 445-5770. Photographs: Mary Rowsell, 445-5244. Advertising: Theresa Griffith, ' 445-2820; Joan Van Dusen, 445- 2080. Layout: 5707. Out of Town Mailings: Nylene McNeill, 445-2018. Mark Van _ Dusen, Stuart Walker, 445- Submissions, preferably typed, double-spaced are welcomed, publishable at the discretion of the editor. Published by Castor Publish- ing, Russell, Ontario. President: Thomas W. Van Dusen. Printed at Eastern Ontario Graphics Ltd., Chesterville, Ont. NEXT DEADLINE March 3 NEXT ISSUE March 10 Second Class Mail Registration No. 4218 Correspondence Editor, Castor Review Iam impressed by the contents of the Castor Review and the excellence of the articles. It is so good that I am attaching my cheque for $3 to cover my subscription, as Iam anxious not to miss any of the issues during the year. With all good wishes for continuing success, I am Yours simcerely, John G. Diefenbaker. P.S. You might as well save on the postage and I suggest that you direct the copies to me at the House of Commons. Editor, Castor Review We would like to express our disappointment concerning the Russell Recreation Association article you printed in the last issue of the Castor Review. A portion of our submission for printing was deleted. In our opinion the deleted portion con- tained the very substance of our article. The Recreation Association is a body formed to serve and further recreation facilities and opport- unities for the residents of Russell. We believe it important that these residents have an opportunity to understand to the fullest our objectives and respon- sibilities. At this time it is perhaps of greater importance as a new by law is being considered by the Municipal Council which has the potential to render our association less effective. It was our intention to inform the public and that they may appreciate the consequences of any fundamental changes. Yours sincerely, Marilyn Sullivan, Chairwoman Antje Loucks, Secretary, Russell Recreation Association Editor, Castor Review, Attached is a poem which I would like to contribute for publication in your monthly paper, The Castor Review. Iam not ashamed of my faith in Jesus Christ and rejoice in the transforming power of His love in my life. I pray that you will publish my brief testimony in your paper on behalf of some of your readers, who may be experiencing difficult times, through sickness, tragedy, de- pression or other trials we encounter each day, because in Christ we can experience victory in all situations. Thank you for your consider ation. Sincerely, Beverley Pulfer for the Ministry of Educaton. in fact may never be given. such accommodation. sufferers being their children institutions. Congestion Relieving congestion at Osgoode High is a top priority for the Carleton Board of Education. It should also be a top priority The board has proposed a $2.5 million extension to the cramped school and has anxiously been awaiting the go-ahead from the ministry. That go-ahead has been slow in coming and Meanwhile, Osgoode parents who have first right to the school, have understandably expressed some bitterness because of the presence there of 150 Russell Township students who can't help but accentuate the overcrowding. Unfortunately, the Prescott-Russell Board of Education can't at the present time provide Engligh-language high school instruction within a reasonable travelling distance of Russell. While it has high hopes, the board may never be able to offer A potentially nasty situation is growing where Osgoode neighbors could turn on Russell neighbors with the ultimate - all classmates. The ministry must step in and alleviate the problem by allocating funds for the high school project. It is sad to think that the noble mailman may soon be a thing of the past. The stalwart figure striding down the street, followed by a pack of all the scurvy dogs in the neighborhood will be eliminated if the Government goes ahead with the proposal to cancel door-to-door delivery. Such an action would be typical of a society which prefers to sidestep rather than deal with problems. The Government can no longer deal with its own employees, so it proposes to abolish the service, putting the onus on the dumb, long-suffering taxpayer. This is the same approach which, rather than dealing with the rapist, comes up with suggestions on how victims can avoid antagonizing their attackers. As far as rural areas are concerned, the cancellation of door-to-door delivery makes no difference, because it never existed anyway. In rural communities the local post office is a busy meeting place for exchange of amenities and local gossip. If home delivery were ever to replace the institution of the village post office, it would deal a blow to one of our cherished The Way As I look back over the years gone by Life seemed happy, tho' we had to try New ways from being tired or bored... Those years before we knew The Lord. Every day we meet people long life's way, Who are lost, lonely and searching each day, For peace and joy, the abundant life That Jesus promised us, free from strife. Do we share God's love in a meaningful way? Do we love the unlovely - or turn them away? Is our heart really open to hear their needs? Do we just half listen then do useless deeds? I see sad faces filled with despair . . . Knowing their fears - for I have been there. Sometimes I stop and tell of God's care, Other times I thing I've no time to spare. God's Spirit convicts me when I send them away Without telling what happened when I found "The Way" Being "'born again"' give us a new start By asking Jesus to come into our heart Receiving Him as Saviour and making Him Lord Filled with God's love, then we can afford To love our neighbour as we ourselves love By the Power of The Spirit from God above. Beverley Pulfer