Letters
Abortion and health-care costs
All those who needlessly choose to put themselves in harm's way or choose to have sexual intercourse regardless of the possibility of unwanted babies which they then choose to have killed, can have the resulting costs for injuries, illness and abortions covered by our Alberta Health Care; at least for as long as there are apathetic people who can be bilked out of their money to pay for the foolishness of others.
Yes, sex sells, provides countless jobs and has become a make-work project to pick up the pieces of broken hearts and broken people. That is bad enough, but the resultant diseases and abortions are straining our health care system, using up the precious time of doctors and nurses and delaying treatment for cancer patients, heart patients, and those with other bona fide health problems. To keep our health care system functional and affordable, it is the responsibility of good government to legislate against unnecessarily risky behaviour, put teeth in such laws and aggressively promote, via the media, safe, sensible lifestyles or even have an individual's AHC disqualified until they do.
But government has not done this and our AHC has been in financial trouble for some time. Now they have the audacity to suggest, "Let's charge everyone user fees." Just as auto insurance companies increase premiums for high-risk drivers, AHC or a private insurance company could increase premiums for high-risk living.
Why should Albertans pay for someone else's abortion? Couples don't have to choose abortion - having a baby is perfectly normal! Every responsible person should be prepared to welcome a baby before they choose to have sex. It is a misuse of funds to pay for abortions from our AHC. When this is stopped, premiums could be reduced and sanity prevail once more.
H. Ferguson
St. Albert, Alta.
Muslims and terrorism
The Interim (October) expressed excellent sympathy for the victims of the terrorist attack. Frank Kennedy pointed out how people did not blame their Muslim neighbours. Although the pro-life issue was not involved, I would like to add my voice to those saying Islam had no part in this matter. The terrorists' Muslim motivation was for purposes of pride, not to follow a faith with doctrines. They were extreme Muslim nationalists who chose to do evil. They were not interested in Islam as a faith, as their lifestyle demonstrated. Their identity beyond themselves was not fixed on country, people, or race but on being Islamic. In a similar vein, interest in Judaism determines for Jewish people their level of interest in Israel. It is not about religion, but identity, as in Ireland, with the Roman Catholics and Protestants. It is about identity, not faith, as terrorists on both sides demonstrate.
Robert Byers
Toronto, Ont.
Ethical stem cell research
We strongly oppose the killing of tiny, tiny babies through embryonic stem cell experimentation and research. Already, there are adequate sources of stem cells from adults and from the disposable placenta and umbilical cord blood after the baby is delivered. To now spend further dwindling health dollars on an unnecessary and life-destroying source is unethical and very wrong.
Earlier this year, the New York Times announced a stirring discovery: human fat is a "practical source" of stem cells. We see this as good news for the unborn children we call "embryos," whose lives are being taken in the name of medical research and experimentation. By all means that are ethical and life-protecting, we must do all we can to help those who struggle with tragic illnesses. Life is a precious gift from God and we as a civilized nation must protect it at every opportunity. Let your member of Parliament know these views - no stamp is needed. Address it to your MP at:
The House of Commons
Ottawa, Ont
K1A 0A6
Shirley Witt
Corresponding Secretary,
Lutherans for Life
Pembroke, Ont.
Great CLC conference
The CLC Provincial Conference of Oct. 13 exceeded my expectations, especially in the matter of providing clarification of the meaning and importance of stem cell research. Finally I get it! Thank you, Wesley Smith and John Shea. In spirit I continue to offer a standing ovation to Julius Yankowsky whose modest bearing somehow intensified the impact of his encouraging yet realistic political message. And what can anyone say to Tanya Granic except: "Hey, thanks for taking on the UN death merchants (they'll never know what hit them)."
Lise Anglin
Toronto, Ont.
No rights without responsibilities
Keep up the good work in the constant fight for life and justice for the unborn. It is very frustrating to be constantly confronted by a militant media and an indifferent political leadership who seem more intent on personal character assassinations than solving any of the real problems facing us today.
However, that being said, we should try harder to put the question in a proper manner, as it is a question of justice which we all claim to uphold. Fundamentals, rights, and duties. Every right when exercised has its corresponding duty. So here we are, not understanding what this really means.
The right to do wrong does not exist. Only in extreme cases may one act in contradiction, such as in self-defence or in time of war. Thou shalt not kill. Yet, the innocent, defenceless child within the womb, is the victim of selfish people, who do not follow through and accept responsibility for what they have caused.
No authority on earth has a right to condone abortion, or even use taxpayers' money to pay for such a demonic practice. Creation is God's domain. When by their actions, new life is brought about, the parties involved should be responsible and follow through in the duties related to their act and fully support the new life within. In reality, there is no such thing as an illegitimate child. The parents may be.
Our Constitution states and recognizes the supremacy of God, but what of his laws? God is just. There will be accountability. Take heed. God keep our land, glorious and free.
L. Donnelly
Scarborough, Ont.
On education tax credits
I read the article by John Vanasselt in the September Interim and I agree with much of what he said. However, I think that some additional information is necessary for the readers of The Interim to evaluate correctly Harris's tax education credit policy. Vanasselt rightly recognizes the primary role of parents in education. We also agree that the education tax credit introduces accountability. However, I would like to stress that parental choice is an essential component in education reform, not only for independent schools, but for all schools. The Harris government has gone further than any previous government towards recognizing the responsibility of parents in the education of their children, by implementing education tax credits for parents who send their children to private schools.
Independent school customers have now more choice than before, but Harris did the opposite for the other 90 per cent of the parents: he centralized decision making. Decisions on questions such as choice of school, how schools can raise money, how they can spend it, hiring practices and curriculum, are more removed than ever from the parents of public and separate school students. So if private school supporters are happier than before, the rest of us are worse off.
The introduction of education tax credits is not a structural reform. At best, there will be no difference in the organization, staffing, size and cost of the Ministry of Education and school boards. There will be no difference, as a consequence of tax credits, on the quality of public and separate education. Education tax credits are just an accounting measure, which can be as easily reversed by the next (probably Liberal) government. These credits may be an incentive for parents to use private schools, but with little government commitment, few new private schools may venture to open.
The Family Coalition Party is still the only party that would encourage structural reform by proposing true parental choice across the board, with the use of vouchers in education. It is only when all parents have choices, together with money in their hands to spend in education, that real competition among all schools (public, separate, private and independent) can truly work. Only then we will see the level of education rise for all Ontario students and the amount of wasted money decrease.
Giuseppe Gori
Leader
Family Coalition Party of Ontario
Burlington, Ont
Corrections.
1. On the front page of the November issue, we said that LifeChain was held Sept. 11. It was, in fact, held on Sept. 30.
2. In an editor's note in the letters section, we erroneously said Canadian Alliance leader Stockwell Day supports embryonic stem cell research. It should have read, "Day has said he is pro-life and believes that embryos should not be harvested for experimentation purposes."
3. In a caption in the centrespread, the young lady in the photo with Giuseppe Gori is Christina Patrick, not Maeve Ryan.
