AFGHAN MISSION IS DOING GOOD

Editor:

As the mother of a son currently serving in the Canadian military, who was deployed to Afghanistan last year, I feel that there are misconceptions regarding Canada's objectives in Task Force Afghanistan.
When my son told me of his assignment, I know he didn't understand why I wasn't as enthused as he. I think the reality hit him as he was leaving Canada “ he called all our family to say good-bye from the Montreal Airport.
Once he arrived there I received an email and he told me that he had changed his opinion of the need for Canada there. He saw people that have been devastated by constantly living in a war situation and how it had destroyed their economy.
He asked me why there is no focus in the media on the good work that Canada is doing. According to him, the richest Afghani would trade places with the poorest Canadian. We don't fully appreciate the rights and privileges we enjoy.
Canada is one of several countries working in the ISTF (International Stabilization Assistance Force) in Afghanistan. Canada has assisted in a Polio Immunization program and donated Women's Wellness Kits to Khandahar University's Medical Program. Schools have been reopened to both boys and girls, allowing over 5 million children to be educated. Teaching materials have been provided to over 350,000 teachers. We are involved in a literary program for 4,600 citizens who are illiterate. We are helping Afghanis rebuild their agricultural economy which has been virtually destroyed from the many years of war. When I watch the news each night the stories from that region rarely report any of this.
For the NDP to suggest withdrawal of our troops to guard our coastline is a slap in the face for these courageous young men and women who are serving there. Our Canadian military personnel are highly skilled and I am sure Canada's efforts, along with those of other NATO countries, are appreciated.
As parents, we are worried for the safety of our sons and daughters. We pray for their safe return but support their decision and are proud of their willingness to do this.
Our local MP says that he voted against extending Canada's mission in Afghanistan and that he did so because he knew that the residents of this constituency don't support the war effort. This is not a war effort! It seems that he has no idea of the reality of the situation in Afghanistan nor the objectives of our troops that are stationed there.
My son returned to Canada safe and sound but is willing to return to Afghanistan. It makes me proud that I have raised a child who is willing to help others while putting his personal comfort and safety at risk. I am sure I am not the only parent who feels this way.

Tracy BarryrnNelson, B.C.

– (OSOYOOS TIMES — April 4, 2007)


[b]ORCHARD SMOKE IS GETTING TO READER[/b]

Editor:

Am I the only one who goes outdoors most days in the fall and spring and smells dense smoke?rnDoes anyone care? Doesn't anyone notice the constant haze, even on a nice day? Is there another person who is bothered by scenes like in this photo taken last week in Osoyoos?rnThis is unheard of in other areas. Orchards are burning prunings, whole trees that are being dug up to put in grapes, and who-knows-what-else.
With the global warming and pollution disaster looming, can't we get with the program?rnTown Councils, rural district administrations, and concerned citizens need to wake up and do something about it. Make chipping mandatory or use alternate disposal methods.
Why not take a few minutes to e-mail your MP for BC Southern Interior, Alex Atamanenko (atamaa@parl.gc.ca), Al Patton, Area C Director rural Oliver, RDOS (apatton@rdos.bc.ca), Mark Pendergraft, Area A Director, rural Osoyoos, RDOS (mpendergraft@rdos.bc.ca), or call the Town Office of either Oliver or Osoyoos to register your complaint with the mayor and council.
Please take an interest, for all of our sakes.

Janice RobinsonrnOsoyoos

– (OSOYOOS TIMES — April 4, 2007)


[b]MUSINGS ON THE GOOSE PROBLEM[/b]

Editor:

I noticed a picture you published on Page 3 of your March 28 edition of three geese with severely bent necks. Now most people would naturally assume this was a normal feeding position, but let us consider another alternative. Could it be they flew into an invisible fence while trying to migrate? There has been talk of a fence all around the U.S.A. and with their technology it may be possible that they are extending it invisibly up to migration height.
Since the Canada Goose (Canadian to most Americans) probably doesn't have a passport, are their migration days numbered? Some people even believe that Hummingbirds hide in their feathers to migrate, a definite threat to homeland security.
Possibly by next fall when the main fall migration is on we will be swamped with thousands of our feathered enemies, all of course with stubby beaks and bent necks. Are we prepared?rnI realize we need solutions, but as long as we attract geese by planting choice lawns grass, etc. beside their natural waterways we must expect them to come. If we are not willing to quit feeding them, perhaps we should try to live with them and train them to our ways. Possibly a good project for our schools?rnSince most children love baby geese, why not let the eggs hatch, instead of addling them, and let the children potty train the goslings. Goose-size porta-potties could be set up wherever necessary and the farmers could empty them and have free fertilizer. Perhaps Pharmasave or Shoppers Drug Mart would donate the TP?rnI know some of you must have more practical plans, so please speak up. We'd best be careful though, as the geese may get wind of it and demand their rights and shut down all the waterways. It seems to me we are the intruders.
Honk, honk, honk.

Fred Fouty,rnOsoyoos

– (OSOYOOS TIMES — April 4, 2007)