Last Updated:Friday - 09/24/2010
June 9, 2008
WCR Letters to the Editor
NAFTA = no energy policy
I am glad to read Glen Argan's articles, some of which challenge Albertans' views regarding our robust economy brought on by the gas and oil industry.
He has pointed out how the boom in Alberta and lack of regulation has been detrimental to many, whether it is the homeless, Aboriginal people or the environment. It is also important to note that Canadians lost control over gas and oil through the 1988 free trade agreement.
That agreement locks Canada into supplying the U.S. with gas and oil even in times of shortage. Should we as Canadians experience a need to cutback exports to meet our own needs, we cannot do so unless we cutback domestic consumption by an equal proportion.
It is also noteworthy that Mexico in negotiating NAFTA avoided such foolishness by getting an exemption from energy.
Isn't it interesting that Pierre Trudeau's National Energy Policy may have involved building a pipeline from west to east. (Canada imports more that 40 per cent of its oil to meet the needs of Atlantic Canada and Quebec.)
Instead, under NAFTA, we ship our raw bitumen south of the border and grease the war machine and a nation's insatiable appetite for energy. We negotiated an agreement that forces Canadians to compete with the rest of the world for our own gas and oil.
Control over our natural resources in Canada is vital to our sovereignty as a nation. By controlling our resources we control production and its impact on the environment.
As well, we set the royalties to a rate that reflects the true worth of the commodity and accrue to ourselves money for infrastructure, social programs and the needs of all.
It has been said that NEP means no energy policy. Sadly it's true in Alberta.
Terry Ropchan
Edmonton
Telus exhibit prompts passionate concern
The producers of controversial exhibits, like the one taking place at the Telus World of Science (WCR, June 2), have only one goal in mind: to infect society with the same hunger for darkness that they have.
If they are not allowed to show it to the children, at least they have the consolation that they will be stirring up in them the juices of curiosity and rebelliousness.
Make no mistake about it - these are sick works covered over with a pious rationalization.
For a Catholic to brazenly go and see it despite the fact that our bishops have strongly advised us that this is not appropriate subject matter is disconcerting and shows a proneness towards disobedience.
With such disobedience the question "Why?" is never far off. And what is "Why?" It is egoism that gives continuous food to self-love.
Where was it created? In hell. Who was the first to pronounce it? A devil. The history of the "why" is long and there is no evil in the world which does not carry its mark.
"Why" is destruction of divine wisdom in souls. Where will the "why" be buried? In hell - to make the lost souls restless forever, without ever giving them peace.
Lonny D'Agostini
Edmonton
Marriage brings added expenses
Please allow me to reject Edward Kennedy's letter to the editor in theJune 2 WCR.
Most parishes in the archdiocese are asking for more contributions in the "collection" baskets. If priests are allowed to marry and have children they will need: a) a house; b) a second car; c) an allowance for insurance, food, health care, utilities, and maintenance; d) education, supplies etc.
You should get the meaning of things by now. Can he give us an accounting of what he is advocating will cost the parishioners in each parish?
Every parishioner has to ensure that his family is provided with the necessities of life.
How will a "married" priest provide the same things as a parishioner on his own without additional parishioner contributions?
I truly do not want to offend Father Kennedy because he was the priest who married my dear (departed) wife and I in 1964.
E.A. Paradis
Edmonton
Renouncing of faith an oxymoron
A wife's recent renouncing of the Roman Catholic faith to marry a British prince, grossly contradicts Vatican II.
"Let us open our windows," implored Pope John XXIII in 1960. We should also open our doors.
It is incredible that so many Christians are still centuries behind the times.
There is more difference between the various Catholic churches throughout the world under the umbrella of Rome, than there is generally between Anglicans and Catholics. Illustrating this is that we both just celebrated "Corpus Christi" (the real presence).
Converting from one to the other is a contradiction in terms.
René Benoiton
Edmonton
Stories of priests bring back warm memories
This is just a quick note to say "thank you" for writing the recent stories ofFather Troy,Msgr. Otterson andArchbishop MacNeil.
These three leaders played a pivotal role in my life as a child, growing to be an adult, living in Edmonton.
I appreciate reading about their lives and this allows me a fuller understanding of who they are. From this, I now comprehend some more of their teachings and guiding by understanding their history.
It is also nice to read about influential members of the Church who are still with us. It gives me the chance to say, "Hey, Father O, now I know what you meant by . . .".
Thank you for these beautiful stories and thank you for continuing God's work.
Andy Maguire
Edmonton
Letters to the Editor
The WCR welcomes your letters. Please write 300 words or less and tell us your name, address and daytime phone number. All letters are subject to editing.
Opinions expressed in letters to the editor do not necessarily represent the views of the WCR.
|
