Who’s really in charge? By CINDY HAMELIN Salvation Army WITH THE RECENT election, local issues have been the topics of many coffee breaks, as the com- munity evaluated the ser- vice the politicians have provided, For a second, I thought. I would like to join them; in- serving the com- munity, to be instrumen- tal in change that is posi- tive. But thinking about ..Jocal__issues made. me more aware of the bigger issues that challenge our provincial government. So I rethought my posi- tion, and decided I would like to be an MLA, in the front lines helping to create new and improved laws. However, I changed by mind again. Being an ‘MLA was not enough for “me, and so 1 decided I would like to be the prime minister - the one with the final say. [ would begin with cleaning up the country. ‘No more leniency with - drugs & alcohol! Hf you are caught with a sniff of alcohol ‘on your breath, ~ View Point. Child abuse and pornography which are one in the same in my mind, would receive the: sentence of spending the Same amount of lime with the familics of the victims they had abused. Fifteen minutes to days, the same amount of time ‘the victim: was held by the abuser, I imagine that some of you would say, ‘‘right on’’ and others would say **you have gone to far!”’ But why does it always appear like the person has gotten away without any punishment? A little slap on the wrist and then they laugh at the system. They make @ mockery out of the law and those that abide by the system. My judgments are harsh. My frustration is evident, and as a citizen of Canada striving to do my best for God, my fam- ily and my community, J am overwhelmed. No, 1 am not the prime I am a person who believes that one person can make a difference. Qur history speaks of many who have made a difference in many dif- _ ferent fields of knowledge. your car is impounded for -six months and you receive a bill for storage. "If you are impaired you will not receive your li- ‘cense back for five years and you'll have mandatory alcohol counseling that would be- gin immediately. I would adopt foreign policies dealing with drugs, and we all know what their punishment for possession is ...death. Fe jy Sunday 11am -5 pm Until Christmas minister, ] am not a law- yer, not a politician, not an MLA, However I am a person who believes that one person can make a difference. Our history speaks of many who have made a difference in many different fields of knowledge. As a person of faith, with a shared ministry as an officer in the Salvation army, 1 could not con- done my own judgment, for the King of Kings has revealed how we must treat cach other. Romans 12:9 | states, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to whal is good. Be devoted to one another in brother- ly love. Honor one anath- er above: yourscives.”? A little further down in the {ext it states, ‘‘Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with goad.”’ Often in the news we hear of evils, done not only by mankind to mankind, but also to the environment, and to the animal kingdom. When we hear or read this we think, ‘“How could we repay this evil?’ We feel that the criminal needs to feel the sting of pain which is felt by the vic- lims and their families. However the scriptures speak and we = are reminded not to take ven- geance, for we are to leave room for God’s wrath. ‘Tt is mine to avenge; | will repay,’’ says the Lord. We all have the as- surance that every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess to God. “‘So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.’’ Romans 14:11, 12, These two little verses leave us no doubt who is in charge and who will have the final say. The only question I would leave you with: Are you teady to kneel before the King or are you foolish enough to believe you are in control? ES, #¢ Pre-Christmas Sale 3 Days Only! November 29, 30 and December 1 20%. i iv The Entire Store "(Excluding Customs Frain mel MWh