Crisis signals need to change Dear Sir: During my recent two-week trip to the Terrace area Tof course read in your paper about the plight of the many people involved in the logging busi- ness. It gives us an idea of the vulnerability we ail now face in the fulure. With this current situation, and future problems - on the horizon, il appears that we should be looking a lot closer at the potentials of alternative products and harvesting from the forests. One of these often overlooked resources is of course wild mushrooms, It would be a real shame if what liltde mushroom ground js left continues to be logged (at a loss). , I believe it is time that we take a long hard look al the fulure of our forests and the sustainability it should provide us with, It seems obvious that the large corporations main concern is with their bot- tam line, and not with the wants and needs of the community at large, - There is a lot of documented support to give the forests back to the local people for management. This is the ouly solution we really have if we are to properly manage and plan the long ierm benefits our forests can supply. IT would strongly urge all people who have au in- lezest in the future of the forests to support the deci- sion makers Who realize that we have a need for more récoguition of other forest products, their value and their eventual integration within the over- all forest plan. I think we all now understand that we cannot con- tinue with the forests in the fashion that we have been accustomed to. It is time for this resource in- tegration and the long term planning that is needed to include these valuable alternatives, ] would ask that people involve themselves with the moves that are to be made soon and help others - to-address:these issues and work hard to bring back the forests to the local people. I will be. Stephen Mills Canadian Products International Shawnigan Lake, B.C. Time for FRBC to aid displaced workers An open felter to; Alan Parkinson, FRBC Dear Sir: When West Fraser Sawmills (Skeena) was shut down in Terrace on Dec. 23, 1996, and 1 inquired about training programs for these approx, 200 saw- mill and 250 woods and contractor employees, | was told by Peter Mutsie and Sara-Jane Brock- Ichurst that there was no such training programs available yel through FRBC funding, ] had even suggested a Forest Practices Code seminar for these workers and had lined up a very qualified instructor wha would be willing to teach a seminar such as this (Gerry Dodd, relired Terrace district manager of the Forest Service). 1 was told that this was a uo go. ‘T suggested that FRBC assist in funding a com- puter course for myself to be arranged in conjunc- tion with Employment Insurance in Terrace. Again this was a non-slarter. When are we going to see the priority given to the displaced forest industry workers as provided for in the legislation? T would also like to know the number of displaced forest workers thal were employed in projects paid ‘for.in 1996 by FRBC. The Mayo Valley project may be a good place for you ta slart as according to Lars-Reese Hanson the project manager, he could only think of oue worker that would qualify. Not very good for a project of this magnitude of funding (approx. $250,000) of FRBC's money. Can you asshre me that in 1997 that the “displaced forest worker'’ will get priority in train~ ing programs and employment guaranteed for all projects funded by FRBC? “I believe in the concept of FRBC — especially now thal I am one of these displaced forest workers (Skeena Sawmills Employee) but believe that the monies spent by FRBC in 1996 were not utilized for the benefit of the intended as specified in the legislation. a Gil Payne Terrace, B.C, Columnist was right on Dear Sir: [. would like to respond to comments regarding Claudette Sandecki’s column about Shames Mountain. It seems Claudette stepped on someone’s toes, and rightly so, For same time ] wondered what ever happened to those running weekly tolals be- fore opening of that business. Then all at once T ~ didi hear‘a thing, especially after they took the lift equipment from Kitsumkalum hili. I certainly would like to know what city hall or the regional district is doing lo recover what tax payers paid for equipment? At this moment some- one wanls to make it look as if that lift sale never happened. Where are those nvillion dollars of secured fram private investments? - That tactical now-payment plan should have been _ solved a long time ago. Howling about monetary losses and intimidating sameone who writes about it is not the way lo go. If a private citizen would have thade a deal like that, ] am certain, he would have lost that equipment already through a sheriff's sale. - a ‘As every entrepreneur knows, if you hang out ‘your shingle you make or break it, simple as that. The samie goes for the second ice sheet. Who in the end Is payitig for il? Yes, the burden will fall on the property owners, | have to compliment Claudette Sandecki for reminding that corporation of their promised commilnient to pay for that equipment. so: Manfred Bader Terrace, B.C, The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, March 19, 1997 - A5 ~Put forests under local control CORRESPONDENCE FOR THE TERRACE STANDARD he Mail Bag Dear Sir: Amaleur boxing is the safest of the contact sports with less injury than most non-contact sporis. Hockey, football, rugby, baseball, basket- ball, diving, scuba diving, moutainecring, horse racing, hand gliding, and sky diving all cxperi- ence higher rates of injuries and fatalities. More than 15 amateur hockcy players are vic- tims of serious spinal injurics cach year. Nol one amateur boxer has died in Canada from participa- ting in our sports, a claim which no other sport cai make, Why do some people belicve the opposite is true? The reasons are firstly, ignorance of the pur- pose and rules of our sport and secondly, confus- ing amateur with professional boxing. , Amateur boxing is not about inflicting injury upon your opponent, It-is not about trying to burt or knock him out. It is about physical condition- ing, discipline, hard work and good sports- muanship. It is about learning the skills and techni- ques enabling an athlete to score more points than his or her fellow competitor, The objective is to land more correct scoring points on the op- ponents target area. A hard blow docs not count more than a soll blow, aggression docs nol carn more points, a knock-down does not result in extra points. Less than one per cent of amateur bouts end in a knock out. , Safety is the prime concem of our sport, Not only are the rules of scoring so designed but the athletes wear headguards, large padded gloves, protective mouthpieces, abdomen protectors, and in the case of women, chest protectors. oe The first priority of the referee is to protect the petition. The referee's job is to prevent any injury including not only a knockout but even a bloody nose, There are 21 forbidden tactics or fouls which lead to a warning, penalty or disqualifica- tion. competitors and to enforce the rules of the com-. AMATEUR BOXERS here-took to the streets during the Northern B.C. Winter Games to protest ihe cancellation of their spart. A dactor could not be found to attend the event. Boxing is a safe but misunderstood sport Novice boxers can only compete against other novices and even in the open division ifune com- petitor is clearly outclassed the referee will hall the bout not only to prevent injury bul te avoid discouragement Further more, each athlete must bave a thorough physical examination before each bout and a doc- tor is present at ringside. Our young people need recreational op- portunities away from the strects, the shopping malls and the parking lots. Olympic style recrea- tional boxing is a sport devoted lo safely, physical conditioning and character building. We cmpha- size discipline, hard work, commitment to ex- cellence, fair play and sportsmanship. The goal is not about winning, ils about daing your best: it’s about producing people wilh con- fidence, self-esteem, respect for others, a seuse of discipline and a concept of fair play. Nowhere in our spart will you find the concept of the *‘good” penalty — in boxing, as in life, everyone mus respect the rules, | , ' Andrew Schuck Vancouver, B.C, “Tresident, B.C, Amateur Boxing Association Editor’s Note: The Canadian Medical Associa- lion-recommends boxing be banned in Canada, The association's policy statement says it consid. ers boxing a ''dangerotts sport." "Medical research has provided unequivecal proof that boxers are at significant risk of injuries resulting in brain damage, "' says the association. . Studies show boxers are susceptible not only to acute life-threatening brain trauma, bur also to stabtle chronic debilitating changes. © “Blem evidence exists to substantiate a correla: tion between the ntunber of bouts fought and the presence of cerebral abnormalities in boxers,” says the assoctation. “The risks posed to health by boxing are unacceptably high.” Dear Sir: My family and I don’t often take advantage of our community services (pool, arena, ski bill) and, un- fortunately, we won’t be using them any time soon. I can count on one hand the times thal T, or any meniber of my family, used the swimming pool in the last year, and twice now, we have been victim: ized, , Luckily for us, the culprit who stole every stitch of my son’s clothing, including his shocs, saw fit to retum everything the next day, This was my son’s introduction to the wonderful world of swim les- sons, Good memories. oo My teenage daughter left her shoes unattended for hope you enjoy those shoes approximately four minutes and bad to go home in sock feet. She worked for those shoes, and un- doubtedly valued them far more than the girl who is wearing them now. Tam really disappointed aud angry at these people and their lack of morals and values, . I feel fortunale most times: having grown up in Terrace and had hoped that my children would also conve: to find: that compassion, caring and honesty arc key advantages of sinail town life. Instead, they have a healthy dose of cynicism, Thanks for the reality check — enjoy those shoes! ; “. Carolyn Anderson - Terrace, B.C. Don’t rush to develop the airport lands Dear Sir: When is an airport not an airport? Wher it is oc- cupied by buildings, houses, schools, medical and police facilities, underground and. surface infra- structures, vehicle lanes, parking and pedestrian walkways, water, drainage, and sewage services. Had the people who chose Sea Island, later Van- couver International Airport, and their successors permitted real estate (permanent), where could the fecent major runway have been constructed? Ab- botsford? . ; In the wee hours jets fly over here. If a strange pilot or air crew from any direction bad to emer- geacy land in the clutler, whal could happen? Any daily routine QDight in the fog, sleet, min or ice could be in error, A pilot recently interviewed remarked that the Terrace/Kitimat Airport “bas some pretty sour w«ather’’. Private aircraft, freighters and helicopters do uot operate on routine schedules. If the development outlined above is allowed, Mother Nature has bestowed on us the airport plateau. Let us not place In jeopardy the future of safer, more efficient air travel and air freighting by commercialization of the now Crown land. who will pay demolition costs, expropriation fees, court charges for litigation, if the title holders or lessees refuse to move? Ottawa is having to pay millions in compensation to the purchasers and cou- cessionaires to whom the former federal govern- meat sold the Lester B. Pearson Internalional Air- port at Mallon, Ontario. The people now at the airport are professionals at their jobs, On retirement, we will pay our portion lo their pensions. Where are their replacements lo come from, and who will train them? Will City of Terrace employees by to-ing and fro-ing (40 niinutes) several times a day? Will it be found necessary to establish permanent staff, and all that entails, demanded by a second community? Will those trying to sleep, teach, learn and concentrate at their work be able to endure the noises and distrac- lions indefinitely? Where would the Terrace/Kitimat area be today had it not been constructed aud paid for by the fed- tral pavernment as an airport? If it is a going con- cem, a profitable business, why is the federal govermnicnt pressing the cilizens to take it over? Regardless of what happens to the airport, an agreement in writing should be obtained from the provincial govermment that the Crown land barder- ing the airport has been reserved for a third or fourth runway, If a second industrial, commercial, bedroom de- velopment is necessary, there are oplional. siles closer to the cily, thus leaving the plateau to fulfill its original purpose. Mother Nature has bestowed on us the airport plateau. Let us not place in jeopardy the future of safer, more efficient air travel and air freighting by commiercialization of the now Crown land, Remem- ber that we shall always be responsible for the preservation of human lives. Gerald Duffus Terrace, B.C, Truth is challenging Dear Sir: The response to a bluntly truthful Isobel Brophy letter is usually pretty predictable. Hostile readers who ought to know by now that they are in for more of the unvamished truth than they can calmly cope with just can’t resist reading anyway. Then, since wrestling with the truth is difficult and a personal attack is easy, they respond with let- ters that are similar to the one by Brad Mazurak. (Letters, Feb. 19) But in a unique response to being angered by Mrs. Brophy, Mr. Mazurak das also resolved to be- come a first-time patron of Ebony’s. I’m sure the staff at the sex shop will explain to their neophyte customer that their products are not intended for men suffering from impotent rage. Lydia Piper Terrace, B.C. . a a The spirit is key Dear Sir: All mankind are basically gond people. They just earned a bad thing, They may need to learn over how to change and to balance themselves once again, No one is above the other. Chiet Seattle of the Squamish people in 1854 reflects this belief; ‘We are part of the earth and il is part of us. The perfumed flowers are our sisters; the deer, the harse, the great eagle, these are our Drothers, Every part of this earth is sacred to my people. Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every clearing and humming insect is holy in the memory and ex- perience of my people, For they love this earth as the newborn loves its mother’s hearbeat. ” The stories are wrilten an same lotem poles, It is also a symbol of our lineage. If it has the frog de- sign on it, it tells us that we are the frog tribe, We belong under our mother’s clan, It would mean that all frog men are off limits to me. They are my brothers and sisters. Chief Luther Standing Bear of the Oglala Sioux said ‘We did not think of the great open plains, the beautiful rolling hills, and the winding streams wilh tangled growth, as ‘wild’, Only to the white man was tature a ‘wilderness’ and only to bin was the land ’infested’ with ‘wild’ animals and ‘savage’ people. To us it was tame.”” ; It does not matier what race you belong to. There are sittilar problems in cach race, It has been a learned behaviour, Some people think thal it is okay to be prejudice. A few are greedy. They do not care for the weak or/and the poor. “Some of our own members of our community hove lost their traditional values. It wilk take time, but] personally believe that we will get there, ; : ‘Lilac Robinson .. . Gitksm Natlon