Commentary

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September 7, 2010
by: Ross Kentner

It’s time for a round of darts and laurels and we start with a couple of darts for the federal Health Minister. What a blow to sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis that there will be no trials on a procedure available in other countries that has reversed the debilitating symptoms for many patients.

And, with all the money raised for cancer research in this country, it’s a failure at the highest level that there is no research money available to look into the fact that a drug commonly used to treat diabetics appears to result in a much lower incidence of cancer than in the general population.

Here’s more darts for judges who grant bail to people charged with murder and clamp a publication ban on proceedings. This has happened twice around here recently. What this does is greatly undermine confidence in our justice system. Look, I believe one of the great things about our country is that even people charged with murder have their rights protected. But honestly, what message are we sending to the victims of crime? We let the person charged with murdering your loved one out and that’s all you need to know!

What about laurels? Let’s start with laurels for those involved in the Middle East peace talks. President Bush was too busy making war to work for peace. Pundits hold little hope that President Obama’s efforts will bear fruit as both sides are more entrenched than ever. Still, all credit and prayers for the talks.

Here’s another laurel for the McLeese family, creators of Cobble Beach Golf Links just north of Owen Sound. It seems every time I open a newspaper or a magazine, I’m seeing this world class community garnering praise for our part of God’s country. Everybody is amazed that Willis McLeese is still directing traffic at 96!

Finally, multiple laurels for the young people across the region competing in fall fairs this month. We saw three young ladies compete for Junior Ambassador of the 155^th Meaford and St. Vincent Fall Fair. Sharnica Laycock spoke on heritage industry, Knights of Meaford. Becky Harrison talked about art and what she has learned from local artist Ann Evans. Elizabeth MacDonald, the youngest, going into Grade 7, took the crown with a talk about horses. When I see today’s kids in action, I know our fall fairs are good for another 150 years!

Commentary, with Ross Kentner, can be heard on 560 CFOS Tuesdays & Thursdays at 7:08 am and 5:08 pm