January 15, 1991, carnegie newsletter

JANUARY 1 5 , 1991.

-401 l h i n S t . , Vancouver, W A R

BTC.( 6 0 4 ) 6 6 5 - 2 2 8 9

The t h r e e l e t t e r word!

That c o u l d d e s t r o y t h e l i v e s of many p e o p l e , on t h i s day - January 15, 1991.

J u s t t h e t h o u g h t of a person, s h o o t i n g a n o t h e r human b e i n g , i n honour of a c o u n t r y . Sends s h i v e r s down my s p i n e .

Family and f r i e n d s f e a r f o r t h e l i f e of t h e i r l o v e d one.

T r y i n g t o keep i n mind, t h e way they were b e f o r e they l e f t .

Wondering what t h e y ' l l b e l i k e when they come back, from t h e mine f i e l d s , sounds of g u n f i r e , g r e n a d e s exploding i n c h e s away from them. P e o p l e screaming w i t h t h e i r l a s t b r e a t h , " T e l l my w i f e , husband, c h i l d , mother, f a t h e r , s i s t e r , b r o t h e r I l o v e them."

S i l e n c e i s a golden word. But n o t when war i s i n v o l v e d .

T h e r e ' s a n o t h e r kind of war, but n o t w i t h guns, g r e n a d e s , o r mine f i e l d s .

T h i s w a r i s c a l l e d Poverty.

Many people come back from war o n l y t o f i n d themselves i n a n o t h e r kind of war. Trying to find t h e i r place i n society.

P e o p l e r e j e c t them because they k i l l e d f o r t h e i r country So i n s t e a d of t r y i n g t o g e t t h e h e l p they need t h e y c r e a t e a world i n which they only know, where no one can h u r t them. Except f o r themselves.

Because t h a t world i s evolved around a l c o h o l and d r u g s , t h e i r way of drowning t h e memories of what happened.

So what g i v e s o u r government t h e r i g h t t o do t h i s t o o u r people?

Margaret P r e v o s t

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An Open L e t t e r t o CKNW:

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G WAYS TO LOOK AT POVERTY 1

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A man woman and c h i l d a r e one Now t h e woman and c h i l d a r e one Now t h e woman and c h i l d and poverty a r e one 2

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Women and c h i l d r e n and poverty going now Through motions w i t h meagre money

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The mocking t r a g e d y t o not r a i s e t h e c h i l d w i t h a l l t h e hope and promise but w i t h a l l t h e c a u t i o n & f o r e b o d i n g t h a t p o v e r t y demands

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4 - How t o go through t h e a i s l e n o t wanting Taking o n l y r i c e and beans t h a t w i l l f i t t h e p a l a t e of p o v e r t y 5

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Among 100 d i r t y d i s h e s The Only l i v i n g t h i n g was t h e e y e s of t h e c h i l d r e n l i v i n g i n poverty

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Longing f i l l e d t h e toybox With maybe's, hopes and promises I n shadow the child waits patiently Each day Women & P o v e r t y perform

7 - Among t h e maze of madness The women & c h i l d r e n t r e a d e d t h e i r way through mountains of i m p o s s i b i l i t y Poverty snapping a t t h e i r h e e l s 8 - Oh! Thin women of Canada Why d i d n ' t you imagine golden c h i l d r e n Do you n o t see how t h e p o v e r t y Walks around t h e f e e t Of t h e women about you?

Marilyn S e e l y e

I a m t a k i n g t i m e o u t of my busy sched u l e t o v o i c e some t h o u g h t s and f e e l i n g I have a f t e r l i s t e n i n g t o t o d a y ' s open-line show. I am n o t a r e g u l a r l i s t e n e r s o f o r g i v e m e f o r n o t knowing t h e names of t h e h o s t s .

T e r e s a was t h e s i n g l e mother who was speaking and I have t o s a y t h a t I f e l t ashamed t o imagine h e r l e a v i n g t h e s t u d i o t h i s morning a f t e r h e a r i n g t h e comments a b o u t h e r , h e r l i f e s t y l e , h e r c h i l d r e n and h e r " l a z i n e s s " .

The comp l e t e l a c k of compassion f o r h e r and o t h e r s l i k e h e r s i t u a t i o n a p p a l l e d me.

My seven month-old son h a s been s u f f e r i n g an e a r i n f e c t i o n coupled w i t h t e e t h i n g and a c o l d . H e h a s c l u n g t o me e v e r y waking hour of t h e day. Bes i d e s t h e d i f f i c u l t i e s t h i s raises doi n g housework e t c . , I am a g a i n convinced of t h e n e c e s s i t y of b e i n g t h e r e f o r t h e i l l n e s s e s , e m o t i o n a l problems and, of c o u r s e , t h e j o y f u l t i m e s of c h i l d hood.

There i s no doubt motherhood, p a r e n t hood, i s a f u l l - t i m e committment. W e a r e a l l aware of p s y c h o l o g i c a l l y troubl e d k i d s who d i d n o t f e e l t h e l o v e of t h e i r p a r e n t s and who commenced t o l i v e t h a t o u t i n s e l f - d e s t r u c t i v e ways.

Welfare r a t e s are n o t a d e q u a t e i f w e o n l y l o o k a t o u r s o c i e t y ' s l e v e l of d e c e n t l i v i n g s t a n d a r d s and p o v e r t y r a t e s . T e r e s a can o n l y be commended f o r managing a household w i t h housing c o s t s what t h e y a r e , w i t h food p r i c e s rising, etc., etc. e t c I have o p t e d t o s t a y a t home w i t h my d a u g h t e r (4) and my i n f a n t son. My husband works f o r $ l l / h r . b u t w e have d i f f i c u l t i e s making ends meet. Howe v e r tough i t can b e a t t i m e s , I r e a l i z e t h a t t h e r e a r e many f a m i l i e s f a r worse o f f t h a n u s and do n o t r e s e n t i n any way paying t a x e s t o s u p p o r t S o c i a l S e r v i c e s . T h i s t o me i s t h e b a r e minimum we can do. And l e t ' s no t be

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f o o l e d t o t h i n k t h a t t h i s i s enough.

Teresa w i l l t e l l u s t h a t i t i s n o t so.

G r a n t e d , working p e o p l e a r e b e i n g s t r e t c h e d . L e t u s n o t u n l o a d on t h e less f o r t u n a t e o f u s when we l o o k t o t h e c a u s e s of o u r economic problems.

S u r e l y we c a n respond w i t h a r e c o g n i t i o n t h a t one day we c o u l d b e t h e r e I w i s h T e r e s a t h e b e s t w i t h h e r appe a l ; I w i l l follow the case. I think t h e l a w o f t h e l a n d w i l l show u s f i n a l l y who w e a r e as Canadians. Are we a p e o p l e who have v i s i o n , who w i l l und e r s t a n d t h a t t h e f u t u r e of o u r count r y depends on o u r r a i s i n g o f h e a l t h y , e d u c a t e d and l o v i n g c h i l d r e n and t h a t t h e i r c a r e g i v e r s have t o h a v e t h e res o u r c e s t o p r o v i d e b a s i c n e e d s ? O r do w e s a y t h a t t h e y h a v e t o work i n a s y s t e m t h a t p r o v i d e s few m e a n i n g f u l jobs, t h a t o f f e r s l i t t l e child-care f a c i l i t i e s , and l i t t l e l e f t o v e r f o r t h e k i d s except f r u s t r a t i o n 6 f a t i g u e .

I hope you w i l l s h a r e t h i s l e t t e r w i t h T e r e s a . I a l s o wish h e r l u c k i n h e r a p p e a l and a d m i r e h e r c o u r a g e .

Thank you f o r l i s t e n i n g . A s we enco u n t e r t h e s e t o u g h e s t o f s o c i a l quest i o n s , I hope we do what we c a n t o work t o g e t h e r t o l i s t e n c a r e f u l l y t o t h e n e e d s o f o u r c i t i z e n s . Merry C h r i s t m a s T e r e s a , and may t h e New Year b r i n g support t o your family w i t h t h e s a t i s f a c t i o n t h a t you have i n d e e d worked f o r i t !

.

Deirdre Kelly

W e l f a r e Cannot Always Take Money Off Cheques R o b e r t F i n l a y , a d i s a b l e d man on w e l f a r e f o u g h t w i t h f e d e r a l and prov i n c i a l governments i n Manitoba t o s t o p overpayment d e d u c t i o n s . He Won! The c o u r t d e c i d e d t h a t t h e government c a n n o t t a k e money o f f h i s cheque f o r overpayments, b e c a u s e t h a t would n o t l e a v e him enough money t o l i v e on.

I f you a r e g e t t i n g money t a k e n o f f your cheque, and you are n o t s u r e why: 1) T a l k t o one o f t h e f o l l o w i n g ; 2 ) Appeal.

DERA, 9 E. H a s t i n g s , Drop-in Monday t o Fniday Open 9 t o 4 pm.

682-0931 F i r s t U n i t e d Church 320 E. H a s t i n g s llam Drop-in Mon-Fri. ; 9 BCCPD, 456 W. Broadway .

Mon-Fri, open 9 . - 5pm Dobmtown E a s t s i d e Women's C e n t r e 44 E. Cordova; Open 11 5 weekdays, 12-5 Thursdays.

681-8480 G e t t h e amount o f w e l f a r e t h a t you a r e e n t i t l e d to!

NOTE: P e o p l e c a n a s k t o have t h e i r CPP D i s a b i l i t y t a x e d . T h i s w i l l r e d u c e t h e i r monthly income enough t o make them e l i g i b l e f o r G A I N f o r Handi c a p p e d b e n e f i t s , l i k e a bus p a s s and medical.

They w i l l a l s o g e t a lump sum t a x r e t u r n a t t h e end o f t h e y e a r which t h e y c a n p u t i n t h e bank as a n a s s e t , if t h e y d o n ' t have t h e maximum y e t .

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To Change t h e World So many N e w s l e t t e r r e a d e r s t o l d me how much t h e y a p p r e c i a t e d my a r t i c l e l a s t i s s u e on How t o F i x Your Own TV S e t , I had t o r e a l i z e how i m p o r t a n t a well-working TV set i s t o Downtown E a s t s i d e r e s i d e n t s . Thinking about i t , I d e c i d e d t o s t a r t my own l i t t l e program i n which I would o f f e r t o come around and a d j u s t TVs and g e t them working r i g h t f o r N e w s l e t t e r r e a d e r s .

I f your t e l e v i s i o n i s n ' t q u i t e d o i n g what i t s h o u l d be d o i n g , what t o d o ?

Simply l e a v e a message f o r m e a t t h e Main F l o o r I n f o r m a t i o n c o u n t e r . All t h e message h a s t o s a y i s "TV" and then your name and a d d r e s s . A phone number would b e n i c e s o I c a n c h e c k i f you w i l l be a t home, b u t i t i s n o t I have a b u s p a s s , s o i f I a must. d o n ' t c a t c h you on t h e f i r s t v i s i t I can come a g a i n .

I ' v e been t o l d , "With T V ' S , E r i c , you've g o t Magic F i n g e r s . " One man p a i d a t e c h n i c i a n from a shop t o come work on h i s c o l o u r TV. The e x p e r t mucked around w i t h i t f o r a n hour and t h e n gave up w i t h t h e s e t The no b e t t e r t h a n i t was b e f o r e . s e t ' s owner c a l l e d me i n .

The t e c h n i c i a n had c h a r g e d him $32 f o r t h e u s e l e s s e f f o r t s . For no c h a r g e I s e t t h i n g s t o r i g h t s and t h e man s a i d , "The p i c t u r e i s b e t t e r even t h a n when I bought t h e d a r n e d , t h i n g . " So, l e a v e a message a t t h e Informat i o n Desk i f you want. I w i l l come around and s e e what I c a n do. No c o s t .

No g u a r a n t e e s .

E r i c Erickson

- A song by Moe Lyons, s o n g w r i t e r f o r Images Ad Hoc S i n g e r s , Nelson.

Well, i t m a t t e r s what we do And i t m a t t e r s what w e s a y I t matters how we l i v e o u r l i v e s And how we e a r n o u r pay I t matters what we t h i n k and how we t e a c h t h e young t o be I f t h e world i s gonna make i t t h r o u g h I t ' s up t o you and me.

CHORUS : Well, we work t o change t h e world And w e p l a y t o change t h e world And w e l a u g h t o change t h e world And we c r y t o change t h e w o r l d And w e s i n g t o change t h e w o r l d And we d a n c e t o change t h e world And we l i v e t o change t h e world W e would d i e t o change t h e world.

You c a n s e e i t on TV You c a n see i t on t h e street For someone t o come o u t on t o p The r e s t must t a s t e d e f e a t You c a n s e e i t i n your f a m i l y And i n y o u r workplace t o o I f I g e t e v e r y t h i n g I want T h e r e ' s n o t enough f o r you.

CHORUS These d a y s when t h e r e i s s c a r c i t y I t comes from human g r e e d The e a r t h i s e v e r b o u n t i f u l She g i v e s u s what s h e n e e d s And w a t e r , a i r & e a r t h & f i r e Are what we need t o l i v e They a l l a r e p a r t of a l l o f u s Not y o u r s o r mine t o g i v e .

CHORUS

Carnegie Adult Learning Centre Class Schedule January to J u n e 1991

Tutors ava

II subject areas!

Monday

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Tuesday

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Wednesday

Thursday

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ESL Literacy CLOO102 9:30- 11:oo (Kathie)

ESL for Cantonese Speakers 1o:Oo-12:00 $35.00 (Grace)

ESL Literacy CL00 102 9:30- 11:00 (Kathie)

ESL for Cantonese Speakers 1o:Oo- 1200 $35.00 (Grace)

Grammar & Composition CL00202 11:OO-12:30 (Kathie)

ESL for Cantonese Speakers 1:00-3:00 $35.00 (Grace)

Grammar & Composition CL00202 11:OO-12:30 (Kathie)

ESL for Cantonese Speakers 1:00-3:00 $35.00 (Grace)

Grammar and Composition CL00702 1:OO-2:30 (Kathie)

Computer Literacy CL00302 11:00-12:30 (Kathie)

Grammar and Composition CL00702 1:OO-2:30 (Kathie)

Computer Literacy CL00302 11:OO-12:30 (Kathie)

ESL Literacy CL00602 2:30-4:00 (Kathie)

Computer Literacy CL00302 190-2:30 (Kathie)

ESL Literacy CL00602 2:30-&CI (Kathie)

Computer Literacy CL00302 1:OO-2:30 (Kathie)

Secondary Upgrading CL00402 3:00-7:OO (Kathie)

Friday

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I Math & Science CL00502 11:00-2:00 (Colin)

I Inuo. to Letters CL00802 2: 15-5:OO (Maurice)

Secondary Upgrading CL00402 3:OO-7:OO (Kathie)

New for 199 1 Literacy and Basic Upgrading Drop-in, 9:OO- 12:00 Tue-Fri

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ESL Literacy Improve your English vocabulary through conversations which relate to surviving in a Canadian context. Learn about banking, tenancy, budgeting, health and other issues identified by you and fellow students.

Grammar and Composition In this class you will use a whole language approach which integrates reading, writing and conversation in a meaningful context. Through discussion and reading you will learn spelling, grammar and writing. You will learn to write your own stories related to your personal experiences.

Adult Secondary Upgrading Improve your skills in five areas: Math, Literature, Social Studies, Writing and Science. You are encouraged to design and plan your own learning program with the teacher. Work together in small groups to help each other and share your learning experiences. This is a great course if you want to write the G.E.D. exams.

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Computer Literacy Learn about the basics of personal computers and the hardware and software that is now popular. From the fundamentals of disk k handling to the basics of word processing, you will work together in a relaxed bf) and pleasant environment.

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Math and Science This course consists of two 14 week modules which will g, allow you to earn credit for Math 10 and Adult Science Prep. The course is also

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open to students wanting to upgrade their Math and Science skills to prepare for G.E.D.or entry into Grade 11 Math and Science courses.

Introduction to Letters This course is designed for students beginning to acquire basic English reading and writing skills. Students work in small groups and learn to take responsibilty for their own learning. Emphasis is on , preparing students for more advanced English courses.

Literacy and Basic Upgrading Drop-in This new program allows literacy and basic upgrading students an opportunity to work with a teacher four mornings per week. Individualized programs are designed by the students and the teacher to ensure a relevant and interesting approach to literacy skills. Sessions are held Tuesdays to Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

Writing: the Essentials and More If you want credit for Grade 10 Writing Prep. or are interested in improving your writing skills for job searches, creative writing, writing memos or resumes this course is for you. Begins February '91.

Student/Tutor Match-ups Tutors are available to help you with all upgrading and English programs. Work in small group settings to study Literacy, Math, Writing, Reading, English or to prepare for scheduled classes. Times are arranged to suit your needs.

Hey, everybody! !!

A h e a r t f e l t t h a n k s from L e a r n i n g C e n t r e s t a f f t o a l l of t h e many volunt e e r t u t o r s who worked s o d i l i g e n t l y o v e r t h e h o l i d a y s . Your e f f o r t s k e p t t h e p l a c e r u n n i n g smoothly and h e l p e d a l o t o f s t u d e n t s . Thanks f o r k e e p i n g u s humble1 MARIA- CAMPBELL ( C r e e / M e t i s ) and a u t h o r of t h e book "Halfbreed" w i l l b e a t C a r n e g i e on F r i d a y , Jan.25 a t 7 pm i n t h e t h e a t r e t o do some storytelling.

She h a s b e e n a c t i v e working on beh a l f o f n a t i v e women i n p r i s o n and i s p r e s e n t l y co-producer/owner o f a prod u c t i o n company d e d i c a t e d t o making q u a l i t y programming a b o u t n a t i v e peop l e . H e r r e c e n t book i s "The Book of J e s s i c a " , co-authored w i t h Linda.

From t h e back c o v e r : --

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Linda: "I t h o u g h t i t was o v e r . I n s i d e I knew b e t t e r but I thought i t w a s o v e r . . . When I t a l k e d t o Maria s h e s a i d , "Who r e a d s p l a y s anyway?"

I f e l t t h a t f a m i l i a r arrowhead p o i n t i n t h e p i t of my stomach."

From t h e D i r e c t o r ' s d e s k (rumour h a s i t t h a t i t ' s somewhere on t h e 3 r d f l o o r ) : "The d u s t h a s s e t t l e d on o u r u s u a l w i l d C h r i s t m a s c e l e b r a t i o n s . Many individuals, businesses & organizations d o n a t e d c l o s e t o $7,000 f o r o u r c e l e b r a t i o n s . T h i s allowed u s t o have a l o t of food and e n t e r t a i n m e n t o v e r t h i s p e r i o d . Many t h a n k s t o a l l t h e p a t r o n s v o l u n t e e r s and s t a f f who helped o u t d u r i n g Christmas. I would e s p e c i a l l y l i k e t o thank t h e v o l u n t e e r s & s t a f f who worked i n t n e k i t c h e n . They d i d a n i n c r e d i b l y smooth j o b of p u t t i n g a l o t of food o u t i n a s h o r t p e r i o d . "

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Part dialogue, part narrative, part p l a y s c r i p t , t h i s u n i q u e book c o n t a i n s t h e award-winning p l a y J e s s i c a , a s w e l l a s t h e e x t r a o r d i n a r y s t o r y of i t s making.

Live with f o o l s A s dangerous a s u s No one can Embrace t h e d a r k O r t r u s t the Gods w e t r u s t

Maria: "I s t i l l f e e l l i k e some Siamese t w i n w i t h h e r . I want h e r t o b u t I h e a r myself s a y i n g go away " ~ e t ' s t e l l t h e whole s t o r y of what happened t h e n maybe w e ' l l be f r e e of t h e whole t h i n g , h e a l e v e r y t h i n g .

11 And I k i c k myself

They h a r d l y n o t i c e We a r e f r e e & t h e y become c o n t r o l l e d

A m a g i c a l , humorour, y e t a t t i m e s b r u t a l tale of personal, p o l i t i c a l and s p i r i t u a l growth.

The p i t s of s i c k n e s s Death & s i n have Opened i n t o u s

A l l folks a r e invited to l i s t e n t o and t a l k w i t h N a r i a on F r i d a y , 2 5 t h .

C a l l t h e Learning Centre o r Viola f o r more i n f o r m a t i o n .

No one d a r e s t o Say a t h i n g Our minds go \%%eret h e y must

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They h a r d l y n o t i c e We a r e young & t h e y a r e growing o l d

p a s s r i g h t through

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Our l i v e s a r e gone Our way i s l o s t Our l u c k i s even b l i n d We w i l l be Five s i n g l e s t a r s That s h i n e A single night

W e w i l l be The power beam T h a t sweeps them Out o f s i g h t On o u r c o a s t The e a g l e s f l y & nothing B r i n g s them down Eagles leave The n e s t behind & know n o t Where t h e y ' r e bound.

TORA

Note t o R e a d e r s . .

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On Pg. 10 o f t h e l a s t i s s u e a q u o t e from B e r t o l t B r e c h t ' s p l a y Mother Courage was r e p r i n t e d .

Some p e o p l e a p p a r e n t l y t h o u g h t t h i s was a s t a t e m e n t promoting w a r , & s i n c e I submitted t h e piece I f e e l I should It's a c t u a l l y an anitexplain it... war s t a t e m e n t , b u t B r e c h t u s e s a c h a r a c t e r c a l l e d "The C o r p o r a l " t o show how b u r e a u c r a t i c o r d e r "Shoes i n bags & c o r n i n s a c k s " t I P r o p e r l i s t s & up-to-date registers"

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makes i t p o s s i b l e f o r n a t i o n s t o u s e t h e p e o p l e (who a r e j u s t i n t e r e s t e d i n l i v i n g t h e i r l i v e s ) a s cannon f o d d e r . .

The q u o t e r e f e r s t o t h e s i t u a t i o n i n Europe a t t h e t u r n of t h e c e n t u r y , l e a d i n g up t o t h e F i r s t World War, b u t i t ' s a s t r u e t o d a y a s i t e v e r was bureaucratic order & control is the e s s e n t i a l f a c t o r necessary t o ship Canadians t o t h e Middle E a s t o r anywhere else America n e e d s s u p p o r t f o r its warlike policys - policys t h a t i n e v i t a b l y r e s u l t i n burned, b l a s t e d & h o r r i b l y m u t i l a t e d human bodys as t h e Corporal says: "XO o r d e r no war.. & t h e y ' re dead r i g h t . "

...

-

You s t o l e my s o n g s The ones t h a t t o o k s o long t o write Y e s you s t o l e my songs.

They p l a y on and on While I l i e h e r e dying And t h e money t h a t would have been mine t o s a v e my l i f e L e a v e s your hands f o r t h e w i n e you d r i n k t o f o r g e t w h a t you've done t o me.

You s t o l e my songs and t h e p i c t u r e s t h a t I ' v e drawn.

W h i l e m i l l i o n s dance - t o my romantic words N o t one b i t of my p l e a d i n g have you heard

.

/

And t h e d r u g g e r s r u b t h e i r hands While you r o b my b r o t h e r ' s l a n d s Yes y o u ' v e made a p a r t y of my i l l n e s s You are a p a r t y t o my d e a t h The money t h a t s h o u l d have been mine To e l u d e t h e s y s t e m ' s But my mother knows d e a t h machine L i e s i n your s e c r e t what you h a v e done bank a c c o u n t s T e l l m e who you w i l l rob when I am gone? i n vast numbers You know who you are Gloria H i t e You c a l l y o u r s e l f a s t a r

I

Poor f i n d CST b i t e s i n r o a l r e a d y t i g h r b u d g e t s

I

For p e o p l e who have t o c o u n t t h e i r penn i e s e v e r y month, t h e Mulroney governm e n t ' s new goods and s e r v i c e s t a x means p a r i n g t h e i r food b u d g e t s t o pay Ottawa.

And t h e r e b a t e t h a t s u p p o s e d l y goes t o t h e poor t o o f f s e t t h e new t a x i s t o o m i s e r l y t o match t h e e x t r a c o s t s o f shopping, say anti-poverty groups.

A n i t a G i n g r i c h , a 28-year-old Burnaby s i n g l e mother w i t h two young g i r l s , f i g u r e s t h e GST i s g o i n g t o mean h e r f a m i l y w i l l be e a t i n g more r i c e and n o o d l e p l a t e s r a t h e r t h a n c o m p l e t e meals.

During t h e f i r s t week t h e t a x w a s i n e f f e c t , G i n g r i c h went t o t h e s t o r e t o buy d i a p e r s and baby s o a p f o r h e r t o d d l e r .

She p a i d $2.10 tax on h e r $35 p u r c h a s e . " I ' m l i v i n g l i k e a hermit. I ' m a f r a i d t o go o u t and spend money and pay more t a x . " She s a y s s h e s p e n d s a s much as $15 a month on " l a u n d r y t h i n g s " and -an0 t h e r $10 on d i a p e r s . T h a t ' s $21 a y e a r i n GST. She r e c e i v e d a $92 GST r e b a t e ( i n Dec.) and g e t s a n o t h e r $92 l a t e r t h i s y e a r .

But t h e r e b a t e i s r e a l l y w o r t h o n l y a t o t a l of $84 f o r t h e e n t i r e y e a r t o Ging r i c h and h e r f a m i l y b e c a u s e t h e $100 f e d e r a l s a l e s t a x r e b a t e t h a t was a v a i l a b l e t o low-income p e o p l e i s e l i m i n a t e d . " I ' v e g o t t o buy c l o t h e s t h i s month s o my l i t t l e g i r l c a n s t a r t k i n d e r g a r t e n . " I'll pay taxes on t h a t . I ' v e g o t t o pay t a x on my hydro b i l l , my phone b i l l , p r a c t i c a l l y e v e r y t h i n g I buy? ' I ' m n o t b e t t e r o f f . T'm w o r s e o f f . T h i n g s are alr e a d y bad. Even b e f o r e t h e GST we were e a t i n g r i c e 6 n o o d l e s f o r t h e l a s t week of t h e month when t h e money r a n o u t . Now w e ' l l eat more. What else are w e supposed t o do, l e t t h e d i r t y l a u n d r y p i l e up?

T h a t ' s n o t good w i t h young k i d s around. " G i n g r i c h g e t s $1033 a month i n s o c i a l a s s i s t a n c e . After r e n t , s h e h a s $470 t o buy food, x l s t h i n g and pay a l l b i l l s .

George Lawson, .who is on a d i s a b i l i t y pension because.of a childhood i l l n e s s , r e c e i v e d a $90 GST r e b a t e f o r $ a y e a r .

Based on h i s s p e n d i n g s o f a r , h e f i g u r e s t h e r e b a t e will b e gone i n 2% months a t a rate of a b o u t $5 a week.

"It's a h i g h l y r e g r e s s i v e t a x t o me,"

-

9.

C A M P A I G N FOR FAIR TAXES s a i d Lawson, w h o a f t e r r e n t h a s $434/mo.

"TO a l o t o f p e o p l e w i t h a h i g h e r i n come t h i s t a x i s a n u i s a n c e and a p a i n i n t h e neck. To me i t r e a l l y h u r t s . " Lawson, 3 7 , a v o l u n t e e r w i t h t h e B.C. C o a l i t i o n of P e o p l e w i t h D i s a b i l i t i e s , s a y s h e l a i d o u t $6 i n t h e f i r s t 8 d a y s .

"I went t o t h e movies. I had d i n n e r i n a r e s t a u r a n t on New Y e a r ' s Day and p a i d 5 6 ~ on a $7.95 meal. I bought a sandwich and a c o u p l e of newspapers. A b o t t l e o f deod o r a n t c o s t me a n e x t r a --2-l-$. Every time I go o u t f o r a cup of tea is a d d s up. ~ ' m b e i n g nickel-and-diqed t o d e a t h . I ' J e a n Suanson, c o o r d i n a t o r o f End Legisl a t e d P o v e r t y , s a i d t h e r e b a t e w i l l be worth l e s s and l e s s as t h e y e a r s go on.

"1t ' s n o t indexed f u l l y ( f o r i n f l a c i o n ) and w i l l g e t worse e v e r y y e a r , no quest i o n a b o u t i t . Even now, i t d o e s n ' t c o v e r t h e extras you h a v e t o spend. Government promised t o c u s h i o n t h e poor .buo t h e poor w i l l wind up p a y i n g more and more.''

To w e l f a r e a d v o c a t e S h e i l a B a x t e r , buyi n g c l o t h e s f o r h e r g r a n d c h i l d r e n h a s become a n e v e n more t a x i n g p r o p o s i t i o n .

"Even 2nd-hand c l o t h e s a t Value V i l l a g e a r e t a x e d by GST." She s a i d s h e had s p e n t a b o u t $15 on t a x s i n c e J a n . 1.

"I had t o pay tax on f o o d f o r ~ y c a t . I bought a 2qd-hand c o f f e e p o t f o r $2.99; a tax of 2 1 ~ . I bought a b o t t l e o f g i n g e r a l e and had t o pay GST on t h e d e p o s i t , b u t d i d I g e t t h e t a x back when I b r o u g h t t h e bott l e back? No. I went t o t h e g r o c e r y and i t c o s t $3 i a c a . f o r t o i l e t p a p e r 6 soap.

A r e n ' t I supposed t o wash? I c a n understand taxing luxury items, but n o t basics" B a x t e r g o t a $94 GST r e b a t e b u t s h e s a i d i t " d i d n ' t t a k e l o n g t o spend."

By BOB SARTI

1

$ FUTURES $ He l i e s L i k e h e i s wounded.

Like he is recovering f r o m a locked l i f e .

A guy s a y s : " P u l l y o u r s e l f up by your boots" The guy n e v e r a s k s i f he h a s a. p a i r of b o o t s I f he c a n l i v e The guy does n o t g i v e b u t t a k e s and t a k e s and t a k e s That c a n n o t g i v e .

--4ib-

J o money f o r b u s f a r e Locked Locked a n g e r .

She w i l l t r y but t r y

2 s h i f t s a week, 4 h o u r s a s h i $ 4 . 5 0 a n hour, $32.00 a week,

No one a s k s i f l a b o u r i s f r e e ?

The p r o p r i e t o r n e v e r a s k s i f . .

How can h e l i v e ?

Labour i s a g i v e n G l a s s e s , Busfare, Boots a r e a g i v e n H e does n o t g i v e But t a k e s and t a k e s and t a k e s That cannot g i v e .

Working h i s l i f e d e e p e r down Knowing h e would l i k e . t o be.. whole..

... .. ...

. .

H e can' t go t o s c h o o l .

Maybe i n a y e a r .

Locked.

S o c i a l S e r v i c e s t r i c k e d him.

The c o l d e s t day of t h e y e a r .

The employment agency won't t e l l him Who, How much o r Where.

Locked

.

The government t h i n k s B u s f a r e , G l a s s e s , ' ~ o o t sa r e a given.

The government t a k e s & t a k e s & t a k e s That cannot give.

Doesn't go t o t h e Rec. Centre.

A l l t h o s e s l i c k and s a s s y k i d s .

Has a h o l e i n h i s s n e a k e r s .

S l i c k and s a s s y psychology Locked Locked shame.

T a l k s of ending h i s l i f e .

Talks...what i s l i f e f o r ?

He l i e s l i k e he i s wounded.

Marilyn S e e l y e

*

The t i t l e $Futures$ reminds me t h a t f u t u r e s a r e a commodity commonly t r a d e d on t h e s t o c k market. M.S

I

G.S.T.

I

Farce

A f t e r months o f w r a n g l i n g i n t h e S e n a t e t h e G r i e f and S u f f e r i n g Tax w a s p a s s e d , even though i t w a s oppo s e d by t h e m a j o r i t y o f Canadians.

Prime M i n i s t e r Scrooge s t a c k e d t h e S e n a t e w i t h C o n s e r v a t i v e s t o push t h e poverty-causing b i l l through.

We do n o t buy h i s r e a s o n s f o r f o r c i n g t h i s most u n p o p u l a r t a x on u s .

The prime m i n i s t e r and h i s d r o n e s have w a s t e d t h e t a x p a y e r s ' money on r i d i c u l o u s i t e m s and t h a t i s why w e have t h i s huge d e f i c i t .

G i v i n g Mulroney and h i s c o h o r t s t h e Gouge and Screw Tax o n l y e n c o u r a g e s them t o w a s t e even more.

We may a s w e l l throw t h e money down a b o t t o m l e s s p i t o r f l u s h i t down t h e t o i l e t .

T r y i n g t o u n d e r s t a n d t h e G r i e f and S u f f e r i n g Tax is mindboggling. I n f a c t e v e r y t h i n g Scrooge d i d t o u s i n 1990 a f f e c t s u s t h i s way.

J u s t when we t h i n k he h a s done e v e r y t h i n g t o u s he c a n , t h i s a r r o g a n t i n d i v i d u a l comes up w i t h s o m e t h i n g e l s e .

Governments a r e l i v i n g beyond t h e i r means and f a r t o o much h a s been heaped on t h e p e o p l e i n s u c h a s h o r t time.

The poor a r e a l r e a d y f i n d i n g i t d i f f i c l u t t o s u r v i v e and t h i s inhumane t a x w i l l make t h e s i t u a t i o n worse.

Many f a m i l y b u s i n e s s e s a r e c l o s i n g down b e c a u s e o f t h e GST. Only t h e b i g corporations w i l l survive.

It costs $6,000 f o r a machine t o c a l c u l a t e t h e GST. However i f you have a computer t h e G r i e f and S u f f e r i n g Tax can be programmed i n t o i t .

Stamps went up 1~ on J a n u a r y l s t , p l u s 3~ GST added o n t o each one.

If I buy an a r t i c l e f o r $53.00 t h e r e i s a n added c o s t of $3.11 t o g o t o Canad a ' s P o l l Tax p l u s o u r p r o v i n c i a l gouging by t h e S o c r e d s .

1Jhy i s t h e r e a n e n d l e s s s u p p l y o f monev f o r war? I t c o s t s $ 9 0 m i l l i o n n m o n ~ h t o have t r o o p s i n he P c r s i a n

,Gulf. A g r e a t number o f my f e l l o w 1 1 .

Canadians a r e homeless and hungry.

Why i s n ' t t h i s money b e i n g s p e n t t o e l i m i n a t e p o v e r t y and d e a l w i t h Native i s s u e s ?

P a r l i a m e n t s h o u l d have been r e c a l l e d and a v o t e t a k e n b e f o r e Canada became i n v o l v e d i n a w a r no one c a n p o s s i b l y win. The m a j o r i t y o f Canadians a r e , a g a i n , opposed.

There a r e t o o many p e o p l e who a r e brainwashed a b o u t t h e r e a s o n f o r I s e n d i n g t r o o p s t o t h e Middle E a s t . have r e c e i v e d a g r e a t d e a l o f f l a c k f o r my s t a n d b u t t h e p e o p l e who a t t a c k me d o n ' t have a f a m i l y member t h e r e .

I s a w my nephew C h r i s t m a s Eve on t e l e v i s i o n and I wonder i f I ' l l s e e him come b a c k a l i v e .

Prime M i n i s t e r Scrooge and Rambo C l a r k s h o u l d s t o p b e i n g c l o n e s of P r e s i d e n t Bush and withdraw t h e t r o o p s immediately. What I want more t h a n a n y t h i n g e l s e i n 1991 i s a p e a c e f u l s o l u t i o n s o a l l o f t h e c h i l d r e n can l o o k forward t o a f u t u r e . I f war d o e s b r e a k o u t none of t h e o t h e r problems m a t t e r a s i t w i l l keep on e s c a l a t i n g .

I n t h e p a s t Canada h a s been known a s a p e a c e k e e p i n g n a t i o n b u t now t h i s image i s t a r n i s h e d . We a r e l o s i n g o u r c r e d i b i l i t y t h r o u g h o u t t h e world. The Oka c r i s i s gave o t h e r c o u n t r i e s a d i f f e r e n t image o f Canada.

Come on Canadians. Show your f i g h t i n g s p i r i t and l e t ' s have a.Lax r e v o l l .

Keep a d a i l y j o u r n a l of e v e r y t h i n g you spend on t h e G r i e f and S u f f e r i n g Tax and send t h e b i l l s t o Michale Wils o n . You w i l l f i n d t h a t you a r e spend i n g f a r more t h a n t h e government r e t u r n s a s a ' c r e d i t ' t o p a c i f y us.

Prime M i n i s t e r Scrooge s h o u l d r e s i g n immediately f o r the d e s t r u c t i o n h e ' s caused.

I ' d l i k e L O s e e an e l e c t i o n r e s u l t i n g i n Audrey McLaughlin b e i n g prime m i n i s t e r and Margarct F l i t c h e l l a s m i n i s t e r of education.

'I'llE 'TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

(E.L.P.'s

version)

o n Lhe firs^ day of C h r i s t m a s A d e v e l o p e r gave Lo me: A n o ~ i c ee v i c L i n g me.

On Lhe second day of Christmas My b o s s s a i d t o me:

."

''You a r e h i s ~ o r y

On Llie ~ h i r dday o f C h r i s t m a s I asked f o r U I C : And d i d n ' t have enough w On he f o u r ~ hday of Christmas Welfare s a i d t o me: "Go L O U I C . "

he f i f t h day of Christmas 'l't~e Food Bank gave t o me: 5 c a n s of wax beans 4 spongy a p p l e s 3 c a n s of soup 2 Kraf t d i n n e r s And a l o a f of mouldy bread.

On

On L11e s i x ~ hday of C h r i s t m a s My power was s h u t o f f : Because I had no money.

On he s e v e n t h day of Christmas The Premier s a i d t o me: I1 Pray on your knees."

On Lhe e i g t h day of C h r i s t m a s My worker s a i d t o me: "You're broke, s o w e ' r e t a k i n g your k i d s . "

On Lhe n i n t h day of C h r i s t m a s I f i n a l l y g o t a job: Five bucks a n hour No c h i l d c a r e and t h e b o s s i s h a r a s s i n g me.

On t h e t e n t h day o f Christmas I was g e t t i n g r e a l l y mad: A t socred p o l i c i e s .

My c h i l d r e n gave t o me: T h e i r wish l i s t No more food banks Higher w e l f a r e r a t e s Higher minimum wage and a d e c e n t p l a c e t o l i v e .

On t h e t w e l f t h day o f C h r i s t m a s The s o c r e d s gave t h e i r f r i e n d s : More t a x l o o p h o l e s A l l t h e Native land More g o l f c o u r s e s Lax p o l l u t i o n s t a n d a r d s Union-busting laws A l l t h e Expo l a n d s Rotten labour s t a n d a r d s More t r e e farm l i c e n c e s And t h e y s t i l l want more o f t h e same.

On t h e t w e l f t h d a y o f C h r i s t m a s The s o c r e d s gave t o u s : h i g h unemployment higher r e n t s more d e m o l i t i o n s lower w e l f a r e lower wages and a s p e e c h on f r e e e n t e r p r i s e .

STATE INTERVENT \Jell, hardly ever..

.

Recent a r t i c l e s o n t h e p r o p o s e d t r i l a t e r a l f r e e t r a d e d e a l i n v o l v i l i g Canada, t h e U.S. and Mexico have r a i s e d imporLant points regarding the potential negative impact o f i t on t h e Canadian w o r k f o r c e .

However, t h e r e i s o n e v e r y s i g n i f i c a n t p o i n t n o t d e a l t w i t h which l i e s a t t h e h e a r t of any proposed f r e e t r a d e arrangement between i n d u s t r i a l i z e d and impoverished c o u n t r i e s .

Free t r a d e r s throughout t h e world hold as t h e c o r n e r s t o n e o f t h e i r t r a d e s t r a t egy t h a t m a r k e t f o r c e s s h o u l d b e l e f t unf e t t e r e d by s t a t e i n t e r v e n t i o n o r r e g u l a tion.

I n t h e Canada-U.S. f r e e t r a d e deb a t e , f o r example, f r e e t r a d e r s on b o t h sides of t h e border agreed t h a t not only t a r i f f s b u t n o n - t a r i f f p o l i c i e s t h a t mode r a t e t h e impact of market f o r c e s should be e l i m i n a t e d - i n c l u d i n g supply-management p r i c i n g ( m a r k e t i n g b o a r d s ) , r e g i o n a l development p o l i c i e s , d o m e s t i c c o n t e n t & procurement r u l e s , a n d government s u b s i dies i n industry.

Getting r i d of these "unfair" p o l i c i e s was and r e m a i n s a p r i m a r y g o a l o f t h e Canada-U.S. f r e e t r a d e n e g o t i a t o r s , because such po1icie.s a c t t o "subsidize" s e c t o r s , r e g i o n s o r i n d u s t r i e s by s h e l t e r i n g them t o some d e g r e e from t h e f u l l power o f m a r k e t f o r c e s .

But w i l l t h e f r e e t r a d e r s i n Canada & t h e U.S. a p p l y t h e same p r i n c i p l e s i n t h e i r n e g o t i a t i o n s w i t h Mexico? L i k e many d e b t - r i d d e n , i m p o v e r i s h e d n a t i o n s , Mexico massively "subsidizes" i t s i n d u s t r i e s t h r o u g h p u b l i c p o l i c i e s which m a i n t a i n

low wages by means o f poor ( o r n o n - e x i s t e n t ) l a b o u r l a w s and s t a n d a r d s aud by d i s c o u r a g i n g f r e e l a b o u r u n i o n s . Mexico nl so p r o v i d e s enormous " s u b s i d i e s " t l i r o u g l ~ i ts c o r p o r a t e tax p o l i c i e s , o f t e n r e q u i r i n g t h e payment of l i t t l e o r no t a x a11t1 g i v i n g t h e Mexican l i t t l e o r n o t l ~ i n gi n Lhc form o f p u b l i c and s o c i a l s e r v i c e s a s J result.

Are " s u b s i d i e s " l i k e t h e s e " u n f a i r " !

Not t o f r e e t r a d e r s .

To f r e e t r a d e r s , t h i s brand o f s L a t e i n t e r v e n t i o n i s f i n e .

I t i s t h e s e v e r y p o l i c i e s of 'i'hird World governments (demanded, i t sliould be n o t e d by t h e World Bank and o t h e r s f a v o r i n g f r e e t r a d e ) t h a t have e n t i c e d mu1 t i n a t iona1 c o r p o r a t i o n s t o l o c a t e i n t h e n ~ a q u i l a d o r a b o r d e r r e g i o n of Mexico and i n doze n s of o t h e r impoverished c o u n t r i e s i n A s i a and L a t i n America. Many oE t h e s e governments m a i n t a i n t h o s e n a t i o n a l p o l i c i e s t h r o u g h r e p r e s s i o n , v i o l a ~ i o nof i n t e r n a t i o n a l human r i g h t s and l a b o u r s t a n d a r d s , and i n some c a s e s t h r o u g h t h e u s e o f armed f o r c e .

The f a c t t h a t t h e m a j o r i t y o f Mexican w o r k e r s e a r n l e s s t h a n $3.25 a J a y i s riot a n a c c i d e n t - o r a q u i r k o f h i s t o r y , geoI t i s a r e s u l t of g r a p h y o r economics. d e l i b e r a t e n a t i o n a l p o l i c i e s whicli r e p r e s e n t mass p o v e r t y - t h e g r e a t e s t and most o b s c e n e " s u b s i d y " o f them a l l .

Massive unemployment and ~ t l el a c k o f s o c i a l programs h a v e c r e a t e d a n e c o n o n i c a l l y d e s p e r a t e p o p u l a t i o n t h a t h a s no c h o i c e b u t t o s e l l i ~ lsa b o u r a t b a r g a i n basement p r i c e s , T h i s c h e a p l a b b u r i s wl~y mu1 t i n a t i o n a l s l e a v e Canada and o t h e r i n d u s t r i a l i z e d c o u n t r i e s and move t o Plexico.

W i l l t h e f r e e ~ r a d ep r o p o n e n t s proLesL t h i s massive, s t a t e - g e n e r a t e d and s t a t e - \ enforced subsidization a s loudly a s they have p r o t e s t e d ~ a n a d a ' s c o m p a r a t i v e l y meag r e brand of p u b l i c i n t e r v e n t i o n ? Not l i k e l y . They want t o have i t b o t h ways.

To f r e e t r a d e r s , i f t h e b e s t way t o keep down wages and t a x e s i s by r e s t r a i n i n g s t a t e i n t e r v e n t i o n , a s i n Canada, f i n e .

But i f t h e b e s t way t o e n s u r e low wages & taxes is t o use s t a t e i n t e r v e n t i o n t o rep r e s s workers and c r e a t e p o v e r t y , a s i n Mexico, t h a t ' s f i n e too. it's F r e e market f o r c e s can be damned: low wages and low t a x e s t h e f r e e t r a d e r s a r e af ter.

In s h o r t , t h e r e a l i s s u e i s n o t " f r e e " Lrade v e r s u s t h e s t a t u s quo. The i s s u e i s wheLlier f u t u r e t r a d e n e g o t i a t i o n s througho u t t h e world u i l l become a n i n s t r u m e n t t o r a i s e t h e l i v i n g s t a n d a r d s o f working peop l e i n impoverished and developed n a t i o n s a l i k e , o r merely an i n s t r u m e n t t o e x a c e r b a t e e x i s t i n g p o l i c i e s o f p o v e r t y and hopelessness.

These a r e t h e q u e s t i o n s Canadians s h o u l d be a s k i n g t h e Elulroney government and i t s hypocritical free trade apologists.

By J E F F ROSE

,

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mrmw

. ..,.

VERYONE who r u n s a business and makes a profit has t o pay taxes o n that profit, whether siness is legitimate o r illegitiIt could be drug trafficking, bookmaking, loan sharking, or running a call-girl operation.

Everv busincss car; drtlr~ctfrom its earn-

ings all expense9laid out for.the purpose of gaining incbme from that business. Illegitimate operations follow the same rules: But how 'do"you .prove those kinds ' of expenses ,in a -'fcash'and cqrry" business?

This was the problem of the owner of a suc-. cessful Vancouver call-girl operation.

In 196% "madam's" seven-year.business collapsed when she and her nine employees two telephone operators and s y e n callgirls .- were..busted and found- guilty. of. conspiring to live off the avails'of prostitu.tion..?hey were'all sent to jail. In addition, the tax department reasZesSiWiW~fmitf taxable income for the 1959'and 1960 ta, years.

The madam &sn't: happy. She .didn'. question the revised figures for the gross. revenues - $77.600 in 1959, $80,749 in 1960 - but she disputed the allowed expenses of $53,000 in 1959 and $59,000 in 1960. She went to court to 'try to prove higher expenses.

Some expenses caused no problem: Rent for the central apartment and hotel rooms, commissions paid to desk clerks, bellhops and taxi drivers for referring customers.

Other expenses, for which there was no record, caused problems.

Please deduct rny [~rotectionpayouts lo the cops, dernruided the madam. Each month I paid $100 for each call-girl and $50 for the messenger who collected the money.

That's a legit expense. Witl~outit I couldn't onerate.

When asked to prove her expenses, the madam backed off. I can't name the cops.

That would put me and my children in dmger, she said.

The police protection expenses were not accepted. "I nlust assume," ruled the judge, "that the law enforcement officers are conscientious in the exercise of their duties and are incorruptible. And such assumptions can only be rebutted by convinci~~g evidence to the contrary."

'The madam also claimed liquor payment fees: One case per week of high-quality whisky; that's what I gave to officials of the civic administration; she said.

The expense was rehlsed. There was no proof that gifts were made.

In the end, the madam asked permission to ask just one "silly" question: "Isn't il a little bit odd that the government should be allowed to 'live' off the avails of prostitution?"

Clc~ircOernstcin is (z nc~liortnl!~ syrtdiy-

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P l e a s e , someone h a s g o t t o h e l p me!

I need t o l e a r n .

I need t o unders t a n d t h e "Native Land Claims" i s s u e .

N a t i v e s want t h e i r l a n d , r i g h t ? N a t i v e s want t o c h e r i s h & m a i n t a i n t h e i r h e r i t a g e , c u l t u r e , language, r i g h t ?

N a t i v e s want s o v e r e i g n i t y , freedom & s e l f - d e t e r m i n a t i o n , r i g h t ? So do we!

But do w e c o u n t ?

We're c a l l e d "white". We're c a l l e d non-native.

Even though I w a s b o r n here; even though my g r e a t - g r e a t - g r e a t -great-grand-mother w a s b o r n h e r e i t d o e s n ' t s t a n d up t o 2,000 y e a r s o f ab' original existence i n the forests, mountains and p r a i r i e s of Kanada.

Do t h e n a t i v e s f e e l t h a t my a n c e s t o r s were t h e o p p r e s s o r s of t h e i r a n c e s t o r s ?

O r do t h e y u n d e r s t a n d t h a t my a n c e s t o r s were u n e d u c a t e d t o what w a s happen'ing i n t h e 1 7 t h , 1 8 t h & 1 9 t h c e n t u r i e s ?

That my a n c e s t o r s were f o r c e d t o l i v e on a c e r t a i n p i e c e o f l a n d and c u l t i vate i t f o r the s t a t e ?

Do t h e n a t i v e s u n d e r s t a n d t h a t t h e B r i t i s h and Canadian i m p e r i a l i s t s roya l l y screwed t h e European immigrants a s t h e y d i d t h e n a t i v e s ? Does i t mean a n y t h i n g ? Does i t m a t t e r ? !

Is t h e f a c t t h a t n a t i v e s were raped of e v e r y t h i n g t h e o n l y i s s u e i n modern day s o v e r e i g n i t y ?

What w i l l happen when t h e n a t i v e s do g e t t h e i r l a n d ? What do you t h i n k t h e "white" p e o p l e w i l l d o ? . . e s p e c i a l l y a f t e r b e i n g e x p l o i t e d and o p p r e s s e d by t h e same s t a t e t h a t r a p e d t h e n a t i v e s ?

What w i l l N a t i v e L e a d e r s do w i t h a l l t h a t l a n d ? W i l l t h e c i t y n a t i v e who's

. on t h e c i t y s t r e e t s of t h e "white man's" c i t i e s b e n e f i t ? Are t h e l e a d e r s of t h e n a t i v e p e o p l e d i f f e r e n t from t h e "white" l e a d e r s ? I hope s o .

I d o n ' t l i k e t h e way I have t o l i v e b u t when m i l l i o n s o f h e c t a r e s of s c o u r ged and p o l l u t e d l a n d i s i s s u e d t o n a t i v e l e a d e r s t h e o p p r e s s e d "white" man o r woman won't g e t any, r i g h t ?

Because i t ' s n o t t h e i r r i g h t ?

We w i l l s t i l l be a b l e t o buy l a n d from t h e n a t i v e s , r i g h t ? The huge c o r p o r a t i o n s which own MacBlo won' c t a k e t h i s e a s i l y w i l l they? Native l e a d e r s want a p i e c e o f t h o s e m u l t i - b i l l i o n d o l l a r e s c a p a d e s c a l l e d mining, l o g g i n g l a y i n g p i p e l i n e s , atomic waste s i t e s r i g h t ? O r am I wrong?

I f t h e y do g e t a p i e c e of t h e corporate quiche w i l l t h e small n a t i v e man, woman o r c h i l d b e n e f i t ? W i l l a l l of u s b e n e f i t . . o r i s t h a t a rude quest i o n b e c a u s e t h e o p p r e s s e d "white" peop l e oppressed the n a t i v e people?

I need h e l p .

I need t o l e a r n and understand.

By STEVE ROSE ( 1 8 / 1 2 )

C arnegie C h a r a c t e r P o r t r a i t ...........................

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CLAUDE ' MORTIMER

Claude, b o r n o f a n a t i v e woman from Aiynsh BC and a man from from M i r r o r , A l t a . , was b o r n i n Calgary. H i s f a m i l y moved f r e q u e n t l y u n t i l b r i e f l y s e t t l i n g i n Vancouver in 1957. "My mother o p e r a t ed t h e S i l v e r H o t e l and my f a t h e r was a chef a t . t h e West Coast C e n t r a l Club (380 Main). I n '57 i t was a v e r y posh s o c i a l s p o t . We l i v e d i n a 1-bdrm a t t h e S i l v e r .

The f i r s t s c h o o l Claude went t o was t h e Dawson Annex a c r o s s from t h e YMCA on B u r r a r d 6 B a r c l a y . "I remember when BC Hydro opened i n '58, when t h e b u i l d i n g was BC E l e c t r i c . Good o l e Wackey and a h o s t o f f o l k s were m e t i n g t h e ribbon.''

C l a u d e . ' ~f a m i l y moved back t o A l b e r t a b u t i n '65 Claude moved back t o Van. During t h e l a t e 6 0 ' s and e a r l y 7 0 ' s h e became more p o J i t i c a l l y i n c l i n e d . "At t h a t t i m e I was a r e a l i n t e r l o p e r i n t h e

Downtown E a s t s i d e . I was l i v i n g i n K i t s i l a n o b u t would b i k e t o work a t St.James S o c i a l S e r v i c e on Powell. DERA began i n 1973. T h a t ' s when t h e a r e a developed i t s p o l i t i c a l c h a r a c t e r . B e f o r e t h e n t h e onl y p l a c e t h a t had a n y , o r g a n i z e d a s s i s t a n c e was St.James."

Claude worked f o r t h e T e a m s t e r s Union f o r 2 y e a r s u n t i l b e i n g l a i d o f f i n '81.

A f t e r . U I . r a n o u t h e ended up on w e l f a r e .

"It was q u i t e d e p r e s s i n g b e c a u s e I l o s t any s e n s e of b a l a n c e and c o n t i n u i t y . I d i d n ' t c a r e . I guess i t was a b a c k l a s h from b e i n g what i s u s u a l l y c o n s i d e r e d responsible. " I n e a r l y '83 Claude f e l t a need t o r e g a i n purpose. He h e a r d t h a t C a r n e g i e had been open a s a community c e n t r e s o h e went t o v o l u n t e e r . "A well-known b i g l a d y was howling & b e l l o w i n g a t a s t a f f person behind t h e i n f o desk. I thought 'man, t h i s i s t h e p l a c e f o r me.' I met Brahm Gilman who s e n t me t o t h e n volunt e e r c o o r d i n a t o r Barb Jackson." From t h e w e i g h t room (where t h e c o n c e s s i o n i s now) he then switched t o s e l l i n g c o f f e e .

I n 1985 Claude got h i s GED (Grade 12 e q u i v a l e n t ) and r e t u r n e d t o C a r n e g i e t o h e l p s e t up t h e GED t e s t s . B a r r y Maxwell was t h e L e a r n i n g C e n t r e c o o r d i n a t o r t h e n and t h e L. C. was l i k e a l i v i n g room w i t h s o f a s and b i g cozy c h a i r s . "We had about 25 t u t o r s ; t h e program was much s m a l l e r compared t o t o d a y . I n O c t . ' 8 5 I was i n t e r i m c o o r d i n a t o r when B a r r y was away. I met W i l l i s S h a p a r l a . We s o r t o f s c r u t i n ized each other. After discussing polit i c s , h i s t o r y and o t h e r t h i n g s W i l l i s became a v e r y d e a r f r i e n d . H i s knowledge o f Labour H i s t o r y was v e r y deep."

Around Jan. '86 B a r r y r e s i g n e d and L i n d a F o r s y t h e became c o o r d i n a t o r . . a n d a n o t h e r p o s i t i o n - c a l l e d L i t e r a c y Worker opened i n May. Linda encouraged a l l v o l u n t e e r t u t o r s t o a p p l y and Claude g o t t h e j o b , being i n t h e learning c e n t r e ever since.

"My r e l a t i o n s h i p w i t h C a r n e g i e h a s been most b e n e f i c i a l t o m e i n e v e r y r e s p e c t .

It p u l l e d me o u t of a r u t 6 g o t me b a c k on t r a c k . Anything I ' v e done a t C a r n e g i e h a s been f e l t a s t h e b e s t t h i n g s I ' v e e v e r done."

By S t e v e Rose

THE PIPE WIND

1

'

An Arab and a Canadian were s t r a n d e d i n t h e d e s e r t , t h e i r c a n t e e n s were empty and t h e s c a r c e w a t e r h o l e s t h e y p a s s e d i n t h e l a s t two d a y s had d r i e d up.

T h e i r camels were on t h e v e r g e o f exh a u s t i o n , s o t h e Arab d e c i d e d t o s t o p und e r t h e b l a z i n g a f t e r n o o n s u n t o rest.

"We a r e i n t r o u b l e , G a r t h , " s a i d Kalab t h e Arab. " I f we f i n d n o w a t e r tomorrow, we must k i l l t h e camels."

Garth s a t dawn abd l a u g h e d weaRly, "I c o u l d n ' t k i l l a camel o r a n y t h i n g e l s e ; I have no r i g h t t o t a k e l i f e . " "Then we s h a l l a l l d i e t o g e t h e r , " Kalab warned.

"Or we w i l l a l l s u r v i v e t o s e e Dhafara again, and be a l l t h e b e t t e r f o r i t , " Garth w h i s p e r e d , f e e l i n g t h e d r y n e s s of h i s tongue s t i c k i n g t o t h e w a l l s o f h i s mouth.

Both men knew t h e y were l o s i n g t h e i r b a t t l e . The w i l l t o s u r v i v e was d r a i n i n g t h e i r m e n t a l s t r e n g t h and t h e s t r a n g e d e s i r e t o l a y down and s l e e p f o r e v e r was overpowering them.

An hour l a t e r t h e y were s t i l l s i t t i n g , back t o b a c k , t a l k i n g i n a s t a t e o f d e l i r i u m a b o u t l i f e and d e a t h . C G a ~ t hw a s c e r t a i n t h a t u n l e s s some m i r a c l e o c c u r r ed, t h e y would d i e where t h e y sat. He reached i n t o a s m a l l pouch and p u l l e d o u t a s p e c i a l c y l i n d r i c a l smoking p i p e . " I n h e r e , " G a r t h s a i d , "is t h e f o o d of wisdom. It w i l l make u s t h i r s t i e r , o u r mouths w i l l d r y up l i k e p r u n e s , b u t i t w i l l c a u s e u s t o see t h e f o l l y o f o u r ways, and i t might i n s p i r e u s t o walk o u t o f t h i s h e l l o f sand."

Kalab watched G a r t h l i g h t t h e p i p e and i n h a l e d e e p l y from i t , t h e n h o l d i t o u t toward t h e Arab, whose S e c t f o r b a d e t h e a c t of smoking. " W i l l you have m e d e s e c r a t e my body f o r t h e hope of l i f e ! " a s k e d Kalab.

"Yes," s a i d Garth.

"Then why w i l l you n o t r e l e n t and k i l l t h e camels?" r e t o r t e d Kalab.

"Take a p u f f of t h i s h e r b a l smoke i n t o your l u n g s , t h e n w e s h a l l t a l k a b o u t t h e animals," Garth s a i d with resolve.

Kalab t o o k t h e p i p e and i n h a l e d . He h e l d t h e smoke i n h i s l u n g s f o r a l o n g time, then slowly l e t i t out with a sigh.

For a l m o s t a minute n e i t h e r man spoke. A s l i g h t -wind s t i r r e d t h e i r r o b e s , g l i d i n g o v e r t h e i r f a c e s l i k e a spongy f i l t e r and b l o c k i n g o u t d e a d l y s u n r a y s .

Kalab g o t up and walked t o t h e camels.

To him t h e y had always been u g l y , s t u b born c r e a t u r e s , b u t now a s h e looked a t t h e i r w r i n k l e d h i d e s h e saw a n o b l e a n i mal t h a t had s e r v e d h i s p e o p l e w e l l f o r c e n t u r i e s . He r e a c h e d o u t and f e l t t h e f l e s h o v e r t h e i r h e a r t s . "Could I d r i n k t h e blood o f s u c h b e a u t i f u l b e a s t s , " Kal a b mused t o h i m s e l f , t h e n r e t u r n e d t o smoke t h e p i p e .

A s t h e moom r o s e o v e r t h e g o l d e n dese r t h i l l s , t h e two men l e d t h e i r camels t h r o u g h t h e s h i f t i n g s a n d s . Between t h e s t a r s and t h e e a r t h ' s f l o o r , a u n i t y poss e s s e d t h e men and t h e y b o t h ' f e l t a s one with the universe.

Toward morning t h e y saw a s m a l l c a r a v a n o f some 15 r i d e r s i n t h e d i s t a n c e , and soon t h e i r b l a d d e r s were s w o l l e n w i t h cool w a t e r , , r e s t o r i n g l i f e t o t h e i r h a l f dead b o d i e s . The n e s t d a y found them entering h e Dhafara a r e a .

A f t e r s e t t l i n g h i s a f f a i r s , Garth was prepared t o c o n t i n u e h i s journey homeward and he stopped a t Kalab's t e n t .

"I d o n ' t suppose I'll e v e r s e e you a g a i n Kalab, but I know 1'11 never f o r g e t our adventure."

Kalab g r i p p e d ~ a r t h ' ss h o u l d e r s a& s a i d , "You have come from t h e f u t u r e t o a land a s o l d a s t h e sky."

"Yes," s a i d Garth, "and I ' v e come t o understand t h e meaning of t r u e peace through t h e e t e r n a l s t r u g g l e t o s u r v i v e t h a t embraees your people. May t h a t peace s e r v e me w e l l when I r e t u r n home t o s h a r e it."

DEside J o e

Our Remembrance To start new

year

What a s t a r t

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c o l d , gay, l o n e l y

Beer s t i l l flowing Canucks s t i l l s h i t t y .

Crazey's o u t t h e r e g i r l s Got t o c h a n g e i t s happy t o remembrance.

Your s o u l g e t s e l e c t r i c s h o c k Camouflage t r u c k s a r e coming y o u r way

We a r e p e o p l e o f t h e 9 0 ' s So l e t ' s h a v e a good day.

Frank J o e

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Cold d a r k w o r l d Freedom, m i s e r y p a i n .

Lookout c a n we a l l b e s a n e .

G i r l on t h e c o r n e r . . q u e s t i o n Plan h a v e you any money.

Honey prick Yes I ?Ioney is

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d o you want a for a trick. n e e d a fix. i s t h e r o o t of a l l e v i l this reality?

Frank J o e

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I ' v e come a l o n g way

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-#as"~ ' v ecome a l o n g way & To s t i l l b e i n t h e meat g r i n d e r - A I ' v e come a l o n g way 4 To s t i l l be broke 4 . _ _ I t c o u l d n e v e r be counted e The s t e ~ sI ' v e t a k e n 4 Between heaven and h e 1 E a r t h and h e l l , Love and h e l l ; , Between apartment b u i l d i n g s , back a l l e y s , houses, rooming homes; (food l i n e u p s ) Between t h e s m y t h e r i g h t s , p u d d l e s , b l i z z a r d s , Torrential r a i n t a l l ; The h o t , muggy sweat c a p i t a l of t h e l a n d and t h e snow covered mountains of t h e Two S i s t e r s .

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I ' v e come a l o n g way To s t i l l be worrying about r e n t , hydro, power s m a r t , BC T e l The empty f r i d g e t h a t s u c k s a l l o u r energy from t h e w a l l , a m p l i f i e r s , g u i t a r s & p a t c h c h o r d s , e f f e c t s u n i t s ; g r i p and r e c o r d companies Trying t o make s u r e I d o n ' t f a l l a p a r t i n f r o n t of t h e cameras of t h e p r e s e n t day c r e a t o r s of my l i f e .

'Behind a r e t h e P r a i r i e s , t h e S h i e l d , t h e f o u r day bus r i d e s f l y i n g through t h e sky and r i d i n g a n a n c i e n t t r a i n l i n e .

Behind i s t h e August GST f i g h t j a i l f o r a s s a u l t i n g a sweet p r e g n a n t Downtown E a s t s i d e l a n d l a d y and p l a y i n g e n f o r c e r a t t h e 8 8 y e a r o l d l i b r a r y door Ahead i s t h e rest of t h e p l a n e t X number of y e a r s , the l o v e of my l i f e , and t h e p a t h s t o s u c c e s s Ahead of me i s a l l t h e t h i n g s I ' v e come t o know A s t h o s e from which I ' v e come a l o n g way.

"9

S t e v e Rose

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POETS! P lace: -----

- A n Open Mike T i m e : 7:30-8:30 pm Cafe Bergman, ---52 Powell S t .

Wed., J a n . 16

P r e s e n t e d by 'Sudden Shock'.

C a l l 681-0596 f o r more i n f o . HeyDropBy!!!

Gambier I s l a n d R e s o r t F i r e l i g h t marks t h e coming summer f o r Gambier campers i n d u l g i n g f l a r e s Oh d e a r , t h e r e may b e many Christmas Bambies t o hunt Mother Nature p r o c l a i m s a good c a u s e S i l e n t n a t u r e s o a r s i n my e a r super n a t u r a l s p i r i t s s t a r t l e d m e t h e r e A s I l o o k down i n t o t h e S a l t y Sound r e f l e c t i n g my t h o u g h t s of t h e c o n s t a n t d e s t r u c t i o n f o r human g a i n Waves o v e r waves, t w i s t i n g & c l a s h i n g head o v e r mind I awake t o r h y t h m a t i c Howling sounds of weather & t r a n q u i l i t y ~ e a v e ns' Gate.

Dusting t h e sun - a s i g h t s o p l e a s i n g I never thought t o c a r e Skid road s u f f e r s t h e naked c r y Shout of c o n c r e t e jungle..beware.

Emotional p a r t i n g s show s a d n e s s and b e t r a y s a f a k e t e a r of my e y e Dropping t h a t i s t o dampen & f i z z l e Light t h a t has l i t a f a r e w e l l .

Goodbye, slumber, my d a r l i n g d e a r s .

From Buddy Lee t o M s . Jody Andrew L i f e Speed - 1991

.

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the. $$$

Have t o go f a s t e r , need more jam.

Reason b e i n g , demands of t h e Man. T h e y ' r e always r u s h i n g , g o t t o have more, T e l l us the reason..whatls i t a l l f o r ?

A l o t of i t ' s wasted, u p s e t and s p i l l e d A l o t of new t a x e s , p r e s e n t e d a s b i l l s They term i t , r e t u r n i t , a l l j u s t t h e same C a l l i n g i t onou our able" when i t ' s a known game.

Saying t h e r e i s v a l u e , f o r what i t be Hope i s t h e i n t e r e s t - d e f i c i t of t h e p a s t How much l o n g e r can a l l t h i s l a s t ?

13-manufacturers/6-Provincial/7%-G~~ What p e r c e n t a g e i s p r o f i t - any l e f t f o r me?

Think I ' l l go f i s h i n g and l i v e from t h e s e a .

B i l l Banacle

DOWNTOWN E A S T S I D E FAMILY DROP-IN

PROGRAM

I S A PROGRAM FOR F A M I L I E S I N THE DOWNTOWN E A S T S I D E .

THE PROGRAM P R O V I D E S A C T I V I T I E S INDOOKS AND OUTDOORS. EVERY WEDNESDAY A T 540 E.HASTINGS

10:OO-2:00

EVERY SATURDAY AT 101 E.CORDOVA 1 0 : O O - 4 : 0 0 THURSDAY, AFTER ISSUE-DAY ( i n c o m e a s s i s t a n c e ) , A VAN I S PROVIDED TO TAKE YOU S H O P P I N G AT SUPERSTORE; MEET AT 9:30 am A T 101 E.CORDOVA - VAN RETURNS A T 1:30.

ALL I D E A S ARE WELCOME PROGRAM I S F R E E ! ! ! ! !

B R I N G A FRIEND. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT D E L I L A H OR MARGRETT A T 689-2808

OR 689-0488

GERMAN POLICE ATTACH BERLIN APARTMENT SlUAlTERS WITH PUNK MUSIC BLARING. THE SQUATTERS DEF

.

.

.

DED THEIR HOMF4

An army of 3.000 German lencrand.abovc?!l, the police offlcers used a r m o r e d r e a d ~ n e s sto kill.

Earl y ~ s t e r d a y onnei carriers, t e a r gas, wacannons and bulldozers yes- mornin , t i e squatters terday to burst through rnassive agreed Po mcdlatlon by barricades a n d f o r c e scveral Baerbel Bohlcy, a Bcrhundred oun a n a r c h ~ s t out s of liner who was one of 13 a D a d n e n f buildings - they t h e organizers of last [all's pcaccful East wercbccupymg M o v ~ n gIn a t d a y b r e a k . G e r m a n revolution. pollce battled wrth the youths B u t citv o l f i c ~ a l sreon the street, on rooftops and In jcctcd Bohlc 's olfcr, the bulldm f ~ n a l l yarrertrng saying that txe squatmore than of t h e s uatters ters'uscof v~olcncchad The youths, w h o t a d du cndcd any chance for trvnches and bull1 .?,-foot t h ~ c f nrgotr ations.

In r-ctsporlw to the barnc.~desoutolcar ir,~rnc?i,bed\ and floorboartic had f o ~ g h ot l l pnlic (' ac,tron, t h o u s ; ~ n d stri B c r l ~ n c r s ~icrrionstratcd last :i1c!11,honw sho 1111ig f o r r!c::~c.c. o t h o r s

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:ipartmcnts in a city whvrv rc,nts a r c s k y r~t.ltt-linga s :;pcbculators t : ~ k c: ~ d v : ~ r ~ t aofq c the rush o f big i q nctsscs to Gcrmany s nf:w c a p ~ l a l .Rcnts rn castcrn & d i n , wh11:h wcrv k r p t art~fici;l!lv louv hs; s u l ) s ~ d ~ tfrom -s l t i v C'or:irnun~st <ov -

~i~~ri;!~nt,arcscl~c~rfiilr:d :o i u r ~ l pb v as n!i!ch :IS i;t,rc.(,ntJ;dni: I

in Vancouver T o r o n t o $500.

THE SATANIC VERSES (PART 11) & t h e y spoke among t h e m s e l v e s

Saying: "Expect t h r e e hundred thousand c a s u a l i t i e s i n t h e f i r s t t h r e e hours."

...

whosoever i s f e a r f u l & f a i n t o f h e a r t l e t him d e p a r t from Armeggadon 0 Brave Canadians, r e c e i v e t h y Holy g a s masks i n t h e G u l f , Thy d r u g s f o r p o i s o n g a s .

..

0 Omnipotent Pentagon,

Thou c o n s i d e r e s t t h e Nuclear S t r i k e 11 To s a v e American l i v e s " Thy bondsmen r e b u k e The B u t c h e r of ~ a g h d a d ' ss a t a n i c o f f e r t o withdraw 0 G r e a t Clown P r i n c e , Bob Hope.

To thy m i r t h f u l d i s c i p l e s t h o u s a y e s t : 11 l t l s e x c i t i n g as h e l l . . . t h e boys are j u s t r e a d y t o go!"

...

0 g l o r i o u s American G e n e r a l S c h w a r t z k o p f , The b r a v e U n i t e d N a t i o n s Sends i t s h o l y b l e s s i n g s upon t h e e .

0 worldly p r i n c e s of t h e business d e a l , With e x t r a body b a g s on o r d e r , Thy p r i c e of o i l must f l u c t u a t e , Thou a r t wholesome i n t h e S l a u g h t e r h o u s e o f democracy.

Nor s h a l l t h e r e a p p e a r even one demoniac p i m p l e o n t h e s h i n i n g f a c e of o u r L e a d e r .

H e s h a l l not be o u t of p l a c e H i s s e c r e t thoughts s h a l l be Laden w i t h warheads.

..

Lo, H i s s p i r i t s h a l l f u c k w i t h m u t i l a t e d c o r p s e s & He s h a l l stand f o r t h t o s l a u g h t e r t h e heathen To s m i t e them w i t h r i g h t e o u s n e s s , 0 Canada...

...

& they s a i d one t o a n o t h e r Who h a t h done t h i s t h i n g ?

6 none c o u l d answer, save t h a t was The Work t h e Lord.

TORA

DOWNTOWN

685-4488

YOUTH ACTIVITIES SOCIETY

Wed. e v e n i n g : 5 t o 8:30 D r . AL VENNEMA T h u r . e v e n i n g : 5 t o 8:30 D r . COLIN HORRICKS STD n u r s e s a r e on s i t e t h r o u g h t h e weekdays.

F r e e D o c t o r s on s i t e 223 Main S t . (confidential)

. .

Drop i n or call f o r an appointment

.

Next i s s u e deadline :

28 J a n u a r y (Monday)

THE NEWSLETTER I S A PUBLICATION O F THE CARNEGIE COMMUNITY CENTRE ASSOCIATION. A r t i c l e s represent t h e views o f individual c o n t r i b u t o r s and n o t o f t h e A s s o c i a t i o n .

FREE - d o n a t i o n s a c c e p t e d .

1991 DONATIONS: C h a r l e y B.-$30 Mendel R. -$15 Cement Masons -$60 M a r i l y n S.-$36 H e a t h e r M.-$15

City i n f o s t a f f c a n ' t accept donations f o r t h i s Newsletter, s o i f you can h e l p , f i n d P a u l T a y l o r and h e ' l l g i v e you a r e c e i p t .

Thanks everybody.

N E E D H E -L-P ?-

ERA c a n h e l p you w i t h :

* any w e l f a r e problems * u IC p r o b l e m s * l.2 e t t i n g l e g a l a s s i s t a n c e * un s a f e l i v i n g c o n d i t i o n s in h o t e l s o r a p a r t m e n t s * di s p u t e s w i t h landlords * i ncome t a x DERA i s l o c a t e d a t 9 East H a s t i n g s o r phone 6 8 2 - 0 9 3 1 .

D E R A HAS B E E N SERVING T H E DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE FOR 17 YEARS.

A

I n t h e l a t e f a l l of ' 9 0 , Vancouver Community C o l l e g e ' s P r e s i d e n t , P a u l G a l l a g h e r , announced h i s p l a n s f o r c h a n g e . . s c r a p p i n g whole programs, red u c i n g Adult B a s i c E d u c a t i o n t o a b a r e minimum, making ESL ( E n g l i s h as a Second Language) c o u r s e s a l m o s t non exi s t e n t . . a n d on and on.

B r i a n H e t h e r i n g t o n made a s u b m i s s i o n t o t h e C o l l e g e Board, a l o n g w i t h o v e r 80 o t h e r i n d i v i d u a l s and o r g a n i z a t i o n s , slamming t h e i r i n s e n s i t i v i t y and t h e c r a s s s t u p i d i t y of t h e s e ' p l a n s ' .

Lo and b e h o l d ! G a l l a g h e r a n d h i s s o c r e d p a l s backed o f f , f o r a t l e a s t a y e a r ( t h e r e ' s an e l e c t i o n ) . I n a c a r e f u l l y worded l e t t e r , G a l l a g h e r s t a t e s how wonderful a l l t h e h e a t t h a t t h e Board got:was, t h e n c o v e r e d h i s a s s by s a y i n g a l l t h e r e v i s e d p l a n s a r e p a r t of t h e i r n e x t s u b m i s s i o n t o t h e M i n i s t r y o f Advanced E d u c a t i o n . Watch f o r t h e s o c r e d s p r o m i s i n g a wondrous f u t u r e f o r s t u d e n t s and o t h e r s needing training.

1990 Year of L i t e r a c y saw t h e s e samo s o c r e d s i g n o r e 34 recommendations made by t h e P r o v i n c i a l L i t e r a c y Advisory Commission. The r e p o r t c a l l e d f o r "imm e d i a t e a c t i o n " on l i t e r a c y a s a " p r i o r i t y program c o n c e r n f o r t h e n e x t 5 years'' and " p r o v i s i o n s f o r i n c r e a s e s i r t h e c a p a c i t y t o d e l i v e r l i t e r a c y in- and t h e s o c r e d s s a i d struction t h e y d i d n ' t h a v e t h e money.

I l l i t e r a c y r a t e s i n t h e Downtown E a s t s i d e r e a c h 40 p e r c e n t , b u t Vander Z a l m ' s s o 2 r e d s r e f u s e d t o f u n d The L e a r n i n g F r o n t and i t s l i t e r a c y t u t o r t r a i n i n g program. They've t r i e d t o buy o f f t h e d o c t o r s w i t h a $ 2 5 m i l l i o n p e n s i o n p l a n b u t c o n t i n u e t o c u t educ a t i o n , c h i l d c a r e , s o c i a l housing A t l e a g f we can b e s u r e t h a t t h e i r r e p e a t of t h e game "Is Vander Z a l m goi n g ? " won't b e d i s t r a c t i n g enough t o make a l l t h e g a r b a g e go away. J u s t make s u r e y o u ' r e r e g i s t e r e d t o v o t e .

..."

....

By PAULR

TAYLOR