Wednesday, August 2, 2006 · Page 4 The Essex Free Press is an independent weekly newspaper, locally owned and operated by The Essex Free Press Limited The Essex Free Press is published every Wednesday from 16 Centre Street, Essex, ON N8M 1N9 Tel.: (519) 776-4268 Fax: (519) 776-4014 Email: essexfreepress@on.aibn.com Website: http://essexfreepress.reinvented.net Publisher: Laurie A. Brett The opinions expressed on this page are those of their original authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of The Essex Free Press, its Editor or Publisher. Bring on the Hootenanny hile the words "gathering", "bash" or "celebration" might just as well have been used to describe this Friday night's get-together at the arena, the Essex Firemen's Association chose "hootenanny" a word of unknown origin that rolls off the tongue with some relish and conjures up visions of great revelry and merrymaking. It's an appropriate choice under the circumstances. free press This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Essex Firemen's laurie brett Association and their first time hosting the annual Fire Fighter's Association of Ontario convention set to get underway later this week at the arena. It also follows closely on the heels of last September's alumni reunion, which brought together current and former Essex firefighters to reminisce, renew old acquaintances and celebrate the bond of fellowship that is the hallmark of firefighters everywhere. The value of having a fire department in our community with over 100 years of history behind it is indisputable, but in case you need a reminder of its value, here are a few quotes captured by freelance reporter Mariah Vizi at last year's reunion: W editorial "We had put ashes from our fireplace into the recycle bin and our fence caught on fire, but the firemen kept it from spreading." Dylan Montcalm, Essex "The landlord's combine was on fire and firefighters from the Gesto Station came to put it out." Susan Wyatt, former Colchester North "About four years ago, when my son was six, he had a severe asthma attack. Rick Bonneau and Brian Renaud were there to help me within two minutes." Colleen Shelley, Essex "The field at my aunt's house caught on fire and the Essex Fire Department had it out in ten minutes." Kayla Ouellette, Essex Be sure to take a stroll downtown over the next few days. Some of our merchants have done an impressive job of recognizing the firemen with detailed window displays and special promotions. hen I heard voices from the federal Liberal camp-in-exile say that they are concerned about the possibility of an early election, I knew it had to be a slow news day. Sources from the Bob Rae inner circle have pointed out that the government has made this fall's vote on the softwood lumber deal a vote of confidence, and since the three opposition parties are all opposed, the Conservatives could fall and an election could be called before a new King of the Grits is crowned. It's reasoning like that, Bob, that explains why you're better as a roving ambassador than as a candidate for national leadership. The softwood lumber deal was only possible because of a change in government and the behind-the-scenes intervention of former President George H. W. Bush and former Prime W Minister Brian Mulroney. Anyone who wants to start that war up again shouldn't be in office. The Canadians, weary from Liberal scandals, weary of our military helicopters falling into the sea, and weary about Liberal BILL GAY OPINION health care promises, don't mind a Conservative minority government one little bit. They don't know yet whether to hand Mr. Harper a majority the jury is out on that one but for now, the new PM has made some friends. The first childcare cheques have been mailed out and have gone to good use especially with single moms. Why Ken Dryden wanted to cater to every yuppie couple in Canada with massive new childcare spending is beyond me. Maybe it's because Dryden was once (and still is?) a yuppie himself. The Prime Minister's action in diverting his military jet to pick up Canadian evacuees from Lebanon in Cyprus was a brilliant stroke in showing the world what Canada is all about. I know the 87 evacuees appreciated Mr. Harper's action. There is no doubt that Canada has a new leader from a new generation. The next year will tell a lot about his staying power. In other political rumblings, I am delighted to hear that my former colleague, Percy Hatfield, upon retiring from CBC, will run for Ward 5 councillor in Windsor as Tom Wilson steps down. Percy has always been a class act. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), towards our mailing costs. Second Class Mail Registration No. 1495. Share your LETTERS POLICY The Essex Free Press welcomes letters to the editor that are of interest to our community. Letters should be typed or neatly written and present the issues as clearly as possible in 300 words or less. All letters much contain the name, address, and daytime phone number of the writer. Anonymous letters will not be published. We reserve the right to edit for length, clarity or reject letters over matters of libel, legality, taste or style.