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Speak Up

Bugle-Observer staff have their say:

Thumbs up to this summer's return to the outdoors. I'm not sure whether the weather of the past few summers has kept us all inside and dry, but this year's hot months seem to have brought a revival of outdoor activities. Organized children's sports have been on the rise over the past few summers, but it seems adults are using this summer to catch up. From new running clubs and a co-ed softball league to increased attendance at community festivals and events, the summer heat has brought back some sizzle to the area. But then again it could be the high gasoline prices keeping everyone home for the holidays. Whatever the reason may be, there is plenty to see and enjoy in the Upper St. John River Valley this summer.

Devon Judge

Editor

Thumbs down to Prime Minister Stephen Harper's office for not having a phone number the public can call to voice their concerns on serious matters such as the Omar Khadr case. After viewing the interrogation video of Khadr by CSIS officers at Guantanamo, citizens felt moved to contact the PM. But nowhere on the federal government Web site, the Prime Minister's Web site or the telephone information line can a number to the PMO be found. There is only a mailing address and a fax number. Harper obviously doesn't want to deal with the myriad of calls his office would be inundated with given his poor handling of the Khadr file. Canada used to be known as a fair and just nation, but we have allowed that reputation to be squandered by Harper, especially on the subject of Khadr. Not wanting to hear from Canadians about it is just another example of Harper shutting out public opinion and continuing his dictatorial rule of the nation.

Cheryl Norrad

Staff Journalist

Thumbs down to the New York Islanders, who – in one of the worst decisions in franchise history – decided to send head coach Ted Nolan to the curb last week for reasons only known to GM Garth Snow, who said their differences were too apparent, to him at least, for them to carry on working together. Nolan remains one of the greatest hockey minds in NHL history, while Snow remains a mediocre ex-goalie with delusions of grandeur. In my view, Nolan – who is a hero to literally millions of aboriginal people, like myself, across North America – will land on his feet. Snow will be lucky to last another year on The Island, while Nolan will eventually lead a QMJHL squad, or an NHL team, to the promised land. In the words of the country song, you can't soar like an eagle when you hang with turkeys.

Jeffrey Bento-Carrier

Sports Editor

Thumbs up to Nackawic ChildCare Inc. for its newly implemented Growing Green initiative. The goal is to teach children how to be more environmentally friendly. The world needs to be saved and somebody has to do it! Starting with kids is probably the best way to go, and maybe they can come home and teach mom and dad a thing or two about saving our means of existence – the Earth. I'm not familiar with environmental practices in the elementary, middle and high schools, but I hope the knowledge these children acquire at daycare is reinforced in all school settings.

Angela Ferguson

Assistant Editor

Thumbs down to the lack of leadership in our country. I find it truly sad to have a prime minister in Ottawa who is afraid to take a firm stance on anything. There is a young Canadian citizen, who was accused of killing a U.S. soldier in Afghanistan, locked away in Guantanamo Bay, and, yet, our fearless leader does nothing to have him brought back to Canada. During the 2008 spring flooding in New Brunswick, instead of sending aid to flood victims here, he wasted $2 million of the taxpayers' money providing aid to a country that didn't even want it. Canada needs a new, strong and fearless leader, and Stephane Dion is not the answer either.

Shawn Merrithew

Staff Journalist