The first anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon is rapidly approaching, and with it the emotions of horror and anger that raged through my body are rekindled. The events of September 11, 2001 shockingly reminded us of our own mortality as individuals and as a nation, and we bonded together as a country to offer our support and compassion to those, both Canadian and American, that were personally affected.

Recently, US President George W. Bush issued an official public statement that designated September 11th as Patriot Day, in honour of those who sacrificed their lives in New York, at the Pentagon, and on the flight that crashed before reaching it’s deadly destination. The Vancouver Sun reported Bush as stating in the proclamation, “I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services and candle light vigils.” (SEE: http://usinfo.state.gov/topical/pol/terror/02090503.htm). Bush also requested state governors and government officials across the nation honour those who died by flying the flag at half-staff on September 11th, and encouraged Americans to lower their flags at home and at their places of businesses. The President also requested that a moment of silence be observed at 8:46 a.m., this being the moment when the first of the four planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York.

I can still vividly remember the feelings of anger, horror, moral offence, fear and helplessness that I was unable to control as I sat watching the tragedy unfold last year. This tragedy touched me in another more tangible manner, as that same day I also received a phone call which left me even more shocked and upset- my grandfather was in the hospital and most likely would not live. Although he did survive the unrelated medical trauma, I was unable to make the excursion to be with him in Texas because of the security regulations that were imposed as a result of 9-11, and the ensuing chaos that became international travel.

It is my opinion that we, as individuals and as a supposed democratic country, take for granted our personal and national security. September 11th was a harsh reality to face, and each one of us reacted differently. Some of us blamed God, while others blamed what they referred to as the state of Godless-ness into which our society has descended. Specific cultures, groups and races were blamed and subsequently discriminated against by certain individuals. It seemed that almost everyone required some way to rationalize how such a terrible incident had occurred. The question still remains: Is there a way to rationalize evil?

The key to overcoming and preventing such horror from reoccurring does not exist in finding blame with those who are not responsible, or even alleging those we believe are indirectly responsible are worthy of blame. Such incidents will continue to occur until we become tolerant and accepting of those who we do not agree with. Is tolerance and acceptance too much to ask? I don’t believe so -each of us is fallible and imperfect. We appreciate the forgiveness of others when we make mistakes, so should we not extend the same courtesy to others and allow them the same freedom of choice?

Mark Gueffroy enjoys media and public relations consulting, and working in the non-profit sector. Mark identifies as a member of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) community and is active in civil rights for the GLBT community. He welcomes your comments and may be reached by via email at voice@ausu.org with ATTN: MARK in the subject line.

For further information, please contact ausu@ausu.org, or call 1-800-788-9041, ext. 3413.

On Friday, July 12th the Ontario Superior Court of Justice set a precedent by ruling that provinces are violating the constitutional rights of same-sex couples by refusing to issue marriage licenses. As a young gay male that actively participates in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) community here in Calgary, I reviewed the details of the ruling with great interest and mixed feelings. It is difficult for me to appreciate or respect the opinion that same-sex marriages should not be permitted, because generally the same people that present that opinion are also of the opinion that the GLBT community participates in sexual behaviour that cannot be considered responsible. I am not in agreeance with this, but provided that it was true, would not same-sex marriages promote responsible sexual behaviour to the community that many accuse of being sexually irresponsible?

From a legal perspective, the Ontario Superior Court ruling states that refusing same-sex marriages violates the rights of same-sex couples and is unconstitutional. The same ruling states that determining eligibility for marriage is exclusively federal jurisdiction and not within the control of provincial governments. The Court further noted, “This discrimination cannot be justified by the government. The only rationale advanced by government for discriminating was based on the argument that only heterosexuals can procreate. Procreation is not the singular objective of marriage and, in any event, many same-sex couples now have and raise children. The government has advanced no pressing and substantial objective for maintaining discrimination; moreover, excluding same-sex couples from marriage is not rationally connected to the purported objective, the rights of lesbians, gays, and bisexuals are not minimally impaired, and the negative effect of the discrimination far outweighs any speculative benefits of the law.”

Does the Ontario Superior Court ruling affect other provinces? It certainly affects other provinces as it creates a Canadian precedent supporting constitutional challenges for same-sex marriages, but it does not bind other provinces to acknowledge the ruling. In a newsletter sent to members of EGALE, the editor stated, “In practice, a Registrar in another province might simply refuse to follow the Ontario judgement, which would then require a further constitutional challenge in that province. The courts of that province would doubtless find the Ontario court ruling persuasive, but would be free to reach a different conclusion. To truly cement a victory across the country, one of two things must happen: (a) a Supreme Court of Canada ruling extending the definition of marriage in both the common law and Bill S-4 would have binding effect across the country; (b) Parliament could legislate to extend the definition of marriage across the country.” A former Athabasca University student that completed Legal Studies 369 at that institution also commented, “I would venture to say that there is another possible way to “?cement a victory.’ If a similar decision was ruled in each provincial Superior Court, that should have the same effect as the two methods mentioned by EGALE.”

Another argument that has been presented in defence of the opinion that same-sex marriages should not be permitted is the “sacredness of the traditional family unit” and the role of marriage in relation to religion. This argument is usually presented by conservative religious individuals and organizations. Personally, I believe that it is possible to reconcile both involved groups and respect the opinions and rights of each. Marriage should have a role within religion and should also have a civil role outside of the religious realm for those who do not identify with organized religion. Religious organizations that are supportive and tolerant of persons that identify as homosexual should also have the right to perform marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples, but should not be forced to do so. The decision to perform ceremonies for same-sex couples should be an internal policy much like the policy of many religious organizations governing the membership of those who identify as homosexual.

Regardless of your opinion on this issue, your views are important and I would like to encourage you to contact your local Member of Parliament to express your opinion. You can obtain the contact information for your MP by visiting http://www.parl.gc.ca/ or by calling 1-800-OCANADA. You can also contact the Office of the Premier and the Attorney General of Canada to express your views, write letters to the Editor, or support organizations that represent your values. If you support same-sex marriage equality, please visit http://www.samesexmarriage.ca!

References:
http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_marb2.htm
http://www.gfn.com/news/story.phtml?sid=11859
http://europe.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/americas/07/12/canada.gay.marriage.reut/index.html

Mark Gueffroy enjoys media and public relations consulting, and working in the non-profit sector. Mark identifies as a member of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) community and is active in civil rights for the GLBT community. He welcomes your comments and may be reached by email at markcalgary@hotmail.com or by phone at (403) 669-8115.

As I grew older and became a teenager, I developed a fear of my abuser. Although there was little possibility that he would be able to re-victimize me, I was afraid of showering alone because he “might crawl through the bathroom window and hurt me or kill me.” Reality told me I was safe from further abuse by my attacker, but I was unable to reconcile my feelings of intense fear with my knowledge of reality, and insisted that my mother or father stand outside the bathroom door while I showered.

During my late teens, I developed a need for physical intimacy with other males. I felt that I needed to be loved, and the only way to meet that need was to be involved with someone. I ran from relationship to relationship, giving my body to any man that would give me the physical attention I longed for.

While attempting to resolve the feelings that were a result of this sexual trauma, I was also a victim of emotional, physical, and spiritual trauma. My father had been unable or unwilling to resolve his own childhood trauma, and as a result, abused his son through ignorance of a more appropriate method of resolving his emotions. An incident seemingly insignificant and unimportant would escalate into physical violence and emotional battering. He also used the Bible and religion as a method of achieving what he wanted and needed, selfishly unwilling to consider the needs of those around him.

My mother was also emotionally abusive, and would openly criticize my father in my presence. Some of these incidents would also escalate into physical and often emotional violence. I felt as if I had to be the referee or mediator and ensure that neither my mother nor my father resorted to physical violence, and more than once I contacted the police. My mother would leave for weeks, sometimes months, taking me away from the situation that caused me so much emotional pain, and then return to my father, dashing my hopes for a more “normal” life. I would escape to the neighbours and became involved in the community to avoid being at home.

My parents have now moved to South Korea, where they teach English to university students and businesspeople. I am in the process of healing from the trauma experienced during my childhood, and refuse to use the experiences as an excuse for my behaviour as a young adult. Is it possible to fully recover from trauma and abuse? I certainly hope and pray that it is, and I strongly believe that a person with enough determination to succeed can be healed. It is a constant process requiring the support of friends and acquaintances, but happiness is possible.

This article is dedicated to those who have taken the first step toward healing, and are experiencing the emotions that the healing process surfaces. God bless you on your journey toward emotional health and happiness!

YOU are the subject of the first phrase-“Blessed are the merciful.” God or your higher power (however you choose to identify the creator of the universe) is the subject of the second phrase-“for they shall obtain mercy.” Mercy is an attribute of God/higher power/Creator. Mercy must become an attribute of the person that believes in a higher being.

Mercy is an attitude-not something that you can turn on and off or choose when to exhibit it. It is more than emotionalism and more than the shedding of tears. It is more than humanitarianism, and more than donating to the Salvation Army, the Dorcas Society, or any other charity.

Mercy includes four other attitudes: forgiveness, love, grace and justice. Mercy is infinitely bigger than forgiveness, which is an act of mercy. Love is merciful, although mercy acts out of need while love acts out of affection. There can be love without mercy but it is impossible to have mercy without love. Grace, however, deals with the problem, while mercy eliminates the pain caused by the problem. Outside of the usual Christian translation of how mercy and justice met at the cross, is it possible to balance mercy and justice? Our government justice system does not seem capable of balancing these two attitudes equally with a positive effect. Justice is also an act of mercy, and the term “tough love” comes into the conversation at this point. Justice is an instructional tool; a consequence intended to remind the participant that the action resulting in justice is not acceptable. Indirectly this process is also mercy, as it results in the participant having no excuse for being ignorant about their actions.

Mercy cannot excuse our actions or become a license to do something that is unacceptable in society. Mercy is something that is relatively simple to develop. The first step is to recognize that you have a need for mercy. There is no person that is perfect, and as such, we all are in need of mercy at some point in our journey. The second step is to get to know the source of mercy (discover where mercy comes from, how it is exhibited, etc.).

As the author of the Merchant of Venice stated, “The quality of mercy is not strained.” Mercy cannot be diluted. It is or it isn’t! Mercy holds no grudge, harbours no resentment, and does not take advantage of others. Is there enough mercy in your life?

The government should be careful about this latest decision, or they may find themselves accused of “air-line discrimination.” If all airlines are collecting the surcharge, shouldn’t all airlines also receive the same assistance to strengthen security? It is also very possible that a person with less than moral purposes will now target West Jet because they realize that air marshals are not yet on board.

It is also possible that West Jet issued this statement in collaboration with Transport Canada in an attempt to attract criminals to air transportation that is actually monitored more heavily by air marshals. The motto “Don’t believe everything that you hear” could be extended to say, “Don’t believe everything you hear, especially from the media.” The question then arises, “Is the government promoting crime if this in fact their motivation for issuing the press release?” Call me superstitious, but I learned long ago that there are two things I do not trust:the government and the media.

What is YOUR opinion?

It is the privilege of this writer to have been assigned by our Editor to write an article introducing a new Columnist for The Voice. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Thane Heins, and wish him the best of luck in his other endeavours.

Thane Heins is a former Green Party of Ontario candidate in the provincial election (1995), and an independent candidate in the federal election. Thane is presently the President of a company titled Fountain of Youth Water Distillers, and is in the process of obtaining a US patent for his distiller design. Thane plans to enrol in several AU courses that may include: Governance 301, Marketing 466, Taxation 301, Communications 301.

Thane has previously completed numerous and varied post-secondary programs at other institutions. He completed Electronics Technology at CEGEP after high school, although he did not enjoy the position that this program enabled him to obtain. After about a year in the Electronics Technology industry, Thane returned to college and studied culinary arts. While establishing his career in the culinary industry, Thane studied at the Ontario School of Art. Ten years after the program at OSA, Thane taught three art classes at Algonquin College for approximately three years. During this time, he studied calculus, industrial design and psychology at Ottawa University and Carleton University. Thane has also completed a two-year program titled Computer Programming and Systems Analysis at the Toronto School of Business. He states that his goal is to “use my LIFE EDUCATION to respectfully challenge all preconceived ideas.”

Thane has a unique and radical perspective on life, saying “I think that we take a lot for granted:i.e. what we learn in school, what the government tells us through the media, what manufacturers tell us when they want us to buy their products. Because people are generally trusting, it is easy to be misled.” He cites as an example his understanding that Osama bin Laden was treated for kidney disease at the American Hospital in Dubai from July 4-14, 2001, and that a CIA official met with bin Laden and allowed him to leave Dubai on a private jet. “If people (we) had all the facts all of the time our perceptions of the world would be quite different than it is now. Readers should take the time to read my articles if something in the back of their mind keeps telling them that something is wrong with the picture here but are not sure what it is. If people do end up reading my column, they should not believe anything I tell them unless I am willing to provide proof.” Thane is likely to write column articles about politics, business, health and truth. He is presently co-authoring a book on health and nutrition, and comments that his first name (Thane) means “disciple of truth.”

Thane is 40 years old and currently separated with two daughters (one biological and one adopted). He is interested in being involved in AU or AUSU extra-curricular activities “if I can via email.” Thane lives in Pakenham, Ontario (about ½ hour from Ottawa).

It is my humble opinion that teachers do deserve higher pay and better work conditions, but I also do not believe that teachers are attempting to obtain their objective in the right manner. An old proverb makes the argument that “Without teachers there would not be doctors, nurses and lawyers.” This fact supports more emphasis on education, and that education should be high on the government’s list of priorities.

Alternately, teachers are endangering the future of their students by jeopardizing their education. This disregard for the effect on the students in the classroom shows a selfish ambition on the part of some teachers and particularly the leadership advocating for the strike (what ARE unions good for?).

It is imperative that a compromise can be reached between the government and Alberta’s teachers. The future of this province is at risk, and the two involved parties are gambling with this future. Considering that the future of the province through its current students is at risk, shouldn’t the government be doing all that it possibly can to satisfy those who instruct and mentor that future? In my opinion, the government is failing in its duty to do just that! What is YOUR opinion?

The key to managing debt is to avoid panic, and to take one step at a time. The first step is to organize all credit data into one document. This will allow you to set goals toward becoming debt free, and assist you in reaching those goals. The document should include the name and contact information of the creditor, the amount of the debt, required monthly payment (if applicable), and the method of payment. Other information can also be included for your convenience.

The second step toward becoming debt-free is to make goals toward your debt management. Examine the information in the document you prepared above, and set goals for completing payments on a certain debt. Remember that you will have other obligations and cannot dedicate your entire income toward debt management. You will need to budget your expected monthly income, and determine the amount that can be dedicated for debt management. This amount can be sent to one creditor, or can be divided and sent to several if necessary. Be sure to make the minimum payment required in order to preserve or repair your credit history.

The third step is to reach the goals that you have set. Although it will be a challenge, remember that you are doing the best that you can, and make that honest effort. It is a good idea to save some money for emergencies to avoid “borrowing” the money committed to debt management.

Debt management is a challenge. If you become frustrated, take some time for another task or for relaxing, and after allowing yourself to calm down, return to your task of debt management.

Students need to look into the future and demand that the importance of learning be recognized. We aren’t only concerned about our own education, but the education of our children and the children of our friends and family. When the cost of tuition has reached $100 000 or more, will our children be capable of working at Radio Shack?” Mr. Gueffroy also acknowledges that students also need to consider the consequences of taking action against their institution, stating, “I completely understand what students have at risk. If they refuse to attend classes, the college or university that they are attending may simply refuse to grant the degree they are pursuing. The hands of our students are tied.” Shaking his head sadly, he comments that the government has failed in its responsibility to society and should invest more financially into the future of this country. He concludes, “Shame on you Ralph” and makes a comment about the capabilities (or lack thereof) of Prime Minister Chrétien and his cabinet.

This movie is a disappointment to the entertainment industry and to viewers worldwide. Previews and advertisements depict the movie as an interesting remake of the original Dr. Seuss story, and something that the whole family can enjoy. Instead the movie is boring, and production is so sad that you almost want to cry.

Jim Carrey’s performance is uncharacteristically poor, and absolutely out of character. This movie could be considered a good children’s film, but adults looking for a good time would be more suited to reading a book about ancient castles of England! After watching the movie I phoned the cable company and demanded my money back!

Title: Legally Blonde (VHS)
Performers: Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Victor Garber, Holand Taylor

Legally Blonde is the next Blockbuster special. A captivating movie about a young lady, torn by love by the young man that dumps her with the excuse that she “just isn’t the right material for a senator’s wife!” Elle, the heroine of the story, packs her bags and heads to Harvard Law School to prove that she IS the right material for a senator’s wife. As Elle struggles to fit in with the snobs and intellectuals, she discovers that she just might have what it takes to be a good lawyer. Saving the day, Elle realizes that her ex-boyfriend doesn’t have the right material to be HER boyfriend, and finds herself the type of man she really desires.

Legally Blonde demonstrates the theory that a person with enough determination can do anything that they want to, and that each person has something that they can offer.