Harry Stemp was born in Uxbridge in 1934. He started his career with the Uxbridge Times-Journal as an apprentice typesetter at age 14. He soon began writing sports for the Times-Journal and eventually owned 10 community newspapers in central Ontario including the Times-Journal. He started writing his award-winning Stemp’s Stew in 1965. The column came to an end shortly after he sold his newspaper chain in 1989, but was rejuvenated in 2006 when Harry became a regular contributor to The Cosmos.
You be the judge
The search for war criminal suspects hiding out in Canada is working well and, at last count, authorities have found seven and are still looking for 23 more. To date, the government has received over 130 tips from the public and continues to receive calls as I write this.
This is wonderful news for Canadians who are appalled at the way illegal immigrants can work the system to gain access to our wonderful country and find a safe haven within our borders. But one has to ask the question. Why did it take so long to put this process into operation and why did it take the continued efforts of the Toronto Sun to prod the Justice Department into taking action?
One would have thought that seeking out wanted criminals and illegal immigrants would be top of mind on a daily basis at the Justice Department. Not so, if one has followed the continuous news reports that have appeared since this story broke. The folks at the department didn't spring into action until they read the headlines. And, even then, some were apprehensive if this was the right way to go about solving this serious problem even though, thanks to the sharp-eyed, law abiding public, seven are in custody and of those a few have already been deported back to their native countries.
One ally we have in this quest for justice is Pubic Safety Minister Vic Toews who has continually praised Sun Media for bringing this problem to his attention and the public for their strong support. Toews vows to keep continuous pressure on the Justice Department until all thirty suspects have been apprehended and illegal immigrants have been found out.
This shows what the free press in Canada can accomplish and how quickly right-thinking Canadians will climb on board to seek justice. But it also points out the lackadaisical attitude of the highly paid people in the Justice Department when they have to be prodded to carry out their obvious responsibilities.
Hopefully this will all change when they realize that this is what the Canadian public wants to see done and they expect much more action from highly-paid officials.
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It breaks one's heart to see the millions of starving people, many young children, who are starving around the world while we take so much of our good life for granted. But it also raises the blood pressure to learn how the billions of aid dollars don't go to those who need it but rather to ruthless leaders who enjoy a lavish lifestyle.
A classic example is that of Swaziland's King Mswati III who spent $45 million of aid money for a royal jet so he could fly around the world to beg for aid money.
This is a country where 65% of the population live in abject poverty, and the royal jet cost twice as much as the annual health budget for that country. Until atrocities like this are dealt with, then poverty and starvation in some of these countries will never be solved.
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Something I find puzzling. When the price of a barrel of oil goes up a buck or two the price at the pumps rises almost before your eyes.
But when the price drops, it often takes a few days before the 'pump price changer' goes into action. At present, during this economic turmoil, the price of a barrel of oil has dropped below $80. The lowest in quite some time. However, the price at the pumps remained unchanged from the previous night.
Gouging the public? You be the judge.
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How you going to keep us down on the farm after… ?
The words of that popular song came to mind when I saw the huge crane reaching into the sky on the building project at the former Uxbridge Co-op property.
It has sure changed the skyline and when I first saw it swing right around, the end went halfway up Mechanic Street.
Wow! The quiet, historic and enjoyable community of Uxbridge is now in the big leagues. And the scene will definitely change for the better when the beautiful new, environmentally friendly building is topped off.
Like many others, I can hardly wait.
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Want to help the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society and have a fun day to boot? Then volunteer to spend a few hours in their booth at the CNE opening on August 19th. This is a very interesting experience as you meet hundreds of people who love Lucy Maud and her many books. As well you get a chance to brag about Uxbridge and tell them about all of the places of interest and the many events we offer throughout the year.
If you can spare a day during the CNE there are two shifts each day - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. - Please call Rachelle at the tourist centre 905 852-0400.
I can guarantee that you will have a very enjoyable day and help this very hard-working committee at the same time.
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A couple of 'thank yous' this week. Want to thank Judy Bear for running an excellent Art Camp for young people in her Chalk Lake home.
Granddaughter Mia (9) is very artistically inclined and being able to spend a week with the talented Judy went a long way in encouraging and improving Mia's talents. Also to Al, who invited grandson Garrett to visit during the week and spend an afternoon fishing on the lake. Wasn't part of the package but much appreciated.
And to Barbara and Tom Rance who share with me a wonderful friend, Myrla Sanderson, who lives in Barbados. A call from Tom let me know that Myrla was visiting friends in Whitby and he and Barbara were planning a Sunday night dinner at their Reach St. home. What a wonderful few hours to break bread, relive fond memories of good times together and catch up on what is happening in the lives of seldom seen friends.
