14 Campus

ampus.

Thoughts

with Ryan O’Connor

First of all, what were the people of Minnesota thinking when they elected Jesse “the Body” Ventura as their Governor? This gravel voiced former pro wrestler just doesn’t appear to be that great a choice for such high office. Let’s take a brief look at his resume: gang member, body guard, professional wrestler, mayor, Governor of Minnesota. To his credit, he apparently has his high-school diploma (or is it the equivalency?).

I learned a lot about him by watching an interview he conducted recently on CNN. He spoke about how he’s behaved worse drunk then on drugs, and how he wants to be known as Jesse “the Mind” Ventura. Yeah, like that’s going to happen. He also addressed the speculation that he would try to succeed Ross Perot as leader of the Reform Party (the U.S. version, not to be confused with the Canadian party). Sorry boys and girls, Jesse says he’s not interested in the job, although he didn’t entirely rule it out either.

Secondly, what’s with British Columbia? The NDP government there seems to be doing their best to silence opposing views, capitalizing on the recent shooting death of an American abortion doctor. As the situation goes, the government of B.C. has areas called “bubble zones” surrounding abortion clinics, and these are areas where absolutely no protesting may occur. These areas, which were also implemented in areas of Ontario by the former NDP government, are over 50 meters (depending on the specific location), and have lead to many pro-lifers being jailed (for upwards of 2 years in situations) for no more than airing their belief by holding signs in peaceful protest.

Add to this the recent statement by the B.C. Minister of Health, who stated that the bubble zones should be expanded. The claim behind this was that it would protect the doctors in B.C., in light of four abortionists being shot in Canada and the U.S. during the last number of years. However, these expanded bubble zonés are viewed by many as simply a way to restrict freedom of speech, since all four attacks on abortionists were at their homes. The fact remains that this would not change the situation at any abortion clinic, for there has never been any violence perpetrated by pro-life protestors, nor would keeping people 50 or more meters away prevent amad gunman from shooting. And despite the media’s rather jaded depiction, this madman has been universally condemned by the pro-life movement.

So it seems that the B.C. government is more interested in silencing opponents than anything else. That’s even more scary than having a man known as “the Body” being the leader of your state.

The Cadre regrets that through a disk error, the following excerpt of Ruth Freeman's story on Date Rape Drugs did not appear in the November 3rd of the Cadre.

Ways to Protect Yourself Against Date Drugs

° Do not leave drinks unattended at parties or bars

, do not take beverages, including alcohol, from someone you do not know well or trust ° At a bar or club, only accept dinks from the bartender or server

. At parties, do not accept open-container drinks from anyone

° If you are drinking from a bottle, open it yourself

. If you ask someone to watch your dink, make sure it is someone you know you can trust . Be especially careful of mixed drinks because they do not come in sealed containers . Be alertto the behaviour of friends and ask them to watch out for you. Anyone extremely intoxicated after consuming only a small amount of alcohol may be in danger

. Limit alcohol consumption so you are better able to assess you surroundings, especially if you are in a group setting or with someone you do not know well or trust

The Cadre’ * 17November 1998

Attention English as a Second Language Students!

Do you need help with: writing assignments? general communications skills?

If so, the Department of Extension and Summer Programs is offering short programs beginning immediately.

For further information contact E.S.L. facilitator Linda Meggs at 566-0440, or e-mail address:

Imeggs@upei.ca

Or visit Room 114 in Main Building

Ue E rt BRE

University of Prince Edward Island 550 University Avenue C1A 4P3