Comment
The ill should have stayed at home
by Michelle Minnoch

The meeting held at the Stroud Arena last week regarding the proposed Property Standards By-Law was a real eye opener. I am not speaking about the issues, the turnout or even the fact that some yahoo pulled the fire alarm twice before the meeting started. I am talking about the lack of respect shown towards your fellow citizen.

Many resident's who took to the mic, spoke in opposition of the by-law; school bus drivers, truck drivers, motor home owners, etc. If I were in their position, I would be angry too; imagine, you park your work vehicle in your driveway for the past 10, 20, and in some cases, 30 years, and all of a sudden your 'norm', your 'routine' may come to a halt. The motor home you keep on your property for the guests who visit during those warm summer months, may not be allowed to stay parked, on your property, if council moves forward with what's on the table. Those who have various trailers for their boats, ATVs, and snow mobiles may now be limited to two per property. When you have spent your hard earned dollars on these recreational toys, the only thing you want to think about is where you are going and if you have to fuel up beforehand.

I do sympathize with the hard working men and women of this community whose lives and/or lifestyle may have to change if certain measures are not amended in the by-law.

The following comments only reflect the conduct of a few individuals at the meeting.

The eye opener was the disrespect shown to the person who took to the mic stating he was in favour of the by-law, as his neighbour has parked a vehicle which is now hindering this particular resident's view of the lake. He was the first and one of the few of the evening to speak in favour of the proposed by-law.

This gentleman spoke amid jeering, and from the back of the room, a coughing fit erupted from various people, I assumed in order so this gentlemen's comments were not heard. Well, that's classy folks! Coughing over and over so one person's comments could not be heard - I think the last time I observed such behaviour I was in class - in grade 4.

Grow up! There are things in everyday life, not just happening in this town that we may not agree with or support. Whether it's the decisions by a level Government, the advice from your mechanic about some major investment needed in your vehicle, or the ever steadily rising gas prices, sometimes life puts us in situations where we have little control. BUT, when someone is speaking his or her opinion, and it happens to disagree with what the consensus is, it doesn't mean the opinion is invalid, it is just different. And it should be heard. This is where control comes in - use it.

We live in a country that enables its citizens to have the freedom of speech and expression. Although I may not be an expert, I never saw the clause that stated freedom of speech was only allowed if you believed in what everyone else believes in.

I'm not sure about you, but I know from an early age, I was taught about standing up for what you want, what you believe in, and stand behind what you say. Maybe the coughers should stand behind the counter at their local drug store and find something to treat their nasty illnesses.

I hope it isn't catchy - it would be a shame to have that many ignorant, ill-mannered, rude and distasteful people running around Innisfil.