THE MARC Lepine horror ai the Universite de Montreal defies rational explanation, as do all similar bloodbaths. We usually hear of deranged violence from far off points in the United States. Montreal, likely more land miles distznt, somehow seems closer to home. But it’s not the first such inci- dent in Canada. We have experi- enced axe murders, famil; slaughter and,in relatively recent history, a machine gunner rampaz- ing through the Quebec National Assembly. What snaps within the human mind to provoke these events must be left to the most learned of psychiatric gatherings. No one has ever been able to satisfactorily ex- plain it. In the wake of the Marc Lepine tragedy, however, feminist groups were quick to claim insight: it was merely an illustration of what ‘women are forced to endure. While the spotlight shone brightly on the pool of blood, they seized an opportunity to champion their cause. Violence in society is serious, no matter who the victim raight be. Violence against women is alarm- ing)y frequent. But to suggest the Lepine atrocity is typical or sym- bolic of anything other than in- sanity is pure self-serving exploita- tion. wee Since they have danced so en- thusiastically into the spotlight, it might be a useful exercise to turn the analysis back at the accusers. Does government, for example, ever do a cost benefit assessinent of the enormous grants paid to these special interest groups? The usual pattern is to define a problem in society and then noisily ‘bring the matter to public atten- tion. Books, media interviews and even the odd television documen- tary are bound to follow. It doesn’t take much media flim flam to convince politicians that an enormous problem exists in socie- ty. Properly enticed, the politicians will stampede in attempts to be the first with a solution. By this time, aroused by the same media, the alleged problem group is beginning to discover for the first time that it had this difficulty all along, but was sadly unaware of the fact. When the media, the politicians and the aggrieved public assemble to address this social inadequacy, A Place To Go When You're Pregnant And Need Support: | GIRTHRIGHT Call 987-7513 « Free Pregnancy West « @ 229 Lonsdale In Vaxower Call 5 seorth Vancouver 637-7123 é YOUR BEST penngeToN FOR LOCAL & ike Nakayema FAST COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE ASSURED Bus: 9226166 Res: 984-7574 ste MONTREAL TRUST REAL ESTATE they are quickly advised by the original problem prospectors that the only solution is to put gold in their knapsacks (2.k.a. huge gov- ernment grants, lottery funds and other loot). The Status of Women Council and innumerable women’s groups in Canada are receiving millions of dollars from government. Do we get value for this? If the problem were to disappear, do you suppose the salaried employees would an- nounce the fact? Or would they be out there looking for more prob- iems that can only be solved by keeping them on the payroll? Tie Status of Women Council and innumerable women’s groups in Canada are receiving millions of dollars from government. Do we get value for this?’’ It is absolutely clear that any group that expresses an opinion other than that women are terribly hard done by ia our society, can’t get a used pretzel, let alone a grant. The same scenario applies to assorted multi-cultural organiza- tions, native groups and any other persuasive lobby. The game is to lay a heavy guilt trip on the politi- cians. It's easy for a government to generously buy its way out of Sticky situations with other peo- ple’s money. It’s even easier for an opposition — they don’t have to balance the budget. aie Except under the most unique of circumstances, governments should give grants only when it is certain that a private group, through effi- ciencies, lower salaries or volun- teerism, can deliver a service better and less expensively. Otherwise, the work is best left to govern- ment, which at least has the man- date to be fair to all. All worthy causes enjoy tax deductibility. That is enough gov- ernment assistance. Grants should be awarded only for specific pro- jects and specific research. Many of the most powerful lob- bies in Canada are financed by members, convinced that govern- ment grants would compromise their effectiveness. Most, however, so greedily chase the dollars that the cause soon becomes a second- ary consideration. Ror The intellectual numbness of parroting worthy cliches seems lost on so many who grasp on to 2 new cause. Some years ago, municipal councils decided to cast their at- tention to loftier peaks than the garbag> cans we elected them to adminisier. They started debating world famine, weapons, South Africa and a dizzying array of causes usually left with the United Nations. Vancouver became a ‘“‘Nuclear Weapons Free Zone.”’ At the height of this craze, | hosted Ad- miral Stansfield Turner, former head of the Central Intelligence Agency, on a visit to British Col- umbia. One night, as I drove him back to his hotel, I pointed out the ““Weapons Free’’ sign. He replied: ‘‘We’ll sleep much easier with that knowledge.”’ Through the same series of debates, longtime Vancouver alderman Warnett Kennedy regu- Jarly would object, urging his col- leagues to stick to city business. He was branded as a ‘“‘hawk.”’ From that day forward, Kennedy would delight in calling himself a ‘‘war- monger.”’ This is also part of the charm of these special interest groups. If you don’t think a city should debate South Africa, you are obviously a racist. If you don’t think the Marc Lepine horror is an appropriate focal point for the discussion of women’s issues, you are likely in favor of rape. If you don’t support organized labor, you are probably a fascist. It must be a living agony to have a cure for which there is no diseasee Brenden Sherwin sales manager invites you to come & test drive a brand new Miata. They're on the way and will be here any day. Make your bes? deal. Notthshore> 700 DRIVE NORTH VANCOUVER 9 - Sunday, December 17, 1989 — North Shore News a CORNER KEITH-REWICKE. | MARINE: NORTH VANCOUVER 988-6535 NURSERIES & FLORIS! up, Store Hours: Mon. to Sat. 9an-9pm; Sun. & Hol. SemSpm POINSETTIAS 100’s to choose from, wide range of sizes in reds, pinks, marbles, whites & tricolours WE DELIVER LOCALLY — FLORIST, QUALITY ~ FRESH B.C. 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