® open lines « SUCCESSFUL JOURNALISTS usually like to imply that their preeminence is because of skill, intellect, knowledge and determination. Frequently, it is simply a matter of luck. There are some people who dance over life’s tapestry, coin- cidentally witnessing drama on all sides. One of the finest news photographers ] ever worked with was the late Bob Dibble of New Westminster. Dibble owned his own studio, but he sold his work to many publications on a freelance basis. He was published in Pacific Press more frequently than staff photographers. It was almost a joke wherever Dibble went; a disaster would likely erupt at the business end of his lens. Whether it is a curse or a gift, being a coincidental spectator of history, has been a factor in my life as well. Some weeks ago, as we launched this column, I recalled many happy memories in the company of Frank Baker. Subsequent to that column, I visited Frank at St. Paui’s. He struggled to be a cheerful host despite the gravity of his illness. High on my list this past week was to make another visit. I was in the corridor outside ihe closed door of my friend’s room just moments before his death. It is impossible to measure the happiness and character that Frank Baker contributed to the society around him. In a community that is a veritable orchard of eccentrici- ty, he always stood out from the crowd. His horn and his exuberance were available to every worthy cause, and, when money was plen- tiful, he was generous with that as well. When the time for mourning has passed, a fitting tribute would be most in order. Perhaps our society is still too young, and from too diverse a population base, but we don’t do a very good job of honor- ing those who were instrumental in its development. CORRECTION NOTICE The Jungle Interiors ad of November 22, 1989 shouid have read: 15% off Silk Plants with this ad. We apologize for any inconvenience to our customers. f YOUR BEST CONNECTION } : FOR LOCAL & : | INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS... ER ESE IIS OTA tke Nakayama FAST COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE ASSURED Bus: 922-6166 Res: 984-7674 Ra MONTREAL TRUST REAL ESTATE Vancouver’s testimonial dinners seem to take two forms: they cither lionize a powerfully active businessman who might toss crumbs in the direction of those who flatter him; or, they give a “‘statesman’s”’ send-off to some incorrigible pest who is pleasing everyone by retiring from the field of battle. wane Premier Vander Zalm was un- characteristically quiet during the recent constitutional soiree in Ot- tawa. He, like everyone else in the country, witnessed the instant stardom of Newfoundland’s Clyde Wells. Most people seemed delighted to see someone give it to Quebec; right between the eyes. Upon his return home, my wife and I joined the Vander Zalms for Sunday brunch. I suggested that Bourassa and Mulrcaey were remarkably restrained during the Wells tirade. It was surprising that no one reminded Wells that his province has been heavily subsidized from the day it entered Confederation, depending at all times on the good will of the rest of Canada. If New- foundland were a business it would have been bankrupted and sold for scrap decades ago. Indicating a great deal of sensi- tivity toward Quebec, the B.C. Premier suggested the major en- counter is just down the road. Related to the upcoming battle, he saw Wells’ comments as 2 useful springboard. Vander Zalm said the real fight will focus on restructuring the Senate. Ontario and Quebec, he foresees, will join forces in a determined battle to keep control of the country. The beauty of the American system of government is that the Upper Chamber — The Senate — is designed to ameliorate the tyr- anny of the majority. When all avenues of power are exhausted, the population-based House of Representatives has the final authority. Meaningful Senate reform in Canada requires similar distribu- tion, whether elected or appointed. The House of Commons would still have the fina! word, but the power would be sensibly diffused. Bil! Vander Zalm is saving his munitions for the most important battle. Serious constitutional talks have been going on in Canada for almost two decades and progress has been made. Our fundamental documents no longer reside in London. We have a proposal that can work if a cooperative and mutually sensitive attitude prevails. Meech Lake only confirms the ob- | vious: Quebec is different. Its Bill 17B affirming a unil- ingual society — like Bill 62 in the 1960s and the Parti Quebecois’ Bil: 101 — is an abomination contrived for the purpose of domestic Quebec politics. My feeling is that a Meech Lake security bianket would soon lead to a softening of Bill 17B. Curiously, it was the young and naive Robert Bourassa who was responsible for one of the biggest disappointments in W.A.C. Ben- mett’s career. When the new Quebec premier bolted from the Victoria conference of 1971, he dashed Bennett’s hope to be the father of a renewed Canadian con- federation. Possibly the most amusing spec- tacle at the recent Ottawa gather- ing was this lost soul from the Alberta Reform Party wandering around waiting for the Prime Minister to give him a Senate ap- pointment. After all, he was elected. This may create a new rule for budding politicians: before seeking public office, the candidate should first ensure that the office exists © technology. Total system simu!- ___ taneously gives 360° cuff, heal and instep retention and A world class four buckle boot with micro- metric buckles for great boot to ski feel. 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