Wednesday, June 23, 1999 - North Shore News - 34 Assessing God and an un-political politician - Graduates from Eugene Kacllls Eugene Kaellis Contributing Columnist THE concept of a supreme, infinite, and ultimate mystery behind our existence, the cycle of life and death, nature, and the universe is so sacred it should never be trivialized by using it for political purposes. Which is a good reason why Svend Robinson’s presen- tation of a petition raising this question deserved far betver treatment than it, or he, received at the hands of his fellow party members. . Some politicians, with just . a little rationalized accommo- dation ¢ can feel at home in any political party. If you like political parties, you may like them. Svend’s problem is that he cannot feel at home in any party. His will- ingness to be publicly thoughtful, consistent, princi- : pled and courageous makes Local grads from UNBC _ UNIVERSITY of Northern British Columbia (UNEC) recently held its 1999 convocation ceremony. Just. over 450 students gradu- ated from UNBC’s annual “ ¢onvocation ceremony. The number of graduates has risen significantly since 1994 when six UNBC students : toral number of UNBC alum- ni to over 1,100. °° Graduates from West Vancouver ~ Jamie Booth, BA Geography Molly Brymer, BA Geography Kim Charles, BSc Biology Kristina . Anderson, BSc Geo ‘a graphy North ~ Vancouver «Scott Forrest, -_. International Studies Marianne Ward, BA English Christopher Stirling, BCOMM ” Marketing : Nicole’. Bates, BSc Naturai Resource Management. ‘Plant a tree for Canada '. CELEBRATE Canada’s beautiful forests by” planting a tree on July The Lynn = Canyon Ecology Centre is giving away free native tree seedlings for a Canada Day Tree Planting event. Take one home or join a park ranger in planting trees along the side of nearby trails in North Vancouver's Lynn Canyon Park. . For more information call - 981-3103. him a totally un-political politician. After all, what do people really mean when they talk about God? Do they mean Jesus, Yahweh, Allah, Brahma, or one (or several) of many other personal and culturally-condi- tioned perceptions? “God language” carries with it a long and often SAVE UP TO AN AD unworthy history. “He” has been used to justify war, greed, genocide, conquest, slavery, and the degradation of women. For most of my long mar- riage I have not told my wilt I love her. People “love” hock- ey, their dogs, peanut butter, Canada, and, of course, their spouses. | use “cherish,” hop- ing that it too will not soon be trivialized. In any case, my behaviour toward her, not my professed sentiments, is what counts. What value is there invok- ing deity in a document defin- ing the (changing) legal struc- ture of this country? Ic is a presumption to think we know God’s plan for Canada: we mortals have enough trouble figuring out OUFr OWN. Why can’t we just agree thar our laws and behaviour should be just, fair, and com- passionate, and hope that this is congruent with the ineffable mystery, even if that doesn’t attract the votes of some of our more querulous citizens? — Eugene Kallis writes Srom Burnaty. The North Shore News regu- selected items storewide 40% off and sleepwear. 90% off ® kids’ outerwear ® men's casual spring and summer outerwear larly allocates space for reader input on a wide range of com- munity isues in the form of Suest columns. if you have a column please send tt c/o The Editor, North Shore News, 1139 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver, V7M 2H 4 or via e-mail to . Sxbmissions suust be typewritten and should be approximately 500 seords. DITIONAL 50% 25% to 50% off all permanently reduced women's and men’s fashions, women’s lingerie all previously reduced fashion accessories. 30% off fashion jewellery, handbags and © all swimwear for women, men and kids e all shorts for women, men and kids * all men’s ties and hosiery ‘@ regular price of Soft Touch towels MA | ‘® men’s spring and summer sports coats 40% off * Vanity Fair hosiery, tights and trouser socks and dress pants * on all women's, men's and children’s shoes and athletic footwear.** 25% off ° regular-priced designer bed fashions from Esprit Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica & * all non-electric frypans, skillets, sauté N 0 T ‘AX: pans, stir fry and grill pans _ More great deals in store. ATON!S Times have changed. “Savings are on the original ticketed price unless otherwise specified. Sale offers cannot be combined. Offer exctudes Warehouse Stores and Clearance Centres. ** Excludes regular-priced shoes by Stuart, Via Spiga, and Mr, Seymour; selected regular-priced shoes by Easy Spirit, Enzo Angiolini and Nine West. ‘Eaton's will deduct the equivatent of the PST and GST irom the totat purchase price. Persona! Shopping only. Sate offers good June 24th to June 27th only, unless ctherwise specified.