I would like to recognize the local Air Cadet Squadron — 259 Panther RCACS.

Southern Skies Aviation Ltd has had the opportunity to interact with this group of young men and women on two occasions over the past month and have been very impressed with the way they presented themselves, both individually and as a group. They provided a valuable service to the community during the Snowbird visit this summer, escorting and guiding people to and from the Golden Hawk aircraft on display at Southern Skies Aviation and more recently were involved in a tour of the Conair tanker base and Southern Skies Aviation Ltd.

During their visit to Southern Skies the group inspected and sat in three different types of aircraft and interacted with director of operations Mark Holmes in a discussion about careers in aviation. They displayed a disciplined, respectful manner at all times and obviously enjoy the camaraderie and opportunities resulting from membership in 259 Air Cadet Squadron. We have invited several of the air cadets to join our private pilot ground school starting and look forward to further association with this fine group.

Joan Homes

Penticton

Calling for new law

What’s a life worth? Do we value human life on a he who shouts loudest policy?

Young man gets dragged down the street while trying to stop a pump and dash. The law changed in an instant, now every one has to pay first before gassing up.

A law regarding cell phones, well the lawmakers put that on the back burner. Why? Because no one shouted, no one give a damn about cell phones, drunk drivers or speeders.

I have a letter from Steve Martin, superintendent of motor vehicles. He says research shows that driver distraction causes problems on our roads and that using cell phones or other electronic devices while driving is one significant source of driver distraction.

Come on get the facts, cell phones are dangerous and the use has been banned in many places with people of intelligence. Just like speeding and seat-belts, have hefty fines for the use of cell phones, with penalty points on your licence.

The government of B.C can bring in the HST, but do nothing to save lives of children.

Ron Holmes

Penticton

Historically irksome

As a university graduate majoring in history I am always intrigued by perspectives on youth.

Recently in this publication I read a letter describing the interaction between what I am guessing is an older individual and “three young teenagers.” In the letter, the writer is “astounded at the lack of proper speaking skills” displayed by these teenagers and summarized that the government, teachers and parents were to blame.

What I found so interesting about this perspective is how historic it is. From the first writings of man, there has been this constant criticism of all things young. To prove my point all one has to do is research the “older generations” perspective on the youth of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Whether it was the clothes they wore, or the music they listened to, or the “way they spoke,” it is interesting to see how this negative perception of youth has played such a huge part of man’s history.

The question I pose to the reader is why? Why do young people irk us older folk so? Is it them or is it us or is it just the way it is? What I encourage the reader to do the next time he or she listens to a teenager talk is to avoid judging and try understanding. You’ll be amazed at what you learn about them and yourself. I also encourage you to read the recent article in Maclean’s magazine about the youth of today entitled “Youth Survey: Generation Tame.” A pleasant surprise for some of us.

Chris Sharp

Penticton