I have a suggestion that might make the HST more palatable to all. I call it the double nickel or the 10 per cent solution.

The Reaganistic trickle down theory of the current government might be somewhat appeased by the aforementioned suggestion. That is to say that while the present governing party in Victoria is in power the new HST will be 10 percent or the double nickel instead of the proposed 12 per cent.

I am quite sure the two per cent loss will be offset by the taxing of things which were previously PST exempt and soften the blow to all. The government cannot seriously think that big corporations are going to pass the savings from the harmonized tax on to the consumer.

One has only to look to the rising of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. currency, and lack of price adjustments, or the drop in oil prices not reflected at the gas pump for any kind of guidance.

John Figley

COLUMN INSPIRES

How lucky we are to have Richard Rolke on our side (You're Not Alone, Oct. 7, A8)!

His one disclosure on having to deal with mental illness may have helped hundreds of people. I can see we may have to change the name of this condition to "Emotional Health Issue" in order to reassess the figures. To my mind, almost half of the people I meet have significant emotional health issues, which, if not addressed in time, will likely become identifiable mental health issues.

We all have issues (baggage). One of the issues I carried for the past 60 years was that of being "abandoned" by my twin (sister), who died from complications of cerebral palsy when I was just four. Every 10 years, it seemed, I had to deal with Vancouver GPs who figured with my "insight," I should just "get over it," or psychiatrists who looked at my occupation and university degrees and only promised me a pill.

Finally, when I moved to Lumby, a GP believed my need was real and a Vernon psychiatrist from the Health Unit made a short term deal, which turned into almost a year of good psychotherapy.

The anxiety that "half of me is dead" is no longer a joke or an issue, thanks to these two believers. My baggage had become too heavy over time.

The issue goes beyond realizing we need help. The help must be there when we need it. Friends and family can help, but sometimes make things worse.

Pills are no cure, but sometimes reduce the anxieties and behaviors that keep us from dealing with our issues. Trust is a huge issue for most people with emotional problems. I am very lucky.

At 64, I have found peace and contentment.

I hope Mr. Rolke's article results in many believing that it is not "crazy" to need help and you will get that help if you speak out for yourself and not let your problems diminish your worth.

Dave Bosomworth

Commends Club

With recently becoming a member of the Shuswap Pioneer Collectors Club and enduring a few meets, it is my wish to commend this organization

It is a family-type gathering and there is just something for all ages and an absolute fun time for everybody. My most recent involvement was at Grindrod Days and the entire do was just wonderful, complete with a real find pancake breakfast.

In some cases the public was invited to free rides on vintage vehicles while we tour past the pioneer artifacts, steam engines, early motor bikes, vintage tractors, mechanical musical instruments and the list goes on.

This is not a money thing but rather just our love for the pioneer days where we demonstrate our toys. Come visit and join in on a fabulous fun day and if you get the bug, new members are always welcome. For more information call 250-832-7030.

Les Gaunt