In George Orwell’s 1984, a prominent theme is that the one who controls the past controls the future. The machinery of the “The Ministry of Truth” symbolizes the continuous rewriting of history so that all records align with current Party claims. The book, published in 1949, is a cautionary tale about totalitarianism and the manipulation of history by the state.

To Canadians, the book can serve as an alarming warning about the danger of reinterpretation and rewriting of history. Unless we can face the mistakes of the past, we repeat them. Unless we allow for history to speak within its context, we can impose sensitivities and create inaccuracies that weren’t part of that story. Otherwise, historical figures, important events and critical moments in the development of Canada might even be erased!

This past week was the 25th anniversary of 9/11. For those of us old enough to remember that day, it was horrific. The repeated images of planes flying into the Twin Towers is imbedded in our minds. It was a day of somber, horrific tragedy. The deliberate loss of life and destruction that occurred can never be underestimated. Children were instantly orphaned. Married couples were forever separated. First responders sacrificed their lives to save others while chaos and confusion ensued.

The event was a terrorist attack. Thousand of innocent Americans including 24 Canadians were senselessly killed by al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden.

Re: Choose carefully in local elections, Think Again, Michael Zwaagstra, Sept. 10, The Carillon.

I should not be surprised. Michael Zwaagstra’s recent “Think Again” column in The Carillon tries to pass along his wisdom on discerning between right-leaning and left-leaning candidates for city council. Without evidence he even suggests that there may be ‘unofficial slates’ of left or right-leaning candidates, that are working together, despite the clear rule that partisan coordination is not allowed in municipal politics.

But this is Zwaagstra, committed to a worldview predicated on labels and dualities: Right leaning candidates uphold traditional values, no frills, low taxes. Left leaning candidates seek inclusion, progressive ways, and enjoy spending on big ticket items. Even his own students would recognize the logical fallacy in this way of thinking. Set out a false either/or proposition and railroad your audience towards the conclusion you’ve prepared for them.

Let’s reject labels. What is best for Steinbach? What will make this community a happier place for all its citizens? If you’re a candidate tell me how you’re going to help Steinbach thrive, economically, socially, mentally, physically. I’m OK paying a little more tax if it means we have a few more amenities that matter. I’ll gladly support a candidate who doesn’t look or sound like me, because in our variety and difference is our true strength as a community.

A Niverville man and Dominion City woman were arrested as a result of search warrant under the controlled drugs and substances act.

Several police organizations including the Manitoba First Nations Police Service crime reduction and enforcement unit and the Manitoba RCMP emergency response team searched a Dominion City home on Sept. 13 leading to seizures of meth, cocaine, drug trafficking paraphernalia, an improvised single-shot 12-gauge shotgun, a stolen vehicle and proceeds of crime.

Miseane Rhiannon Wilson, 31, of Dominion City has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, possession of a prohibited weapon and ammunition, unsafe storage of a firearm, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized.

Erik Russell Hiebert, 50, of Niverville was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.