Canada’s military? Usually when at a party or out in public johnnycanuck is the one defending the good name of Canada. But this Thanksgiving it was I casting stones.

Due to the unfortunate crisis in the USA, Canada’s Military has been preparing for war. Because of this our Military is receiving their share of media coverage. This coverage has brought to my attention the dire need to revamp are “Military”. I mean don’t get me wrong I always new if we were invaded by the US we wouldn’t have much in way of an army to stop them. But I didn’t know that our Military is at the point where the world’s leading countries would prefer us not to participate in any battles. Hence is the reason the US and the Brits are bombing Afghanistan and the RCAF is grounded. For those of you saying, “well Canada is not jumping in right away because we are diplomatic and not warocratic” (give the word a chance). We weren’t so diplomatic when we were assisting in bombing Saddam. Oh what’s that is someone out there saying, “I thought you said we didn’t have any military”. Well unfortunately it took a war for other Countries, mainly the US, to realize we shouldn’t be in one.

I thought all Canadians should be aware that our Federal Government is covertly and overtly undertaking to open talks with the U. S. re merger of the 2 countries. Yikes! Likely not still available, but the August 12th edition of the National Post - front page - "Border Debate Picking Up Speed". It goes on to state that a poll conducted among 41 MP's whose ridings adjoin northern states showed 25 strongly in favour, 6 undecided and only 4 opposed. The Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Finance, Maurizio Bevilacqua in early August, called for a "no-holds" debate on border control, immigration, law enforcement and energy issues. So what's next? Then, only days later, Pierre Pettigrew, our Minister for International Trade spoke loudly of a "seamless border" between the 2 countries. I would like to get something going to nip this in the bud. I'd very much like to hear further from others interested in preserving our country - as is! Post here, or if preferred I can be reached at <wilmsp@nexicom.net> . Come on Canadians let's keep Canada Independent Forever!

Bill Spenceley

June 11th, 2001

As an increasing battle over health care reform rages on in this country, it will take a special group of enlightened politicians to suggest creative and intelligent ideas for improvement.

In 1984, the Canadian government promised its citizens that health care would be "universal, portable, comprehensive and accessible." In reality, the system enjoys none of those qualities.

"The government's inability to fund the health care system sufficiently to overcome the inefficiencies of centralized control has resulted in the widespread rationing of services", according to the Fraser Institute.

Ever since Ralph Klein's government introduced Bill 11, a bill that would allow private hospitals to open in Alberta, the stage has been set for two-tier American-style health care. In Ontario, Mike Harris has fueled this hysteria when he talked publicly about user fees and for-profit services for Ontario.

Blaming Ralph Klein and Mike Harris is part of the problem, but the real underlying reason for our eroding health care lies in Ottawa. The Liberals with their cost-cutting measures over the years have done irreparable harm and have given both Klein and Harris the excuse they needed to adopt for-profit health care services.

The New Democrats are the only party in the House of Commons who are actively fighting to save our universal medicare system. After the federal budget, the NDP party introduced a motion asking the Liberals to restore full funding to health care and to halt the growth of private for-profit health services. Surprisingly, the Liberals, the Conservatives, and the Reform Party voted against it.

The Canadian Medicare system has received widespread support across all of our provinces. That's why, a few years ago, the physician's organization voted against endorsing a proposal to allow the more affluent citizens to opt out and pay for their own care. Many of the doctors would benefit significantly with an opt-out option, but a majority thought guaranteeing access was more a important consideration.

The Canadian system isn't perfect, but has worked for most of us since its introduction by Tommy Douglas, the "Father of Medicare" for the history buffs.
An Ontario study has shown that waiting times for cancer treatment in Canada are substantially longer than in the U.S. The times are also longer than what radiation oncologists consider to be the medically acceptable maximum.

Some services in Canada are more limited than they are for well-insured Americans. For instance, there is no facility in Windsor that can do bypass surgery; patients must travel to London, Ontario, or in some cases get permission to have the surgery across the river in the U.S. There can be three- to six-month waits for an MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) in Canada.

There is a very strong belief that it's public health care that identifies Canadians as Canadians. If our current politicians want to compromise that, they're going to suffer politically.

Across Canada, cuts to provincial health care budgets have taken a toll on hospital staffing levels, nurses' workloads, and their ability to provide quality care.

The result has been a long series of difficult negotiations and sometimes strikes by nurses' unions.

Canada's health care is no doubt an experiment in government funding and control. After nearly forty years, the results are clear. No matter how well-intentioned our system is, no matter how well "orchestrated," and even no matter how well funded, complete government control over health care cannot provide the same level of service as private providers. So, where does this leave us? Do we opt out of the medicare system in Canada and end up like the United States with approximately one-sixth of their citizens with no form of health insurance, or do we compromise and adopt user-fees and for-profit services? The answer is not clear-cut but unless we rise up and hold the federal and provincial governments responsible and accountable for our eroding health care we are doomed to become another haven for HMO's and the almighty dollar.

Robert Currie
Writing On Canadian Issues

February 15th, 2001

I use to think that I could understand why die hard Quebec Separatists would want to separate from the rest of Canada. Because of things like: old wars and old discrimination. But those things are exactly that, old. What hardship do these people really have because they live in and are apart of Canada? Well let see, NONE, these people have no hardships they just piss and moan over old affairs. The Quebec Politicians feed the people this separatism crap to get the people going and then when the people are angry the Fed's come running with money. The Politicians know this and they will keep doing it until the Federal Government gets a backbone and puts an end to it.

Now I hear that there are people in the west that want to separate and their reason is because Ontario makes more money. Come on stop acting like a little kid complaining because your brother got more mashed potatoes then you. Why won't people just stop and think for a minute. If Quebec a Province that cries for a referendum every ten years, if they can't succeed then why do these fly by night "western separatist" think they will. And truly knowing they never will, why bother. Well let's see, maybe this little charade actually has merit. Maybe Albertans are really that hard done by, maybe the rest of Canada has forgotten about Alberta, and maybe Alberta should separate from Canada. I know, maybe they should become apart of Mexico, Russia, or even China. Maybe every one of these so called separatists should just sit down and watch the news and realize that the best there is, is where they are and instead of destroying it maybe they should try building on it. But apparently I am crazy, so why listen to me. Go ahead Quebec and Alberta become Independent but if you are going to do it, do it quick will ya so the rest of us who are tired of all this crap can go on living are lives in this third world country called Canada.

Oh ya by the way what was Canada ranked last year by the United Nations? Were we 100th, oh no we were 10th. Wait weren't we 5^th. Hold on I know what we were ranked 2^nd, 2^nd to none.

But really, what do I know? If you think you know more or want to comment on this article you can sign my guestbook or email me.

Added December 5, 2000

Real Heroes

My Father
Billy Bishop
All War Veterans
Francis Young V.C.

Idiots

Jean Chretien
Paul Martin
Art Eggleton
Loydd Axworthy
Alan Rock

If the above can't tax you, the're destroying our armed forces, allowing criminals and illegal immigrants in, lying about the GST, or passing laws to absolve all criminals of responsibility for their actions. The young offenders act must be abolished. Terrorists flourish under this government. The above lawyers pass laws and legislation to perpetuate their own trade, the legal profession. We need more Golf Pro's in politics.

"Brizzer" Ken Brisbois

Oct 4th, 2000

Pierre Elliott Trudeau a man of wisdom, a man of character, and a man unlike any other. Unless your Canadian then he is "Canada's JFK". Why is it when something is good in this country it has to be compared to what was good in the US. It puts a kind of minor league or no name brand taste to great Canadian things when we must always say "see we have something as exciting as the Americans". It actually hurts me to watch the evening news and see specials on the death and life of Trudeau splattered with comparisons of his achievements, personal or political, with similar achievements of Americans who have nothing to do with this great man. It is pretty sad when for us as Canadians to appreciate what a Canadian has done we must realize it through the accomplishments of an American.

In my almost 24 years of life I have never seen such news coverage on a death of a Prime Minister, besides Brian Mulroney(ha ha ha). If it wasn't for the outpour of people the news probably would have never have covered the story no matter his accomplishments. I know numbers drive news stations to air what is viewed but you would think greatness it self would be the drive to air what is viewed. I hope I live to see the day when someone says wow that was a great man, not wow that was a great Abraham Lincoln type guy. I hope I live to see the day where Canadians appreciate every thing Greatly Canadian for being what it is…CANADIAN.

Being Canadian is not having to prove to the Americans that we are just as good and exciting of a nation as they are. Because they don't care. But, for some stupid reason we do.

When will we start to understand that we are unique? That we don't need to speak a different language, build different buildings, or be a different colour than the Americans to not be Americans. For once lets enjoy what Canada has produced and what produced Canada. Pierre Elliott Trudeau thank you for your dedication, thank you for your work, and most of all thank your passion.

Merci,

Back To Top

Date: July 31, 2000

In just about everything we do, we perfect in the early stages. Let's take riding a bike. In learning how to ride a bike, we learn through trial and error, success and consequence. Is life the way we live it not the same? Do we need 17 years of trial and error to learn to live in today's society? I don't know, but what I do know is that something that is so important has too much controversy around it. That something is how young persons that commit criminal offences are dealt with. I feel this is one of the most important ways the Criminal Justice System can prevent future criminal acts and should be handled as if it is one of the most important stages rather than just another part of a squeaky system. If when learning to ride a bike a young person tried to sit on the back tire while peddling the young person would learn through the consequence of being unsuccessful and through discouragement of a teacher. Just like if a young person was learning to live in society committed an offense against that society they should learn from the consequence of their action and through the care and guidance of the Criminal Justice System. Lets take that same example and if a young person were successful riding the bike by sitting on the back tire with obvious consequences (ouch!) but had no teacher to discourage that form of success. Could that young person not mistake this consequential success for true success? In regards to all the controversy around the YOA I have a solution. Actually I didn't come up with this solution, this solution is written in section 3(1)(a) of the YOA and states:

3(1) It is hereby recognized and declared that

(a) while young persons should not in all instances be held accountable in the same manner or suffer the same consequences as adults, young persons who commit offences should nonetheless bear responsibility for their contravention's;

Now this is not an end all be all solution or nor did Moses come of the mountain with ten specific laws. But this is the pure basics for us to learn to ride that bike, all we need now is a real good teacher.

Subsection (a) of my article: "teacher" may stop at the system but starts at the home so parents stop pointing your damn fingers.

But really, what do I know? If you think you know more or want to comment on this article you can sign my guestbook or email me.

Back To Top

Date: Saturday April 8th, 2000

Here is another addition to the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer collection.

Why is it that the cost of living is constantly increasing, while wages are decreasing? When I first notice people saying this along with "man there are no jobs out there". I use to say "give me a break, there are tonnes of jobs out there, just none for you". I knew this because my weekly ritual was and is reading the employment section of the newspaper. After that phrase sunk in and 5years later this promising young buck is still sweeping floors and cleaning toilets needless to say I took a second look at what those people had to say. That is when I noticed a huge gap between the "Career" section and the "General help" section. To get a good job or a CAREER you need minimum 3-5 years experience, a BA, MBA or a F.U.C.K and if you don't have these requirements well then you are looking for a job in the GENERAL SECTION. Where you are welcomed to any job you want and they will pay you the best of the lowest wages they can, like $9.00/hr, $7.50/hr or my favorite minimum wage. And by the way when did minimum wage become the average wage anyway? I know some are reading this and saying "stop complaining there are starving people in Ethiopia who would love to have the luxury of making minimum wage". Well I have two things to say. One we are not in Ethiopia and two why do countries help countries like Ethiopia in the first place? Too raise their standard of living and help them live more comfortable lives. Why should we have to break our backs to live our lives when we waste more then half doing so? This does not make sense to me, we are living in a day and age where there are more millionaires, billionaires and money floating around then ever before. We do not have to live like this. Why not create a common or average wage and lets call it the "yes you can actual afford to live wage". And this wage would consist of things like being above the poverty line. Now I am not saying that 27 million of us should have to make the same wage. But, I am saying if we decrease the gap between the rich and the poor, more people would be happy and yesssssss the filthy rich will still have enough to be filthy.

By the way if anybody is interested my resume is available via email, my pay expectation is flexible and I do, do windows (for those who didn't get it, the last part is a joke, unless the pay is good.)

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Date: February 2000

As I sat down to start working on my computer I was listening to 900 CHML Hamilton Hometown Radio morning show with Roy Green and there was a study given. The result of the study was that the current high gas prices were fair. Then they went on to state the reason for the high gas prices was that the current monsters of petroleum are trying to push the little guy's out of business. Now how is this fair, how is this fair to you and me the consumer. This is not a strategic business move what this is, is a company that knows that the large majority of drivers in this country will bend over and take it like a dog. Well Petro Canada I am not a dog and I would be dammed if I took it like one. I am tired of this marathon of high gas prices. Is it right that one of the wealthiest businesses in this country takes a needless stand against the same people that put the bread on their table. I don't think so, and I am proposing to all Canadian drivers to take a stand of their own and have weekly "non-gas up days" until respect is given back to the consumer. This is just another piece of evidence to show that the country I love so much is making the rich richer and the poor poorer. Well I say no more and I ask everyone to join me. I propose that the days be every Wednesday, if anyone has a better day please state the reason why in my guestbook   or you can email me at bigbeaver@canada.com.

Again I say thanks for reading the crap I write and please don't be afraid to leave your own crap in my guestbook.

Back To Top

Date: 1999

In Canada we currently have a leader who is not to bad but is he what we need? In the past few years our country has gone through a lot of hard times, with referendums, lack of country unity and leadership. This country is do for a leader that can rally the people together and make them feel proud to be Canadian. They need a leader with strength; wisdom and most of all we need a leader with passion. Not phony passion but true passion. Passion for this country, someone who believes in this country and believes that this country will work. I am tired of these leaders who treat being Prime Minister as just a job and run the country with smart business sense. I know that smart business sense is a good trait but it shouldn't be their only one. We need someone with the flare of Trudeau with the vision and leadership of Sir John A. and with the hard work of a beaver. We need some one who is hungry, hungry to make a change not only within our country but in the world. I would like to see the day when someone says " love being Canadian" and they live some where other than Ontario.

Well that's my thought tell me yours and put in my guestbook.