Commentary: Now is the time to stand up against bullying
September 30th, 2011 | Comments (0)
As a mother, as a human being, the story of Mitchell Wilson is heartbreaking. A young boy fighting to stay ahead of his disability is mugged for a phone by a boy a year older than himself and then tormented for doing the right thing by telling an adult and police. Mitchell took his own life earlier this month fearful of having to testify against the boy that decided it was o.k. to jump a boy with a disability and in doing so changed Mitchell’s life forever.
This is one of those stories where out of heartbreak you can only strive to find hope and determination. I hope Mitchell’s story is never forgotten. I hope the boy accused in this matter is interested in taking his life down a different path rather than crime. I hope Mitchell’s parents and grandparents continue with their determination to see bullying come to an end. I hope the Crown Prosecutor, the defense attorney and the judge can see the role they could play in sending a message about bullying. I hope the courts see the opportunity to make a statement and while courts deal in fact, there are times we turn to them for a dose of reality on social issues and this is one of those times.
The end to bullying comes when no one is afraid to stand up for themselves and when those who think its fun to pick on others realize their actions can have life altering consequences. There’s nothing weak about showing respect for other human beings.
To me it’s elementary … I’m Sandra Watson.
Commentary: Provincial election barely creating any noise with the public
September 28th, 2011 | Comments (0)
It’s finally happened. A complete an utter withdrawal from the voting public to this provincial election campaign. I can’t completely blame them, after all, it’s the third election in less than a year and there really hasn’t been anything high profile to hang your hat on. Even the leaders’ debate Tuesday was bland, with a lot of talking over each other, but no real fireworks or direct hits, even the economy failed to get due presence. What’s strange is that groups like the Ontario Health Coalition and even Greenpeace are trying to bring issues to the forefront but no one’s biting. Perhaps the downfall of John Tory when he vehemently backed funding for religious schools in the last provincial election has the leaders trying to hold dear to issues that won’t cause so much flare up.
There’s still eight days left in the campaign and a lot can happen in eight days, but so far this campaign is as low profile as a campaign can be. The signs are up and the ads are running, but the buzz is just not there. There is more excitement and anticipation about the upcoming NHL season and the end of the regular baseball season than who will be the next premier of Ontario. Is it that we don’t care or is it that we feel change won’t happen regardless? Either way perhaps this is the time to vote for the candidate that will best represent you and move away from party ties. It’s an interesting idea that could make for an interesting next four years in this great province.
To me it’s elementary … I’m Sandra Watson.
Commentary: Avoiding European debt crisis means taking both feet out of the past
September 26th, 2011 | Comments (0)
The global economy is in for a rough ride, markets are down, Greece is on the verge of default and yet there is a strong resistance to making changes in that country. Take the rioting in downtown Athens by public servants. They’re against proposed austerity measures. I get that jobs and the current way of living are at stake, but now is not the time to be selfish or dwell in the past, because what happened in the past will not work for today. The crisis calls for a completely new way of thinking. It’s obvious to our leaders here, from Stephen Harper and Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney that if some hard decisions are not made and made quickly the possibility of a second global recession is that much closer to reality.
Here in North America, we’ve had to tighten our belts. Maybe not eat out as much, cut back on the perks we allow ourselves, pay more for food and gas and the like. But I think the real lesson of the past three years is that people must rely on themselves to help with their savings. No one is going to save money for you and really to expect that across the board is quickly becoming a thing of history.
What’s going to get the world out this crisis is not simply pumping more money into Greece and Italy. There needs to be caveats on that money, ones that are strictly enforced, and a new policy book needs to be written without a foot in the past.
To me it’s elementary … I’m Sandra Watson.
Commentary: Brought to you by the letter ‘R’
September 23rd, 2011 | Comments (1)
I’m a little in love with the English language. I love its intricacies and idiosyncrasies that always seem to keep us guessing or present a new way of saying something just when you’ve think you’ve figured it out. It’s a language that has evolved from so many others; we have words that originate from Latin, French, Italian and even German. All very respectable languages that give our English a hint of sophistication, however, there is a movement creeping in that threatens to downgrade the intelligence we show when we use the language properly.
It is the elimination of the letter R in some words. First example, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford said earlier this week that he was not in favour of closing “liberrys” I’m sure he meant libraries and perhaps the effects of a 20 hour meeting were getting to him, but it got me thinking about other words where dropping the R just gives me the chills February and temperature to name a few. Then there are other words that mispronounced drive me nuts — axed instead of asked and pacific instead of specific. The thing is these mispronunciations are becoming acceptable along with all the new language of social media.
I suppose there needs to be some evolution of language after all, we don’t speak with thee’s and thou’s anymore, however, without correction I feel we’re not doing our intelligence any justice.
To me it’s elementary … I’m Sandra Watson.
Commentary: 1 government + 1 consultant company = $90,000/day????
September 21st, 2011 | Comments (0)
OK I’ll admit it math is not my strong point, but wow, this is perfectly baffling and doesn’t add up at all. But maybe I’m missing some economic formula under which this makes sense. The Harper government is paying consulting firm Deloitte Incorporated $90,000 a day and $20 million for the length of the contract which goes until March, to tell them how to save money. I don’t know about you but isn’t that a prime example of the government wasting money?
Tony Clement has already asked departments to come up with savings plans of 5 and 10 percent. I would think that each department would have a good handle on how they could find their own efficiencies without being under the eye of a consulting company that’s raking in 90 grand a day. They better find enough savings to make that contract with Deloitte a break-even expenditure.
I get that consultants can provide an outsider look at things and that can often help with the process but this seems a bit extreme, especially when a recent story revealed that 57 percent of Canadians are living pay cheque-to-pay cheque. If our tax dollars are going to pay these consultant fees, which they are, I’d rather see less taxes, leaving more money in the pockets of the average Canadian.
Finding efficiencies in any situation calls for outside the box thinking. Hiring a consultant is nothing more than hunkering down in the box with a few more people.
To me it’s elementary … I’m Sandra Watson.
Commentary: Show me your work, MPs
September 19th, 2011 | Comments (0)
Now get to work and do something. With the government and opposition parties finally back on Parliament Hill I’m crossing my fingers and toes that hopefully, it will be a productive session that focuses on the issues of the day, like the economy and job creation and health care, instead of bickering between the parties. If they truly want the late Jack Layton’s legacy to live on, that’s how MPs should honour his commitment to politics. Deal with the issues at hand and leave the sniping at the door, which he did, for the most part. I really don’t want to hear how bad this person is or that party is. I want to know what they will be doing for me, the average Canadian with a family. It’s time to put words into action.
I understand the Tories will be presenting a large crime bill that covers new rules for those convicted of crimes involving children and ending house arrest for violent offenders. Sure I can get behind that. Save some money by cutting perks in prison I can get behind that too. Prison should be a punishment, not just a cushy place to go when you’ve received your slap on the wrist.
But I also hope the government has a plan for the economy. I’ve been hearing how positive Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has been about the state of the Canadian economy but I still need some assurance that we’re going to weather the second part of this financial hurricane. Needless to say there is a lot to be done and I expect to see some progress.
To me it’s elementary … I’m Sandra Watson.
Commentary: Aaaackkk what’s going on with the world?!!
September 16th, 2011 | Comments (0)
I found myself yelling at my car radio this morning… twice in fact and both times in disbelief at what I was hearing. However, the story about the number of kids being taken American emergency rooms because of accidental overdoses just about had me driving off the road. Who leaves oxycodone, sleep aids or valium in a place that children can reach? I hide everything from Tylenol to cold medication to nail polish in my house because of that fear. A good friend always says you need a license to be a parent and in this case I agree. The increase in hospital visits up 28 percent from 2001 to 2008. Not only is there a concern that the more the drugs are in the home the easier it will be for children to access them, but the fact that they’re more common in a household should be just as concerning.
The other story had to do with the Swiss Air crash in 1998 and the investigator who thinks it was more than an electrical fire that brought the plane down in Peggy’s Cove. There was a clip of a Liberal MP going on with indignation in his voice about how the government owes it to Canadians to look into this latest allegation. Give me a break! The Liberals were in power when the plane went down and were in power for another five years after that. No need to get nasty about an investigation that should have happened years ago. Let’s just get it done, so that the victim’s families know what happened or didn’t happen.
To me it’s elementary …I’m Sandra Watson.
Commentary: Deal with the white elephant and move on
September 14th, 2011 | Comments (1)
An unofficial online poll suggests Torontonians would rather see tax hikes and fare increases than overcrowding on the TTC. I wonder if that thought process would fly when it comes to the rest of the proposed cuts in the big city? One councillor is also proposing tolls for the DVP and Gardiner to help raise cash.
The thing is hiking taxes isn’t the only answer to Toronto’s problem; they also need to make cuts. Would I be sad to the Zoo closed if a buyer isn’t found or libraries moving to shorter hours? Yes, of course. But the reality is Toronto has a $774 million white elephant in the room and it needs to be dealt with. So it’s going to be tough times. Just like you can’t run your household at a deficit the city cannot run at a deficit for ever either. This is what baffles me when it comes to those living in the city. There seems to be an unwillingness to make adjustments.
For those here in Oshawa, it’s been a tough go in the past few years from zero percent tax hikes to 9 and 12 percent. However, the benefits of those tax increases are realized in new buildings, many of them recreational facilities for residents and lower increases now. So tough times have lead to better times. Toronto is just at the start of tough times but get it done now and rebuilding to a stronger city can begin.
To me it’s elementary … I’m Sandra Watson.
Commentary: If only the message wasn’t forgotten…
September 12th, 2011 | Comments (0)
Sunday we remembered, and once again as they do every year the images of September 11th, 2001 find their way into the social conscience through our televisions, radios and newspapers. The day after we see the solemn faces of those who took part in ceremonies and hear the individual stories of lives affected on that day ten years ago. For a time on the anniversary, the chaos of the post 9-11 world stops. People are suddenly more tolerant, their grief more gripping and the power of remembrance front and centre and for a time we are once again a united people bound together by a tragedy that was beyond imagination.
Now it seems the solemness and importance of pausing to recognize the day has been wiped away by the reality of Monday morning. Here in Ontario, we’re in the midst of a provincial election campaign and for a day the sniping and negativity stopped. Wasn’t it nice? But alas, it wasn’t to last and already it’s back in full force.
I really don’t think the message of September 11th gets through as clearly as needed. For me it’s about tolerance and respect of others. We may not agree with everything and everyone that is around us but they’re still people and deserve respect. If only it were easy to live that way all the time, then the world would truly be a better place.
To me it’s elementary … I’m Sandra Watson.
Commentary: Remembering September 11, 2001
September 9th, 2011 | Comments (0)
It’s one of those days you’ll always remember where you were when … With the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001 this weekend there’s even more cause to stop and think about that day. It was a day that until that morning was something we Westerners would expect to see in a movie not happening before our very eyes to innocent people. September 11th, 2001 will forever be a historical turning point. It’s a date marked by the pain in the eyes of those who lost loved ones, the date that triggered wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the new terror policies in many countries, especially the US and Canada.
It’s an event that I will one day have to find the words to explain to my children. In fact, trying to get away from coverage as the anniversary approaches has been difficult. Even though I’d like to see the stories, it’s easier to keep it on TreeHouse then to try and fully explain to a 4 year old why a plane is being flown into a building or a field and close to 3,000 people died. That was the act and I could dumb it down to that, but wasn’t it really so much more? The reasons behind the act, why the “bad men” did what they did, why they were intent on fulfilling their plan, the death and destruction they caused only to be remembered every year like a wound that scabs over but doesn’t truly heal.
The bright sunshine that greeted September 11th, 2001 against the darkness of the day has permeated the past decade and will continue to do so. Our responsibility moving forward to is remember and to make sure lessons from that day are not forgotten.
To me it’s elementary … I’m Sandra Watson.
Commentary: It isn’t easy being green, especially when green is the problem
September 7th, 2011 | Comments (0)
So you say you want to save the world. I hope you have the cash to do it. Kermit the Frog had it right it really isn’t easy being green. GM just released that the Chevrolet Volt, the latest electric car, is on its way to dealerships, but with a price tag of over 40 thousand dollars how does that help the average person contribute when they have the option of a car half the price that takes half the gas. I’d like to see the electricity bill from the Chevy Volt, maybe I’m missing something but with the smart meter on my home I’m watching when I do laundry, when I run the dishes and the a/c in the summer so why would I want to keep my car plugged in through peak times? I’ve heard the car is expensive because it’s not the norm. Of course it isn’t, you think the gas companies are going to allow a quick transition to electric travel?
The concept is a great idea an electric vehicle instead of one powered by gas emitting harmful greenhouse gases. But in reality are we not just trading one form of environment harming fuel for another. Electricity is generated through various means including water and nuclear, which are cleaner than oil and gas but still a strain on the environment. I’m all about living green; we often have more recycling to put at the curb than garbage and we have our own compost bin, even though our municipality does not have a full program. But ultimately it’s not easy to do the right thing and be green all of the time. There may be a gas savings in my future if I buy an electric vehicle but with the price of electricity I have to wonder if it’s worth it.
To me it’s elementary … I’m Sandra Watson.
Commentary: Sayonara Summer…
September 5th, 2011 | Comments (0)
Goodbye summer of 2011… you were one to remember for the wet June, extremely hot weather in July, your tornadoes in August and of course weekends filled with trips to the cottage, swimming, BBQ’s with friends and weddings. In fact weather wise, Environment Canada says we were 1 degree warmer in June, 2 degrees warmer in July and 1 degree warmer in August.
As always summer was too short, especially, when we Canadians always try to cram so much into essentially eight weeks. But alas, the times, though short, were good and I will miss those hazy days and the sun shining brightly before 6 am. Now we must turn to the next season and truth be told it’s has always been my favourite. I love fall with the leaves turning those beautiful shades of yellow, red and orange, the smell of the fall fairs and apple treats in the oven. I love the crisp sweater days that come in October and Thanksgiving with all the trimmings.
Now it may take a bit with E-C predicting a warmer than normal September but I’m ok with that because the longer we can enjoy the out of doors without bundling up completely, the better. So here on this Labour Day of 2011, the unofficial end to summer, good bye old friend, thanks for the memories and we’ll see you next year.
To me it’s elementary … I’m Sandra Watson.