I've been watching the whole fiasco with the USA and their recent government shut down. At first I thought it would be like proroguing Parliament. That life and everything else would go on but the politicians wouldn't get anything done. What it is in actuality is a whole lot worse. NOTHING gets done, everything "governmental" gets shut down and you can't get information on anything, you can't get money if you are poor and trying to survive and people are out of work because of places being shuttered.
I thought it was crazy when I heard that their system seems to keep everything so close together that it in fact seems to harm everyone when the great wheels stop turning. At the center of this is a controversy that seems so asinine that it goes beyond the pale.
One side is saying that they want to see the Obamacare or Affordable Healthcare Act underfunded or defunded altogether because it is "bad, awful, takes away your rights etc".
Other side is saying that these people are nuts, that the plan just makes things better for everyone but allowing all people to finally get some health insurance.
The one side doesn't seem to care about the fact that people are going hungry etc....they just seem to want to win their little concession especially with regards to women's rights to contraception among other stupidity.
The other side doesn't want to give in and be seen as weak. They definitely don't wish to negotiate with "hostage takers". I just think it is sad that the INNOCENT are being caught in the middle of this.
I know from personal experience that Social medicine isn't always a good thing, but it is infinitely better than your family starving or being put on the street because you can't pay your doctor/hospital bills.
I also know that this new plan for "ObamaCare" is NOT social medicine. It is something else entirely, something meant to appeal to those fools who can't bring themselves to pay more taxes so that everyone can benefit from better medical care.
It puzzles me that no one can seem to trust their news sources etc to report what Obama care REALLY means. Some have tried only to be called liars.
So when does this foolishness end? Does it end with the winter? I just hope things get sorted before EVERYTHING goes to heck. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Tuesday, 8 October 2013
Thursday, 29 August 2013
Something that made me think for a bit today.
This poem was shared today on Facebook. It was part of a post that was a hoax but I felt that the poem itself should be kept, because someone wrote it. From the way it was written, I'd say it was written by someone who had experience with the drug, or someone who had a loved one who takes it or died while taking it.
Rich or poor, drugs can destroy us all, but when it is the poor....people want to see them "pee in a jar" to get their welfare benefits. IF the person comes out as an addict, they lose their benefits. Do they get help? Probably not. Instead everyone uses it to point and say "see I told you THOSE people were all bad, using OUR tax money to do drugs. We were so right to test them.
Those who are addicted to drugs deserve our patience and understanding. Drugs and drug use can make people who would normally have been your best friends, into people you don't know anymore. It can make a lover into a killer, an honest person into a thief.
I don't know what the answer to drugs is...I don't think anyone really does. I don't think that making it illegal has helped. It only creates more criminals...not less incentive to use them. Laws harm those who are using drugs to help them with pain.
Would legalizing drugs help? I don't really know...maybe. I mean humans do have a habit of wanting to do something just because it is "rebellious" to do. If you take away it's illegal status it's just like alcohol and tobacco. Those are also drugs, they do as much harm to people and cost just as much as the street drugs that are taken.
Perhaps legalizing drugs means you can issue permits and licenses to sell them, tax the profits made and use the taxes to pay for programs to help get people off them. I don't know. I don't pretend to know the answer to this problem.
I just know that shaming and blaming people for not being like everyone else has got to STOP.
Shame and blame doesn't cure people. It just hurts them more. Driving them deeper into whatever it is they are doing that hurts themselves and their communities.
Pretend you have a heart, act like you have some compassion.....stop making people feel bad so you can make yourself feel better.
LECTURE OVER: Now here is the poem. (if anyone knows who the writer is, feel free to share below), IF you have any poetry etc you'd like to share about this topic or any other, feel free to comment. I won't bite you. ( I promise).
My Name Is "Meth"
I destroy homes, I tear families apart, take your children, and that's just the start.
I'm more costly than diamonds, more precious than gold,
The sorrow I bring is a sight to behold.
If you need me, remember I'm easily found,
I live all around you - in schools and in town.
I live with the rich; I live with the poor,
I live down the street, and maybe next door.
I'm made in a lab, but not like you think,
I can be made under the kitchen sink.
In your child's closet, and even in the woods,
If this scares you to death, well it certainly should.
I have many names, but there's one you know best,
I'm sure you've heard of me, my name is crystal meth.
My power is awesome; try me you'll see,
But if you do, you may never break free.
Just try me once and I might let you go,
But try me twice, and I'll own your soul.
When I possess you, you'll steal and you'll lie,
You do what you have to -- just to get high.
The crimes you'll commit for my narcotic charms
Will be worth the pleasure you'll feel in your arms,
your lungs your nose.
You'll lie to your mother; you'll steal from your dad,
When you see their tears, you should feel sad.
But you'll forget your morals and how you were raised,
I'll be your conscience, I'll teach you my ways.
I take kids from parents, and parents from kids,
I turn people from God, and separate friends.
I'll take everything from you, your looks and your pride,
I'll be with you always -- right by your side.
You'll give up everything - your family, your home,
Your friends, your money, then you'll be alone.
I'll take and take, till you have nothing more to give,
When I'm finished with you, you'll be lucky to live.
If you try me be warned - this is no game,
If given the chance, I'll drive you insane.
I'll ravish your body, I'll control your mind,
I'll own you completely, your soul will be mine.
The nightmares I'll give you while lying in bed,
The voices you'll hear, from inside your head.
The sweats, the shakes, the visions you'll see,
I want you to know, these are all gifts from me.
But then it's too late, and you'll know in your heart,
That you are mine, and we shall not part.
You'll regret that you tried me, they always do,
But you came to me, not I to you.
You knew this would happen, many times you were told,
But you challenged my power, and chose to be bold.
You could have said no, and just walked away,
If you could live that day over, now what would you say?
I'll be your master, you will be my slave,
I'll even go with you, when you go to your grave.
Now that you have met me, what will you do?
Will you try me or not? It's all up to you.
I can bring you more misery than words can tell,
Come take my hand, let me lead you to hell.
Rich or poor, drugs can destroy us all, but when it is the poor....people want to see them "pee in a jar" to get their welfare benefits. IF the person comes out as an addict, they lose their benefits. Do they get help? Probably not. Instead everyone uses it to point and say "see I told you THOSE people were all bad, using OUR tax money to do drugs. We were so right to test them.
Those who are addicted to drugs deserve our patience and understanding. Drugs and drug use can make people who would normally have been your best friends, into people you don't know anymore. It can make a lover into a killer, an honest person into a thief.
I don't know what the answer to drugs is...I don't think anyone really does. I don't think that making it illegal has helped. It only creates more criminals...not less incentive to use them. Laws harm those who are using drugs to help them with pain.
Would legalizing drugs help? I don't really know...maybe. I mean humans do have a habit of wanting to do something just because it is "rebellious" to do. If you take away it's illegal status it's just like alcohol and tobacco. Those are also drugs, they do as much harm to people and cost just as much as the street drugs that are taken.
Perhaps legalizing drugs means you can issue permits and licenses to sell them, tax the profits made and use the taxes to pay for programs to help get people off them. I don't know. I don't pretend to know the answer to this problem.
I just know that shaming and blaming people for not being like everyone else has got to STOP.
Shame and blame doesn't cure people. It just hurts them more. Driving them deeper into whatever it is they are doing that hurts themselves and their communities.
Pretend you have a heart, act like you have some compassion.....stop making people feel bad so you can make yourself feel better.
LECTURE OVER: Now here is the poem. (if anyone knows who the writer is, feel free to share below), IF you have any poetry etc you'd like to share about this topic or any other, feel free to comment. I won't bite you. ( I promise).
My Name Is "Meth"
I destroy homes, I tear families apart, take your children, and that's just the start.
I'm more costly than diamonds, more precious than gold,
The sorrow I bring is a sight to behold.
If you need me, remember I'm easily found,
I live all around you - in schools and in town.
I live with the rich; I live with the poor,
I live down the street, and maybe next door.
I'm made in a lab, but not like you think,
I can be made under the kitchen sink.
In your child's closet, and even in the woods,
If this scares you to death, well it certainly should.
I have many names, but there's one you know best,
I'm sure you've heard of me, my name is crystal meth.
My power is awesome; try me you'll see,
But if you do, you may never break free.
Just try me once and I might let you go,
But try me twice, and I'll own your soul.
When I possess you, you'll steal and you'll lie,
You do what you have to -- just to get high.
The crimes you'll commit for my narcotic charms
Will be worth the pleasure you'll feel in your arms,
your lungs your nose.
You'll lie to your mother; you'll steal from your dad,
When you see their tears, you should feel sad.
But you'll forget your morals and how you were raised,
I'll be your conscience, I'll teach you my ways.
I take kids from parents, and parents from kids,
I turn people from God, and separate friends.
I'll take everything from you, your looks and your pride,
I'll be with you always -- right by your side.
You'll give up everything - your family, your home,
Your friends, your money, then you'll be alone.
I'll take and take, till you have nothing more to give,
When I'm finished with you, you'll be lucky to live.
If you try me be warned - this is no game,
If given the chance, I'll drive you insane.
I'll ravish your body, I'll control your mind,
I'll own you completely, your soul will be mine.
The nightmares I'll give you while lying in bed,
The voices you'll hear, from inside your head.
The sweats, the shakes, the visions you'll see,
I want you to know, these are all gifts from me.
But then it's too late, and you'll know in your heart,
That you are mine, and we shall not part.
You'll regret that you tried me, they always do,
But you came to me, not I to you.
You knew this would happen, many times you were told,
But you challenged my power, and chose to be bold.
You could have said no, and just walked away,
If you could live that day over, now what would you say?
I'll be your master, you will be my slave,
I'll even go with you, when you go to your grave.
Now that you have met me, what will you do?
Will you try me or not? It's all up to you.
I can bring you more misery than words can tell,
Come take my hand, let me lead you to hell.
Wednesday, 21 August 2013
Wow it has been a long time since I posted my last bit. I feel red faced about that but I was really busy. I had many courses on the go at Coursera (never ever going to do that again), as well as things in my real world taking up my time that I forgot to check in here.
The latest news from our corner of the world is simple. My older two found work. It is only temporary so don't start celebrating yet. The jobs are ones created by work programs but I remain hopeful that they will get something after these jobs expire (or perhaps that they will get hired on by the company that took them in).
I was busy trying to get a response back from our worker about getting clothes for work. Now before the worker just said "submit the amount you need to me and I will get it to you", but at some point they changed their minds or realized that they were doing it all wrong, and instead of responding to the email request for money for pants and shoes, we got no responses at all. A quick email saying "you need to get a written letter from the store with the amount you need in order for us to process your request" would have been much better than that and would have allowed us to get right on it.
I think that having a letter from a store is simply humiliating. Imagine having to go to the store, look at the merchandise and then having to find someone (good luck with that in Walmart), and have them write or sign a note saying that the cost of the clothing is x amount and that the total will be y amount. Then having to submit that to a worker who will then decide if you qualify for the clothing help you need.
Worse yet, they put my kid's jobs in jeopardy since the employer requires the clothing, in one kid's case black pants for the other kid...jeans. It seems to me that they could simply ask for an estimate, then we go and get the clothing, because if we find it cheaper ELSEWHERE then we could get it there. Then submit receipts as proof we used the money as it was intended. It would save the humiliation and allow us to go forward with dignity.
Other news...we were suspended again because they didn't have enough information. We submitted a letter from me stating I earned money from my artwork, and the paystub from my son. My daughter only got her first pay AFTER their deadline...so now I sit and wait for a phone call to try to straighten out this mess once again.
Why is it when WE have a problem we have a hard time or long wait hearing back from them, but the instant they lose a report or they don't think they have enough information the check is INSTANTLY cut off?
The latest news from our corner of the world is simple. My older two found work. It is only temporary so don't start celebrating yet. The jobs are ones created by work programs but I remain hopeful that they will get something after these jobs expire (or perhaps that they will get hired on by the company that took them in).
I was busy trying to get a response back from our worker about getting clothes for work. Now before the worker just said "submit the amount you need to me and I will get it to you", but at some point they changed their minds or realized that they were doing it all wrong, and instead of responding to the email request for money for pants and shoes, we got no responses at all. A quick email saying "you need to get a written letter from the store with the amount you need in order for us to process your request" would have been much better than that and would have allowed us to get right on it.
I think that having a letter from a store is simply humiliating. Imagine having to go to the store, look at the merchandise and then having to find someone (good luck with that in Walmart), and have them write or sign a note saying that the cost of the clothing is x amount and that the total will be y amount. Then having to submit that to a worker who will then decide if you qualify for the clothing help you need.
Worse yet, they put my kid's jobs in jeopardy since the employer requires the clothing, in one kid's case black pants for the other kid...jeans. It seems to me that they could simply ask for an estimate, then we go and get the clothing, because if we find it cheaper ELSEWHERE then we could get it there. Then submit receipts as proof we used the money as it was intended. It would save the humiliation and allow us to go forward with dignity.
Other news...we were suspended again because they didn't have enough information. We submitted a letter from me stating I earned money from my artwork, and the paystub from my son. My daughter only got her first pay AFTER their deadline...so now I sit and wait for a phone call to try to straighten out this mess once again.
Why is it when WE have a problem we have a hard time or long wait hearing back from them, but the instant they lose a report or they don't think they have enough information the check is INSTANTLY cut off?
Saturday, 27 July 2013
Some news to report.
Well we have YOU (Youth Opportunities Unlimited) to thank for the two new jobs that have come to our home. Both my older kids found temporary placement employment through this group. I hope it's enough to kick start them and give them some extra money to save towards their education etc.
Husband...he's still looking. It's hard to do here, especially when you aren't 20 yrs old anymore. He tries though, I'll give him credit for that. Always updating and sending resumes out and always searching both online, and on foot for the next job. Also still attached to a temp agency and waiting for a call from them.
The not so good news...it means that come September, the deductions from both those jobs will throw us off the system. It is fine as far as paperwork, and "sponging off the taxpayer" (don't forget my husband is one while in school and receiving 2nd career money). The downside is, medical expenses are no longer covered, neither is transportation allowance. My daughter's prescriptions are not cheap and we are going to hope that Trillium benefits cover it. (OW might cover our medical for a month or so, I'll have to check into it and let you know how it goes for us).
I'll also keep you posted as to how much gets deducted when a person on workfare begins to bring home money. When my husband had a temp job a year or so ago...it wasn't enough to boot us off the system. But this is 2 incomes plus his 900 a month income. I think it's going to be sufficient to keep us as we have been living so far.
Husband...he's still looking. It's hard to do here, especially when you aren't 20 yrs old anymore. He tries though, I'll give him credit for that. Always updating and sending resumes out and always searching both online, and on foot for the next job. Also still attached to a temp agency and waiting for a call from them.
The not so good news...it means that come September, the deductions from both those jobs will throw us off the system. It is fine as far as paperwork, and "sponging off the taxpayer" (don't forget my husband is one while in school and receiving 2nd career money). The downside is, medical expenses are no longer covered, neither is transportation allowance. My daughter's prescriptions are not cheap and we are going to hope that Trillium benefits cover it. (OW might cover our medical for a month or so, I'll have to check into it and let you know how it goes for us).
I'll also keep you posted as to how much gets deducted when a person on workfare begins to bring home money. When my husband had a temp job a year or so ago...it wasn't enough to boot us off the system. But this is 2 incomes plus his 900 a month income. I think it's going to be sufficient to keep us as we have been living so far.
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
How we spent our sunday
When the sun stays out to play and the birds are happily chirping and flying around, the festivals come to town. We seem to get so many festivals that there is always something going on somewhere.
Just this weekend pass my husband and I had the opportunity to go to the Home and County Folk Festival. We didn't go for long but we did have a fun time looking around and listening to a few different groups.
It was a bit muggy outside so it made for a challenge, but I did notice something amazing....no smoke. Not a puff not a whiff just pure, clean air. It was a relief not to have to fight the humidity and tobacco too.
Thought I'd share a few pictures of the spouse having fun on "birthday weekend".
This is the bus ride down. He's looking at me like that because I snapped a fast shot of him. LOL
We sat for a few minutes in the park and listened to an interesting Celtic sort of group. They had an interesting take on some different songs. Sorry I'm not sure of group names because well....we didn't look for the information and didn't have a book to tell us :).
Favorite pick of the day for "different". Someone had brought a "petting zoo" to the festival. It was a GREAT idea and I hope the do it again. Off to the left side there were guitars and drums etc. While in the tent.....
there were some other interesting instruments to try out. Most of the rest of the festival was vendors selling everything from Cold Pressed Olive Oil (delicious, but not in our budget at the moment), to soaps and dresses and linens. There were the usual Henna artists there as well.
It was an enjoyable day and I'm glad my hubby and I got to spend it together. Won't be long before it's "back to school" and nights filled with homework.
Just this weekend pass my husband and I had the opportunity to go to the Home and County Folk Festival. We didn't go for long but we did have a fun time looking around and listening to a few different groups.
It was a bit muggy outside so it made for a challenge, but I did notice something amazing....no smoke. Not a puff not a whiff just pure, clean air. It was a relief not to have to fight the humidity and tobacco too.
Thought I'd share a few pictures of the spouse having fun on "birthday weekend".
It was an enjoyable day and I'm glad my hubby and I got to spend it together. Won't be long before it's "back to school" and nights filled with homework.
Sunday, 21 July 2013
You know there are problems when...
When the UN sends someone to check on the condition of those who are poor in your country, and he has nothing but negative reports to give...you know it's time to make a change
.http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/03/04/un_food_envoy_olivier_de_schutter_says_canada_starves_many_of_its_citizens_porter.html
I just wonder when the day for change will come. There are actually some people who feel awful at the way things are turning out for those with less money. Of course there are a few who aren't too sure of the rules either.
Both spouses on welfare have to share the same check, that goes double for any adult children on the system. ALSO anyone who gets child tax like me will get some money. In my case it seems like a lot, but I also don't get any money for that one child from welfare AT ALL.
Where do they expect me to get the school supplies, shoes, books, paper and pens/pencils etc from? End of the school year I wanted to help my youngest to get his certification for both First Aid and a Lifeguarding course (Bronze Medallion I think), but I couldn't afford to pay for it. He has the training and none of the papers to prove it.
That could have been a job for him, but without the proof it is useless. It frustrates me that I can't pay for anything he might need because he's also a "non contributing member". Yes IF he finds work he can pay for his own clothes etc, they don't deduct money from my check as long as my kid is in school. BUT he has to get that job first.
It saps your strength to go hungry, and it saps your strength of spirit to always ask for help. Maybe that is why I can't bring myself to ask for something as simple as a ride from people....I'm so used to asking for something that I want to have at least ONE thing I can have someone offer.
This sapping of spirit floods into your private life as well and makes it hard for you to relate to other people. How do you say "I can't (Fill in blank). There is no money for that.". It's embarrassing to have to say these things. It's almost like admitting you have failed.
The public in general doesn't have to shame those who are poor, we can feel embarrassed plenty on our own. I just can't wait for the day that my husband graduates and "hopefully" finds a position in that trade. Then perhaps I can have my earth ship in the countryside, and help others who are just like we are right now.
.http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/03/04/un_food_envoy_olivier_de_schutter_says_canada_starves_many_of_its_citizens_porter.html
I just wonder when the day for change will come. There are actually some people who feel awful at the way things are turning out for those with less money. Of course there are a few who aren't too sure of the rules either.
Both spouses on welfare have to share the same check, that goes double for any adult children on the system. ALSO anyone who gets child tax like me will get some money. In my case it seems like a lot, but I also don't get any money for that one child from welfare AT ALL.
Where do they expect me to get the school supplies, shoes, books, paper and pens/pencils etc from? End of the school year I wanted to help my youngest to get his certification for both First Aid and a Lifeguarding course (Bronze Medallion I think), but I couldn't afford to pay for it. He has the training and none of the papers to prove it.
That could have been a job for him, but without the proof it is useless. It frustrates me that I can't pay for anything he might need because he's also a "non contributing member". Yes IF he finds work he can pay for his own clothes etc, they don't deduct money from my check as long as my kid is in school. BUT he has to get that job first.
It saps your strength to go hungry, and it saps your strength of spirit to always ask for help. Maybe that is why I can't bring myself to ask for something as simple as a ride from people....I'm so used to asking for something that I want to have at least ONE thing I can have someone offer.
This sapping of spirit floods into your private life as well and makes it hard for you to relate to other people. How do you say "I can't (Fill in blank). There is no money for that.". It's embarrassing to have to say these things. It's almost like admitting you have failed.
The public in general doesn't have to shame those who are poor, we can feel embarrassed plenty on our own. I just can't wait for the day that my husband graduates and "hopefully" finds a position in that trade. Then perhaps I can have my earth ship in the countryside, and help others who are just like we are right now.
Thursday, 18 July 2013
Some good news
My husband talked to someone in our caseworker's department. (our caseworker is absent today). He managed to get some emergency bus tickets which I will use tomorrow. She also suggested trying for a "medical buspass" hopefully I'll be able to qualify with a doctor's note and get out of the heat more often.
It was too bad he didn't get the tickets while it was cooler out but if I left here now I'd have to be medicated and wouldn't breathe very well. Tomorrow I'm getting up early and running away to the library where cool air prevails.
It is currently 44 C or 111 F outside and about ten degrees colder in my house. I have a "permanent pool" set up in my bathroom LOL. Just trying to stay cool. Might study for a bit and then have a nap to keep from exerting in the hot.
My advice to others on OW/ODSP is to ask your worker for some tickets to get OUT of the heat while the weather is this bad. Ask, and if your worker won't give you an answer or if you want to try again, try talking to their manager and see if the answer changes. It may be all you can do to escape the dreaded muggy monster.
It was too bad he didn't get the tickets while it was cooler out but if I left here now I'd have to be medicated and wouldn't breathe very well. Tomorrow I'm getting up early and running away to the library where cool air prevails.
It is currently 44 C or 111 F outside and about ten degrees colder in my house. I have a "permanent pool" set up in my bathroom LOL. Just trying to stay cool. Might study for a bit and then have a nap to keep from exerting in the hot.
My advice to others on OW/ODSP is to ask your worker for some tickets to get OUT of the heat while the weather is this bad. Ask, and if your worker won't give you an answer or if you want to try again, try talking to their manager and see if the answer changes. It may be all you can do to escape the dreaded muggy monster.
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