In Years Gone By

"Cities are everywhere in decline. Trade, industry and agriculture bend under the weight of taxation." -- Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Certainly not politicians. For over six- and one-half decades I have resided in Hamilton, Ontario. During a period of time (1970's, 1980's and early 1990's) it was a fairly decent place to live as well as work. For my short time (six years) I was a Firefighter for the once Ambitious City (refers to one of Hamilton's nicknames). I was very proud of the metropolis and dedicated to my job.

The city was mainly prospering and flourishing in the 70's and 80's. Even though inflation was high, Steel Town was developing and progressing. Economically it was suitable for most people. Groceries, consumer goods, alcohol and tobacco had reasonable prices. There were plenty of jobs and crime was held to a minimum. Unfortunately, some big companies permanently closed their doors such as Hoover Suction Sweeper - 1972, Canadian Canners - 1986 and Otis Elevator - 1987. International Harvester as well as Susan Shoes Industries permanently folded in 1992 and 1994 respectively.

More upsetting was the closure of downtown department stores like Graftons - 1973, The Right House - 1983, Robinsons - 1983, Zellers - 1988, Woolworths - 1990 and Kresges - 1999. Customers were in their heyday shopping at those stores. Supposedly the reasons for the stores closing were the high dollar, high energy prices and overseas competition. So sad. Do we blame the government? I think so.

Back in the 1960's Hamilton City Council developed an urban renewal project to revitalize the downtown area. Little did they know it would be the beginning of the end for the core. It started with the opening of Jackson Square in 1972 followed by the Stelco Tower in 1973. Standard Life Office Tower in 1983. Copps Coliseum along with the Sheraton Hotel in 1985. Employment was wonderful, especially in the construction sector.

Meanwhile back to this day and age, our "beloved" and "adored" Mayor Andrea Horwath always describes Steel Town as a vibrant city. Excuse me for almost vomiting. I'm very interested to find out what city she is actually talking about. The Hammer is far from lively, sparkling and dynamic. Okay, I did read she now lives in Burlington, Ontario. Now it all comes together. Our "treasured leader" must be referring to Burlington.

The Spectator (Hamilton's Newspaper) had a disturbing and depressing article titled "Our City Is Basically Dying. How do we stop downtown Hamilton's progress from unravelling" on Aug. 29/24. The story described Steel Town becoming a truly dismal and dangerous city. Harassment of shop owners, panhandling, drug use, including break and enters at stores are constant as well as increasing.

Of course we can't forget about the murders, shootings and stabbings that have started to plague The Hammer. One of many comments at the end of the feature was stated by a woman who said she was never afraid of being in the core in the 70's and 80's. She also added, now the city is a shell of it's former self. It's truly sad and disappointing.

It's been indicated many times the core is driving people away. It started to decline in the mid 1990's. I'm one of those individuals that refuse to travel downtown unless it's absolutely necessary. It's been more than a few years since I use to journey to the Hamilton Farmers Market at Jackson Square, Starpolski's Delicatessen at Barton and Ruth St. along with Pane Del Sole Bakery on John Street North. I would visit each location at least six times a year. Now, no more. See you later, goodbye and farewell. I have permanently faded out.

I would like to reveal one more fact and comment before I wrap this up. The city blunderers have reduced our fire protection since the 1990's. It's disgraceful, unsafe and completely unacceptable.

At any given time, there are three senior officers located throughout the city. Each officer also had a driver. But guess what? If you answered not anymore? You win the cigar. However, that was only the start of the feather brain politicians' cutbacks. The elimination of various apparatus would follow. Cars 6, 8, 11, Arieal Truck 111, Snorkel 106, Pump 2 and Rescue 9 were placed out of commission. The shameful task was performed through attrition. Seven less vehicles and twenty less firefighters on each of the four shifts to handle emergencies. Unquestionably disgusting and inexcusable.

Epilogue`11

I have lost total delight for the city I once admired, appreciated and liked. For me it was very disturbing and upsetting watching Steel Town go down the toilet over the years. It's changed so much. WHY did this happen? HOW did this happen? I think it's quite obvious.

The End
The Harvenut Puritan Project

Hosted by www.openprison.ca

Mindbender Syndrome

The hardest thing to learn in life is which bridge to cross and which to burn. - David Russell

Have you ever wondered about the choices you have made in life. I'm willing to bet five will get you ten everyone has produced at least one mistake. It's human nature and no one is perfect. Perhaps some misjudgments seemed minor while other bad ideas were very critical. Either way we are not flawless. That is reality.

One of many outstanding, superb and fantastic lines in the 1986 Academy Award Winner movie "Platoon" is when Staff Sgt. Barnes (Tom Berenger 1949-) says "I am reality. There's the way it ought to be. And there's the way it is. Reality is the absolute real world and life."

I had two goals my concluding days of high school. One was become a firefighter for the City of Hamilton, Ontario (I'll get back to that in a moment) and the other was to be Head Coach for a Senior Secondary School football team also in Hamilton. I did accomplish both objectives but they weren't what I expected. The 1969 song titled "Is That All There Is" by Peggy Lee is very relevant and meaningful.

Timing is an enormous component not just in sports but also in our movie of existence and survival. Occasionally people have second thoughts after they have implemented decisions but sometimes it's too late. I've experienced those circumstances more than a few times.

What if my E.A. (Executive Assistant) decided to permanently reside in Youngstown, Ohio with her ex-husband and not return to Hamilton.

What if a long-time friend of mine elected to remain at Dupont in Kingston, Ontario as a technician instead of resigning in his early years.

What if another long-time friend gave a different answer at his final interview for the Metropolitan Toronto Police Dept. circa 1974. Chances are because of his reply he wasn't hired.

What if Adolf Hitler (1889-1945) was accepted into the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, Austria in 1907 or 1908 as an artist.

Speaking of interviews, I was fresh out of high school when I had an interview in the final stage of the hiring procedure for the Hamilton, Ontario Fire Dept. in the fall of 1973. The Deputy Chief asked me, "What are your strong qualities?" I replied, "I'm easy going and get along with people." He then asked, "What are your weak features?" I hesitated for a couple of seconds and answered, "My mother says I don't have any patience."

DUH! What a fucking idiot. Did I ever blow it. Obviously, I was never hired. I have always pondered, what if I would've responded with something less stupid and lame brained. I didn't shoot myself in the foot. I blew my head off. However, after two more attempts I was finally hired in 1981.

What if I continued to date my first girlfriend while enrolled in Grade 11 at Westmount Secondary School instead of dumping her and giving no reason. I was a self-centered, selfish jerk.

What if my biological parents decided to raise me as their son and not give me up for adoption.

In 1983 I had a date with a beautiful and very attractive mid-twentyish lady who worked at my bank as a customer service representative. Let's call her Kelly. Meanwhile that was her real name. We went out for dinner (I can't remember where) but nothing transpired into a future relationship. Every so often I wonder, what if we had connected?

What if I didn't go to Kelsey's Roadhouse for a few beers on the Friday summer night in 1984 when I met my ex-wife.

What if I didn't quit the Hamilton Fire Dept. as a first-class firefighter in August of 1987? Quite often I think deeply what if I would've stayed on the job? It was definitely and unquestionably the worst decision or choice (call it what you want) I have every made.

Epilogue

As you can see, I'm a soul-searcher. Over the years I've reflected on more than a few incidents in my life. Maybe a lot of folks are in that similar situation. I will wrap things up and close on this note. A part of me will always wonder "WHAT IF?"

The End
The Harvenut Puritan Project

Hosted by www.openprison.ca

Finally

It's About Time

"Politicians are the lowest form of life on earth...Democrats are the lowest form of politicians." -- George S. Patten (1885-1945)

Just to clarify, Democrats are Liberals.

Most Liberals are extremely dangerous to humanity and communities. The great pretender Justin (please take my picture) Trudeau was at the top of his mob.

I never thought I'd see the day our embarrassing, shameful and nauseating juvenile Prime Minister would resign. I honestly thought he'd never retire because the foolish "little boy" was too self-loving and full of himself. Without a doubt he has created a state of turmoil in Canada.

Sure, he established numerous new jobs if you can call government jobs beneficial to the tax payer. Our youngster implemented Canada's Child Benefit and also reinforced Canada's National Dental Plan. That's fine and dandy, but do the Canadian people realize our country has a deficit of $62 billion and our national debt is $1.4 trillion which snowballs more than $100 million every day.

According to an article by the N.D.P. (New Democratic Party) on May 4/23 it stated our vain adolescent "leader" promised every Canadian would have a doctor in his 2015 campaign. Yeah right. Six million are still looking. Our swindler also pledged affordable housing. Meanwhile the cost of a home has doubled. The con artist also guaranteed clean drinking water. Another tall tale. Thirty-two water advisories were still in effect in twenty-eight communities when this feature was posted.

What this big-headed creature hasn't achieved is dangerous, harmful and violent to our Canadian society than ever before.

His immigration policy and how he ignored the problems at various Canada-U.S. Borders is appalling.

His disgusting disregard for criminal activity and their violent behavior is absolutely frightful. His soft (and I stress soft) on crime attitude is horrendous.

The deceiver's entire neglect on our justice system is also horrifying.

The trickster should have judges elected by the tax payers.

You should all know by now Liberals enjoy taxing people. More proof of that is the crook's Carbon and Capital Gains Tax.

The homeless and poverty situation is a total catastrophe. It's never been so devastating.

After a lot of persuasion, the scammer did increase our armed forces budget a little-bitty.

The Youth Criminal Justice Act (the old Young Offenders Act) is a fucking joke. It should be exterminated, annihilated and extinguished forever! These delinquents truly get away with murder.

Why didn't this shady character lower the costs of cell phones? According to an article on the CBC Jan. 13/23 Canadians pay the highest cell phone rates in the world. Our TV fees are undoubtedly outrageous. Bell and Shaw Direct (Rogers,) are nothing more than scammers also. Our telecommunications needs less limits and more competition to eliminate these monopolies.

Epilogue

I'm optimistic the G.T.A. (Greater Toronto Area) have finally sobered up as well as come to their senses and decided not to vote Liberal. However, you never know which way the wind is blowing with the Canadian electorate. One last thing I must say. When the dishonorable shyster finally leaves the Prime Minister's Office, I hope the door slams his ass!

GOOD RIDDANCE! FOREVER!

The End
The Harvenut Puritan Project

Hosted by www.openprison.ca