Continuous Failure

Prelude

I have lived in Hamilton, Ontario most of my life. It never ceases to amaze me how our city councilors and senior staff, at City Hall control this metropolis once called "The Ambitious City." Quite often they will devise, introduce and/or recommend foolish and crackpot ideas which turn out to be nothing more than absolutely wasteful spending of tax payers money.

Let's start off with the L.R.T. (Light Rail Transit) manifesto. The L.R.T. is a disaster waiting to happen. Supporters of this farce should come up for air once in a while. Ward 7 Councillor Donna Skelly stated in the Mountain News on Dec. 14/16 the L.R.T. operation could cost the city millions.

The information was very upsetting and disturbing if this asinine, needless and irrational undertaking occurs. A report to Toronto, Ontario council Nov./16 said the L.R.T.'s (Toronto has more than one line) will cost the city over $180 million in operational costs, an expense politicians said was unexpected.

So the Provincial government gives Hamilton $1 billion but guess what, SURPRISE, we're responsible for the operational costs like "hog town".

To summarize, (this soon to be catastrophe), WE DON'T NEED IT!!! A city the size of Hamilton can function quite simply without it. I can only imagine the nightmare that will develop if our councillors approve this nonsense.

Once the construction starts it will be an outright mess. The traffic congestion. delays and idling (mind you the city enjoys that irritation to drivers) are only some of the negative factors that have been predicted. Businesses will severely suffer, sadly some will claim bankruptcy, so a handful of people can commute the 13 km route, again...WE DON'T NEED IT!!!

I had to chuckle when I read an article in the Mountain News on Sept. 1/16 titled "City orders super-sized signs to remind drivers of speed limit". The forty-five new signs (measuring five feet tall and four feet wide) were erected along the Red Hill Valley Parkway and the Lincoln M. Alexander Expressway...the maximum speed is 90 km/h at both locations.

A report stated many drivers were coming from the 100 km/h Highway 403 and Q.E.W. (Queen Elizabeth Way) and that was the reason why a lot of motorists drove over the speed limit. My, oh, my, as if these new magic signs are going to "curb" drivers from speeding.

Why don't our "leaders" realize there are an abundance of high speed drivers and they will completely disregard these magic signs. There will always be idiots who drive dangerously fast...I see it, you see it, we all see it every day. There will always be reckless vehicle owners driving on both Parkways, no matter how humongous the signs may be.

However, I have a suggestion that may reduce the high speeds on both Parkways, install 12 foot by 12 foot signs every three hundred feet of nude male and female models. Photo radar may be a deterrent...the city is seriously considering that possibility.

I also had to laugh as I read two separate articles in the Mountain News on Aug. 26 and Sept. 22/16 pertaining to our city council wanting to make Upper James Street pedestrian friendly.

The street is a 5.5 km stretch of commercial and business enterprises located in Ward 7 on the "mountain". The mountain has an estimated population in 2011 of 103,615 but continues to grow in population and expand with businesses. Upper James has four traffic lanes (2 northbound and 2 southbound). The middle of the street has a twittle, a center turning lane. It is also a primary route to downtown and John C. Munroe Hamilton International Airport.

An estimated 30,000 vehicles travel the thoroughfare every day. I have driven on Upper James plenty of times and very seldom do I see pedestrians. Even Ward 2 Councilor Jason Farr said (in regards about pedestrians and cyclists on Upper James) "very rarely do I see one".

Ward 7 Councilor Donna Skelly wants to see added tress, boulevards and other amenities to make Upper James more safer and welcoming. She said "it's almost frightening to walk along the street because there is so much traffic, it's full of concrete." I don't know why she is so worried about pedestrians safety...they are few and far between and every store and business has ample parking for their potential customers vehicles...I can't recall any pedestrian fatalities.

She will be asking city staff on how Upper James can be urbanized without impacting traffic flow, including the possibility of bike lanes. OK, wait a minute, TIME OUT!! Is she talking Upper James in Hamilton, Ontario or Upper James in Timbuktu?

First of all there isn't any space for bike lanes and secondly if the officials have the foolishness and insanity of including bike lanes (they've done it before throughout the city) it will certainly and unquestionably have negative ramifications for drivers...the traffic flow will be sluggish, time consuming and bumper to bumper. However, the city gives me the impression they thrive on gridlock. Thirdly, correct me if I'm wrong, I thought Upper James was already urbanized.

The City's Master Transportation Plan promotes walking and builds active communities while reducing peoples dependence upon cars. The plan states that a successful Pedestrian Network Strategy allows for a safe travel area for vehicles and pedestrians by expanding pedestrian facilities that advocate transportation such as cycling.

So there is the hard core evidence on how these bureaucrats have a thirst and craving to smother the entire city with bike lanes...more of a priority than public safety and infrastructure which don't even appear to be in their "ball park."

The laughter always emerges...I will refer to an article I read in the Hamilton Spectator on Dec. 7/16. Ward 1 Councilor Aidan Johnson asked his colleagues to support a study of the implications of preventing bottled water sales in arenas, parks and other city facilities...WOW, a real serious and critical issue...this same subject was debated in 2010, why do they dwell on past matters? He said it will preserve fresh water reserves viewed by some environmentalists as increasingly under threat. What Johnson was really trying to say is, PROHIBIT bottled water altogether at all city owned premises.

Maybe someone should have reminded him about the boil water advisory on Brigadoon Drive in the west mountain in Sept./16...240 homes were affected. The warning was lifted on Sept. 26/16 a week later after the original complaint. A home owner complained about the smell of their tap water. According to the Hamilton Spectator Sept. 26/16 our so called water wizards couldn't pinpoint the exact reason for high levels of bacteria taken from a fire hydrant...now that is disturbing and very scary.

Should we also jog Johnson's memory or a small town called Walkerton, Ontario and their horrific nightmare they experienced in May 2000. All that happened there was their water supply was contaminated and seven people died and thousands were sickened...FUCKING SHAMEFUL!

Johnson's concern is also environmental (it's a band wagon every politician jumps on) but his interest is geared to citizens drinking city tap water so his gang can raise our water rates...wait a minute, L.O.L., they increase our rates either way, every year...another carved in stone tax.

During hot and dry summers bureaucrats "ask" home owners to conserve and reduce our water consumption. Most of us oblige their request but the end result is always the same...the Ivory Tower group always increase our water rates...we just can't win.

An article in the Mountain News Dec./16 titled "Council mulls bottled water ban" had my blood boiling. Ward 3 Councilor Matthew Green said earlier in the year he wants more drinking fountains in city parks to discourage youths from drinking sugary drinks.

Who the hell do you think you are. Green should mind his own business. It sickens me when I hear politicians that come across caring and concerned about children...they exploit and use them as pawns for their own political advantage. The administrators tend to conveniently forget that parents are responsible for their kids actions...not manipulating politicians.

City council agreed to raise water rates by $30 stated the Mountain News on Nov. 24/16. The average home owner's bill will be $660.95 a year. Most members felt comfortable supporting the increase...why would they have any other feelings, their desire to take our money.

Politicians believe providing safe clean water is an essential service to residents...a very health conscience way of saying we want more money...tell that to the folks on Brigadoon Drive. Ward 4 Councillor Sam Merulla said "water is sacred". Is Merulla suggesting we attend church and praise this holy H2O?

The debate on tap and bottled water has been going on for a long time and I think it's far from over. Most of us have gulped down tap water for numerous years and never had any bad repercussions. However the incident on Brigadoon Drive may have a lot of tax payers angry and anxious and questioning our 20th century technology when it specifically arrives at diddly squat for the cause of this frightening and possible deadly problem.

Our bureaucrats have decided to start suffocating the city with new pedestrian crossovers. According to the Mountain News on Sept. 22/16 a basic crossover costs about $3,000 and a crossover with lights and overhead signs, meant for higher traffic areas, costs between $12,000 and $15,000. The city is looking at about 200 locations to install the crossovers.

I read an article in CBC News on Sept. 19/16 and almost puked...Hamilton officials had a ribbon cutting ceremony for the first pedestrian crossover...I'm surprised there wasn't a $300 a plate dinner after the formality for what they consider a gala affair. A picture accompanied the article which I found laughable. The photograph showed Hamilton Ward 6 Councilor, Tom Jackson, and three extremely high priced city senior managers walking behind each other crossing the street at the new crossover.

I suspect the image is trying to resemble the Beatles 1969 album cover Abbey Road. Funny, HA, HA. F.Y.I. the group in the photo, (who found time for this momentous event) are worth well over $500,000.

What ever happened to sound and good judgment when crossing the street. My long time and very good friend Uncle Block mentioned in one of his rants to Ward 6 Councilor Tom Jackson, maybe pedestrians should take a course with Elmer the Safety Elephant.

Crossing the street is a very simple task...look both ways then proceed when it's safe...elementary my dear council. However, in their minds they have to spend a lot more than a few million dollars of tax payers money for what I think is nothing more than make work programs.

Furthermore, I believe it's another underhanded scheme to promote their mandate...their crusade against the automobile. Not a very good one, nevertheless enough to annoy and irritate drivers and especially tax payers.

Then we have the yearly budget. An article in the Mountain News on Nov. 24/16 stated councilors are facing what some are calling the toughest budget fight they've had in nearly a decade.

This is nothing new...it's an ongoing occurrence every year...a real dramatic movie. They whine, cry and even panic about the exorbitant preliminary figures (for 2017 was 5.65% for the average home owner) but all of a sudden an astonishing chain of events happens and the budget is "knocked down" below 2%.

These bureaucrats make themselves look like financial geniuses, miraculously the budget has been reduced to 1.8% or 1.9%. In fact they actually applauded themselves one year because the budget was finalized at under 2%.

Supposedly over the last five years Hamilton has had some of the lowest tax increases among similar municipalities...average is 1.7%. However their taxation on home owners could be a lot less if they would eliminate their ridiculous spending.

Finally the Claremont Access is in urgent need of repairs. The access is a vital artery that connects the downtown area to the mountain. The down bound lanes were closed for a prolonged period of time because of a loose retaining wall. The access was also closed for four days in 2012 because of a landslide.

Gary Moore, Hamilton's Director of Engineering told the Mountain News on Dec. 14/16 "the cost to fix this problem will be tens of millions of dollars". I think we all agree without a doubt this problem has to be properly rectified with no makeshift repair whatsoever. It's going to cost a wealth of money. Hopefully the officials can forgo their witless bike lanes and pedestrian crossovers and spend our money on much needed requirements such as infrastructure.

Specifically bike lanes and pedestrian crossovers are sweeping the province...sadly it's not a fad, they're here to stay. It reminds me of the British Music Invasion in the 1960's and how it engulfed North America. The city (whether they admit to it or not) will proceed with their aggressive campaign...the war against the internal combustion engine.

Epilogue

You would think common sense would prevail among politicians (at all government levels) when the deficits and debts are at an alarming and astronomical amounts. They don't have the money but they spend, spend and spend on idiotic projects...it appears to be customary behavior, an endless infectious disorder that won't disappear. I was going to suggest if you live some where other than Hamilton don't let this fatal virus happen in your neighborhood, but chances are, it already has. I would love to own a Mercedes Benz but putting it bluntly, I can't afford it and do I really need an expensive vehicle...NO!!! Why can't politicians, particularly the Hamilton crowd abide by logic.

The End
The Harvenut Puritan Project

Puritan will return with A Tragic Blunder

The Chosen Few

Prelude

On Oct. 19/15 Canada held a Federal election. Elections Canada stated more than 68% of eligible voters cast a ballot, meaning 17,546,697 Canadians voted. Justin Trudeau became Canada's Prime Minister and the Liberals obtained a majority government with 184 seats in the House of Commons.

Our teenage P.M. (Prime Minister) has certainly journeyed the seven seas since he entered office two years ago. He has also traveled a vast amount throughout the "great white north" spreading his self-styled "good word" throughout the land.

Evidently, he enjoys Gay Pride Parades, participating in spectacles in Toronto Ontario, Vancouver British Columbia, and Montreal Quebec. I think it's quite obvious the L.G.B.T.Q. (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer or Questioning) community thoroughly loved his presence and in return (five will get you ten) they will be liberal supporters...almost as phony like shaking hands and kissing babies.

He also ventured to the Calgary Stampede, Vancouver City Hall, Tofino British Columbia for a vacation (maybe he was burnt out after the Pride Parade in Vancouver) and the Yukon. Just recently he had another vacation to the Bahamas. He is definitely a globe trotter on behalf of taxpayers money. He also visited a mosque and partook in a ceremony as reported by the Toronto Sun Sept. 12/16. Let's not forget, he has never met a camera he didn't like.

For a guy who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and never really worked a day in his life, undoubtedly he has a passion to spend OUR MONEY especially giving it away to foreign countries.

The Libertarian reported on Nov. 28/15 in Trudeau's first month of office he "donated" OUR MONEY to various overseas countries:

(1) $2.65 billion to aid developing nations to combat climate change. My comment, I believe climate change is a fallacy and if it isn't, keep OUR MONEY for Canada. (2) $13 million to Vietnamese farmers. My comment, let that communist country look after their own people...they fought for communism, now they have it. (3) $15 million for job training in Africa. My comment, again reroute those funds for job training in Canada. (4) $14.25 million for infrastructure in Indonesia. My comment, how many times do I have to say this, retain OUR MONEY in Canada.

An article in the Toronto Sun, Nov. 18/16 stated the Trudeau regime announced it would send $25 million to the U.N.R.W.A. (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) to provide relief and social services to Palestinian people.

The article continued to say the U.N.R.W.A. has, according to various experts, been infiltrated by Hamas members and sympathizers. Hamas is an Islamist terrorist group designated by the Government of Canada. If this is true and it wouldn't surprise me if it is, it's disgraceful, scandalous, disgusting and FUCKING CRIMINAL!!

While I was writing this rant I received an e-mail from a very good friend of mine. It was an article from the National Post Nov. 14/16 titled "Mega sized Canadian delegation in Morocco for this year's United Nations climate change conference. Without a doubt an enormous number of representatives, 225...party hearty, eat, drink and be merry...what a fucking joke.

On Nov. 14/16 C.B.C. News published a story about Trudeau had selected twenty-one senators...the positions had been vacant for a long time for that exclusive boys and girls club.

The Canadian Senate was established in 1867. There are 105 members and they must retire at 75 years of age. A Senators yearly salary is $132,000 and overall the Senate costs taxpayers $106,264,100 per year. They are appointed by the Governor General of Canada on the advice from the P.M....as if the Governor General is going to dispute or disagree with the P.M. selections. The Senate is also referred to as the Upper House or Upper Chamber.

Since Senators aren't elected they represent their own self-interest and party loyalties. Trudeau promised a Senate reform for a less partisan house. All the individuals he did appoint were independent Senators. Hmm...I wonder, of the twenty-one new appointees, how many are Grits?

I browsed more than a few websites and observed a Senator's job description is extremely smooth and polished and their job duties are lengthy. It's quite evident that most employees beef up and boost their job function and responsibilities...in all probability, it means additional income.

Some of their apparent tasks are to provide Parliament with a second chance to consider bills before they are passed, representing groups often unrepresented in Parliament such as Aboriginal, visible minorities and women and offer regional representation of Senators from across the country.

"IN THEORY" any piece of government legislation must be approved by the Senate. Other words or expressions to describe the term "IN THEORY" are supposedly, hypothetically, on paper and in an ideal world. I think what they are really trying to mention, it doesn't happen too often, if at all.

I don't recall the Senate squashing too many bills, however, I did find one proposal they vetoed. An article in the Globe and Mail Sept. 10/12 stated the Senate killed an N.D.P. (New Democratic Party) climate change bill that was passed by a majority in the House of Commons. Fifteen Liberal Senators were absent...I wonder where they were? Nevertheless maybe a blessing in disguise.

I noticed a website titled JJ's Complete Guide to Canada. A columnist wrote the most common speech heard in the Senate is "Why the Senate Is So Important"...of course, everyone thinks their job is of high priority, why not Senators.

The site also stated a lot of Senate work revolves around ensuring the institution maintains a positive, and respectable image in the minds of Canadians...I think that means try to justify your job and make sure you cover your ass at all times.

Quite a few years ago I read an article in the Toronto Sun about a Canadian Senator. His picture was on the front page. He was wearing a bathing suit in front of his beachfront home...he lived in Mexico for nine months of they year...our tax money at work.

The Upper Chamber has had some dishonest and devious individuals. Mike Duffy had 31 criminal charges brought against him...I still find it mind boggling that he was acquitted of all offenses.

Patrick Brazeau was charged with assault and sexual assault and suspended from the Senate in 2013. He pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of assault and possession of cocaine...the sexual assault was dropped because the crown didn't have enough evidence. He returned to the Senate in Sept. 2016 after charges of fraud and breach of trust were withdrawn by the crown.

Pamela Wallin and Mac Harb were charged with misuse of their expenses. Harb repaid all of his $231,649.07 he claimed in living expenses in 2005 and criminal charges were withdrawn. Wallin had her charges dropped by the R.C.M.P. (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) due to the absence of evidence.

Raymond Lavigne was charged with breach of trust on improper use of taxpayers funds using cash for personal use. He served six months in prison and six months house arrest...WOW, such a harsh and bitter sentence.

Pierre Hugue Boisueno repaid funds he stated were mistakenly claimed...L.O.L., we all make that mistake. Retired Senator Terry Stratton also repaid funds for his fraudulence.

With the exception of Lavigne (he received actual jail time) the rest of these "decent" people escaped serious retribution. It certainly reminds me how bureaucrats are bomb proof such as Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne...different strokes for different folks.

Epilogue

The Senate members and government may justify the Upper House existence. In my opinion, it's just more bureaucracy...pointless and unneeded. A lot of their duties are duplicated into the same tasks MP's (Member of Parliament) perform. Canada should be able to govern without additional legislation. We elect our politicians to accomplish the correct decisions for the electorate...sadly, quite frequently their resolutions are illogical and absurd. Every so often we will hear gibberish about abolishing the Senate but it's nothing more than cheap gossip. Whoever the P.M. is, he or she will always recommend, then demand their favorite buddies for the Upper House.

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project

Puritan will return with "Continuous Failure."

Reality Check

Editor's note: this rant consists of the contents of a letter sent to a local Hamilton politician.

Hello Donna, hope you had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I received your Xmas newsletter in December of last year. I don't think I'm the only Ward 7 taxpayer who felt frustrated and annoyed after reading the section titled "2017 Budget Crunch". I will refresh your memory of what you said.

We are facing an extremely challenging task, as we begin debate on the City of Hamilton's 2017 operating budget. It would take an extra $42 million just to maintain 2016's level of service, which would increase your taxes by 4.2% or around $140 for the average taxpayer. Clearly, that is not acceptable. Instead, Hamilton City Council have directed staff to come back with a maximum of 1.8%. That means we can't hire additional staff or expand department budgets. We hope to have the final budget approved by early March.

Here are my thoughts. When you say no additional staff will be hired and department budgets won't be expanded, well, let me just say, I'll believe that when I see it. We all know government loves to flourish with employees and thoroughly enjoys spending tax payer's money.

May I suggest City Council stop playing Santa Claus and cease donating our money to various special interest groups such as Boris Brott and his Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Art Gallery of Hamilton, Supercrawl and Theatre Aquarius.

I know one of the city's past practices has been funding to certain arts groups as the article in The Record, April 10/13 stated City Council passed the 2013 budget and $1.9 million will be forwarded to seven arts groups.

Obviously, most of these groups are having a lot of trouble attracting clientele to their functions and performances and can't operate or survive without government assistance. Maybe these organizations should re-evaluate their programs and objectives and pinpoint the problem why they need government handouts...I've always had the attitude if the product or service is good no matter what the cost people will come.

Getting on with more wasteful spending, I would hope you and your colleagues would terminate the senseless bike lanes, 2-way conversions, and pedestrian crossover programs. It's very evident to me and many other Hamiltonians, the city has declared war on the "horseless carriage". Your associates appear to thrive on annoying, irritating and inconveniencing vehicle owners.

Your city hall crew would certainly save a large amount of money if you would abort the pointless and needless bike lanes and 2-way conversions...all they do is exasperate drivers. For the life of me, I still can't comprehend the logic of making traffic flow slower and continuously aggravating folks who journey to and from work or drive for a living.

Since I'm on the topic of the city infuriating drivers, discontinue installing those three-foot high plastic yellow delineators that are located throughout the city especially on Barton Street, east of Ruth Street, they are completely fatuous.

Now the city has a new fad and fixation with pedestrian crossovers. The Mountain News, Sept. 22/16 stated pedestrian crossovers can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 and the city is looking to install about 200 at various sites.

I think it would be an extremely reasonable and sensible notion to squash this misuse of taxpayers money...you specifically stated that council is in a budget crunch. Whatever happened to good sound judgment of crossing the street...it's a remarkable simple task, look both ways and proceed when it's safe...quite elementary.

I read another article in the Mountain News Aug. 25/16 that said you want to make Upper James more pedestrian friendly with the possibility of bike lanes...are you talking Upper James in Hamilton, Ontario or Upper James in Timbuktu? This is where we have to call time out,

I have driven Upper James (Hamilton, Ontario) on numerous occasions and completely agree with your colleague Ward 2 Councillor Jason Farr when he stated (regarding pedestrians and cyclists on Upper James) "very rarely do I see one". It's safe to say pedestrians and cyclists are few and far between.

I was absolutely amazed when you stated the possibility of bicycle lanes in the article...where would they be located? There is, by no means, any space unless this is another chapter of the city's aggressive campaign of the war against the internal combustion engine.

If somehow that does happen (nothing surprises me anymore) the ramifications for drivers will be hellish. The traffic flow will be bumper to bumper and time consuming but then again it appears to me the city enjoys (for some bizarre reason) gridlock...I can't help but think the persistent crusade against the automobile.

The added trees, boulevards and other amenities you would like to see on Upper James (again the city is supposedly in a budget crunch) is more waste from taxpayers pockets.

I realize you didn't hold office until 2016 but the article I read in the Hamilton Spectator Sept. 16/14 placed me in a mode of shock and disbelief. The story stated the City of Hamilton had no money for pot holes...to this day I still can't believe it...completely absurd.

Another report from the Hamilton Spectator Feb. 12/15 said "City passes budget that leaves little room for road repairs," as well as claiming the city is about $120 million behind what is needed for road repairs. Who are these individuals finalizing the budgets? Unbelievable, a very sad state of affairs.

Road repairs are a huge priority and a major component of public safety. One of the functions and responsibilities a municipality has to their taxpayers is to preserve and maintain safe roads. However, council gives me the impression they judge bike lanes, 2-way conversions, and pedestrian crossovers are more pivotal and urgent.

I hope you and your associates don't procrastinate and neglect the Claremont Access problem. I think you would agree this dilemma has to be rectified immediately with no makeshift repairs...it's infrastructure.

A budget is a budget. It doesn't matter what type of budget exists, operating, capital, rate or departmental. The end result is the money will be spent from the same source...tax payers pockets.

I will conclude with the following: concentrate on public safety (fire, police, paramedic service) and infrastructure and terminate meaningless and aimless programs specifically (I know I'm repeating myself) bike lanes, 2 way conversions and pedestrian crossovers...I don't consider them infrastructure. That said, I do sense I'm spitting into the wind.

Respectfully yours,
Harvenut Puritan

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Uncle Block's Two Cents Worth

You're not just spitting in the wind, you're pissing in the wind.

The current crop of politicians who have been given decision-making authority in the City of Hamilton have to be the most incompetent bunch in the last half century. It's not hard to imagine that if the city were being run by a bunch of juvenile delinquents the results would be much different.

What this city needs is sober people with a clear understanding that their main responsibility is maintaining the roads, getting rid of the garbage and sewage, and little else. Above all, their job SHOULD NOT BE trying to impose some hippy-dippy "vision" where the population skips through fields of daisy's, and gazes in wonder at subsidized art, blissfully unencumbered by crude trivialities like earning a living and getting back and forth to work.

Time To Enjoy

Hi folks, Puritan here. It's almost time to set sail to 2016 and launch that year out to sea and welcome 2017 into our lives. I know for some people 2016 has been difficult and frustrating. The world's current events aren't encouraging either, full of misery...they appear as never-ending, very depressing and at times frightful.

Then we can gaze into our own backyard of Canada and Ontario and for the most part, we don't have any idea what out liberal "leaders" (Trudeau who praised and admired Fidel Castro and Wynne who is slick and conniving at the best of times) have up their sleeves for us in 2017. They do however exercise their control over the ordinary populace especially when it comes to misspending our money and creating and/or new taxes and fees.

Wynne, who is a year-round Grinch is intending to present every Ontarian a belated Christmas gift on Jan. 1/17...that will definitely make our lives more uncomfortable and awkward...typical liberal deception.

In spite of what I have just mentioned, let's try to forget how the country and specifically the province is mishandled and becoming ruined. The yuletide season is fast approaching...it is time to unwind, relax and take pleasure in the holiday traditions with family and friends.

From my E.A. (Executive Assistant) and myself, I hope all of you have a happy and wonderful festive season...don't worry, I refuse to accept political correctness, maybe rubbish is a more suitable and appropriate word...MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

The End
The Harvenut Puritan Project

Puritan will return in 2017

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A Special Christmas wish from Uncle Block.

The soundtrack for the following joyful songfest was recorded in a townhouse somewhere in southwest Calgary, Alberta, on or about December 1980. The performers need no introduction.

Third Quarter On The Gridiron

Prelude

Wikipedia states Baby Boomers are a demographic group born during the post-World War II baby boom approximately between the years 1946-1964. This includes people who are between 52 and 70 years old in 2016 according to the United States Census Bureau.

I'm a baby boomer and all of my buddies are in the same category. My E.A. (Executive Assistant) and I hosted a barbecue at our home in September of this year. I could probably designate it as the second annual reunion of some of my "old" high school friends (male and female)...most of us attended Westmount Secondary School in Hamilton, Ontario. I also invited (via e-mail, got to be the greatest thing since sliced bread) two very good chums of mine who live in Calgary, Alberta, and Vernon, British Columbia. I knew the possibility of either one attending was a "slim to none"...it's not like Calgary and Vernon are a "stone's throw away"...sadly they were not present. I also invited a couple of other "buds" buy they were also no-shows.

Almost all of our guests were 60 years of age and older. The dude boomers (myself included) were exhibiting at least one sort of indication of ageing such as overweight, struggling with aches and pains, requiring glasses to read, grey or white hair and baldness, ingesting prescription drugs, for instance high blood pressure pills, regrettably some of our parents were deceased, sadly a few were diabetic and our children were in their late twenties or early thirties.

However most of the crew indulged in adult beverages and some folks still smoked...hopefully everyone ha a good time. My long time very good friend Uncle Block and I sat in my backyard drinking beer until 1:00 a.m. I was hung over for two days...another sign of aging.

I've said it many times, every now and then I find it difficult to believe that I have walked this earth for beyond half a century...six decades and counting. It's certainly not like the 1964 Rolling Stones song titled "Time Is On My Side", contrary to that, it seems time is moving swiftly.

Canada is in a similar circumstance that many other countries are experiencing...an aging population. The issue is of major importance and a critical problem for everyone, young and old and especially our mistrustful politicians.

An article in C.B.C. News Sept. 20/15 stated Stats Canada (Statistics Canada) affirmed there are more seniors 65 years and older than there are kids under fifteen. They also said there are 5.9 million or 15.9% of the population over 65 years of age. In fact, one out of every six individuals is over 64 years of age as of July 1/15.

Whenever I read or hear statements from Stats Canada I am always suspicious. I very seldom believe anything the government announces, constantly skeptical and dubious with their "information"...whether they have padded their numbers, only Stats Canada knows. Either way, I think the alarm bells should be sounding in Canuck land. Our questionable bureaucrats have a lengthy task ahead of them to combat this problem.

An article in C.I.C. (Citizen and Immigration Canada) Oct. 11/16 stated a new report from the Conference Board of Canada found immigration levels should increase to 413,000 per year by 2030 to strengthen Canada's economic growth. The report highlights the need for increased immigration in order to respond to challenges posed by Canada's aging population.

The report also said it is projected that without significant policy changes, including a substantial increase in immigration, the cost to support retirees could undermine the strength of Canada's economy in the coming decades.

Yet another article from C.B.C. News Oct. 19/16 stated a group of external advisors expressed targets of 450,000 immigrants a year but Immigration Minister John McCallum was quoted "it may be too ambitious"...ya, right, it should be an interesting aftermath from his statement,

The panel also said it has to sell the idea of higher immigration to the public...wait a minute, are you kidding me, is this an April Fools joke, when did the government ever sell any of their FUCKING SCHEMES to the citizens of Canada.

As usual, interesting government propaganda. Do I believe it...maybe to a small degree but I believe the government can battle the subject of aging population differently...take a look in our own backyard!!

I really don't have a problem with immigration but it appears that government miscalculates their net result when they vocalize about migrants appearing on Canadian soil. In fact, it seems habitual that anything the government undertakes they either bungle or notoriously complicate matters...they do it with proficiency.

With all these newcomers the government wants to escort into Canada, I wonder if they have jobs to enter. You can't tax people (to help pay for our aging population) if they don't work. However they will utilize our social programs they haven't paid anything into...is it really a win-win situation the government claims it to be? Maybe it is, it's inevitably more votes for these "considerate and thoughtful" liberals.

An article in the Hamilton Spectator on Oct. 24/16 titled "Young Canadians should get used to precarious employment" almost made me puke. Finance Minister Bill Moreau (another liberal who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth like our teenage Prime Minister) calls it a job churn meaning short-term employment and a number or career changes in a person's life.

He also stated we have to think about how do we train and retrain people as they move from job to job to job...oh, REALLY!! These liberals always say they will develop work training programs or better still where are all these jobs they forecasted, like Ontario's ex-Premier McGuilty pledging 400,000 plus jobs after implementing his dreadful H.S.T. (Harmonized Sales Tax) on July 1/10.

We knew this was going to transpire. The affluent Moreau also said people aren't going to have the same pension benefits as in generations past. I wonder if he is incorporating himself and his gang's pensions into that proclamation...somehow I doubt it.

Let's face it this country has a lot of unemployment. The jobless rate was 6.9% as reported by C.B.C. News Aug. 15/16 via, of course, Stats Canada. I think most of us have said this at least once in our lives, the hell with immigration and let's get our fellow out of work Canadians reintroduced to the workforce and then MAYBE, MAYBE, we will consider foreigners having access to Canada.

The bureaucrats are always saying bring in more skilled workers...I wonder how many skilled workers are sitting idle in this country...probably a lot more than we realize. If they're not skilled then train them.

The government is always preaching how concerned and sincere they are about training programs for the unemployed. But for some mysterious reason, we have a great many people who are jobless and the people who "work" in the House of Commons and mismanage this country are obsessed with immigration...I wonder why, golly gee, would it be votes?

Speaking of people sitting idle maybe our absolute ruler of Ontario should pass legislation and force welfare recipients (a.k.a. lazy fucks) into the workforce. I realize that some people require welfare and I'm O.K. with that...I suppose I have some socialist blood in my veins. However, we all know (including Wynne and her bunch) there are numerous fraudulent, dishonest and lying scammers (hmm, remind you of some huge administration) that receive this government aid and are quite capable of working. But for some inexplicable motive liberals don't want to deal with this fraudulent issue.

In addition to the negligent fiasco we have in Ontario, McGuilty and Wynne World discarded over $1 billion in the gas plant scandal. The heedless Wynne who constantly "throws" money away should reconsider furnishing Hamilton, Ontario with $1 billion for a L.R.T.  (Light Rail Transit) system...straight forwardly,  WE DON'T NEED IT!!!

The two plus billion dollars these underhanded and corrupt liberals have already wasted or going to misuse could have been applied for more important strategies...unemployment and our health care system.

An article in the Globe and Mail Sept. 14/14, "The Upside of Canada's Population" stated the C.P.A. (Chartered Professional Accountants) of Canada said Canada's aging population will bankrupt pension plans, overburden health care systems and force an ever shrinking pool of workers to pay the bills...the liberals are doing that now.

In the same article, it stated an international team of researchers looked at Germany as a case study and found five areas where countries could age like wine.

(1) Better Health - people living longer and staying healthy...my opinion, they will still be collecting C.P.P. (Canada Pension Plan) and Old Age Security for a longer period.

(2) Increased Productivity - aging populations tend to have higher education levels which could help offset the decline of the labor force...my opinion, quite simple, I don't understand this.

(3) Sharing the Wealth - people will become older when they inherit money and will be better equipped for their own retirement...my opinion, an inheritance of 20, 30 or 40 thousand dollars just won't cut it. A six digit figure legacy would be sufficient...decent and respectable nursing homes are very expensive.

(4) Good for the Environment - changes in age structure and a shrinking population are associated with reduced consumption of energy and intensive goods and lower carbon dioxide emissions...my opinion, seniors are prone to use more heat and air conditioning and will still be driving vehicles.

(5) Quality of Life - leisure time will increase...my opinion, some reports say free time won't expand because seniors will work longer.

According to the Huffington Post Jan. 14/16 titled "Nova Scotia Nurses Union Says Long Term Care System in A Crisis", stated the average age in long-term facilities is 88 years old and seniors account for 18.9% of the population. It is expected to grow to 30% in the next 22 years.

The union says the system is plagued by understaffing, excessive workloads, demoralized workers, unsafe work environments and workplace violence. The union also said it's happening throughout the entire country...I certainly believe that statement...by the way, did I mention Nova Scotia is controlled by a liberal authority.

In 1989 I was employed at Macassa Lodge located in Hamilton, Ontario. It was a long term seniors facility operated by the Corporation of the City of Hamilton. I worked in the Special Care Unit which was located in the rear of the building. There were over sixty bedridden occupants "living" on the ward...all had acquired Alzheimer's disease or Dementia.

My only job duty was to change residents diapers...it was a tedious and degrading occupation...without a doubt, it was further demeaning and humiliating for the inhabitants.

I and an R.N.A. (Registered Nursing Assistant) would make three rounds in an eight-hour shift. Our method of changing a soiled diaper with a new one was very simple...exactly the same technique as changing a baby's diaper. Some folks demonstrated some resistance...can you blame them, life wasn't supposed to end this way for these ailing and confused individuals. There was a long waiting list for admission to the unit and that was thirty years ago.

However, there is one incident I will never forget. A woman, in her nineties, was moaning for assistance. It was after dinner and she was nude sitting up in her bed. I dashed to her aid...I was by myself. I entered her room and she was covered in feces. She had also been digging her fingers into her rectum trying to "scoop out" additional waste. I helped her out of bed and sauntered her to the closest shower.

I admit I wasn't thinking too straight (as I would find out later), the only thing on my mind was to pursue the closest shower, wash and clean her up. I didn't conceal her bare body in a blanket...I walked her to the shower naked.

Fifty feet away I noticed my female head nurse watching the entire ordeal...never offering to help me...maybe that was below her egocentric, selfish and self-important personality. I showered the woman, changed her sheets and returned her to bed...the seemingly endless trauma was finally over, for both of us.

The following day after report (a verbal account on any eventful activity on the ward during the previous shift) I was told to proceed to the Director of Nursing Office...for what reason, I had no idea. The female supervisor didn't hesitate for one second and immediately verbally ripped me to pieces...taking multiple strips off my self-esteem...she was furious.

Her condemnation was about how I handled the situation about the lady who was smeared with excrement the previous day. Essentially the administrator let me know in her irate and livid mood I did not manage the occurrence in a professional manner. She harped on how the Lodge shows respect and dignity for the residents on a continuous basis...I should have covered the lady with a blanket or sheet.

Even to this day I still have an extensive bitterness and limitless resentment for that fucking head nurse...the spineless and gutless phony was the one who registered the complaint about me. Maybe things might have been different if she would have "got off her high horse" and provided some help, so much for teamwork...fucking conceited back stabber.

I worked for a laundry company and some of my deliveries were to convey bed linen to privately owned retirement homes throughout the city of Hamilton, Ontario. At one time these properties were two and one half and three story single family residential homes and later renovated into old age facilities.

Depending on the size of the dwelling the number of residents would vary, anywhere from ten to twenty. From what I understand, it wasn't too difficult to obtain a license to operate these lodgings. All those types of homes were under the jurisdiction of the provincial government as of now the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

These "homes" appeared to have very little stimulation for the elders. A lot of them looked very frail and sat in a bit of a daze watching television. Five will get you ten their cognitive skills and perception were rapidly decreasing also. A very depressing and sad way to spend the autumn of their life years.

The Japanese culture has always intrigued me with their longevity. My oriental neighbours across the street are both 93 years old...he continues to cut his lawn. Yasutaro Koide, Jirbemon Kimura and Misau Okawa lived full lives passing away at 113, 116, 117 years old respectively.

Keiko Fukudo passed away in her 100th year. She was a master of judo, holding a tenth-degree black belt, the highest possible rank. She was still teaching the discipline, three times a week prior to her death.

It's despairing and tragic to see some of the elderly who are ill and weak...you could almost say life is over. The lyrics in the 1969, The Doors song titled "The Soft Parade" states what life is all about, "All our lives we sweat and save, building for a shallow grave."

Epilogue

Our clocks are ticking and the aging population will continue to soar. The cost of health care, including prescription drugs, will escalate and some boomers may experience some sort of ailment if they haven't already. Wouldn't it be marvelous and satisfying if the government rehabilitated themselves from their obsession and addiction of misusing and wasting tax payers money? (L.O.L.) Well, we can dream. The bureaucrats say they have a solution but we all know that regime is seldom correct...making suitable decisions regarding issues directly related to the innocent tax-paying citizen, just isn't in the cards. The near future may become very costly and truly frightening.

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project

'Candy For Everyone'

So I was in the drug store the other day, trying to get cold medication. You ever try to pick one of these out? It's not easy. It's a wall of cold medication, you stand there, you're going Alright, alright, alright, okay, what the hell--this is quick acting but this is long lasting, when do I want to fell good, now or later? Opening Monologue, Seinfeld, "The Stranded" Season 3, Episode 10, 1991.

It really spell bounds me with all the medical and scientific advances over the years there is still no cure for the common cold. All of us have frequented drug stores and it's safe to say it is overwhelming when we see the vast amounts of "remedies" for illnesses especially the common cold.

Benylin has five different cough syrups: cough and chest congestion, dry cough, mucus and phlegm, chest congestion and cold and cough control. Dimetapp has three cough syrups: runny nose and sneezing, dry cough and nasal congestion. Tylenol has various "treatments" such as cold and flu severe day/night, regular strength, extra strength, eight hour muscle aches and pains, cold max and cold and head.

According to Drugwatch.com the global market for pharmaceuticals topped $1 trillion in sales in 2014. The world's ten largest drug companies generated $429.4 billion in revenue.

Johnson and Johnson is a leading pharmaceutical enterprise. It was founded in 1886 and their headquarters is located in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The company employs 127,100 people and has a revenue of $79.07 billion. An article in Forbes June 4/15 stated they had $16.3 billion in profit, $131 billion in assets and $276 billion in market value.

The drug establishment Boehringer Ingelheim was founded in 1885. They are located in Ingelheim Rhein, Germany where they employ 47,000 people. In 2014 their revenue was $19,551,000,000 Canadian dollars.

In 2011 they took quite a risk spending $464 million on advertising their blood thinner Pradaxa. It turned out to be a tremendous gamble...the following year the drug passed over the $1 billion sales mark according to Drugwatch.com.

You could say the F.D.A. (Food and Drug Administration) is the overseer of all pharmaceutical companies. However they are responsible for protecting public health by assuring the safety, efficiency and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, the United States (U.S.) food supply and cosmetic products that emit radiation.

It was founded on June 30/06. Their headquarters is located in Silver Spring, Maryland and has 223 field offices and 13 laboratories and employs just under 15,000 people. It's 2012 budget was $4.36 billion. Some of the F.D.A. is funded by tax payers but most of their budget arrives from user fees which are paid by drug companies.

Pharmaceutical companies have a flourishing operation. According to Health Impact News the U.S. ranks 49th in the world for life expectancy but 1st in health care costs. Americans spend more than $230 billion a year on over the counter prescription drugs and drug companies cause 106,000 deaths annually.

Another article from Health Impact News started with the statement, what class of drugs:

- causes more deaths a year than heroin and cocaine combined.

- killed 16,000 Americans in 2010.

- adds $72.5 billion a year from misuse to the U.S. health care system.

- according to the C.D.C. (Center for Disease Control) directly contributed to a sharp rise in the U.S. suicide rate.

- all have been approved by the F.D.A.

We've all seen T.V. (television) commercials where the drug companies are advertising their prescription medication. Is it just me or does it appear that half of the ad is describing the possible side effects from these drugs they can produce.

Some of these repercussions (I'm not talking about nausea or drowsiness) are truly frightening and scary. It's difficult for me to believe that medication is suppose to ease a person's illness but may also kill them with the possible reactions such as stroke, suicidal thoughts or heart condition. At times, it's not much of a choice, take the drugs, you may die, don't take the drugs, you may also die.

Quite often we see television commercials where lawyers are taking pharmaceutical businesses to court. They are representing clients who have consumed faulty drugs that the F.D.A. has approved. Drugwatch claims the F.D.A. is required to only endorse drugs that have greater benefits than dangers.

Earlier in the rant I mentioned the pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim that developed the blood thinner Pradaxa to reduce strokes in 2010. The following is from Drugwatch. In 2011, 540 patients died from using Pradaxa. Boehringer Ingelmeim agreed to pay $650 million which averaged out to $162,500 to each claimant. What I can't understand is in 2012 Pradaxa sales hit $1.5 billion...I don't get it.

The following is the dialogue from a cartoon by Michael Higgins from Cancer Treatment Watch.

Researcher #1 - I just found a cure for cancer.

Researcher #2 - Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear that.

Researcher #1 - No, I said a cure for cancer, not that I have cancer.

Researcher #2 - Yes I know, now we'll both be out of a job.

Researcher #1 - Hmmm...Maybe I haven't found a cure.

Researcher #2 - Phew! You had me worried for a moment.

It also amazes me and I'm highly suspicious "they" haven't found a cure for cancer either. I found the You Tube video by Len Richmond titled "What IF Cannabis Cured Cancer," thought provoking. The clip stated in 1974-75 at the Medical College of Virginia a study led by Dr. Albert Munson discovered T.H.C. (tretahydrocannabinal) slowed down the growth of three kinds of cancers: lung, breast and virus induced leukemia induced in mice. A short time later the research was shut down as well as any other testing of anti-cancer qualities of marijuana by the Government...very strange and unusual, wouldn't you say?

My E.A.'s (Executive Assistant) niece died from cancer in 2001...she was thirteen years old. Obviously it was a trying, stressful and hellish time for the sweet innocent teenager and her loving, adoring and affectionate parents.

My E.A. and myself travelled to the G.T.A. (Greater Toronto Area) to visit her niece a couple of months prior to her passing. She was so good natured, extremely pleasant, remarkably friendly and amicable, no one would have ever known this delightful and thoughtful darling knew she wasn't going to be celebrating her fourteenth birthday.

I recall she was wearing a scarf around her head, probably from her chemotherapy treatment and watching the T.V. sitcom Fullhouse (1987-1995) starring Bob Saget and the Olsen twins. Whenever I see 'bits or pieces' of Fullhouse I immediately think of that pleasant and warm hearted little girl we would never see again.

It's dreadful and horrible that people have contracted cancer or have a loved one pass away or dying from the death dealing terminal disease. Medications for serious health issues are exceedingly expensive and cancer drugs are no different,

My E.A.'s niece's parents were spending thousands of dollars a month for the 'so called treatments'...kind of a false hope from the drug companies and Government don't you think? However any one of us who were in a heart breaking predicament like that would do the same thing...the dismal thought about that scenario is again the pharmaceutical outfits are earning millions and possibly billions of dollars.

Sadly the trumped up wish was a failure...the cancer won the battle against my E.A.'s niece. Hopefully she is in a painless, peaceful and happy world...R.I.P. and God rest your soul sweetie.

Kevin Trudeau (no relation to our vain and teenage Prime Minister) wrote a book in 2005 titled "Natural Cures They Don't Want You To Know About." I never did read his novel but I watched a few of his infomercials.

On one of his episodes he stated the University of Calgary in Alberta discovered the cure for cancer in 1972. He went on to say when the F.D.A. heard about the magnificent triumph they paid the institute millions and millions of dollars to keep the achievement, shall we say, hush hush. He has also stated there are twelve known cures for cancer.

Some of the authorities such as New York City Trade Commission, I.R.S. (Internal Revenue Service), the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission and especially the F.D.A. whole heartedly disapproved of Kevin Trudeau.

These powerful agencies did everything within their capabilities to charge him with some sort of criminal offense. Finally they had their day. On March 17/14 Kevin Trudeau was convicted of criminal contempt and sentenced to ten years in prison.

There are many articles on the internet (most of them negative) about Kevin Trudeau. Is this guy a shyster and scammer? The government certainly thought he was a swindler or were they threatened by his existence and beliefs?

Isn't it unusual and peculiar Evangelists Ernest Angley, Benny Hinn and Peter Popoff who claim to heal people appear to be bomb proof from any government harassment...strange, very strange.

Getting back to Trudeau and his statement about cancer and the University of Calgary...do I believe his story? I'm not saying yes and I'm not saying no. All I know from fact cancer medications are truly and supremely expensive and the drug companies and F.D.A. have a thriving, profitable and rewarding corporation...they are a cartel.

H.I.V. (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) or better known as A.I.D.S. (Acquired Immune Deficiency) has intrigued me for quite a while.

I recall watching Frank Zappa (1940-1993) on the Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson back in the late 1980's. Johnny asked Frank, "where do you think A.I.D.S. came from?" Zappa replied with three answers, (1)A.I.D.S. was accidently let out of a government lab, (2)A.I.D.S. was purposely let out of a government lab, and (3)A.I.D.S. came from outer space. As bizarre as his answers may seem to be to some people, Frank Zappa was an exceptionally intelligent individual.

I don't find his number one and two answers far fetched at all. Drastically diminish the population but at the same time pharmaceutical companies and the F.D.A. are prospering from the medication income the A.I.D.S. patients are purchasing trying to prolong their lives.

There have been conspiracy theories about A.I.D.S. and H.I.V. I happened to read a few on M.S.N. (Canada) months ago. One claim stated A.I.D.S. and H.I.V. was actually created by none other than the United States Department of Defence in order to make the pharmaceutical industry wealthier and reduce the global population, exactly what I previously said.

Another concept was W.H.O. (World Health Organization) created the virus in 1974 and some theorists believe H.I.V./A.I.D.S. is caused by the very drugs that are meant to treat it...again, you be the judge.

About fifteen years ago a work friend mentioned to me he had a buddy who was employed in a laboratory at a Mississauga Ontario hospital. His pal said there is a cure for A.I.D.S. but "they" don't want to reveal the remedy.

Planned Parenthood H.I.V./A.I.D.S. had an article which stated the following: there is currently no cure for H.I.V./A.I.D.S. But there are treatments for people living with H.I.V./A.I.D.S.

The write up continued to say A.I.D.S. patients can take combinations of medicines called "cocktails". They are very EXPENSIVE, may have 'serious side effects' and may not be 'available' to 'everyone' They 'only work' for 'some people' and 'only work' for 'limited periods of time'.

Notice I capitalized the word expensive. Just like cancer medication A.I.D.S. medicine is extremely costly. When folks find out the horrible news that they or a loved one has contracted a fatal disease, they become desperate...it's human nature.

If there is any hope, even the slightest chance the medication may work, they may go to extremes to pay for the drugs...it's literally a do or die situation and the drug companies, well, they continue to grow with fortune.

The pharmaceutical operation pays doctors who prescribe drugs to their patients. An article in Consumer Reports Sept. 30/14 stated new government data showed more than 500,000 U.S. physicians have industry ties to drug companies.

The National Post stated in their article on March 28/16 that ten Canadian based drug companies have agreed to divulge how much cash they hand over to physicians and health organizations each year.

A very good friend of mine swallows at least twenty different prescription drugs every day. He said to me one day, "I don't even know why I'm taking half of these pills", and his ankles are swollen like mini tree trunks.

We all know there are some powerful and mind altering and controlling drugs on the market. My friend (I just indicated) and neighbour (R.I.P. and God rest your soul) experienced unspeakable and horrifying nightmares, literally screaming and yelling in maximum fear and terror while they were prescribed certain medication.

Less than ten years ago I had knee surgery...my A.C.L. (acute cruciate ligament) was completely snapped. I was given a mild tranquilizer before my operation. It took about five minutes to "kick in" and then "PRESTO"...I was in seventh heaven, entirely relaxed and calm. The world was a lovely, splendid and wonderful place...I didn't have a worry in the world. To this day, I could very easily become addicted to those "magic pills".

Epilogue

As we become older, doctors will be "feeding" us more drugs...it's a world wide reality. I believe there is a cure for cancer, A.I.D.S. and even the common cold. There is vast amounts of scientific technology, enormous quantities of resources and knowledge for there not to be cures for some illnesses. I am also convinced there are natural cures for some ailments but the government, as usual, is playing games with us and the drug companies are enjoying an exceedingly lucrative enterprise on behalf of the population,

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project

"Hare-Brained"

Prelude

On March 21/16 the City of Hamilton Ontario had a municipal by-election in Ward 7. There were twenty-two contenders who were tremendously eager to be crowned councillor. The title became vacant by predecessor Scott Duvall who won the riding of Hamilton Mountain representing the N.D.P. (New Democratic Party) in the Federal election on Oct. 19/15.

Long time personality of CHCH-TV Donna Skelly won the councillors position by an extremely slim margin...89 votes. Voter turnout was exceedingly deplorable and pathetic...24.35% eligible voters cast their ballots.

I forwarded Donna an e-mail on July 4/16 because I wanted some insight on a concern of mine. The title was 'We Pay Enough Taxes'...this is my story.

Hi Donna, congratulations on your political victory in Ward 7. I am a tax payer in your ward. On July 2/16 at approximately 7:20 a.m. I opened my bedroom drapes and noticed what looked to be a dead rabbit in my backyard. At times a rabbit may look dead but in reality it's just having a nap. I went outside to take a closer peek and my analysis was simple and immediate...the poor thing was dead. It's neck appeared to be broken and there was (I would estimate) a two inch open flesh wound on the left side of it's body and some of it's intestines were visible and dangling.

I phoned 546-C.I.T.Y. and asked for Animal Control (A.C.). The representative who answered said she could help me. I told her my situation and she asked me "can you bag the animal and place it at curbside." I replied, "I am hesitant to bag the critter." She then said, "there is a $50 fee for the removal of dead animals from private property." When I heard that I'm thinking...Hmm, strange scenes inside the gold mine with our tax money.

I did dispose of the rabbit in an appropriate manner. However, I do have three questions for you. (1) What if the animal was a raccoon (we have been warned about the rabies scare by Public Health) or any other creature that may be rabid? (2) What if it was a sizeable form of wildlife such as coyote, deer or wolf? (3) Last but not least what would happen if the tax paying citizen is an elderly individual who is physically incapable of bagging the animal?

Thank you, hope to hear from you.

Respectfully yours,

Harvenut Puritan

On July 6/16 I received an e-mail from Brad Potts, Supervisor of Animal Control...this is what he had to say to my three questions.

(1) For any rabies vector, including raccoon, skunk, fox Animal Control (A.C.) will pick up at this time due to Public Safety.

(2) Even for deer impaled in fences we ask the home owner have it accessible and close to the front of the residence for pick up.

(3) We always take into consideration (age, health, etc.) and make arrangements accordingly.

He also went on to say the following. In 2015 the City of Hamilton implemented a $50 an hour officer assistance fee. This fee is for picking up deceased animals on private property, releasing animals from traps, garages, sheds, basements and the removal of impaled deer on fences from private property.

In 2014 A.C. received and responded to approximately 1300 calls from the above mentioned services from private property home owners. The other option is for the home owner to bag the cadaver and place it at curbside for pick up at no charge when time permits or to contact a private wildlife removal company.

The implementation of asking home owners to bag cadavers allows A.C. Officers to attend calls of high priority (dog bites, dogs at large, etc. etc.) in a sufficient manner ensuring public safety. This was also found to be normal practices by many other Municipalities that offer this type of service.

If you have any other questions feel free to contact me.

I did have one more question after I read his reply. I wrote "what happens if I have a deer impaled in my fence, do I contact my 92 year old neighbour to assist me?" He never replied back.

I dilly dallied for a while whether to write Ms. Skelly again after Mr. Potts replied to me. My Executive Assistant (E.A.) suggested to me let it go...nothing will change. I agreed with her in regards nothing will change but I decided to send my councillor another e-mail July 24/16 to let her know how I feel...this is what I had to say.

Thank you for following up on my concerns. Brad Potts, Supervisor of Animal Control replied to me on July 6/16 explaining the City of Hamilton protocol with reference to my questions.

In my opinion it's endless...less service and higher taxes. My view point of a fee is just another fancy word for tax...it's everlasting. We all know that $50 an hour officer assistance 'fee' is just another tax grab.

Mr. Potts stated his department responded to over 1300 calls in 2014 from the above mentioned services (my questions). Government thrives on statistics so it we do the math, it is under four calls a day (my questions). I believe Animal Control is a 24-7 operations so I did a simple calculation and it turns out to be one call per shift, two per shift if they work a 12 hour system. Mr. Potts didn't indicate the number of other calls Animal Control receives. Either way, just like any other job people work hard for a living and employees have busy days and not so busy days.

I'm truly bewildered that an officer will respond and pick up the cadaver at curbside but for some strange and unusual reason can't make that extra effort to bag the dead animal...is it a long lasting and extensive procedure. I don't think so...nevertheless the officer is at the location anyway...very mystifying.

I really irks me when I hear bureaucrats say (as Mr. Potts did) other municipalities do the same thing. So if Toronto decides to go through with all sorts of new taxes (maybe they are fees) with their authority of the City of Toronto Act, will Hamilton follow suit?...I hope not.

I recall the councillors (you weren't recruited by your voters yet) raised monthly parking fees as reported by the Hamilton Spectator Feb. 23/16...it didn't surprise me...it was predictable and typical. What annoyed me even more was Ward 2 Councillor Jason Farr applauded the increase because supposedly one of the concerns was Hamilton had the cheapest costs in the province...so what if we have low rates...yep taking more money out of tax payers' pockets. An article written in the Hamilton Spectator on April 19/16 by Scott Gardner stated some parking lots lost money but overall the city still came out ahead...$1.4 million.

What's next, impose a new fee on fire and police service requests? Once again, we pay enough taxes!

Respectfully yours,

Harvenut Puritan

Time had drifted by but Councillor Skelly did reply to my second e-mail on Aug. 19/16. This is what she had to say.

Hi Harvennut, Thank you for your e-mail. I understand your frustration. However, A.C., like most city departments is struggling with funding pressures while addressing services such as picking up animal carcasses, noise violations, animals off leashes, bites etc. Concerning the $50 Officer assistance fee I will take your complaint into considerations and discuss it with A.C. I appreciate hearing from my constituents. Please don't hesitate to contact my office if you have any other questions or concerns.

Regards,

Donna

To tell you the truth, I had abandoned the idea that Ms. Skelly would reply to me again...obviously I was wrong. She appears to be understanding and practical...although she is the new kid on the block...a rookie councillor. However why do I receive the impression she is quickly submitting into the political pattern (when she stated departments are struggling with funding pressure) they need more of OUR money.

Let's fact it, councillors as well as senior city staff have orchestrated some inadequate and unsatisfactory decisions resulting in numerous amounts of pointless and wasteful spending of OUR money.

A few examples are: Bike lanes, traffic calming, two-way conversions, King St. West bus only lane, (put it in, now let's take it out), bike share program, planting 16,000 plus trees, (Hamilton Spectator April 20/16) the so called revitalization of Downtown, including Gore Park's makeover, expensive overhead street lighting on Bay St. North, "trying" to rejuvenate Barton St., the pedestrian bridge crossing the Q.E.W. Highway in the east end of the city, the Art Gallery and awarding lobby groups (hundreds of thousands of dollars) such as the Hamilton Philharmonic and many other single and special interest groups who yearly attempt to persuade councillors to hand over OUR money to their faction.

There are also an abundance of management and senior administrative positions. The hierarchy in each department is a top heavy organizational structure. It consists of Directors, General Managers, Managers, Project Managers, Senior Project Managers, Senior Directors and Superintendents...a lot of fancy dancy titles.

The Hamilton Spectator published their annual "Sunshine Club" on March 25/16. The article showed the 100 City employees earning $100,000 and more a year in salaries. Unfortunately the list finished at $150,000, so you could say it was the top 100 City employees earning more than $150,000. My E.A. added up the salaries (omitting Fire, Police and Paramedics). The tally was just under $7 million. There is also a considerable number of managerial staff that receive $100,000-$150,000 a year.

In my opinion that is a tremendous amount of money for overpriced "bosses" who enthusiastically suggest how to spend OUR money for illogical, senseless and meaningless projects.

In the past years the "city" has increased in population mainly due to amalgamation which occurred on Jan. 1/01. It was a mixture and blending process of integrating the smaller suburbs of Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook and Stoney Creek into one megacity, Hamilton. Talk to a lot of folks who live in those outlying areas, they declare and insist they are paying higher taxes but receiving less service.

Once upon a time a citizen could journey to City Hall and take care of all their "city" business with one stop...not anymore. The city has more than one dozen departments scattered throughout the 'new Hamilton'.

Here are some disturbing facts about the future of the once called "Ambitious City". The Hamilton Spectator stated in an article on May 21/15 "our" debt will increase to $885 million by 2019, $3.3 billion on needed repairs and a $195 million infrastructure spending deficit. Another article on Aug. 20/16 in the Hamilton Spectator reported they city has an estimation of $3.6 billion infrastructure deficit. Throughout the years the bureaucrats didn't adhere with the fundamentals and essential services...primarily public safety and infrastructure.

Getting back to the unfortunate bunny, maybe I should have bagged the unlucky critter and placed it at my curbside, hoping A.C. would respond in a short span.

They city's refusal to assist home owners (without a fee) with dead animals on their property is absolutely ridiculous. They are always devising and generating new policies and in most cases they don't benefit the tax payer one dam bit...they are remarkably crafty.

Epilogue

It will always puzzle and baffle me how a home owner is responsible for a deer who is impaled in their fence. What bewilders me even more, we are obligated to take it to the curbside, F.Y.I. a male deer will weigh 150 lbs. and a female 100 lbs. I wonder what the reply would be if a tax payer phoned and stated they have a 20' python trapped in their backyard...maybe that "fee" would be $50 a foot.

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project