Only On The Walters Post

I farmed for a good portion of my life, and like many others out in the country, I believed in voting. But truth is, it’s getting harder to feel like it matters much anymore.

Canada’s set up so that each riding gets one seat in Parliament, but the ridings are based on how many people live there, not how much ground they cover. So cities, where the population is stacked in tight, end up with more ridings. That means more votes in Parliament, and more say in who forms the government.

In the federal election we just had, most of the rural areas voted one way, but the cities swung things the other. You could see it plain as day on the map—huge stretches of blue across the countryside, but that didn’t tip the scales as the cities made the call.

Now we’ve got another minority government. That means the leading party didn’t win enough seats to go it alone, so they need support from another to stay in power. Right now, the Bloc is backing them, and like always, there’s a deal involved. They’ll want something in return—funding, programs, whatever lines up with their goals.

Meanwhile, farmers—both out west and here in Ontario—just keep at it. We grow the food, mend what’s broken, and carry the load. But when it comes to shaping the future, we’re not at the table.

This isn’t about stirring things up. It’s just calling it what it is, the system’s tilted, and until that’s fixed, rural folks won’t get the voice we deserve.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post

Here is how I see things in the good old USA & Canada. Trump got elected and didn’t waste any time. He jumped right in, doing exactly what he said he would, with no waiting around like most politicians usually do, especially compared to ours here in Canada. And there is a reason why he is doing it so fast, as he has learned that it’s best to get things done right off the bat. As for the complainers, well they’ll either settle down or keep on fussing. That’s just how some folks are.

I only wish we had a leader here in Canada, with that kind of drive. But as much as I hate to say it… I don’t see it happening, as here in Canada, there are too many people that have short memories. They forget how things were just a few months ago, and convince themselves the next leader will somehow be better.

The truth is, the party stays the same. Their beliefs stay the same. You look back over the years, and nothing really changes—except for one thing: we just keep sinking deeper into debt and less self efficient. Now hey! I could be wrong…but I don’t think so.

Any way, that’s the way I see it.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post

When News Ain’t News at All
By GW

You know, I believe we’ve hit a time when folks can’t tell truth from trickery, and most don’t even realize they’ve been led off course.

It used to be, a man/woman could sit with the morning paper and a coffee, trusting what he/she read had been checked by someone with a backbone. Now, it’s mostly noise… opinions dressed as facts, or lies wearing a suit and tie. It’s not just that news is blocked on social media in Canada, it’s that something far worse has crept in to take its place.

Ones like… Canada Proud that shout louder than most politicians, twisting stories and playing on fear. Then there’s the made-up websites and fake scandals, that are spreading fast, and the worst part is that a lot of folks eat it up. They believe what fits their feelings, not what’s true.

The thing is, this isn’t about politics, and I don’t care which flag you wave. Truth should be the same for everyone, but when people stop caring about facts, we’re in trouble. Reason being you lose trust in real news, and before long, you don’t know who to believe. That’s how good folks get fooled, and how liars come out on top.

Now here’s the thing, some folks think we can fix it with laws or new tech. Maybe, but I don’t believe an app or the right politician’s gonna change things. This runs much deeper than that. It’s about people caring enough to think before they click, before they share, before passing on something that might hurt someone who never deserved it

I have always said that: Truth takes effort. Lies are easy!

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post

I’ve been around long enough to know that when a country starts showing signs of strain, it’s not always loud or sudden. Sometimes it’s quiet, a slow unraveling, and I’ve got to say, from where I sit, things don’t feel right anymore.

It used to be that if you worked hard, followed the rules, and did your best, you’d get somewhere. You might not end up rich, but you could build a decent life; raise a family, own a home, maybe even leave something behind for your kids. But, that promise … the one this country was built on … well it’s fading fast.

More and more, I see folks stuck in place, no matter how hard they try. Young people working two or three jobs just to afford rent. Families are falling apart under the weight of debt and stress, while older folks like me watch the world shift into something unrecognizable, and not for the better.

It worries me, not just for me and mine, but for the kind of country we’re leaving behind. If we keep heading down this road, I can picture a future where people just give up. Where trust in our systems and institutions dries up, and where laws get ignored not out of rebellion, but out of desperation, because folks can’t afford food or shelter any other way.

And it’s not just about money, it’s about what that kind of pressure does to people. It chips away at your spirit, makes you question whether doing the right thing even matters; and when enough people feel like that, you’ve got a real problem on your hands.

I don’t claim to have all the answers, never have. But I’ve got eyes, and I’ve got gut instincts sharpened by a lifetime of hard work and paying attention. The thing is… if we don’t start facing reality and talking honestly about what’s going wrong, then we’re going to find ourselves in a place we never thought we’d be.

This isn’t fear talking, folks, it’s the plain truth. You can only ignore the cracks in the foundation for so long, before the whole thing comes falling down.

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Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post

I’ve been thinking a lot about these election polls we keep seeing — especially here in Canada. They’re everywhere, like weeds in spring, and folks seem to treat them like gospel. Trouble is, I think too many folks let those numbers do their thinking for them.

Here’s what I mean.

It seems like a lot of people don’t bother digging into the bigger picture anymore — what a candidate really stands for, what their record says about them, or where they might take the country. Instead, they just glance at the polls and go, “Well, looks like he or she’s ahead. Might as well vote for the winner.”

Why is that?

I figure a lot of folks just like backing a winner. Gives them that little boost — that statistic satisfaction, you might say. They can tell themselves, “Well, I voted for the one who got in,” as if that alone makes it the right choice. It’s kind of like cheering for the top team in a league, just so you can feel like you’re part of something successful — even if you’ve got no idea what game’s being played.

Problem is, when you vote like that, you’re not thinking about the real cost.

And speaking of cost — have we already forgotten what the last bunch in power here did? Billions added to the national debt, bad decisions that left a mess behind, and not much in the way of accountability. It seems to me people are quick to overlook all that, so long as the polls show their pick is out front.

That’s the danger of letting polls lead the charge. We end up electing based on momentum, not merit. And then we’re left cleaning up after the same kind of leadership that put us in this hole to begin with.

Polls have their place, sure. But they shouldn’t be steering the ship. If we want to keep this country on solid ground, we’ve got to vote with our heads and our hearts — not just follow the crowd.

So with this election coming up, it might pay to take a step back. Look past the numbers. Ask yourself what really matters to you — and whether the person you’re backing stands a chance of doing right by it. Because in the end, a country isn’t built by winners — it’s built by folks who think for themselves.

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Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post

We’ve been told for years that Canada needs more immigrants because Canadians aren’t having enough children. But let’s cut to the chase: It’s not about birth rates. It’s an excuse to justify more government spending, more bureaucratic growth, and more programs that only add to the national debt.

Here’s what I believe is the truth: when more immigrants arrive, the government hires more workers to manage things—healthcare workers, social services, public programs—and that comes with a hefty price tag. More people, means more services, and those services are paid for by taxpayers. But instead of addressing the real issue, which is inefficient spending and mismanagement, they use immigration as a band-aid solution.

Look at the state of things. Our healthcare system is overwhelmed, people can’t even see a doctor in time for critical care because there aren’t enough professionals to meet the demand. On top of that, homelessness continues to rise, and it’s getting harder for regular folks to make ends meet. All of this should be addressed first, but instead, we’re told to focus on immigration, as if it’s the only answer.

The government’s push for more immigration, in my mind, isn’t about filling jobs—it’s about expanding their operations, growing the system, and justifying more spending. They don’t want to face the real problem, which is how they’ve mismanaged the country’s finances for years. Immigration gives them an easy way out by pointing to it as a “solution” for what’s really a symptom of a much bigger issue.

The thing is: We don’t have the infrastructure to support this influx, and it’s obvious in the way services are stretched thin. People are suffering because of it—whether it’s in waiting rooms, on the streets, or in long lines for services that don’t exist in the numbers they should. And all the while, the government keeps expanding, draining more resources without ever asking the tough questions about how they’ve gotten here.

This is what’s happening behind the government’s push for more immigration. It’s a way to cover up years of bad decisions and mismanagement—nothing more, nothing less. Of course, this is just my opinion and how I see things based on what I observe.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post

I just read the latest report on the Liberal platform. Another $130 billion in new spending over four years, adding a total of $225 billion more to our national debt. And somehow, we’re supposed to believe this is good for Canada?

Let me be clear: the government doesn’t have any money of its own. Every dollar it spends comes out of the working man’s pocket — yours and mine. So when they say they’re investing in housing, tax cuts, among other things, what they’re really doing is borrowing against your future. Then they print more money to cover the shortfall, and every time they do that, our dollar loses value. That’s the hidden tax no one wants to talk about.

In doing so, the cost of living goes up. Groceries, fuel, housing — it all gets more expensive. And yet, people cheer this on like it’s going to save the country. Folks either don’t understand or simply choose to ignore what’s right in front of them. Not all but a lot. It makes me shake my head. The truth is, we’ve lost touch with the basics: you can’t spend your way out of debt, and you sure can’t build a strong nation on borrowed money.

This platform, in my eyes, isn’t bold or prudent like they claim — it’s reckless. They promise all kinds of programs, many of them unnecessary, along with tax breaks that rarely appear. At the same time, they’re piling on billions in new debt. And that money doesn’t come out of thin air. It won’t be the politicians paying for it — it’ll be working Canadians. The ones who save, pay their taxes, and try to build a better life are the ones left footing the bill. All while the government insists it’s helping them.

Now, I’m all for helping our country grow, but not like this. Not by drowning us in debt and pretending it’s progress. The truth is right there in the numbers, but many don’t want to see it.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post.

Now, some folks are hollering that Canada slapping tariffs on U.S. goods is going to hurt them. Well, that’s just not how the world works. Let’s face facts—Canada’s population isn’t even as big as California’s. So if we think putting a few extra charges on American imports is going to shake things up down there, we’ve got another thing coming.

Then there’s all this noise about pulling U.S. booze off our shelves like it’s going to make them think twice. That’s laughable. As if the U.S. is going to blink because Canada stopped stocking a few bottles of whiskey. All that’ll do is help out their own producers. They’ll just sell more of their own, and likely at a better margin.

Oil and gas? Same story. What we send them is a drop in the bucket compared to what they already have going on. We may think we’re holding a strong hand, but in the big picture, it’s not enough to make a dent.

Now, sure, there’s talk going around that the U.S. could see some bumps—things like higher prices and slower growth. Their own experts are saying that their tariffs on China are bigger than expected, and that’s making waves in their markets and raising the cost of borrowing. But here’s the thing—that’s their problem, not ours.

What we need to do in Canada is stop rattling the cage and start focusing on looking after our own. That’s what the U.S. is doing. They’re tightening up, watching their industries, and thinking about their future. Meanwhile, we’ve got folks stirring the pot and waving tariffs around like we’ve got all the leverage. Truth is, we don’t—not really.

And let’s be honest—politics is the same old song. One side runs the other down, then they switch places, and nothing really changes. At the end of the day, it’s just noise, and most of them are probably having drinks together after the cameras are off. Always been that way, always will.

So while people get all fired up over booze and border taxes, the real issues are slipping by. We’d be better off-putting our energy into fixing things at home and building something solid for the long run.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post!

I came across an article talking about how fewer Canadians are heading down to the U.S. these days. Some folks are blaming tariffs, tighter border rules, or what the U.S. government is doing. But I think the real reason isn’t being talked about enough.

It’s not the Americans keeping us out—it’s our own economy here in Canada. Things are tight for a lot of people, and they’ve been tight for a while. The folks in charge haven’t done the job they were supposed to, and now we’re all paying the price. You can’t blame Americans for that.

Now, if you’re going to the States for more than 30 days, they want to know what you’re doing and who you’re going with. I see no problem with that. Makes sense, and if anything, Canada should be doing the same. I suspect we’ve got people in this country who shouldn’t be here, and maybe that’s part of the reason the U.S. is tightening things up.

And let’s be honest—if someone’s upset about being asked a few questions at the border, maybe they’ve got something to hide. Me? I’ve got nothing to worry about. If I travel down south, I’ll be glad it’s a bit quieter. Maybe prices in the sunny spots will drop enough that folks like me can afford a visit again. I say let the people who want to boycott stay home—more elbow room for the rest of us.

One thing I don’t like is seeing people in Canada take down the American flag in some towns. That’s just wrong in my books. A lot of communities, especially in places like Ontario, rely on American visitors. I’ve got good American friends, and we look forward to seeing them every summer. There’s no way I’m taking down the Stars and Stripes from flying next to our Maple Leaf—not now, not ever.

It’s not about politics. It’s about common sense, respect, and friendship. And if fewer folks are crossing the border these days, I think we’d better look at what’s happening in our own backyard before pointing fingers across the line.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post!

There’s a lot of noise these days about what we should and shouldn’t eat. Every week, it seems there’s a new study telling us to ditch this meat or that one. For a while, pork got thrown under the bus, and I think unfairly so.

Growing up, pork was a staple. Not just bacon and sausages, but pork chops, roasts, and hams—real meals that filled the belly and gave you energy to get back out in the field. And it tasted like something.

Nowadays, folks seem to think pork is either too fatty or too risky. But the truth is, it’s leaner than it used to be, and safer too. Cuts like pork loin, tenderloin, or even a well-trimmed shoulder roast are right up there with chicken when it comes to fat content—sometimes even better.

And here’s something most people don’t know: pork is packed with B vitamins, especially B1, which is hard to come by in other meats. It’s got iron and zinc too, and that matters for people our age who still want to keep the old engine running smooth.

Now, I’m not talking about cheap, processed stuff loaded with salt and mystery bits. I’m talking about real pork. The kind you raise yourself or buy from a farmer who treats his animals right and doesn’t pump them full of antibiotics. I’ve eaten that kind of pork most of my life, and I’ve never had a doctor tell me it was the problem.

Another plus? In Canada, they don’t allow hormones in pork. That’s more than I can say for some beef you’ll find in the cooler.

If you’re still worried about safety, just cook it properly. The old days of frying pork into shoe leather are gone. A nice roast brought to temperature and left to rest is moist, tender, and makes for good leftovers too. Add some garden carrots, a bit of onion, and maybe a side of potatoes—now that’s a meal.

Now I still like a good steak occasionally, and chicken has its place, sure. But don’t let the health fads fool you—pork, done right, is still one of the best meats you can eat. Affordable, flavorful, and full of the kind of nutrients that fuel real work. It’s the kind of meat that’s fed generations, and I say it still deserves a place at the table.

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Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post!

Back in my day, if a man made his living here in Canada, he paid his share here; and it didn’t matter if he ran a small shop or worked the land, he chipped in, so roads were maintained and kids had a school to go to.

Now it seems the more money a person makes, the better they are at dodging the rules the rest of us have to follow. Some of these big outfits move their profits through overseas offices that are little more than post boxes. They say it’s legal. Maybe so, but it sure doesn’t pass the smell test.

I may be an old hand, but I know when someone’s greasing the gears. They dress it up with fancy talk, but the scheme’s plain as day. Work the loopholes, stash the cash, smile for the cameras.

Meanwhile, folks who do honest work are left footing the bill. And the ones who helped write the rules now claim they want to fix them. That’s rich.

I won’t name names. No need, as the ones doing it know who they are, and so do we. All I’m saying is, it’s time we stopped falling for smooth talk and started paying attention to where the money goes.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post

We’ve all heard folks talk about boycotting all kinds of different things. I’ve also seen people get riled up over American policies or political blunders. But we hardly ever talk about the real giant in the room, China, and just how deep our wallets are tied to theirs.

So let’s lay it out plain: here’s what China sells to Canada, and how much money we send their way for it.

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Top Imports From China to Canada (2023)

• Electronics (phones, TVs, tablets, etc.): $7.96 billion
• Machinery (including computers): $7.03 billion
• Vehicles (excluding trains): $3.65 billion
• Furniture & Lighting: $3.11 billion
• Plastics & Plastic Items: $2.44 billion
• Steel & Iron Articles: $2.27 billion
• Toys, Games, and Sports Gear: $1.74 billion
• Knit Clothing (socks, underwear, etc.): $1.35 billion
• Woven Apparel (jackets, pants, etc.): $1.04 billion
• Aluminum Products: $1.03 billion

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Notable Individual Items

• Mobile Phones: $9.22 billion
• Computers & Laptops: $6.56 billion
• Passenger Vehicles: $2.64 billion
• Vehicle Parts: $2.39 billion
• Heaters & HVAC Units: $1.84 billion

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The Everyday and Often Ignored

These smaller items are harder to track individually in dollar terms, but together they form a mountain: And I am sure there are many more.

• Hair combs, elastics, brushes
• Pens, crayons, pencils, erasers
• Buttons, zippers, sewing kits
• Umbrellas, plastic tarps, rain gear
• Socks, scarves, gloves, hats
• Kitchen gadgets, utensils, containers
• Tools, flashlights, batteries
• Toys in kids’ meals, party decorations
• Lighters, nail clippers, razors
• Eyeglasses, sunglasses, costume jewelry
• Mops, sponges, cleaning cloths
• Fake flowers, picture frames, wall art

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Total Spent (2024): $49.2 Billion

That’s what we gave them in one year, which keeps our local makers, tool shops, and craftsmen out of business. And there’s been a lot more since.

Looking at that, it just goes to show ya, what could be made right here at home in Canada, if we get back to being self-reliant. Just imagine what that money we give to China could do for us right here at home. Will it happen? Well it would, and can if our Powers That Be, would open their eyes.

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post

It just don’t sit right with me, that every time a man works, puts in his hours, and then has to give part of it away before he even sees it. That’s not fair. The working man’s pay belongs to him, not the government.

The thing is, if folks could keep what they earn, they’d have enough to buy a decent home, fix up their truck, maybe even get the kids something useful like a new computer. They’d spend it in their communities. That’s how a country grows—not by taxing the hell out of the people who are actually doing the work.

Now, I’m not saying we shouldn’t help the ones who really need it. Seniors who’ve done their time, folks who’ve got serious health problems, yeah, we look after them. That’s just being decent. But the rest? If you’re able-bodied, you should be working. Simple as that.

We’ve built a system where it sometimes pays better to sit still than to put in an honest day’s work, well, that’s backwards. There’s work to be done, and a country like Canada should be built on effort, not entitlement.

And while we’re on the topic, we also need to have a hard look at how many people we’re bringing into the country right now. Immigration isn’t the problem, it’s how fast it’s happening. Canada’s always opened its doors to folks looking for a better life, and rightly so. But we’ve got to make sure we’ve got the homes, the doctors, and the schools to support them first. Right now, we don’t. And bringing in more people than we can house or care for, only makes things harder for everyone—newcomers and long-timers alike.

This isn’t about turning folks away, it’s about making sure the welcome mat isn’t just a cover for a trap door. Let’s get our infrastructure back on track, make sure our own people aren’t struggling, and then we can talk about how many more we can bring in responsibly.

At the end of the day, we need to stop rewarding idleness and start respecting effort. A fair day’s pay should stay in the worker’s hands, not be filtered through layers of government waste or stretched so thin that no one’s needs get met properly.

Some folks will call this harsh. But what’s harsher, telling someone they’ve got to earn their way, or telling a working man that even after doing everything right, it’s still not enough?

Again… let the man/woman keep their pay, they earned it. That’s fair, something we could use a bit more of around here.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post!

You know, just a month back, you could hardly find a soul, with a kind word for the Liberals. Didn’t matter if you were sittin’ in a coffee shop, leaning on the counter at the feed store, or just jawin’ with friend and family. All that was on folks minds was that Trudeau was on his way out, and everyone was happy.

Fast-forward, here we are, not much time passed, and wouldn’t you know it, the same party, a different face, and folks now are humming a whole new tune. It’s like someone flipped a switch. Along comes Mark Carney with his smooth talk and big-city shine, and suddenly— it’s like the mess we just came through never happened.

The thing is, you can dress it up however you like, but it’s still the same old outfit underneath. Amazes me how some folks get dazzled by the wrapping, and forget to check what’s in the box.

And the real kicker? Most believe they’re makin’ up their own minds, when half the time, they’re just bein’ nudged along like cattle through a gate.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post!

We’re living in tough times, markets are dropping, tariffs are rising, and the world feels like it’s on edge. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that these kinds of storms aren’t new. We’ve been through hard times before, and we’ll face them again. The real question is: how do we handle it?

When the markets drop, people panic. They see the numbers and start selling off their investments, trying to save what they can. But while many are rushing to get out, the ones with the resources are quietly buying. They know the cycle, they know that after the storm, things will level out, and they’ll come out ahead. The game is set up this way—those with foresight win, while the rest are left holding nothing.

It’s frustrating, no doubt. The system often feels like it’s stacked against the everyday person. But that’s the lesson here: patience and resilience. The panic doesn’t win. The steady, long-term thinkers are the ones who get through the rough patches. It’s no different from what we’ve seen in farming and business: the hard work you put in today will pay off in the future, even if it doesn’t always look like it. I know my wife and I have been there.

In times like these, we need to remember what we’ve learned from the past. It’s not about waiting for someone else to fix things—it’s about relying on our own strength. We’ve got the tools, the wisdom, and the experience to weather this storm.

We can’t control the chaos, but we can control how we react. It’s time to focus on what really matters: our ability to stand strong, stay steady, and keep moving forward. We don’t need to depend on anyone else to pull us through. Or should we.

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

Only On The Walters Post!

Lately, there’s been a lot of noise about car prices going up, and just like always, the blame is being tossed around like a hot potato. This time, they’re saying it’s because of a trade war, with tariffs flying back and forth between Canada and the U.S.

But let’s slow down and look at what’s really going on.

President Trump hasn’t slapped a 25% tariff on finished cars coming from Canada. That’s not what’s happening here. What he’s talking about, and has been pushing—is a tariff on imported auto parts, especially those coming from outside the U.S., like China or Mexico. So it’s not the whole car—it’s the pieces. Big difference.

Now, Canada didn’t just sit back. We fired back with our own counter-tariffs. If an American-made vehicle has parts that aren’t from Canada and it doesn’t meet the CUSMA rules, (Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement) that part of the vehicle gets hit with a 25% tariff on the way into Canada. That means things are getting tangled up fast.

So where does this leave the average working Canadian? Standing at the dealership, wondering why prices are climbing, when most of the cars were already overpriced before this nonsense started.

Truth is, there’s a glut of unsold vehicles. Lots are packed. Sales are soft. And they’re not soft because of tariffs, they’re soft because again… vehicles cost too damn much to begin with, and our economy is already hurting.

What we’re seeing now is just another excuse. Another way to quietly raise prices and blame someone else. And I’ll tell you, this isn’t about protecting industry, in my mind, it’s about protecting profit.

What we really need, plain and simple, is for the powers that be to stop taxing the paychecks of the working man and woman completely. Every time we turn around, there’s a new deduction, a new fee, a new excuse for why we can’t keep what we earn. It’s wrong. We are the ones keeping this country going, building, farming, fixing, teaching, raising families—-and we get punished for it, while the suits up top live off our backs without lifting a calloused finger.

Bottom line is this; Let a person keep “every” dollar they earn, and you’d see real change overnight. Folks would have more to spend, more to save, more to invest in their families and communities. Small businesses would thrive and local economies would pick up steam. That’s how you build a strong nation folks—not by squeezing the life out of the very people holding it together.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive! GW