Only On The Walters Post

Billions, maybe even trillions… have been spent fueling the war between Ukraine and Russia, and for what? That’s the question the so-called powers that be should have asked themselves from day one. Instead, they threw money, weapons, and resources at a conflict that has only drained economies and cost lives. And here in Canada, we call ourselves peacekeepers? What kind of peacekeeping involves sending ammunition and piles of cash to prolong a war? Not the kind I’d stand behind, that’s for sure.

But now, here comes Donald Trump, the man so many love to hate. They bash him, ridicule him, and some are working overtime to take him down. Yet, when you step back and actually look at what’s happening, who’s the one leader making real moves to stop this war? Trump, like it or not, he’s the only one with an inside track on bringing this thing to an end, and he’s already making more progress than the so-called world leaders who have been fumbling this mess for years.

It’s my opinion only that everything done so far has been a waste. I’d even go so far as to say that some nations have been all too happy to watch economies collapse under the weight of war spending. Makes them stronger, doesn’t it? No need to name names as anyone paying attention can see who’s benefiting from this chaos.

Again: Trump, on the other hand, is pushing for a resolution. And whether you like his methods or not, anything is better than the non-solutions we’ve seen so far. Because at the end of the day, this war isn’t just about money, it’s about lives. And the sooner it stops, the more people get to live. It’s really that simple.

You don’t have to like Trump. Hell, you can hate him if you want. But if stopping this war is the goal, he’s the only one actually trying to make it happen. And and through my eyes, that’s worth paying attention to.

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

Only On The Walters Post

Well, here we go again. The stock market’s taken another tumble, and folks are running around like the sky is falling. The S&P 500 is down, the FTSE 100 dropped, and Europe’s markets followed suit. All because of some comments, some tariffs, and the usual dose of uncertainty.

Now, I’ve been around long enough to see my fair share of these so-called market disasters, and every time, the headlines scream doom and gloom, people get in a tizzy, and investors start selling off in a panic. But here’s the thing… this isn’t the first time, and it sure won’t be the last.

If you’ve got money in the market, and I mean some of your money (because no one should be putting all their eggs in one basket), don’t let the day-to-day noise shake you, as stocks go up, stocks go down. That’s how it works, and if you look back through history, they always recover, it might take time, but patience is key.

Actually, this is where smart investors take a step back and see an opportunity. When the market dips, it means stocks are on sale. If you’ve done your homework, you’ll know which companies are solid and worth holding onto for the long haul. Buying when prices are low and holding on until they rise again? That’s how wealth is built, and again… not by panic-selling every time there’s a bump in the road.

Take Jason Goldstein, the brewery owner mentioned in the news. He’s watching prices rise, stockpiling cans, and adjusting his business strategy. The thing is he’s not throwing in the towel, more so he’s adapting. That’s the mindset investors should have. Think ahead, stay steady, and don’t let the fear of the moment cloud your judgment.

Finally, one thing I can tell you from experience, what goes down always comes back up. It just takes a little time and a little nerve.

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

Only On The Walters Post

A bit more on tariffs along with other things here in CANADA.

When it comes to trade wars, Canada is punching way above its weight—and not in a good way. Every time the U.S. slaps a tariff on something, we fire back with our own. Now, it might feel like standing up for ourselves, but in reality, we’re the ones taking most of the hits.

Let’s face it: the U.S. is an economic giant, and we’re the small guy in the fight. Oh sure, we might land a punch or two, but they can take it. We, on the other hand, feel every blow a lot harder. In my mind, instead of playing this tit-for-tat game, Canada needs to take a smarter approach, one that protects our businesses and workers without making things worse.

The Reality of Size and Strength

The U.S. economy is massive, over ten times bigger than ours, and when tariffs go up, American companies can often adjust. They have more suppliers, more buyers, and a bigger market to fall back on. We don’t have that luxury. When Trump hit our steel and aluminum industries with tariffs, we hit back with our own. But guess what? Our businesses and consumers will end up paying the price.

When we put tariffs on American goods, it doesn’t bring their economy to its knees… it barely makes a dent. But here at home, prices go up, jobs get put at risk, and businesses struggle to compete. So, who’s really winning that fight? Not us.

A Smarter Approach

Rather than going punch for punch, Canada should focus on building its own strength. That means doing more right here at home… bringing in new industries, supporting businesses, and making more of what we need ourselves. We can’t keep relying on other countries for everything. It’s time to stand on our own two feet.

Look at what the U.S. is doing. They aren’t waiting around for other countries to save them…they’re making things at home, investing in their own industries, and looking after their own people first. We should be doing the same. If we put half the energy we use on trade fights into making Canada more self-reliant, we’d be in a much better position.

Instead of always looking to sell elsewhere, we should be figuring out how to make our own products, process our own resources, and create jobs that keep money circulating in Canada. If all this trade trouble with the U.S. has taught us anything, it’s that we can’t afford to keep depending on others. It has to stop. We need to focus on making Canada stronger, not trying to fight battles we can’t win.

And you know what? If we do this right, prices on things like groceries and other essentials should come down. The more we make here, the less we have to import at high costs. It’s not just about industry… it’s about food, too. We need to stop covering up good farmland with concrete and start using it to feed ourselves. Maybe it’s time to bring back the old farmers, the ones who really knew how to work the land, and learn from them instead of relying on massive corporate farms that care more about profit than people. We have the land, the skills, and the resources—it’s just a matter of putting them to use for our own benefit instead of everyone else’s.

So to sum things up: Tit-for-tat might feel good in the moment, but Canada needs to be playing the long game. That’s how we stay strong… not by picking fights we can’t win, but by making sure we don’t have to fight in the first place.

Until the next time: Keep your minds open & Your Stories Alive! GW

Short Note: “Why Canada” Is Giving Mark Carney a Shot, in the news this morning.

Hmm, well Mark Carney might be stepping in as Canada’s temporary prime minister, but let’s be clear… he wasn’t put there by the votes of all Canadians. Leadership changes like this might follow the rules, but… they don’t always sit well with a lot of the people. With an election looming, it’s up to Canadians to decide if Carney should keep the job, or if someone else should take the reins. Now that’s the truth of the matter.

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

I read an article the other day that got me thinking about X and its role in national unity. The idea that X is a threat just because of who owns it doesn’t sit right with me. The real problem isn’t the owner, it’s how we use these platforms.

Free speech is a key part of any democracy. Whether we agree with someone or not, we need to defend their right to speak. It’s easy to blame one person, like Elon Musk, for causing trouble, but the issue is bigger than that. If we start controlling platforms because we don’t like what someone says or does, we’re getting close to losing our own freedom to speak. And that’s something we should be careful about.

I get the point in the article about X showing more extreme views, but isn’t that just a sign of what’s happening in society as a whole? People have always had strong opinions, and now, with social media, we just see more of it. We can’t just blame the platform or its owner for the way people use it.

In my mind the real solution isn’t banning X or any platform. The solution is teaching/showing people how to think for themselves. We shouldn’t need to hide from tough ideas, we need to be able to argue against them. Banning X might seem like a quick fix, but it’s a bad idea. Taking away the platform could make things worse. It’s not about silencing the voices we don’t like, it’s about letting people hear different opinions and decide for themselves.

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

Only On The Walters Post

It’s a strange world we live in when the folks who dare to say what’s on their mind become the villains, while those who tiptoe around the truth are treated like saints. Take Trump, Musk, and even Einstein, for example. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, these were (and are) men who stood for what they believed in. That alone is enough to make some people’s heads spin.

Now, I’m not saying they were perfect, as no one is, but here’s the thing: When was the last time you saw a politician, a business leader, or a scientist with that kind of backbone? These men spoke their minds, ruffled feathers, and, most importantly, made people think. And let’s be honest, thinking is not exactly encouraged these days.

Here in Canada and other parts of the world, a lot of folks are up in arms over these types of men. Not necessarily because of what they’ve done, but because they’ve forced people to confront realities they’d rather ignore. The truth is, we’ve been living in a bubble for so long, wrapped in a cozy blanket of controlled narratives, that when someone comes along and says, ‘”Hey, here’s what’s really going on!” it’s like tossing a rock through a barn window, it shatters everything you thought was solid.

The media, well they’ve been playing this game for years, twisting stories, pushing agendas, and making sure the ‘right’ people look good, while the ‘wrong’ ones get dragged through the mud. Trump and Musk, for all their faults, pulled back the curtain on that little magic trick. And what happened? The people who had been quietly suspecting something was off suddenly saw the whole picture. The media didn’t like that one bit.

Lets take Einstein, now there’s a different kind of troublemaker, not really. He didn’t deal with politics or business, but he still upset the apple cart in his own way. He took everything people thought they knew about the universe and said, “Actually, it’s not like that at all.” That’s the kind of boldness that changes the world, folks, and yet, like the others, he had his fair share of critics.

Sure, these men made mistakes. Big ones, even. But if we’re going to measure people by their flaws, then we’d better start tearing down statues of just about every historical figure out there. Actually they are now. Any way, the way I see it, their contributions outweigh their missteps, reason being they got people thinking, questioning, and, most importantly, waking up. And in a time when most folks are content to go along with whatever they’re told, that’s a rare and valuable thing.

So, let’s not pretend that all the fuss is really about their actions. It’s about the fact that they won’t sit down, shut up, and play nice. And that, my friends, is exactly why they matter.

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

Playing Politics with Tariffs: Only On the Walters Post!

Took a break from the chores, grabbed my coffee, and checked my emails. As a few folks wanted to know my thoughts on what’s been happening lately, so here’s what’s on my mind.

Canada slapped tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. In return, China hit back with tariffs on our food and agricultural products. Classic trade war. But here’s the real kicker: not long ago, these same people who run things were blasting U.S. tariffs, calling them reckless, protectionist, and bad for the economy. And now? They’re doing the exact same thing.

So here’s the question: Will these folks criticize Canada the way they went after the U.S.? Will they call out China for their retaliation? I doubt it. The thing is, for a lot of these critics, it was never really about tariffs, it was about who was doing it. If Trump or any Republican put tariffs in place, it was a disaster. But now that Canada’s doing it, suddenly it’s all right?

And China? They hit back hard, but instead of taking the blame, watch how fast the story changes. They’ll either ignore it, or twist the blame back to the U.S. And if they can drag Musk or Trump into the mix, even better. That gives them another reason to rant about those guys instead of actually dealing with the problem.

Personally, I don’t think this is really about whether tariffs are good or bad. It’s about consistency, as if tariffs were wrong before, they’re wrong now. Otherwise, it’s just plain hypocrisy. The thing is, a lot of the people who complain the loudest don’t really care about the issue itself. They’re just mad because they don’t like Trump, Musk, or anyone who doesn’t fit into their view of the world. It’s like when my young ones would throw a fit because they couldn’t get their own way. Same thing, only this time, the tantrums are happening on a much bigger stage.

But that’s politics for you… principles only matter when it suits their needs. We’ll see how it all plays out, but from where I stand, it’s the same game.

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

Only On The Walters Post!

This Arctic defense talk? Classic Canadian slow-roll. They’re throwing out $2.67 billion over 20 years, which really means, “We’ll get to it… eventually, maybe.” The truth is; By the time they break ground, inflation will have chewed that number down to nothing.

Let’s not kid ourselves, this isn’t about some sudden patriotic awakening. This is the U.S. breathing down our necks, and let’s be real, we need them, big time. Period. Without their backing, our Arctic security is a joke, we’d be sitting ducks. So while we complain about Ottawa’s snail pace, let’s not pretend we’re some independent powerhouse, and if the U.S. weren’t pushing, we’d probably have zero presence up there. This isn’t Canada leading the charge, it’s Canada getting shoved into action which apparently is needed.

And here’s the kicker: we had a perfect shot to get ahead with those Russian sanctions. Instead of funneling everything into Ukraine, we could’ve put a chunk of that into Arctic defense. That money could have gone toward securing our own borders, locking down key infrastructure, and actually helping the communities up North, instead of leaving them in limbo.

But no, they’re selling this like it’s some grand public demand. I call BS. Canadians don’t want distant promises, we want results. Real action, well most of of does. Some I don’t know where their minds are hold up. The thing is, the North doesn’t just need military infrastructure; it needs investment in the people who live there.

Now, well now we’re stuck playing catch-up, and that always costs more. Governments love big announcements, but when it comes to follow-through? That’s a different story, and with an election around the corner, who knows if any of this will even happen? If the former powers that be have anything to do with it… well. looking at hindsight things won’t even get off the ground.

The truth is... if we’re actually serious about Arctic security, we need action now, not a 20-year bureaucratic sinkhole. The money’s there folks, it just needs to be spent right. Otherwise, we’re looking at another round of overpriced fixes for a problem we should’ve handled years ago.

And let’s not forget… our Arctic security? It doesn’t happen without the U.S. That’s just the truth. Like it or not, they’ve been the ones keeping our North from becoming a free-for-all. If they weren’t watching our back, we wouldn’t even be in the conversation.

We can wave the flag all we want, but without real investment and real action, our so-called sovereignty is just talk. We’ve left the gate wide open for too long, and if we actually care about protecting it, we need to step up. Now, not in 20 years, not when it’s too late.

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

Only On The Walters Post

It’s no surprise that 83%…? of Canadians are looking to change their spending habits. The economy is shaky, prices are climbing, and people are finally waking up to the reality that a lot of what they’re spending money on just doesn’t make sense.

Take housing, for example. How many couples are living in giant houses with rooms they never use? They’re paying a fortune in taxes, heating, and security for space they don’t need. Then there’s eating out, restaurants charging outrageous prices for meals you could cook at home for a fraction of the cost. And let’s talk about clothes, as some folks are dropping hundreds of dollars on designer brands, yet the cheap and expensive clothes are probably made in the same factory, just with a different label slapped on.

But this one takes the cake… literally. My son was in Toronto the other day and stopped by a coffee shop. They were selling six cookies for $27. Twenty-seven dollars!!! For cookies! My wife could make those at home for two dollars, if that. And they’d probably taste better too.

And here’s the kicker, the place was packed. People were lining up, happily handing over their money for in my mind, overpriced cookies, meanwhile, 45% of Canadians are struggling with day-to-day expenses. It should also be noted that over 60% are spending more than a third of their income on housing, and half of young Canadians feel like they’re living beyond their means just to get by.

The good news? More and more people are stepping back and asking, “Do I really need this?” They’re cutting back, making smarter choices, and realizing that financial security is more important than keeping up with appearances. Maybe this economic uncertainty will be a wake-up call. one that helps Canadians take back control of their money instead of letting their money control them.

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

Only On The Walters Post

You know, Canada has always been known as a peaceful and law-abiding nation, but lately, there’s growing concern about our ability to protect ourselves in dangerous situations. While laws are meant to maintain order and safety, they sometimes leave law-abiding citizens vulnerable.

Lets say, if someone breaks into your home and threatens your loved ones, your options are limited. Using a legally owned firearm in self-defense could lead to criminal charges and even carrying non-lethal protection, like pepper spray, is against the law. Meanwhile, criminals, who don’t follow the rules, seem to have the upper hand.

The question is: Shouldn’t responsible citizens have the right to reasonable self-defense? We’re not talking about reckless violence, just the ability to protect ourselves without fear of legal consequences.

It’s time for an open discussion about self-defense laws in Canada, as the balance between safety and personal rights needs careful consideration, and we should all have a say in shaping a system that protects both public order and individual security.

I personally think that Canadians Should have more legal options for self-defense?

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

Only On The Walters Post

Well, here we go again... politics playing games with business, and the people left to deal with the mess. Canada’s pulling American liquor from store shelves in response to U.S. tariffs, but I can’t help but think we’re about to lose twice.

First, folks here love their American whiskey, bourbon, and spirits. Cutting off supply doesn’t change demand, it just pushes people to find another way to get what they want. Maybe that means heading across the border, maybe private imports, maybe the black market. Either way, our own liquor stores lose out on sales and tax revenue.

Second, what happens to all the stock already sitting in warehouses? If it doesn’t go back to suppliers, does it just sit there, gathering dust? Worse, do they destroy it? That’s a waste of good product and good money. And while they say we’ll “replace” these brands with Canadian alternatives, let’s be real, some things just don’t have an easy substitute.

In the end, we’re stuck in the middle of a trade fight, but I can’t shake the feeling that the only real losers in this move… are us.

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

Only On The Walters Post

When it comes to trade wars, there’s a reality that Canada needs to face: no matter how many tariffs we throw at the United States, it’s like tossing a grain of sand into the ocean. Canada, with our population of roughly 41 million, is smaller than just the state of California. Hell, New York alone has half our population! So let’s do the math. Who do you think holds the leverage in this economic scuffle?

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is hitting back at Trump’s latest round of tariffs, pulling American booze off LCBO shelves, cutting ties with Star-link, and even floating the idea of slapping tariffs on critical minerals and electricity. On top of that, Ontario is shutting out U.S. companies from government procurement deals, cutting them off from a $30 billion revenue stream. And if things escalate, there’s talk of adding surcharges on the electricity we export south. But let’s be real here—do these moves actually hurt the U.S.? Not really.

Trump is already ahead of the game, striking deals with other countries who are more than happy to sell him everything he needs. Minerals? Energy? Fuel? There’s no shortage of nations willing to supply the U.S., often at competitive prices. Meanwhile, we risk making things more expensive and inconvenient for ourselves in an attempt to land a punch that barely registers.

Now, I’m not saying Trump’s trade tactics are a good thing, far from it. But I do hope this situation forces Canada to wake up. Instead of playing tit-for-tat, we need to focus on strengthening our own industries, investing in manufacturing, and encouraging Canadians to buy local. Because… the only real way to stand up to economic bullying is to be independent enough that it doesn’t hurt when the big players push back.

We need more than just reactionary politics, we need long-term vision. Cutting off American liquor won’t make a dent in their economy, banning Star-link won’t put a dent in Musk’s fortune, and hitting them with surcharges won’t have them scrambling. But… investing in Canadian businesses? Now that will make a difference for us.

One has to really take a close look at things as what we say we can do is one thing; what can really happen is another.

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

Only On The Walters Post

You know, folks seem to think that just because I’ve written about Trump, Musk, and the whole tariff situation, I’m all for it. Well let me clear that up., The truth is I’ve never been a fan of tariffs. Never have, never will. What I am saying, and what I’ve been saying for a long time, is that both sides need to play fair. That’s the key. It’s not about taking sides, it’s about making sure Canada is standing strong, not just reacting to what the U.S. or anyone else does.

Now, here’s the silver lining in all of this. These tariffs have forced Canadians to take a hard look at how we do things. We’re waking up to the reality that we should be supporting our own, buying Canadian-made goods, backing our farmers, and making sure our industries thrive. And from what I can see, that shift is starting to happen. People are now starting to look for that “Product of Canada” label, and that’s a step in the right direction. But here’s the thing: “Made in Canada” only means a certain percentage of the product was made here, while “Product of Canada” means nearly all of it was sourced and produced right here at home.

That’s the one we should be aiming for.

But here’s what concerns me, we go against the U.S. on this, then turn around and start relying on other countries like China/India along with others. If that happens, then we’ve learned nothing. The whole point of this is to make sure we’re not just jumping from one foreign dependency to another. We should be building a system that supports Canadian businesses first and foremost, without being taken advantage of by countries that give less than they take. And let’s be honest… there are plenty of those out there, not just the U.S.

It all ties into something else I wrote about a few months back…our borders. It looks like we’re finally moving in the right direction on that front, and I hope it continues. We need a Canada where every province has a fair shot at selling their goods without being buried under outdated regulations and bureaucracy. It’s embarrassing that our own businesses struggle to sell within Canada while foreign goods flow in without issue.

Any way at the end of the day, I want Canada to stand on its own two feet, not just in response to tariffs, not just to make a political statement, but because it’s the right thing to do for our economy, our workers, and our future. We have the resources, the talent, and the innovation to be strong on our own, we just need to make sure we’re heading in the right direction.

Let’s see how this plays out, but for now, let’s keep supporting our own. Not because we’re forced to, but because it just makes sense.

Until The Next Time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive! GW

Lately, there’s been a lot of noise about a petition calling for Elon Musk’s Canadian citizenship to be revoked. They say, over 230,000 people have supposedly signed it, but let’s put that number into perspective. Here’s the thing… Canada has a population of around 40 million, meaning this petition represents only a tiny fraction of the people in this country. That’s not exactly a national outcry.

Now, it’s no secret that Musk supports Trump, and in today’s world, that alone is enough to make some folks see red. But here’s the thing… Musk is actually following through on what Trump and many others in his circle have promised: pushing back against government overreach, encouraging innovation, and shaking up industries that have been stagnant for decades. So whether people like him or not, Musk is undeniably changing the world in ways, most politicians could only dream of.

And it should be noted that no leader, be it Trump, Trudeau, or anyone else… comes without their share of controversy. Hell, every government, no matter where it is, has missteps and growing pains. That’s just the reality of leadership. But let’s be real: this petition, while making headlines, doesn’t reflect the voice of Canada as a whole and most people here have bigger things to worry about, like the economy, healthcare, and the challenges we face right here at home.

At the end of the day, it’s easy to get caught up in political tribalism and social media outrage, but taking a step back, we have to ask: “Is this really the most pressing issue facing Canada right now? Or is it just another case of people blowing things way out of proportion?”

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

As I sit here on this snowy old day, I can’t help but wonder where our country is headed. It’s an old man’s habit, I suppose… watching, thinking, shaking my head at the way things are unfolding in this old world of ours. And right now, what’s on my mind is the way our money moves, the way decisions are made, and the way we’re told that “Canada is giving” this or that to another country while things right here at home seem to slip through the cracks.

But let’s be real for a moment. Canada… the land itself, the people who live and work and raise families here…. isn’t making these choices. It’s not as if your neighbor, the truck driver, the farmer, or the retiree down the street was consulted before the headlines rolled out. It’s not Canada opening its wallet… it’s a handful of individuals in power, making decisions as if they carry the will of an entire nation in their briefcase.

“Canada is sending millions to X country.” “Canada is providing aid to Y nation.”

No, Canada isn’t. A select few in government are. And they sure don’t ask the rest of us first.

Now, before someone gets their wires crossed, this isn’t about turning our backs on those in need. There’s a place for helping others, sure enough. But what gets me is how we’re all swept up into these decisions without so much as a whisper of consultation. They don’t say, “The ruling party has decided to send X amount to Y country.” That would be more honest, wouldn’t it? Instead, they drape the whole nation in the act, whether we agree or not.

And it’s not just here in Canada... it’s happening all over. Governments throwing money around like confetti at a parade, while the folks footing the bill… everyday people… are left wondering why their own backyard is being neglected. You don’t have to look far, to see the cracks forming: struggling healthcare, infrastructure that’s falling apart, veterans left in the cold, and families stretching every dollar just to get by.

So maybe it’s time for a shift in language, a little truth in advertising. When a government decides to spend billions elsewhere, let them own it. Let them say, “This party is sending your money here.” Because then, maybe… just maybe—people will start paying attention to who’s making these choices, and what it really means for the country they call home.

Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

Now, don’t get me wrong—I ain’t saying help ain’t needed in Ukraine. War’s an ugly thing, and folks caught in the middle of it sure as hell don’t deserve to suffer. But five billion dollars? That ain’t pocket change. That kind of money could go a long way right here in Canada—health care, education, infrastructure, you name it.

Funny how when Canadians need a hospital bed, we’re told there’s no funding. When folks are struggling to get life-saving treatments, they face long waits, rationed care, and doctors who are stretched thin. But somehow, when it comes to sending aid elsewhere, the checkbook flies open like magic.

And here’s another thing that don’t sit right with me—where exactly is all this money going? Every time another massive aid package gets announced, I can’t help but wonder: Who’s handling it? Who’s keeping track? Corruption ain’t exactly unheard of in war zones, and yet, we send billions with barely a whisper about oversight. Are we really sure it’s going where it’s supposed to, helping the people who need it most?

Leaders make big speeches about doing the right thing, but when’s the last time they did the right thing for the people who put them in office? Canadians are out here working their tails off, paying taxes, watching prices go through the roof, and yet, they’re the last ones in line when it comes to getting help.

Now, I ain’t saying Canada should turn its back on those in need. But maybe—just maybe—it’s time we took a harder look at where our money’s going and whether we’re taking care of our own before handing out billions elsewhere.

Something to think about. GW

Canada has always been known for its love of hockey, its proud traditions, and its ability to stand together when it matters most. But lately, it seems that unity is being replaced with division, and for what? Politics?

Take Wayne Gretzky, for example. “The Great One” has given everything to Canadian hockey, but now some folks are turning on him just because he’s been seen talking to Donald Trump. The man hasn’t come out and said he wants Canada to be the 51st state, yet people are acting like he’s betrayed the country.

Here’s the thing: It’s not the hardworking men and women in the U.S. or Canada that are causing the problems between our two nations, not by a long shot…it’s the politicians, the ones in power making the decisions. So why are fans booing American hockey players? Why is Gretzky, a man who’s done more for Canadian hockey than just about anyone, suddenly being scrutinized like he’s a traitor?

It’s disappointing to see where things are heading. Canada is facing real issues…our economy, healthcare system, and leadership all need attention. But instead of tackling those problems, people are getting riled up over who someone takes a photo with. Shouldn’t we be focusing on what actually matters? Makes me shake my head in wonder.

Now the truth of the matter is…Gretzky has always been a private guy when it comes to politics. So just because he doesn’t shout his beliefs from the rooftops doesn’t mean he’s against Canada. Some folks are quick to judge just because he attended an event or shook a hand. And now there’s even talk of renaming a road in Edmonton that’s been named after him for decades. Really? That’s where our priorities are?

You know hockey is supposed to bring people together, not tear them apart. We can’t let politics ruin the spirit of the game. Maybe it’s time to take a step back, stop looking for enemies where there aren’t any, and remember what really makes this country great. It’s not about who we hate…it’s about what we stand for.

What the hell is wrong with folks these days....must be something in the them plastic water bottles???

Until the next time: Keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

Yes….Canada does a lot for other countries. We always have. But there comes a time when you have to step back and take a real hard look at what’s happening. War in my mind….doesn’t solve anything, and if there’s a way to end this fight between Ukraine and Russia, then for damn sure, someone needs to do it. Enough lives have been lost, and the suffering just keeps piling up. But at the same time, I can’t help but feel like Canada is throwing good money after bad.

Right now, our country is in rough shape. We’re handing out millions…if not more—when we’ve got problems stacking up at home. We need doctors…compassionate ones…because finding proper care is becoming a nightmare. And what about those nursing homes? Remember when COVID made them headline news? Now they’re forgotten, while our seniors struggle. And the homeless crisis keeps growing. Too many issues to count, yet our money keeps flowing overseas like we’ve got an endless supply.

Here’s the hard truth: if we keep giving away what we don’t have, we’re going to end up broke and friendless. And with elections coming up, it’s only making things worse. Promises are being thrown around left and right, money is being tossed at anything that buys votes, and in the end, we’ll be left with nothing but empty words and empty pockets.

I’m not saying don’t help, but there’s a fine line between being generous and being reckless. Canada needs to take care of its own first, because if we keep going down this road, we’ll be the ones needing aid before long. That’s my opinion. Take it for what it’s worth.

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

Some have Emailed me and asked my opinion on this war between Russia and Ukraine.

Actually if I remember correctly I have written a couple article regarding it here on my blog, but for the sake of argument I will write another of what I think has taken place.

Any way—for years, we’ve watched the war in Ukraine unfold, and if we step back and take a good hard look at it, the outcome was never really in question. No matter how much money, military aid, or sanctions were thrown at Russia, the endgame was always going to be the same…Russia coming out ahead. It’s not a matter of opinion; it’s just a harsh reality.

A lot of folks want to paint the situation as one where the West had no choice but to get involved. They argue that standing against Russia was the right thing to do, that Ukraine had to be backed at all costs. But looking at it now, after years of destruction, thousands of deaths, and trillions of dollars spent, was it really the right call? Or did we just prolong the inevitable while making ourselves weaker in the process?

Trump now, whether folks like him or not, at least engaged in conversations with Putin, something that few leaders have dared to do in any meaningful way. the thing is, he didn’t start this war, and now that the U.S. is shifting away from supporting Ukraine, people are quick to blame him. But the truth is, this was always the most likely outcome. The West over-promising things, led Ukraine into believing that NATO and EU membership were on the table, and then left them high and dry when things got tough.

Another thing was that sanctions were supposed to cripple Russia, but did they? Not in the slightest. If anything, I believe that they strengthened Russia by forcing them to adapt, create new economic alliances, and develop their own industries. Meanwhile, we drained our own resources. Canada and the U.S. have spent billions…money that could have been used right here at home for things we actually need. We have a healthcare crisis, a shortage of doctors, seniors struggling to get the care they deserve, and homeless people on the streets. Instead of tackling those problems, we funneled money into a war that, at best, delayed an outcome that was never in doubt.

Now, as Western support for Ukraine dwindles, NATO itself is stepping back from its previous commitments. Leaders who once talked big about standing with Ukraine are suddenly changing their tune, admitting that NATO membership was never a real promise. And Ukraine, left holding the bag, is realizing just how little they actually gained from all this. Their economy is shattered, their people displaced, and their military exhausted.

The idea of peacekeepers is being floated, but let’s be real—without U.S. backing, any security guarantees from Europe are just empty words. And even if peacekeepers do go in, Russia still holds all the cards. They have the military power, the resources, and, most importantly, the nuclear arsenal that prevents the West from taking things further.

Was there ever a way this could have ended differently? Maybe, if diplomacy had been prioritized instead of escalation. But the West wanted to see Russia weakened, and in their attempt to do so, they weakened themselves instead.

Now, the war is winding down, and the media is scrambling to shift the narrative. The reality is sinking in—Ukraine was never going to win, and the West was never going to stay committed indefinitely. The money spent is gone, the lives lost cannot be brought back, and the resources depleted will take years to recover.

It’s a hard truth, but one we need to accept: We didn’t hurt Russia. We only hurt ourselves. And instead of learning from this, we’ll probably do it all over again somewhere else down the road.

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