Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

It sure has me wondering where a lot of our minds are at these days, with all the fabricated chatter going on in Canada. It seems like not just some of the public, but also some of our so-called leaders, are all over the radio, TV, and social media, saying that because of Trump and what he’s doing, we should be doing everything we can to get back at the USA. Now, here’s the thing, like I’ve said many times before, it’s not the USA as a whole we should be against. If there’s an issue, it’s with the powers that be, and even then, whether they’re truly at fault is up for debate.

Some people are pushing for buying everything from other countries instead of the USA, and in my mind, that’s total craziness. There’s no better place to get good produce, vegetables, or even clothing than from our neighbors to the south. We should be supporting the farmers and industries there. Now in saying that, when our own farmers have crops ready, we should be buying local and supporting them. That’s just common sense. But to turn away from the USA entirely out of some grudge is a mistake.

People also need to remember that many of the countries we’re turning to instead don’t have the same safety measures in place as Canada or the USA. They’re still using pesticides and chemicals we outlawed years ago, and in some cases, their crops are grown in soil loaded with… who-knows-what. So while some folks are trying to make a point by avoiding American goods, they may be hurting themselves in the process.

Now, let me say one more thing, like it or not, I give the Americans credit for finally standing on their own two feet and the truth of the matter is, it’s something they should have done years ago, just like we should have done here in Canada, years ago. There’s something to be said about taking care of your own first.

And as for this talk about flying the Canadian flag to show our support for our country… well, that’s a great idea. But I see no issue with flying an American flag too, and I will be when we open our store. We have a lot of American friends, and I won’t be dictated into doing something that doesn’t sit right with me.

Oh, and before you go buying a Canadian flag, might pay to take a good look at where it was made. And while you’re at it, check the price, too, as it seems like some folks are using tariffs along with other things, as an excuse to jack up prices. Makes me shake my head.

At the end of the day, we need to get our minds set right. It’s about supporting what makes sense, not making knee-jerk decisions, just because of who’s in office. Let’s focus on what really matters, buying safe, quality goods, supporting our farmers, and thinking for ourselves. For a change!!!

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

Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

Trump in the news today, a new U.S. policy that’s sure to have some Canadians in an uproar. But you know what? I can’t say I blame him. With more immigration coming into Canada, it’s no surprise that the U.S. is taking extra steps to track who’s staying longer in their country than 30 days. And let’s be honest, a good number of those people are trying to cross over into the U.S. for who knows what reason.

Now, before anyone gets too riled up, let’s break it down. If you’re just heading over for a quick trip, a little shopping, or a short visit/vacation, this won’t affect you one bit. It’s mainly for those staying longer, like business professionals, snowbirds, and the like. But the ones really making noise about this? I’d bet they’re either the ones who might have something to worry about in the first place… or just like to stir the pot.

Historically, Canadians have had it pretty easy when it comes to crossing into the U.S. No visa required, no extra paperwork, just a handshake at the border, and off you go. But times are changing, and Canada has its own challenges to consider. If anything, maybe we should be taking notes and doing the same on our side. With the influx of people coming into Canada, many without proper documentation, it only makes sense to tighten things up.

This move isn’t about making life harder for law-abiding folks; it’s about keeping track of who’s coming and going. And really, if you’re playing by the rules, what’s the big deal? The only ones who should be concerned are the ones trying to skirt the system.

Finally, and again… I see it as a logical step, both countries need to be mindful of who’s crossing their borders and for how long. Maybe it’s about time Canada followed suit.

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

Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

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

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

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