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.

You know, folks, it never ceases to amaze me how much we, as Canadians, let ourselves get riled up over what Trump or his more aggressive allies have to say. Take this latest mess, Trump’s guy, Howard Lutnick, spouting off about how Canada can’t survive without the U.S., how we don’t respect Trump, and how we should just be grateful and fall in line. Then Trump himself jumps in, throwing out wild talk about Canada as the 51st state, military spending, and icebreakers. And just like that, ‘the outrage machine fires up across the country.‘

But let’s take a step back and ask ourselves: why are we reacting at all?

See, in all my years raising kids, I’ve noticed a simple truth, people like Trump and his crew operate the same way children do when they don’t get their own way. They push, they prod, and they say the most outrageous things, just to get a reaction. And when they get one, well simply put... they double down because they know they’ve found a button to push. And… the more we huff and puff about every insult or ridiculous comment, ‘the more we’re just feeding the fire.‘

It’s like when a kid throws a tantrum. If you react to every little outburst, they’ll just keep doing it. But if you ignore them? They lose interest real quick, that’s exactly what needs to happen here. ‘But more importantly,‘ this should be a wake-up call for us as a nation. Instead of getting caught up in the back-and-forth, we should be using this moment to realize that ‘we need to become more self-sufficient.‘

Truth be told, Trump and Lutnick aren’t entirely wrong. Lutnick claims Canada “doesn’t exist” without the U.S., and Trump says we “pay very little” for our military because we rely on American protection. And sure, Canada has just 60 planes.

‘So…let them talk big’, make their threats, and pat themselves on the back, as it doesn’t change who we are or how we operate. But here’s the hard truth, as Trump has a point. We should have invested more in our own defense long ago. The powers that be pushed it aside, and ‘they got away with it‘, but times are changing, and now we need to step up and build our own strength. which we can do!

We have the ability. We have the resources. And with the amount of taxes the working man or woman pays, which is nearly half their paycheck going into Governments Purse, there is absolutely no excuse for why we can’t build up our own military, our own industries, and our own economy without depending on the U.S. or any ‘other country.’ The old days of sweeping things under the rug, and hoping countries like the U.S. will always have our backs are Over, Done, Finished.

The point I am trying to make is; We don’t need to validate ourselves by screaming back at every insult. We don’t need to give in to the endless game of tit-for-tat, we need to take action and strengthen our country now, sooner rather than later.

And those who think we don’t need to step up, well they are the same ones who let us fall behind in the first place. Talk is cheap, but strength is built in silence, it’s time to stop arguing and start acting, because no one respects a country that won’t stand up for itself, and right now, that’s exactly how the world sees Canada.

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.

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