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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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