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

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.

Here’s how I see it: it doesn’t matter who steps in to settle the mess between Ukraine and Russia. As far as I’m concerned, if someone can get through to Putin and bring some kind of resolution, that’s the key. So far, no one else has been able to pull it off, so why not let the one person who can do it—whoever that is, take a shot at it?

I’m sure a lot of people don’t like the idea of Trump talking to Putin, but that’s the problem. It’s not about liking the person, or agreeing with everything they’ve done. It’s about getting things done. Trump—or whoever—is doing what others couldn’t, and that’s what matters. If he’s able to make some headway and lay the groundwork for peace, then let him finish it. Once he’s worked through what he can, then the real talks can happen, and the people who matter, like the Ukrainian leaders, can take it from there.

But let’s face it: billions have already been spent on a war that, in my mind, never should’ve happened. Money that will never be returned to the countries that gave it. Lives have been lost, entire cities have been destroyed, and historical buildings are gone. You can’t just forget all that. So why not give someone who has a chance of making a difference the space to do it? If it doesn’t work out, fine. We try something else. But the longer we sit and argue about who should or shouldn’t be involved, the longer this nightmare continues.

So I think we/they should focus on the goal: peace. Whoever can help bring that to the table, let them. And if it’s not enough, well, then, we try again, but with a lot less destruction and a lot more urgency to get it right.

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