We have just celebrated, commemorated or slept through Canada’s 149th birthday. I pray that I can live long enough to see and hear the 150th.
The few reminders of change are: How long did it take to increase my Canada Pension and Old Age Security by $40 per month? Eight or nine years? With one swipe of the pen medication went up $5 a prescription. Eight prescriptions equals $40. So much for comfort.
I’ve driven Canadian roads since 1947; many years at 4,000 to 6,000 miles a month. Today it’s more dangerous on the highway than a pasture full of angry bulls.
Immigrants in the early 20th century knew that hard work was their salvation. They grew or produced their own food, shelters and furniture. Much of this was possible because they lived in their own environment with family for support. If necessary, they moved to a more favourable environment.
Today’s immigrant does not have the same freedom of choice. Today’s immigrant is made to live like everybody else. This is an illusion, a false illusion in reality. If you can’t adapt, what then?
Politicians are almost interested in your opinion, and then upon election, they tell you what the party leader thinks you should do.
The only place people congregate is at sports and rallies. Did you ever attempt a friendly, neighbourly conversation at one of these?
What are we doing to and with the aged and ill? Are we concerned with their welfare or our own comforts?
E. O. Oystreck
Yorkton
