As I page through the draft copy of this upcoming edition, it is obvious that the pandemic made an indelible mark on our community, not to mention worldwide…and much of it not in a good way. But through resilience and perseverance we all soldier through to hopefully better days. I emphasize ‘hopeful’ because, I along with many others, don’t believe it was all due to the virus. Much of the heartache was inflicted by some (in vague generalities who cow-towed to the almighty dollar and were led by powerlust), possibly sincere but nevertheless took us down a rabbit trail to where we are today.
Speaking of rabbits and animals in general, kudos to the Moose Jaw Dog Club who made a donation to the Free to Be Me Animal Sanctuary. Most of us can empathize with Louanne Shropshire and her volunteers that endured challenges in feeding and sheltering the animals during this brutally cold winter, enduring the elements and extreme temperatures. You usually know what a person is made of when they are led by their heart in caring for animals that are basically ‘put out to pasture.’ It takes a lot of love and compassion to take on the challenge and continue to love what they do.
In another way, the pandemic restrictions have made an inerasable imprint on society – the haves and the have nots…concerning COVID vaccination. Thank God we are getting to a more equitable balance in some of our provinces, although I think the strong arm of the government is still in play across the nation. I am wondering what good it is doing families when their livelihood is taken away because of their freedom of choice and they can’t afford to buy groceries, medications, get services, contribute to society, are unable to travel…and the list goes on. Then we wonder why people have compounding health issues due to malnutrition, mental illness, thoughts of suicide, lack of housing, social disconnection, breakdown of marriages…and again the list goes on. Does the government want citizens to go on social assistance so they can become dependents of the state and totally under their control?
Seriously, where are we going as a country? Everyone deserves the right to make a living if they are able.
And then we hit the world stage, where the PM became the clown of the country and an anomaly compared to how a democratic ruler should rule. He himself recently said he is a big boy and can take the personal criticism and scrutiny, but I wonder…he touts his style of tyrannical behaviour out of one side of his mouth for the lack of citizen conformity to his imposed rules and from the other side says people have a right to speak their opinions, the classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide syndrome.
On a more positive note, congratulations to the Toastmasters on their milestone 60th anniversary. When considering all options for self-improvement in leadership positions, the ability to be comfortable in elocution is a great advantage and a skill that doesn’t always come easy.
If you haven’t already got your tickets, the Wildlife Federation annual Fish Fry is just around the corner.
And if you are looking for something to do, check out the Art Project at the MJMAG that raises awareness of our life-sustaining local resource of water.
Read all about it in this issue of the Moose Jaw Express or online at MooseJawToday.com
