Friendly Islanders!

It’s often said, islanders are lovely friendly people, and for the most that is true. In my more than fifty years living here I have come to know and like so many people. Islanders are kind generous and thoughtful, always ready to lend a hand. Yet sadly there is a silent undercover attitude toward some who are seen as different. They rarely mention or wish to discuss these no no subjects. However, in these changing times of diversity and newly arriving immigrants it is becoming more difficult to avoid. Remember the Tignish legion and the unfortunate incident of the young immigrant wearing his turban. More recently the Alberton Mayor and council refusing to fly the Pride flag. In my own neighbourhood I run into islanders who are less than tolerant of certain people. I have heard nasty remarks about our former premier and his sexual orientation. One chap told me he’d never vote for someone wearing a turban, another would not vote for those queer people. I do believe attitudes are changing, especially in the younger generations, but it is a slow process. There are some older islanders who have never been off the island and these are often the ones with narrow view points. I dismay when I hear a derogatory comment about someone seen as different. I do my best to explain it is so wrong to judge others that appear different. Nevertheless, I love the island and the people, I tell myself that a few don’t know any better. Indeed as a young lad in the Navy I was no better myself, we called all the Chinese in Hong Kong Johnny! We referred to black people as niggers and so on. My excuse would be this, in the 1950s it was common place to call people derogatory names. I recall having a book of nursery rhymes, one verse was “Ennie meanie minnie moe catch the nigger by his toe”. It’s difficult to even admit to such things today.  But like the majority of people,  I have learned and endeavour to treat all peoples with respect and understanding. I hope that someday those who still see people from other places as different, will, like me, learn.  God Bless and keep reading.

Is There a way to Save the Legion?????

Is There a Way to Save the Legion?????
Re-Posted on May 20th 2019
by irishroverpei

I agree with the general view, the younger veterans really do not appear to show interest in the Legion in its present form. I also agree we have relinquished our ownership of the legion to the vast majority of associated members/civilians. Its so sad to think we are rapidly reaching the end of the Legion, how much longer can it continue. Membership is seriously falling, I can only offer an estimate of todays numbers. Probably out of a approximate total of 200,000 less than 30% are actual veterans. In the local branch here on PEI most of the members are associate non voting, in other words they are members in order to use the facilities/bar.
The seriousness of the situation is bad and will only get worse. How can those in charge market and commercialize the sacred Poppy? The cheap tat they are producing speaks volumes to the state of finances. Branches are failing, closing or being forced to close by their provincial commands. There is almosty no co-operation between Dominion/Provincial Commands and the branches. Animosity reigns between so many veterans, commands and the associates.
However, two very important issues worry me greatly. (1) if the legion fails what happens to the Poppy, we are responsible as veterans and Canadians.
(2) What happens to our history without Remembrance day, without veterans visiting schools and attending parades. No more medals of long ago battles on display, history disappearing before our eyes. You might think I’m being melodramatic but test these worries for yourself, how many young people on the streets today could answer the most basic questions about the 2nd World War much less the 1st World war. Look at what we see happening in the USA with the rise of Neo Nazis/White Suprems, KKK etc. This should be so concerning for all of us. I realise most would respond ,Oh! that’s Trumps fault, maybe so, but it is also an attempt to revisit Hitlers National Socialism. If we forget history we are in serious trouble.

Copy of a letter from Ira Peters

Ira peters commented on Attacking the Legion.
I received an interesting comment in reference to yesterday’s blog subject (Seeking a Private Members Bill). The writer said …
You have many good points and yes, after the Great War Veterans Organization was formed in about 1918 that eventually became the Royal Canadian Legion there were many Veterans. Today most of our Senior Veterans have passed and our younger Veterans show lack of interest. In order to change all our Veterans we will have to rally the troops but with family expenses I have little faith this will happen and because our Legion was given to non Veterans it will be almost impossible to take back. As for the criminal code 419 I think most of us as Veterans would support your endeavour. As for the Legion I think most politicians will not support what seems to be an attack because they want to be politically correct.——————————————————-
Not sure where we go from here????

A Little Sunday Humour

A Little Sunday Humour
Posted on May 19th 2019 by irishroverpei

A man decided to have a face lift for his birthday. He spends $5,000 and feels really good about the result. On his way home he stops at a newsstand and buys a paper. Before leaving he says to the sales clerk, “I hope you don’t mind me asking, but how old do you think I am?”
“About 35,” was the reply.
“I’m actually 47,” the man says, feeling really happy. After that he goes into McDonalds for lunch, and asks the order taker the same question, to which the reply is, “Oh you loo…k about 29″.
“I am actually 47!” This makes him feel really good.
While standing at the bus stop he asks an old woman the same question.
She replies, “I am 85 years old and my eyesight is going. But when I was young there was a sure way of telling a mans age. If I put my hand down your pants and play with your balls for ten minutes I will be able to tell your exact age.”
As there was no one around, the man thought what the hell and let her slip her hand down his pants. Ten minutes later the old lady says, “OK, it’s done. You are 47.”
Stunned the man says, “That was brilliant! How did you do that?”
The old lady replies, “I was behind you in McDonalds.
God Bless and keep reading
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Doctor Shortage vs Homeless???

I suppose when one has never been homeless most of us fail to understand the deprivation and struggle an individual goes through. I have never been homeless so have no idea how hard it must be for those unfortunate people who are. However, not having a doctor must be somewhat similar, perhaps less severe than having no shelter, but still critical when ill.  I have been fortunate to have always had a doctor. Nevertheless, it got me thinking about those unfortunate people that do not have access to medical care. There are thousands all across Canada. I dare say there are those who would disagree with my comparison of homeless vs no doctor. Hardly the same thing or same emergency, after all anyone can seek medical attention at the local hospital. In my case if I’d been homeless when I became seriously ill would I have survived or got the treatment required without a family doctor. My family doctor was unsure what was wrong, and referred me to two different specialist before a diagnoses was confirmed. I had a very rare and serious life threatening blood decease. My family doctor explained it was so rare most doctors never see a case in their entire careers. Had I been without a doctor and attended out patients would I have received the same urgency in what is always a very busy place? Fortunately I don’t need to answer that question, I survived and returned to a reasonable degree of health. I receive regular checkups from my family doctor. I don’t want to claim one lack is more serious than the other, they both are extremely important to the person in need. Governments really need to act and attempt to eliminate or at least reduce both issues. Of course I understand, we will always have homeless and sick, but I believe it could be greatly improved with real effort on the part of politicians.

God Bless and keep reading

The Rainbow Flag

The town mayor and council of Alberton PEI unanimously voted not to fly the Rainbow Flag at the town hall. This is the 50th anniversary of Pride Week and the majority of municipalities across PEI will fly the flag. Why Alberton refused is open to debate, but what is clear, there are vocal bigots alive and well in this little community. It is sad and reflects poorly on the citizens of this small town. Why would this flag cause such turmoil and dispute, it surely represents a group of people who have long been denied their equal and civil rights. I recall at the end of the occupation of Ireland, when the British finally granted them home rule, As the Union Jack was lowered, Michael Collins remarked seven hundred year of struggle over this piece of bunting! When will we learn to accept all peoples without this righteous judgmental and hateful attitude ? To the Alberton Mayor and council, your bigoted attitude is nothing short of appalling, shame on you.

God Bless and keep reading

Ode To Wade – The Farewell Chapter!

Ode to Wade
Posted on 1st November 2016
by irishroverpei
There was a a young lad named Wade
He was the leader of the Liberal Brigade.
His vision was clear ,and transparency so dear.
So we trusted the government, he steered

Post on 23rd April 2019——————————————————-

This young lad named Wade his promises soon did fade
Transparency was obscured by his liberal brigade
Patronage boomed as contracts loomed. and Bush departed the scene.

Soon schools were doomed while scandals and taxes flourished and bloomed.
But enough is enough ,when angry and gruff ,we demanded changes to do.
Elections did come and they were fairly run ,with all votes green and blue.

Then the young lad called Wade ,with his roundabout brigade ,red faced and disgraced, disappeared into the gloom.

God Bless and keep reading

Letter of Resignation!

My Legion Letter of Resignation.
Posted on March 27, 2017 and re-posted 10th May 2019
by irishroverpei
I thought maybe four weeks was not a fair amount of time for the legion to reply. I have decided to wait a little longer. So now its well over two years which should be more than enough time to respond ? Duh!!!! guess I’m not going to hear from anyone at the branch?????

Below is a copy of the letter I sent to my local branch roughly four weeks ago. I thought or perhaps expected that someone would try to reach me to say they have changed the rules regarding veterans and wives paying for special dinners. Alas, nothing to date, not one member has attempted to reach me. Not one member has tried to change my mind and return me to the fold. While I’m a little disappointed, I have no regrets over my decision and indeed have no intentions of changing my mind. However, it would have been nice if at least one soul had tried to win me back. This clearly illustrates the lack of interest the present legion organization have in building and or retaining membership of veterans.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 17
97 Sunset Dr, Wellington Box 27
Wellington Station PE. C0B 2E0
1st March 2017.
Comrades I’m in receipt of your membership reminder dated 28th February 2017.
Unfortunately this was not due to a lapse of memory but rather a decision I came to after the regular meeting of January 2016. Members may recall I raised the issue of the branch having a double standard for veterans. I became aware that WW2 and Korean veterans and their wives ate free at the Remembrance Day Banquet, while all other veterans paid for their wives. This was never about the money, but rather the discrimination of some veterans within the branch. This surely violates the very principles of the Legion, an organization founded by veterans for veterans. For these reasons I find that I can no longer remain a member of a branch that considers me a lesser veteran.
It is with some regret that have reached my decision, I have enjoyed my brief time at the branch. I have met some very good people and they will be missed. Nevertheless, I cannot remain a member under these circumstances. I wish all branch members much success in the future.
Yours Respectfully F.Ben Rodgers

Canada’s Gas Guzzlers!

There was an interesting article that appeared in both island newspapers on Saturday 11th May 2019. It was titled Canada’s Gas Guzzlers and written by Blake Schaffer of Postmedia News. It caught my interest not just because of concern for Climate Change, but also of what I saw in Summerside yesterday. Blake points to large trucks as a major reason for our failure to use gasoline more sparingly. Driving passed the local Summerside Chrysler Dodge Dealership yesterday I could barely see the actual building. It was almost completely obscured by masses of new Dodge Ram trucks, there may have been some other vehicles, but if so I missed them! I have long advocated for a different system of registering vehicles. It should be done on a scale of fuel consumption, example a vehicle rated as an economy vehicle(small engine) pays a lower registration fee, lower purchase tax. A vehicle not considered economical, a gas guzzler should pay a higher fee and higher tax. Surely this is what the carbon tax is supposed to achieve but is causing such consternation. Instead of dealers offering huge discounts on large vehicles they should be forced to recognize rebates and lower taxes on smaller economy, hybrid and electric cars.

God  Bless and keep reading.

Admiral Norman Exonerated?

I can only guess at the reason this legal case that has dragged on for months, is suddenly over. The liberal government are dropping the charges against Admiral Norman! There is much more to this story that we are not being told. The sudden departure of Scott Brison? The news that Andrew Leslie a liberal MP would testify for the defence? Then puff! It’s all gone? It’s now unlikely we will ever learn the truth, typical liberal tactics at play. Nevertheless, it leaves me thinking Trudeau was scared of another SNC Lavalin type scandal. Evidence may have surfaced that once again Trudeau and his liberals were attempting to manipulate the law. It is not a stretch to imagine more behind the scene shenanigans by these same SNC players. SNC blew up in their faces, to risk a similar situation over the Norman trial was just too dangerous. Trudeau had to act fast, if he keeps losing/firing members of his government he will end up in minority. Not to worry though,  it would probably only be until October. I would speculate that after October he won’t have a majority or a minority government to worry about.  Perhaps SNC Lavalin will hire him? One last word of advice for Trudeau, it’s not smart to mess with the Navy!                            God Bless and keep reading.

The Contemptible Legion Behaviour

I have added below a response to my blog dated 6th May 2019. There were several other responses also, but I will just use this one for now, the writer is not a veteran and he is not associated with the legion. Its a very strange thing! I have searched and inquired but nowhere can I find the origin of these legion fake medals. I do believe they only started after the Second World war, but when and by whom remains a mystery. I find it very odd that no one either knows or is willing to talk about. I do understand, for those who wear these fake medals it has probably become difficult or next to impossible for them to stop. Just think how naked they would look without their fancy glittering legion fakers.
Nevertheless, their behaviour can only be described as contemptible, and insulting to actual veterans on Remembrance Day. It can only be described as contemptible to the blood relatives denied the wearing of loved ones real medals on the right breast on Remembrance Day. Can you pick out the real medals in the three photos????

no blood sweat or tears ever shed in the military … meanwhile people are like looking up to them and saying thanks for your service” – another example of ‘fake news‘ or misinterpretation by the public and misrepresentation of what should be handled with respect.
What irks me is how things ever arrived at this stage – Legion associate members wearing medals when they haven’t served in the military. Even a boy scout is not eligible to wear a badge without having earned it.
Associate members, to me, serve as preserving the reason for an institution’s existence, and preserving the reason of remembrance as we proceed to future generations. Remembrance, for the reason and learned history of why something should never be repeated. So, associate members can be an asset and fully made recognizable to the cause. But what is becoming of the Legion in respect to earned medal privilege? I don’t believe that it was ever meant for associate members to be represented as veterans. We believed in recognizing veterans by their medals but, today, that recognition has become severely misrepresented.
Associate members can easily be made recognizable in ways outside of wearing medals. They do perform office duties and leadership through bursary and scholarship grants, youth programs, student assistance, etc. They are needed to assist with the charitable business that The Legion has established. Uniforms can be created according to their status. Pins can be awarded according to their level of dedication. But don’t make it look equivalent to having been a military soldier. Wearing a chest of metal when there has never been any military service is purely childish and totally disrespectful.

Note the two medals on the right! you can purchase them at the legion for the bargain price of $25 ea plus P&P

God Bless and keep reading.