Harry Nov 26, 2009
Harry Stemp was born in Uxbridge in 1934. He started his career with the Uxbridge Times-Journal as an apprentice typesetter at age 14. He soon began writing sports for the Times-Journal and eventually owned 10 community newspapers in central Ontario including the Times-Journal. He started writing his award-winning Stemp’s Stew in 1965. The column came to an end shortly after he sold his newspaper chain in 1989, but was rejuvenated in 2006 when Harry became a regular contributor to The Cosmos.
Only in Canada
?Sure have to wonder what the folks in Parliament are drinking these days. Otherwise how you can explain Liberal MP Ruby Dhalla introducing a private member's bill that would see immigrants eligible for the Old Age Pension after just three years of residency in Canada. Not sure about you, but as a resident that worked for 50 years and paid into the plan and couldn't starting collecting until age 65, it feels like a solid kick in the teeth.
But such is the namby pamby attitude our Department of Immigration has when it comes to newcomers to this country. They are handed the world on a platter and, thanks to the late Pierre Trudeau and his multiculturalism plan, told to bring all of their customs with them and don't worry about picking up Canadian traits and lifestyles. We have been paying for it every since.
The following came across my desk a week or so ago and it is worth sharing because most Canadians believe that we have become a soft and welcoming haven for anyone who wants to enter our country.
If you cross the North Korean border illegally you get 12 years hard labour. If you cross the Iranian border illegally you are detained indefinitely. If you cross the Afghan border illegally, you get shot. If you cross the Saudi Arabian border illegally, you will be jailed. If you cross the Chinese border illegally, you may never be heard from again. If you cross the Venezuelan border illegally, you will be branded a spy and your fate will be sealed. If you cross the Cuban border illegally, you will be thrown into a political prison to rot.
But if you cross the Canadian border illegally you will be given legal aid, probably a job, maybe a driver’s license, social security card, welfare, food stamps, credit cards, subsidized rent or even a loan to buy a house, free education, free heath care, a lobbyist in Ottawa and, in some cases, you can vote.
If you don't think there is something wrong with this picture, then you are in the minority and not among the majority of Canadians who are getting fed up with the system and what is happening to this great country of ours.
Want to do something about it? Contact your MP and voice your concerns. Remember the squeaky wheel gets the grease. So let's all get squeaky.
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Always love someone who states the truth.
On the drive to Florida I dropped into a Ponderosa Restaurant. First time for me but I was hungry and it was the only dining establishment available. Place was packed - 90% of them 50 pounds overweight.
When the fit-looking waitress took my order I asked if she had 'green tea'.
“That stuff is healthy, isn't it? You’ll never find anything like that in here”.
She was definitely an employee but obviously not impressed with what she served on a daily basis.
Gotta love her honesty.
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Christmas is a comin'. At least that's what is happening if you see all the seasonal advertising and notice the stores decked out with tons of Christmas decorations and gift ideas.
As well, there are many special events that add to the spirit of Christmas. Among them, the Uxbridge Chamber Choir has announced a wonderful event for December 13 in Trinity United Church at 3 p.m.
Everyone is in for a real treat as they present the CBC Radio adaptation of A Christmas Carol, Dickens’ classic tale of Christmas featuring CBC's Michael Enright with an introduction by our own Ted Barris. As if this isn't enough 'Carols of the Season' will be presented by members of the Chamber Choir and all the proceeds will go to Precious Minds.
You won't want to miss this special Christmas celebration, so buy your tickets early. Ticket details on page 10, and watch for more details in next week’s Cosmos.
