Monthly Archives: September 2019

Canada Election 2019 – military spending

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Considerations for the upcoming Canadian federal election: Military spending. How much, how more ? when will this turn around and some of those wasted dollars be spent on important environmental programs ? [Environment Canada spending pecked at 1.8 billion 2018.] DND – Department of National Defence of Canada – 32 billion spending 2018, for what ? for what purpose ? Good question, discussed in our paper COMMON GROUND, a free magazine. [Article by W.S. Geimer: “For what purpose ? “]

DND ongoing expenses for stealth fighters, such as the F-35 Lockheed-Martin fighter plane. To replace Canada’s CF-18 – these are first strike attack aircraft. Just to remain in the program for considering to buy the F-35 costing taxpayers $72 million annually.

The (current) Canadian military fighter plane CF-18 has a long history of being deployed in the mass murdering and killing of civilians, women and children, in such countries as Bosnia (1990s), Libya (2011), Middle East (2014-2016).

Not surprisingly, killing civilians while pretending to protect one’s borders (who in all those cases are thousands of miles away from any perceived war action) has always been the forte of war-mongering nations, including Canada, the US and British Allies.

As a survivor of World War 2 I may comment on such programs of mass killing. I was barely 4 years old when the Allied bombings started and went on for three years day and night, 24/7, killing more than a few (disputed: 500,000 to over 2 mill?) civilians, mostly small children and women, while the enemy force was still at the Eastern Front – Russia. Memories still alive.

Especially during periods of celebrating those war veterans who made it and are still alive. One may assume that those were among the pilots who were safely directing their fighter and war planes to (air-) drop the bombs on the civilian populations

Upcoming 2019 Federal Election in October this year, ask this question:

“How much is a new government willing to spend for necessary environmental programs by reducing unnecessary spending for war games” ?

As much as I compliment William S. Geimer’s article in COMMON GROUND and the mention of the Green Party in this year’s federal election, I am certain that voting for the Green Party of Canada will not make any difference to curbing the excessive military spending by this government. Unfortunately we do not have a lot of choices for the upcoming 2019 election of a different government, capable enough to change anything.

Several of my previous posts on these and related topics:

[ https://renataveritasopinion.com/2014/09/25/ptsd-veteran-or-victim-of-war/ ]

[ https://renataveritasopinion.com/2013/05/10/may-8-1945-ve-day-wwii-ended/ ]

[ https://renataveritasopinion.com/2012/12/22/origins-of-the-gun-culture/ ]

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Alberta oil industry smoking in work place

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SS-SECOND HAND SMOKE

Contains approx. 4,000 chemicals, dangerous to the non-smoker who is near a smoker. Worse in the workplace where humans must work and stay all day long. A person who breathes secondhand smoke is breathing the same chemicals as someone smoking. During my over ten years in Alberta’s oil industry I was actively inhaling those chemicals.

While developing an unwanted craving for it, caused by second-hand smokers. I am a non-smoker. Sinus surgery, respiratory problems. Thank you, Mr. Oil company executive for your impressive social responsibility propaganda.

Alberta big oil – in support of smokers – against all principles of their proclaimed social responsibility.

Why ? because smokers are more productive ? or, at times of intense periods of oil companies’ takeovers and layoffs, its easier to kill employees with second-hand smoke, rather than being forced (for pretense) to pay them (Micky mouse) severance pay to get rid of them ? (Micky mouse meaning 3 months’ pay or a little over $10,000 – that was in the 1980s).

Here is the interesting part of this (my insider) story: Those who were heavy smokers on the job sites, in offices, remained in their jobs, when after another corporate takeover many positions were culled and long-time employees were laid off.

Examples of being exposed to second-hand smoke: In the systems and computer department we were mostly housed in one big area, each having their cubicle. On and off, I also had an office – as project leader. Some of the heaviest smokers, they put two in an office, pretending to somehow shut them inside away from others.

For many months, and years, I suffered, inhaling second-hand smoke. During that time I also had a sinus surgery – around 1983. Resulting to have to come to work with blood running from my sinus cavities into my throat daily.

Hudson’s Bay Oil & Gas Co. – first one I started working when coming to Calgary January 1977. As Senior Systems Analyst & project leader for computer projects. There was this one guy – always smoking. Carrying his smoking cigarette in his hand while walking in open spaces. I had just got myself a new office suit, he managed to burn a hole into it. No excuses or offer to repair.

Then in 1983 oil company takeover by TCPL (TransCanada Pipelines) Resources. By 1986 massive layoff campaigns had started. For this, Headquarters in Toronto sent down an ENFORCER. Who was charged with severe harassment of computer professionals and employees, daily changing assignment routines, moving people around, assigning me as senior project leader with company-wide studies on ‘How to eliminate certain positions’. Which entailed for me to interview former colleagues and friends. Needless to say, they were not happy with that ! And then present a report of recommendations to those now in charge with laying off the same people I was forced to interview. Filthy attempt of creating diversion and resentment.

At the same time I had to complete my major projects of converting all software to 4th gen DB systems architecture, lots of work still to do with all those programs.

As a result of all of this ? I lost my home in Alberta, and my family. My son left for the United States in 1990 to also do his graduate studies there, far away in Alabama. Stayed for thirteen years, then decided to move back to his homeland, the Netherlands.

While I staid behind alone, being unfortunately now a Canadian citizen. Just memories of corrupt companies.

[Previous posts on this s.a. [ https://renataveritashistory.com/2013/07/06/smoking-in-the-work-place-tcpl-resources/ ]