Category Archives: LIFE STORIES

COVID-19 Vaccination

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It is now already March 2021 and virus infections have again picked up. Too many new infections world wide. Largely due to mutations of this virus. Meanwhile I learned much more about primarily how vaccinations could protect against this pandemic disease.

There still is so much to learn about this, especially if vaccines will be effective and for how long. For the various vaccines that have now been approved by governments, it is the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines which according to the experts and the Pharma industry require two shots, preferably given within a time frame of 21 to 42 days.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html

The ready supply of vaccines is foremost on governments’ minds. Most important. And because it can not always be guaranteed, some governments have decided to extend the period between the first and second injection, up to 16 weeks, that is 112 days.

As I will have my vaccination in several days, I was concerned about this. My question was:”How effective is the (double-dose) vaccine, under these circumstances, and would it not be better, NOT to have any vaccination, if I can not have the second shot ?”

https://www.wbur.org/commonhealth/2020/12/18/coronavirus-vaccine-single-dose-debate

[NOTE. If the second shot is 112 days after the first, then it can be inferred that the second shot will or could not be given at all. Simple logistic. Alternatively, during the wait period for he second shot, government policy may change and it can be given earlier.]

Therefore, my decision is now: Get this injection when I am scheduled. Hoping that the vaccine comes from a reliable, non-expired and properly stored batch.

{Another little aside from this is, that makes me believe my immune system is pretty good, for my age. I survived a serious virus outbreak on a cruise ship in September 2015, Princess Cruises (Norovirus). Vancouver – Hawaii and return. At that time I had been one of the few who walked off the ship Vancouver Harbour, no symptoms, yet. But, during the bus trip from Vancouver to the ferry for Victoria, BC, I got sick. Coming home, then isolated myself for several weeks and survived. [ https://renataveritashistory.com/2015/10/10/norovirus-cruises-star-princess/ ]}

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HOMELESSNESS

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The concept of homelessness. Meaning, a person living in the street, out in the open and does not have a specific address or dwelling. (definition = without a fixed dwelling, as per Wikipedia). I stand corrected. Being that most dwellings have become more or less unaffordable for regular (working, having a job and/or a family to support) citizens, no wonder that those who decided to live in the street – rather than look for a job or even irregular work – are without a dwelling.

Standing corrected again: In Victoria BC alone there are around seven major shelters with around 100 beds (and more in the planning) for those who decided it is easier to live in the street and beg for money than to put the effort in to find some work opportunities. Work is abundant. The “homeless” shelters provide food and bedding. Health care is free. For up-to-date stats: [ https://victoriahomelessness.ca/ ]

Canada is a cold country in general, not always, not anymore, not everywhere. Summer heat can go up to 30C or over in areas. On the Pacific Side where I live now for almost 20 years (compared to many years in Alberta – often down to minus 40C), the weather is milder throughout the year, but more rain and wind. That’s why we get more people here from across Canada, Canadians who mostly have family elsewhere in Canada, drifted in here and remained. Becoming HOMELESS. For example Vancouver, Strahcona Park, turned into a “tent city” of 400. For more: [ https://bc.ctvnews.ca/homelessness-in-vancouver-council-considers-plan-for-encampment-amid-calls-for-its-closure-1.5137751 ].

This homeless concept strikes me as controversial. What is a home ? A home is where your family is and where you grew up. Where your country is of which you are/or where a citizen. One thing I noted is, that observing the “street people” I never met one, other than a Canadian, and a Caucasian. Mostly they are also men. On the West Coast, people who arrive here from other parts of Canada and declare themselves homeless mostly have a home elsewhere, where their families are. [In contrast: in the German language we have two concepts: (1) Obdachlos = (without a roof) = homeless; (2) Heimatlos = (without a home, country, = without a country, without a family, without anything.]

I myself am of the second kind. My country got totally destroyed during WWII, most of my family got killed. I was also homeless several times, having had to live in an old car for up to three months, on a different continent North America, no family, just my little boy with me. Not a penny from any government, or any shelter or a pennies’ worth of anything. Despite the fact that I worked professionally since 1955 (first in Europe many years, many countries), then since arriving in North America (USA, graduate studies M.Sc. program Syracuse University; then Canada, arriving here circumstantially).

But I found a job immediately (several days after arriving here as Landed Immigrant, and work, working my way “up again” (Alberta oil industry). And the good part ? I never begged anybody for money. Nor, have I ever received one penny from any government (neither unemployment insurance, nor any subsidies), that can be considered a (not earned) ‘handout’.

A few images showing homeless people, and myself with son traversing USA in our HOBOMOBILE, living in it for months.

COVID-19 Mask or no mask

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Mask ? of course, I would say, to protect yourself. Against those who have the virus and do not know, yet. Or those, who simply do not care if they spread the virus. Simple as that. Despite that some people may think that masks are silly or are only worn by those who are actually sick.

Since this world-wide epidemic (turned pandemic) has started it was clear that this virus – as most virus attacks are – is also air borne. People walking in the street, talking. Always talking. Breathing and spraying the virus infected air around, or worse, inside closed spaces, head to head, breathing the virus into each others faces.

For me, it was also quite clear that the regulations (keeping social distancing to each other at least 2m apart) is long not enough. From the start, since March 2020, I keep a distance of 5m. In the street, and try hard inside a store. Lucky, I live alone, no other person ever inside my home. Try to avoid public transit. When I need the bus, wear a mask. Inside the store, wear a mask. Washable, every day wash not only hands, groceries, all containers, but gloves, mask, and after the odd bus ride all my clothes.

So, when some one in the street passes me and might assume I am sick wearing a mask, then that is not true: I do this to protect myself from getting infected through the air. Because once infected a virus is in your blood, will travel and multiply. Since we do not have regular blood tests (to test immune system responses to such a virus) or a well functioning health care system to test for the virus itself, or get treatment once one is infected and sick. the only way to stay alive is: BE CAREFUL, PROTECT YOURSELF.

Reverse Discrimination and Racism

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Black Lives Matter. You better believe it ! but so do WHITES. In this personally experienced case it has been black against white.

{Careful, how to interpret the distinction between RACISM and DISCRIMINATION. I suffered discrimination, which could have been based on racism. [ https://celesteheadlee.com/racism-vs-discrimination-why-the-distinction-matters/ ].}

For my entire professional and student life I have associated myself with international friends. Having worked many years as a professional in international organizations in Europe, I have had personal friends who were Africans. Both in Europe, and later after leaving it and arriving in North America, also in the United States, at Syracuse University, New York.

These experiences over time were “soured” by constant discrimination on the job or outside of it after I had arrived in Canada in 1976 and during my long time work in Alberta’s oil industry. Developing, building and installing large computer systems, hardware and software, as project leader for large company-wide projects, and also as a programmer for many years.

The oil industry is hard place to get a foothold as a woman. Because of the extreme nature of oil industry’s rising and collapsing, and openly permitted company takeovers during downturns, there was as a result in the 1980s a severe downturn in this industry, caused mostly by Canadian government programs and regulations. (The NEP (National Energy Program) of Canada). [ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Energy_Program#Background%5D.

It was during that time, start of 1980s, that I worked for a large oil corporation in Alberta. This company was taken over by TCPL (does not exist now under this name, but close to it – Trans Canada). This company apparently had as its mandate to get rid of existing employees, removing first most management positions – offering them posts elsewhere – and then down the line.

Although I was in a senior position in the computer and systems department (thereby needed to continue big projects), as a woman no chance to keep your job.

The enforcer sent down from headquarters Toronto, was charged with implementing the layoff program in the Systems department. This person was of African origin whose hatred against females seemed obvious. The first ones to be removed were all heads of departments – incidentally all women.

Myself as a female IT project leader was forced to do company-wide projects whose purpose was to identify all those in all corporate departments who should be fired. I was requested to do this study alone without any assistance. Naturally all my former friends in the company hated my guts. At the end, it was my turn. The pressure from within was indescribable.

In the course of a short period, a 200 page report was put together behind my back. I assume containing all sorts of slander about me. While at the same time our big company-wide systems project had to continue.

At the end, I was asked to see this man in his office, and presented with with this big report. Which I disregarded. At the same time I was asked to sign for a one-page legal document, which I did not sign. I do not sign unprofessional slander. I was then told that I should pack up. Offering me a minor compensation of 3-months salary.

Just laying off employees is permitted under certain conditions. In this case, the simplest most basic conditions of human rights had been contravened. My big mistake ? I missed the very moment when it was absolutely necessary to retain a lawyer, to act on my behalf.

However, before leaving the company I had received good letters of recommendation in writing from senior management with whom I had worked throughout my systems projects, including the CEO of this corporation. A testimony of all that I had worked for most of my life.

Yet, my professional life was compromised, I lost my home, my family (my son went to the United States to start his university program). And I had to travel around Canada making a living with computer contract work (Ottawa, Alberta oil sands, and anywhere in Alberta). Setting up my own consulting company and other business ventures, to keep afloat.

 

 

CANADIAN citizenship – identity or convenience ?

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Canada citizenship – acquired identity or only a convenience ?

[ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_nationality_law ]

More and more, Canadian citizenship is used (and abused) for purposes of forcing the Canadian Government to evacuate persons (who have most of the time dual citizenship – their birth and that of acquired Canadian) from countries and situations where they believe they are at risk. Be that war, or any medical epidemic from which to distance themselves, or temporary economic social reasons.

During the past several years there have been many instances all over the world testifying to this situation.

Using your Canadian citizenship when convenient.

This is wrong and unfair to all those Canadians who permanently reside here in Canada, work, pay their taxes and contribute to Canada’s economy.

Particular in my case this goes against all principles of fair play:

When I came to Canada (on an expired U.S. student visa), within a few days I managed to find myself a job. This Canadian government – nor my own (birth) government – never had to pay a cent for me and my little boy since I started working.

Despite the fact that when we arrived here from the United States in the 1970s we also had no home and had to sleep in my old car for a while.

The clincher is this: Four years after residing here as Landed Immigrants, we acquired the Canadian citizenship. Which in my case resulted in loosing my birth citizenship (worse – the EU citizenship, which came into effect after we received the Canadian.) My son kept his birth citizenship, as he was born in a different (EU) country.

It is clear that losing ones birth citizenship is always controlled by the birth country, not by Canada.

[NOTE from Internet: The German law on citizenship mandates that German citizens who voluntarily apply for and accept Canadian citizenship will automatically lose their German citizenship if they have not been granted a permission to retain the German citizenship prior to becoming Canadian.”]

Yet, the question here still is: If you move back to your own country, or reside in your own country, why do you need the Canadian citizenship ???

Convenience, or safety net ?

[NOTE from Internet: “It refers to people with multiple citizenship who immigrated to Canada, met the residency requirement to obtain citizenship, obtained Canadian citizenship, and moved back to their original home country while maintaining their Canadian citizenship, with those who support the term claiming they do so as a safety net.”]

{NOTE. End of story for now, as this saga goes on.}

Remembrance Day November 11

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REMEMBRANCE DAY for soldiers or war victims ?

PTSD suffered by both parties. However, only soldiers and those flying in their war planes dropping the tons of bombs onto civilians, women and children alike, are being celebrated in Remembrance Day ceremonies as heroes.

Victims of those wars who suffered on the sidelines, or fallout – World War I – and those who suffered heavy bombings and destruction of their home lands, – World War II – particularly starting from 1941 until 1945, are not allowed to ever forget their experiences being persecuted, suffering in concentration camps, and being heavily bombed as small children, growing up in completely destroyed home lands; now also suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder).

We are not heroes of war, we did not fly over enemy lands and drop bomb loads, we were just trying to survive and rebuild our home lands.

Where is the justice in that ?

Soldiers belong to the governments who declare wars, they are also called GI – government issue for that reason – they get weapons and tanks and war planes and are being deployed, for the sole purpose to kill. They can defend themselves. Not so civilians. They are the real heroes. At the same time, they are the ones who do not want to be reminded of those terrible experiences.

Don’t worry, we do remember without big ceremonies and pompom.

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/ ]

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/ ]

British Columbia Public Health Care system

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Patient wait times for ELECTIVE (= deemed not necessary) but life-saving diagnostic procedures, especially those for early detection of cancers: Minimum one year or over.

The following is a link – lengthy because its a government source – explaining – or rather confusing the issue – of extreme long wait-times for any procedure.

The procedures that I consider necessary because those are the ones that can save lives because of early detection of cancers.

[ https://www.health.gov.bc.ca/library/publications/year/2007/conversation_on_health/PartII/PartII_WaitListsandTimes.pdf ]

These waiting policies are strictly managed by the government. As one specialist and physician told me:” I am not responsible for the wait time.” Following a letter that I sent to the BC Government, asking “then who is responsible?”  did not answer my question.

In fact, no one knows or admits to knowing WHO in particular is responsible for those extreme long wait times – unless this policy is intended to kill of patients, before even having to spend any money for expensive (lets say) cancer treatments. All of which had been avoidable and preventable.

The short of it is, the government determines the policies, rules and regulations which allow certain patients to live, while others must die. Because of refusal of (cancer-detecting) diagnostic procedures. Criteria for this kind of TRIAGING are primarily: (1) Age, (2) Birthplace (and I am talking here of BC residents, taxpayers and Canadian citizens), (3) Whatever. Presumably having inside connections to the system.

Here is another interesting eye-opening revelation on how the government defines their public health care system. Which they claim (on their own government websites) as being offered FREE and accessible to all. Not so, far from it.

[ https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents ]

Nothing is free. We as Canadian taxpayers fully pay for this public health care system. Primarily with our income tax, and secondary extra billing by provincial governments for their health care insurance systems.

Also, read the following: — which mostly is about Canadian citizens turning to private health care services and paying for it, extreme high costs, because most do not get even to be entered onto a so called wait-list,

[ https://www.bchealthcoalition.ca/was-i-treated-unlawfully ]  .In this article among others it is explained what the BC MSP (Medical Service Plan) health care insurance covers, and what not.

I am paying into this BC public health care system since 2002. And into the Canadian health care system since 1976. I never once received a physical exam, I have to pay all specialized services out of my pocket, I pay my (one and only medication) out of my pocket. I pay most everything out of pocket and I do not even get any more services because of my age. Alberta ? between 1976 and 2002 I had at least a family doctor and regular health care services.

No matter what, you can twist and turn, rules are rules, and rules are also meant to be broken, leading to internalized corruption. Either treat yourself, become a doctor, see a veterinarian (they are better doctors) or kill yourself. Or, as explained above – private clinic and pay (which according to government, is illegal).

In British Columbia the complaint is always “there are not enough doctors”. Also, not true. What is true is, because of the inefficiency inside the system and the extreme bureaucracy, making life difficult for doctors, there is not enough needed and productive medical time – doctors there are. In other words, time is wasted on unproductive issues.

PM Justin Trudeau – can anybody believe this ?

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Canada’s Trudeau clan.

Not sure how much everybody is aware of what has been happening for the last months or years, for that matter, here in Canada. The government affair that brought down and intended to destroy the life and career of an admirable lady – former Minister of Justice and Attorney General for the Canadian Liberal Government. [ https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/wilson-raybould-freeland-trudeau-snc-lavalin-1.5036795 ]. The latest in this horror story unfolding those last days, when Ms. Jody Wilson-Raybould testified in front of a Government committee uncovering unheard truths about her being subjected to irresponsible and illegal behavior by the PMO and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a corruption scandal involving a large corporation.

That I personally had not voted for Justin Trudeau should not make me feel any better. In fact, the last vote – my vote – went to the Progressive Conservatives.

When I say ‘Trudeau Clan’, I refer to the 1980s when Justin Trudeau’s father Pierre Elliott was Premier. At that time the then government also permitted themselves to single-handedly bring down the oil industry in Alberta, thanks to the NEB program. I was right in the middle of this. Working for oil companies. We all lost our job, thousands of Albertans on the road to Ontario, trying to find work. Employees got laid off with peanuts paid to them, no unemployment insurance payments either, despite my long term work history and having paid into UI all my life.

I lost my home, I lost lots of money, I lost my family. Got self-employed and struggling along as female contractor (formerly senior systems analyst and project leader of large computer projects). In fact, the last company was the worst. They “canned” single women first, and single mothers, like myself. The good part about this was: Before leaving that company (TCPL, now TransCanada), I received from all those wonderful managers in high places the best references for my professional work all those years; in writing. Which did not help me very much, despite having written about it.

Thanks a lot to the TRUDEAU CLAN. Let’s see what the next election brings.