Passion Power

 How is a person with disabilities, mental health issues and addictions supposed to improve their lot in life when the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits get clawed back whenever they go out and work for extra income.  We discriminate because we don’t understand the struggle is real for so many Canadians trying to live on $1100 per month or less. Under this benefit, they can earn an extra $200 per month before the government starts clawing back the benefits. With no incentives, no encouragement, job coaching or family support such as transportation or childcare for example, how is it possible that someone can lift that boot off their neck?   It takes a toll on someone’s health trying to get basic needs met, trying to reach out to people who do not listen, trying to do the right thing and make good decisions.  Throw in some addiction, depression and violence and you have yourself a taste of what it is like living hand to mouth year after year afte...

How long must we be punished for the horrible injustices done by our ancestors? Perhaps the answer is ‘as long as it takes’. Throughout history even women had to claw their way to relevance in a world that favoured men not to mention the gay community. The word for that is progress and we must fight the good fight. Right? Watching the United States implode does not feel like progress. Am I the only one? It looks like leaderless country and the start of a civil war with no solution in sight. All over one bad cop. Progress. People are fed up. There is evidence to suggest that racism never really went away although for a time I thought we were getting better. As I watch how mainstream media and social media polarize the issue, I sit and listen to what my heart feels about discrimination and racism. It is naïve to ignore the journey of the people who have lived on the margins of our society. You cannot opt out just because society works for you. I can’t assume to know what ...

Well-behaved women seldom make history ~ Laurel Thatcher Ulrich    This bumper sticker gained wide popularity in the ‘70s and has come around again to invite us all to speak up about sexual stereotypes and discrimination.   I’d say it’s about time if it means a safer and more equal world for our daughters and grand-daughters.   Over the past few decades thanks to responsible parenting, good strong role models and whistleblowers we have experienced many great strides.   This recent movement in Hollywood about breaking the silence offers all women another layer of protection against sexual harassment, misconduct and assault.   I’m excited about that.   There are plenty of good men to celebrate and bad men we need to stop.   Many people still sit on the sidelines, that care, but not enough to uncross their arms and start waving them in the air to show gratitude.   I get that.   We can’t care about everything but for every sexist remark ...

I was waiting in the emergency room in Smiths Falls for a procedure and there was a young adult, probably 19 years old, waiting to be seen. He looked very agitated so I went over and tried to console him. This was his second visit to the hospital in 4 days. He could barely swallow from this throat infection. The first time the physician told him to go home and that if he would quit smoking it would get better. No throat swab or antibiotics were given even though he was in really bad shape and could barely talk. What gives this Physician the right to discriminate and refuse to further investigate due to this young man being a smoker?  This physician is the reason more addicts don’t reach out. They’re met with judgment, lack of empathy and told to ‘just quit?’ Smokers are made to feel like second class citizens. The smoker is in the trenches. They would like to quit but don’t know how or don’t believe it’s possible. They light up a cigarette first thing in the morning if they’ve...