Raise the Hammer

A Smith: What you do not get, it the current system is at fault but "YOU" fail to see that.

First, you want to talk about people's weight. Well, for those that struggle,those who go to the foodbanks, do not get fresh fruit and vegetables. The food given out for high in sugar, salt, carbohydrates, starching, not very nutricious, it fills the stomach but that's about it. I have advocated and worked on community gardens, I advocate for changes in policy around foodbanks and the lack of scrutiny from public health. I think it is a very good idea for local farmers and low income people to meet and join voices, as many farmers struggle as well.

Anyways, to me it makes more sense to give people liveable amounts of assistance, as it would do anyway with alot of the bureaucracy of the poverty industry. People could buy what they want, puts more money in the local economy.

You blame people yet I bet you would applaud all those PR groups/businesses, who on daily basis, sending bad messages. Ever read the book, "Toxic Sludge is Good for You"? Look at the crap, the food, the food system, the pesticides, the poisons, the GMOs, processed food, all I see you doing is standing up for the "bad" guys.

Actually, I believe in a grassroots remedy, empower the people, to become self sufficient. That also means to stand up and fight for the workers rights, to stand up for living wages, benefits, health and safety, to demand to legislated labour law is enforced, especially for those trapped in the temp industry.

Think about this: this was a post on the globe and mail, last week. A person, who has worked for twenty years, who has some sort of skill or trade, was laid off last March. He looks and has looked for work, even for work that would be classed as under employed. This person EI runs out in about a month. Since EI is only 55% of wages, this person has had to use whatever savings. After EI benefits run out and if this person still does not find work, the only other option is Ontario Works, which this person would be entitled to $650.00 per month. This person's rent is $950.00, less rent he will be (390.00). This person will be evicted due to non payment of rent, could lose all possessions in a couple of months. Forced into the streets and lose the $560.00 per month, until they got a spot in a shelter, in which they would be entitled to a PNA, which is considerably less the $560.00. Try finding a place to rent for $560.00. Do you think this person should suffer? Do you think it is their fault for losing their job?

Anyways if you give people the tools, they reach out. The system does not really help people, it is very difficult to get into training programs, the system pushes people into precarious work situations.

I asked one young person about the landscaping program they were in. What did they think about it? This was a person who admitted that school was boring, this person was very enthusiastic about the program, the physical work. Not every person is meant to go on to higher education.

Maybe if they could have more activities at the schools, like intermural, fun stuff. Maybe we need more places were the poor can go to get exercise. Some people do have difficulty walking and getting around.

You are thinking about the working poor. Why is those at Mac get reduced fares, those who are mostly covered by union contract, who earn living wages, who do not need the break as much as someone earning minimum wage? Does not your tax dollar pay for that?