Some thoughts for the country of America on its birthday in 2023

I hear too much of people complaining about the USA, so, on the occasion of its birthday here are some thoughts from my distinctly Canadian point of view. First, I think it is important to acknowledge the progress made by America as a country since its inception, particularly in terms of advancing individual rights and freedoms, promoting democracy, and providing economic opportunities.

However, it is also important to recognize the challenges and struggles that America has faced, and continues to face, as a nation. These include issues such as social inequality, political polarization, climate change, and ongoing conflicts both at home and abroad. It is only by acknowledging and working to address these challenges that America can continue to grow and thrive in the future.

Additionally, it is important to celebrate the diverse and multicultural nature of America, which has been a source of strength and innovation for the country. As a nation founded on the principles of freedom and equality, it is essential that America continues to embrace and support diversity in all its forms.

Finally, on this special day, it is important that Americans recommit to the ideals that America was founded on, and work towards building a brighter, more equitable, and more just future for all Americans.

Just a reminder that the United States of America was founded on a set of ideals that have become known as the American Creed. These ideals include democracy, individual liberty, equality, justice, and opportunity.

To work towards building a brighter, more equitable, and more just future for all Americans, they must remain committed to these ideals and take steps to ensure that they are upheld in practice. Here are some ways they can work towards these goals:

Americans believe they are a democratic country. To strengthen their idea of democracy they need to ensure that all citizens have the opportunity to participate in the political process and that their voices are heard. This includes measures such as protecting voting rights, combating disinformation, and promoting transparency in government.

They have to work hard to protect and promote the individual liberties of all their citizens, which includes freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. This also means working to address issues such as police brutality and the criminal justice system's systemic bias against certain groups.

American citizens must work to eliminate discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and other factors. This includes promoting policies that provide equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

It is important to ensure that all Americans have access to a fair and impartial justice system. This includes working to address issues such as mass incarceration, police reform, and ensuring that everyone is treated equally under the law.

Americans must work to ensure that all of them have equal access to opportunities for economic success and prosperity. This includes investing in education, job training, and infrastructure, as well as promoting policies that help to reduce income inequality.

By remaining committed to these ideals and working towards them in practice, They will be able to build a brighter, more equitable, and more just future for all Americans. Have a safe and wonderful celebration.

Can you always come back?

Bob Dylan once poignantly sang, "You can always come back, but you can't come back all the way," in his timeless song "Mississippi." This profound statement resonates deeply with us as listeners, evoking a range of interpretations, but at its core, it conveys the idea that returning to a previous state or situation may not be feasible, or if it is, it often comes with certain limitations or alterations.

Consider the scenario of someone leaving their hometown and later returning after many years. Upon their return, they might find that the passage of time has transformed the place they once knew, making it impossible to recapture the essence of the past. Similarly, individuals who endure traumatic experiences may gradually heal and recover, but it is improbable for them to fully revert to their pre-trauma state.

This concept extends to relationships as well. Even if two people reconcile after a breakup or disagreement, the dynamic between them may have fundamentally shifted, leaving behind residual effects or changes that permanently shape their connection.

Numerous other situations exemplify the notion that a complete return is elusive. Consider individuals recovering from severe illnesses or injuries who may never fully regain their former mental or physical state. Similarly, someone who drops out of school and later returns to continue their education might struggle to catch up with their peers who had an uninterrupted educational journey.

Moreover, in the aftermath of a natural or human-made disaster, a community's efforts to rebuild might lead to a transformed landscape, rendering it distinct from its pre-disaster state. Even if someone seeks forgiveness and attempts to make amends after breaking trust, regaining the same level of trust may prove to be an arduous task.

Taking an extended break from one's career often results in difficulties regaining the previous level of seniority, salary, or position. The substantial changes in these scenarios make it challenging to come back all the way.

Acknowledging and accepting these changes is essential, while simultaneously directing our focus towards the positive aspects that can emerge from them.

Assisting individuals in accepting and acknowledging significant changes can be a complex process, requiring compassion and understanding. Several strategies may prove helpful in this endeavor:

First and foremost, lending an empathetic ear and allowing individuals to freely express their thoughts and emotions is crucial. Encouraging them to openly discuss their feelings without judgment or interruption creates a safe space for them to process their experiences.

Validating their emotions and reassuring them that it is normal to feel the way they do can be immensely comforting. By helping them comprehend the difficulty of their situation while emphasizing the possibility of moving forward, we instill hope and resilience.

Attempting to empathize by placing ourselves in their shoes enables us to understand their perspective more deeply. Demonstrating this understanding and offering unwavering support fosters an environment of trust and reassurance.

Encouraging individuals to seek help if needed, whether through therapy, support groups, or other resources, is vital. It is important to emphasize that reaching out for assistance is not a sign of weakness but rather a display of strength and self-care.

While acknowledging the changes that have occurred, it is equally important to explore the potential for growth and new opportunities. Assisting individuals in recognizing that unforeseen possibilities may await them can broaden their horizons and promote a sense of optimism.

Ultimately, supporting someone in accepting and acknowledging significant changes requires patience, empathy, and understanding. By standing beside them and offering unwavering support, we demonstrate our commitment. Simultaneously, respecting their autonomy and allowing them to progress at their own pace is paramount.

While we can only speculate about Bob Dylan's intention when he penned those lyrics, his statement suggests that while a return to a previous state or situation may be conceivable, it is unlikely to be an exact replica and often accompanies limitations or alterations

Should seniors exercise this summer?

There are several reasons why we should exercise regularly.

 Exercise plays a key role in maintaining and improving physical health. Regular exercise helps us maintain an ideal weight, strengthens bones, and improves heart health. Exercise can also help in preventing several chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis.

Those of us who exercise regularly tend to have better mental health. Exercise helps to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Exercise also helps in improving cognitive function and managing symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Regular exercise helps us to maintain our independence and mobility. Exercise helps in improving balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls, and improving overall mobility.

Exercise has been linked to increased longevity. If we exercise regularly, we may be able to live longer and enjoy a better quality of life.

Overall, regular exercise can have many positive benefits for us including improved physical health, and mental health, increased independence and mobility, and increased longevity.

So, use the summer to play, exercise and keep your health up.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA

 Happy Birthday Canada.  what a difference a century makes

The year was 1920, "One hundred years ago." What a difference a century makes! 

Here is some statistics from the 1920s: 

The average life expectancy for men was 47 years.

One product that Canada exported in large quantities to the United States was illegal alcohol

 Fuel for cars was sold in drug stores only. 

Only 14 percent of homes had a bathtub. 

The telephone had become a standard household appliance. 

Telephone lines were shared by many neighbours, which meant anyone could listen in on your conversation

Only 8 percent of homes had a telephone. 

The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph. 

The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower. 

The average wage in 1919 was 22 cents per hour. 

The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year. 

A competent accountant could expect to earn $2,000 per year. 

A dentist earned $2,500 per year. 

A veterinarian between $1,500 and 4,000 per year. And, a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.

 More than 95 percent of all births took place at home. 

Ninety percent of all Doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND government as "substandard."

Sugar cost four cents a pound. 

Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen. 

Coffee was fifteen cents a pound. 

Most women washed their hair once a month and, used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo. 

Canada passed a law prohibiting poor people from entering the country for any reason. 

The five leading causes of death were: 

1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis 
3. Diarrhea 
4. Heart disease 
5. Stroke 

Newfoundland was not part of Canada

Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea hadn't been invented yet. 

There was neither Mother's Day nor Father's Day. 

Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write. 

Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were available over counter at local drugstores. 

Back then pharmacists said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach, and bowels, and is a perfect guardian of health!" (Shocking?) 

Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help.