"Cowardice asks the question...is it safe? Expediency asks the question...is it politic? Vanity asks the question...is it popular? But conscience asks the question...is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but one must take it because it is right." ~Dr. Martin Luther King

Saturday 13 June 2015

THE UNEXPECTED


There were eighteen comments to the last post.,The last  one made me smile.

"Communist " it said in sharp response to "Neocon"

The reaction was not what I expected. 

Society is at fault.

Political Parties of all stripes  are the villains. 

Parents no longer care about their children. 

Broken families are responsible for society's ills. 

Teachers and the education system are to blame. 

The strap is no longer allowed in  schools. 

There are no consequences for bad behaviour. 

All the old saws we repeat to each other all the time were repeated in the comments
  
The most disturbing information provided in the post came from the psychiatrit's lecture at Hart House f

He said our children are being diagnosed with mental problems  and prescribed medication to control their behaviour as a result of  the pharmaceutical industry successful promotion of their product to the medical profession. 

He came out of retirement to make the statement .  Children  are being used, I would say abused, for no reason other than commercial greed of companies that manufacture mind altering drugs. 


76 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have no idea who is prepared to stand in front of the big drug companies. It is a messy situation.

Anonymous said...


I would suspect that frustrated parents, unable to control their children are as much, if not more so, to blame.

A drug company is not going to invest sometimes upward of a billion dollars and undergo an extensive testing period that can go on for five years unless there is a proven need or benefit from a new drug.

And we know that many doctors get kickbacks from drug companies for recommending and using their products.

It still comes down on the parents and their inability, through both working or whatever manner of life they lead.

Anonymous said...

I was afraid of my teachers.
Today's teachers are afraid of their students.
There has to be a middle ground.
The national testing shows real problems.

Anonymous said...

13:21- So was I, I used to trust cops. Not anymore. I haven't for years. I don't think many do either anymore.

Anonymous said...

"Whatever manner life they lead"...I think you nailed the problem right there!

Anonymous said...

My folks likely would have given me pills if that had been an option./ Same with the rest of the kids on the street. They just threw us out to play until dark instead.

Anonymous said...

Parents count on baby-sitters, nannies, teachers for school and sports and pills. Not to mention computers.

Anonymous said...

If our property taxes were lower, we could afford to live on one salary and not use all of the other things to occupy the children. Unfortunitly, residents demand more and more and everyone has to pay for it. So, what can you do?

Anonymous said...

15:36 - 30% of residents are asking for more and more. The other 70% do and say nothing. If more of the electorate communicated to their politicians and participated in the voting process, changes would happen.

Anonymous said...

15:36
We try to elect those who would try to help. Pick your own slate and work for it.

Anonymous said...

15:36 S
See 18:31 comment. How do you think the SCC got what they wanted and continue to do so ? I continue to ask people if they if they've ever been to that center, and they look at me like I have 2 heads. Never heard of it! Have no clue how much Council forks over to operate it every year!

Anonymous said...

So, 18:31, that must put you in the "30%," right?

Anonymous said...

Yes I am. What's your point?

Anonymous said...

Have you ever been to it, 20:12?

Anonymous said...

20:12
That may be coming to an end - depends on what they hear in the community between now and the next budget. There is definitely some shape-shifting already,

Anonymous said...

In the grand scheme of things, what does the SCC (or should that be ACC?) get from the Town? That's a rhetorical question but, if they did not get that money, what would the direct impact to my tax bill be? It would be marginal.

My complaint about taxes is on the bigger items. We can complain about the ACC or Farmer's Market or whatever, the real money wasters are never talked about.

Anonymous said...

8:29 - Yes I have. What's your point?

Anonymous said...

$$ shape-shifting. With big corporations leaving the area. $'s leaving too.

Anonymous said...

Thank You, 10:22. Finally, a reasonable, sensible commenter.

Anonymous said...

@20:12/12:58

Just that maybe you need a wider circle of friends, or perhaps you should invite some of those that have allegedly 'never heard of it' to accompany you on your next visit.

Anonymous said...

Shape-shifting?! What are you on about?

Look, the haters had their chance when the agreement was revisited. What came out of that was a new, 15-year contract with the Town. Also, the loudest, most persistent critic failed to get re-elected to Council.

It's time you found a new dead horse to flog. Move along, there's nothing to see here...

Anonymous said...

19:27
When the piggy bank is empty, contracts become nul and void. If you think this Town and Region can sustain this type of spending all in the name of "improving the quality of life" for the selected few? Think again.

Anonymous said...

15:35
My friends and I supprt private businesses and organizations in this town and the surrounding area who provide the same services.

Anonymous said...

It will be like the Jazz Group. The community will just say " Enough " one day as they see a small pod continue to use the building and support with an annual subsidy while making no attempt to get more self sufficient. Other needs will naturally take over the interest of residents. The Centre almost got funding cut at the last minute in the budget this year - their time is drawing down IMO

Anonymous said...

What I really wish this town was "void" of is whack-jobs - them and cranks.

Anonymous said...

8:20 - Well I guess that's something that we can all agree on.

Anonymous said...

I wonder if anyone has told them that organizations with boards should know how to take minutes of meetings. But maybe there are no awards offered for doing such a mundane thing.

Anonymous said...

@19:27
That is why the Centre has a " contingency Fund " of half a million. For when the bunch of you get the boot.
When times get tough, you will not be on the list that must be rescued.

Anonymous said...

What "small pod" are you talking about? The facility and what it offers is for *everyone* in town. It is an Town amenity; much like the library, the arenas and other recreational facilities, the Seniors Centre, the youth space, the parks, trails, and arboretum, etc.

Obviously, there's a few here who need to change their mind-sets, because incorrect impressions and unfounded biases still persist.

Anonymous said...

There is absolutely no comparison, 02:37.

Anonymous said...

20:34 - Have you not noticed the hundreds of acres of new home development? The "piggy bank" will never be empty.

Anonymous said...

15:50
I think you might want to drop a zero there ? There is a fund though.

Anonymous said...

16:02
" like the Library " ? And all the other amenities that have existed and developed for years ?
After a few short controversial years ?
What are you smoking ?

Everything for Everyone said...

"...the bunch of you..."

No. Such. Thing.

Anonymous said...


It's truly amazing how many people will comment on a piece of history.

4x (Space Bar) Question Mark said...

Yep, 18:57, a successful addition to the fabric of town life in a few short years. That, despite the misguided and failed efforts of the haters. It can proudly take its place with those other great Aurora amenities, and we're all the better for it.

Anonymous said...

20:25- " successful addition to the fabric of town life"? Bahahaha!

Anonymous said...

16:33
You really think that this last parcel of land in home development is going to sustain the spending that government is doing? ... I guess we have some room for a bunch of multi level condos...and then what? Oh ya!! I forgot! Increase taxes. I forgot about that revenue tool. Your right! The piggy bank will always have money in it.

Anonymous said...

I love the ' providing services '
More like ' duplicating services ' already provided by the town, service clubs and local businesses.
I will grant you the tea lectures and hat making contests

Anonymous said...

I wasn't referring to development charges, 22:31. I meant that all that new home construction will provide many more properties contributing annual property taxes to the Town coffers.

By the way, thanks for acknowledging that I'm right.

Anonymous said...

22:31- until hard working tax payers say. ENOUGH of this BS!

Anonymous said...

I think the Centre should publish a book telling of its origins during one of the worst terms Aurora knew and how they came to be in a building not intended for them as one time with a board chair who was almost incapable of giving a simple sentence unaided. About a group that shuns the light on its operations and keeps no minutes, was intended to become self sufficient and could not.
A simple little truthful book
If they do not one of us surely can Mr Watts would be perfect for the job.

Anonymous said...

11:00. You were quite clear about your comment. PRoperty taxes has always been a great revenue tool for government. And if they have to raise them for pet projects?...that's ok with you.

Anonymous said...

21:56- We'd only be reading about how they had a "vision" to provide all residents of Aurora a "service" so that they can "improve our quality of life". Then we would have to hear about all their uphill obsticles to provide this Town these "essential " services and how they persevered to make this center a "successful addition to the fabric of town life"....No thanks! I've heard and read enough of their BS.

Anonymous said...

9:25
I see your point but would regard it as comic to see how they explained the changing of the board members whenever things got a bit messy or just prior to an election. Still, OK, no book.

Anonymous said...

No, not for "pet projects," but for value-added Town amenities.

Anonymous said...


Hey people. Are your little minds not numb by now?

Would you not rather have been on the Salisbury Plain where Stonehenge makes its home?

Would you not rather have been one of some 23,000 people who attended at the neolithic site to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of this year 2015. According to reports "visitors kissed the stones, dancers swirled on the grass and drummers pounded as part of the free form celebrations. A small group pf yoga enthusiasts held a short class and couples renewed their commitments to each other."

For those who don't know "this solstice occurs at the instant the sun reaches its most northerly point on the celestial sphere, the imaginary sphere of stars surrounding Earth."

Stonehenge was built in three phases between 3,000 B.C. and 1,600 B.C. and we do not yet know its purpose.

So people of Aurora, open your eyes and expand your minds to things that are truly spectacular. Throw this other rubbish down the drain.

Anonymous said...

and another senator bites the dust .........

Anonymous said...

No 17:25 We will fight to get back a stolen museum.

Anonymous said...


19:56

What is your choice of weapon?

By the way. Where are the artifacts that are supposed to be in our museum?

Anonymous said...

Have you tried holding your breath while stamping your feet, 19:56?

Anonymous said...

19:56- Is that you, Mr. Creepy Tours?

Anonymous said...

To add fuel to another fire.......

I was driving by the former Hydro Building on the weekend. The Queen's York Rangers sign is gone on both sides. Did Evelyn evict them?

Anonymous said...

9:09
You could try going and asking - if anyone is in the place. It might just be a new one coming with updated info
Funny if they had left but don't hold your breath. it's a soft rent.

Anonymous said...

News Item...

The Former Mayor of the Town of Aurora is asking the Town on Twitter about the posting of the CAO position. I bet she is going to throw in her hat.

Anonymous said...

@ 8:28
What is it with you trying to out people who comment on the Blog ? When you are quite paranoid about protecting your own identity ? I think it is because you once ran for council and were defeated because you appeared arrogant. That might explain your antipathy to Mr Watts who spotted your antics early.

Anonymous said...

15:02- They're probably still in there, but if not...they have a contract stating it's all there's for 20 yrs. next to nothing. Another great business transaction from our fine council.

Anonymous said...

21:19- How about 0 tax payers money. That should do it.

Anonymous said...

8:28.
Mr. Creepy tours has done more for this Town then that whole circus in the SCC. All on his own time.

Anonymous said...

15:31
Her " Hat " ?

Anonymous said...

15:51
The current one is not a heck of a lot better on real estate transactions. We do not need the Armory even as a gift.

Anonymous said...

I know there are artifacts missing.The new curator is questioning also.

You're Batting .000 said...

Well, 15:33, you're as right about that as you are with everything else.

#shamelessselfpromotion said...

Please cite examples, 15:55.

Anonymous said...

We sure do need it! It can become " part of the successful fabric of this Town!" ....or some kind of BS like that.

Anonymous said...

19:19
Your kidding right? You must be new to this Town. Google his name and you'll have your examples.

Anonymous said...

The former was a "her" and she has been known to wear those silly hats.

Anonymous said...

20:25 Your funny.

Anonymous said...

18:49
You "know" nothing of the sort. A previous curator has assured the new curator that that isn't the case.

Anonymous said...

18:49 Who is the previous?

Anonymous said...

OK - Evelyn has moved on and this is just getting silly........Enuff Already !

Anonymous said...

15:31- So much of her Twitter feed is just (unintentionally) hilarious, particularly the anti-bullying stuff. There's just a complete lack of self-awareness.

Anonymous said...

Seventy is a good # to end the comments.

Anonymous said...

She's always been totally aware of everything she says and does.

Anonymous said...

Funny...I didn't know that this was your blog. I thought it was Evelyn's

Anonymous said...

Self-awareness is not the same thing, 21:08.