VETERANS SUPPORT DRIVE - MEDIA NEWS RELEASE

Doing What You Say, Not Just Saying What You Would Do!

There is no better way to make change than doing something. Wishing things were different does no one any good. As the old saying goes,"the road is paved with good intentions."

TRANSPORT

I personally will pave it with a little rubber from my tires. The members of the Equitas Society are taking on the Government over fair treatment of all Veterans. They are asking only to be equal, not special. They are asking for support and donations.

This is where I can do something. I have donated significant moneys from my own retirement funds to help and I will also be driving across Canada, to raise awareness for their cause. We all can do our part. I'm doing mine, and proud of it!

You can follow my journey cross country on my blog.

EQUITAS SOCIETY FACEBOOK

NEWS RELEASE J.I.M.I. (Job Induced Mental Illness) Attached

We started out, a Colony. Then a Dominion. Finally we are, a Country. As a Country we must work on pride in what it truly means;"to be Canadian."Things I believe as a Canadian. The Military and RCMP should never be loyal to any political party or ideology. Religion should be a personal choice but should never interfere with the running of a country or the making of laws. The free spending Senators, who are confused about forms and where they live and our Walmart Greeter, "The Governor General", must go. The Minister of Finance, wanting to pay for the Senators and GG with our hard earned cash has his hands so far down into my pocket: I am beginning to smile and blush. The money saved Mr. Finance Minister, would more than help our Veterans and our Country.

As a Veteran, I see a problem. The problem I see is that two organizations (the Military and RCMP) who have no political power or right to unionize, are being taken for granted. The one thing, that will never be in power, never have a voice to defend them. The one thing, they have sworn to lay their own lives down for. To defend at all cost, cannot help them. THEIR COUNTRY!

I myself, by myself, with no outside sponsorship, feel compelled to do something to effect change. The Equitas Society

 is going ahead with their class action lawsuit against the Government of Canada. They are doing this for non-self serving reasons. They have kindly asked for Canadians to help them right a wrong. I'm on my way.

I am going to answer their call for help and action. With my own retirement money and using my own time and vehicle, I will be crossing Canada in an effort to raise the awareness of this group and their cause. I will not be taking donations or gifts. You must send those to Equitas. If any person, corporation or party would like to provide basic necessities such as; food, gas or shelter, that would be appreciated.

This drive is not about me or for me. This drive is for all Veterans, serving RCMP / Military and First Responders (more about First Responders in later Blogs). Equitas is fighting for fairness and they need all the assistance,we as a Country can give them. I am going to do this and donate cash as well. This is my decision alone but, as I drive you are welcome to follow as long as you like, to show solidarity for their cause. From now till the day I depart, I will be passing on more information.

My job experience for this task is quite lengthy. 14 years of fighting the different government departments for fairness and justice.(not achieved yet). This includes Senior Officers violating Orders, making a Settlement through ADR. Losing the Settlement so I could not receive VAC pension right away. The Privacy Commission who thinks it is okay that DND lost the Settlement documents and file. Ethics that will not talk to me. GG who will not help. Senator and Local MP who will not help and Human Rights and their lack of understanding that a mentally injured Veteran wanting to bring a case against the Government, is disabled. (not the current status)

Finally: for VAC who I have dealt with extensively for the past 9 years. I know their Modus Operendi all to well and I think most NVC (New Veterans Charter) Veterans, know what I mean by that.

Much more to follow. I hope to see you all on the road Westbound or at least, financially assisting these Patriots in their efforts, for all of us.

TIME TO GET OUR CANARDS IN A LINEAR FASHION!

BE WITH THE TEAM, ONE MORE TIME

UNITED WE STAND.... ACTUALLY, 

THEY DON'T HAVE A CHANCE!

In support of the Class Action Lawsuit filed by Military Veterans.

The Equitas Society of BC.against the Government of Canada.

GET OUT THERE AND DRIVE WITH ME!

NFLD RIGGINS NO.3 Last Of The Funny Entries (Business Next)

In my continuing desire to blend into the lifestyle of the Province, I tried to select some more Danny William's approved,"Road Riggins."

As my departure date draws ever closer, I shall point out some items that may come in handy as I traverse this wonderful Province.

MY THIRD CHOICE WERE THESE ITEMS - SEE IF YOU CAN GUESS THEIR PURPOSE?

DON'T WORRY THEY ARE PLASTIC! 

I USE THESE AS A DETERRENT!

There is a song by Arlo Guthrie called, "Alice's Restaurant." It was written in the Vietnam era to expose the craziness of the military medical/draft procedures.

Please listen to the song. After hearing the whole song, you will understand, Group "W". You will know why you are put there and under what circumstances. I hope you enjoy the song. I realize it is a little dated but, the message about how out of control the military can get, still rings true.

Alice's Restaurant

NFLD RIGGINS - NO.2

In my continuing desire to blend into the lifestyle of the Province, I tried to select some more Danny William's approved,"Road Riggins."

GOT TO LOOK GOOD ON THE ROAD!

As my departure date draws ever closer, I shall point out some items that may come in handy as I traverse this wonderful Province.

MY SECOND CHOICE WAS THIS ITEM - SEE IF YOU CAN GUESS IT'S PURPOSE?

THE INTERNATIONAL FISHING RULES!

1. No sabotaging catches

2. Help with catch

3. Longest fish wins (Nose to tip of tail)

4. Cheating is good

5. 24 HR long illness / injury not included

6. Must fish together

7. Must catch your own fish

8. Must actively fish in known fishing areas

9. Equal time for favorite fishing spots

10. No distractions while catching fish

More Tomorrow

NEWFOUNDLAND RIGGIN'S! - GOT TO HAVE'UM

In my desire to blend into the lifestyle of the Province, I tried to select some Danny William's approved,"Road Riggins."

As my departure date draws ever closer, I shall point out some items that may come in handy as I traverse this wonderful Province.

MY FIRST CHOICE WAS THIS ITEM - SEE IF YOU CAN GUESS IT'S PURPOSE?

ALL ITEMS FITTED FOR MY TRUCK

ANY WORD FROM THOSE BIKER GUYS/GALS FROM CAV??

FOR THRILLS - MY FORMATION LEAD BY; "ARMY ONE"

The Countdown Has Begun

I meet with SUN Media tomorrow. As the days move closer to my departure, more and more information will become available to the public. The one thing we all fought for was,"freedom of speech". How about we all give it a try together.

Very kind well wishes from a very kind and caring supporter of Veteran's issues regarding mental health. You may know her from the Olympics, Clara Hughes.

With All Of Us Together - We Can Make Change Happen!

LETTER TO CLARA HUGHES

Hi Clara; I told you that I would not bother you unless I had some important news. I will be

starting a drive across Canada in support of two things.

First, as a gesture of support for those in the Equitas Society who are in a Class Action 

Lawsuit against the treatment of Veterans. 

Secondly, I will be bringing awareness to the plight of First Responders. Military, 

Police, EMS and Rescue personnel. I am trying to make the employers of these people 

understand that, mental issues will come up due to their exposure to traumatic events and 

this is to be anticipated. Just the nature of their work, these people need talk time and 

professional help without the fear of losing their job or have a stigma attached to them for 

saying, on occasion, I NEED HELP! 


I leave St John's on the 5th of September. I hope to meet you 

somewhere along my travels. Take care. Michael.

THE POWER OF A DOLLAR

Senate reform, what is the problem? I do not see a problem. The position of Senator should be one of Honour,  Dignity and Pride.

Currently it appears that Senators can't understand forms. They can't figure out where they live. I'm sure that not all Senators are bad or confused but there obviously are some. I know this is going to be a stretch for most of you but; I HIGHLY DOUBT THAT SENATORS ARE FROM THE LOWER or MIDDLE CLASS WAGE EARNERS! They are all rich in our; "The average Canadian's" eye. Why are the poor or middle class people paying for this? The final question that should be asked by us as citizens is, if Senators are confused about where they live and do not know what a legitimate expense is then, maybe they should seek medical help and their Security Clearance should be lifted.


"The power of a dollar". They are already rich. They should look at being a Senator as a position of Honour and work for 1 (one) dollar a year. This would solve the governments Constitution problems / questions. We could as a country again, be re-assured that the Senate and Senators are working for the best interest of our Country. Their pay of 1 (one) dollar would make Canadians happy. The Finance department would save millions or our taxpayer dollars and we would not have to pay auditors money to come in and look at expenses. Isn't this what the Auditor General is for? We already pay for that person. More money wasted.

Might as well through in the "Walmart Greeter", The Commander in Chief while we are at it. For all the help he has provided suffering Veterans, I think 1 (one) dollar is too rich!

DRIVE INVITE & THE CAV

I put out an email yesterday to CAVHQ (Trapper). I would like to put out a general invitation to all on 2 or 4 wheels to drive along with me for as long as you wish. The company would be great. If anyone needs to know timings, I can give you rough ones now but I will be doing a daily Blog post enroute and you will have exact times then. Let's have a little fun before the Summer is gone and support those from the Equitas Society at the same time. NQNS

IT SEEMS MY FORWARD LOOKING NVG'S 

ARE A LITTLE ANXIOUS TO GET GOING

IN SUPPORT OF OUR VETERANS

In support of the Class Action Lawsuit filed by Military Veterans.

The Equitas Society of BC.against the Government of Canada.

GET OUT THERE AND DRIVE WITH ME!

CANADIAN EVOLUTION 101

We started out, a Colony. Then a Dominion. Finally we are, a Country. As a Country we must work on pride in what it truly means;"to be Canadian."

Evolution of the Senator

Things I believe as a Canadian. The Military and RCMP should never be loyal to any political party or ideology. Religion should be a personal choice but should never interfere with the running of a country or the making of laws. The free spending Senators, who are confused about forms and where they live and our Walmart Greeter, "The Governor General", must go. The Minister of Finance, wanting to pay for the Senators and GG with our hard earned cash has his hands so far down into my pocket: I am beginning to smile and blush. The money saved Mr. Finance Minister, would more than help our Veterans and our Country.

As a Veteran, I see a problem. The problem I see is that two organizations (the Military and RCMP) who have no political power or right to unionize, are being taken for granted. The one thing, that will never be in power, never have a voice to defend them. The one thing, they have sworn to lay their own lives down for. To defend at all cost, cannot help them. THEIR COUNTRY!

I myself, by myself, with no outside sponsorship, feel compelled to do something to effect change. The Equitas Society

 is going ahead with their class action lawsuit against the Government of Canada. They are doing this for non-self serving reasons. They have kindly asked for Canadians to help them right a wrong. I'm on my way.

I am going to answer their call for help and action. With my own retirement money and using my own time and vehicle, I will be crossing Canada in an effort to raise the awareness of this group and their cause. I will not be taking donations or gifts. You must send those to Equitas. If any person, corporation or party would like to provide basic necessities such as; food, gas or shelter, that would be appreciated.

This drive is not about me or for me. This drive is for all Veterans, serving RCMP / Military and First Responders (more about First Responders in later Blogs). Equitas is fighting for fairness and they need all the assistance,we as a Country can give them. I am going to do this and donate cash as well. This is my decision alone but, as I drive you are welcome to follow as long as you like, to show solidarity for their cause. From now till the day I depart, I will be passing on more information.

My job experience for this task is quite lengthy. 14 years of fighting the different government departments for fairness and justice.(not achieved yet). This includes Senior Officers violating Orders, making a Settlement through ADR. Losing the Settlement so I could not receive VAC pension right away. The Privacy Commission who thinks it is okay that DND lost the Settlement documents and file. Ethics that will not talk to me. GG who will not help. Senator and Local MP who will not help and Human Rights and their lack of understanding that a mentally injured Veteran wanting to bring a case against the Government, is disabled. (not the current status)

Finally: for VAC who I have dealt with extensively for the past 9 years. I know their Modus Operendi all to well and I think most NVC (New Veterans Charter) Veterans, know what I mean by that.

Much more to follow. I hope to see you all on the road Westbound or at least, financially assisting these Patriots in their efforts, for all of us.

TIME TO GET OUR CANARDS IN A LINEAR FASHION!

BE WITH THE TEAM, ONE MORE TIME

UNITED WE STAND.... ACTUALLY, 

THEY DON'T HAVE A CHANCE!

KEEP ON WORKING THEY NEED IT!

An urgent message out from the Senate. They need you to possibly get a second job and there will be more cuts to Veterans. The explanation was simple and easy for the normal everyday Canadian to understand. The elite in this country are running a little short of YOUR CASH!!! They have expenses you know. Complex forms to fill out including the most tricky of all:   WHERE DO YOU LIVE??

I think the TORONTO STAR says it best;  Please click on the link below to understand why you need a second job.

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/02/15/senate_finance_data.html

Now being an understanding compassionate Canadian and Veteran, I do feel for these Senators. For example; Mr Dallaire, who I flew supplies into Rwanda for, was in Command of the UN mission there. He has spent a little over $300,000.00 in travel expenses. Being a Veteran himself and having had some PTSD issues, I would think that all of the current Veterans  have received exactly the same treatment as he did from DND and VAC.

1. The treatment we have all received such as dialing; 1-866-522-2122 the,"we no nothing line," but will forward you to the, "someone who is not there line", for assistance.

2. A Case Manager who does not have access to all of your file so they cannot answer your questions or provide assistance.

3. DND losing files, the ones that support the VAC case.

4. Finally, having to wait 4 months for VAC to make a wrong decision so you must appeal and then wait another 4 months for that decision and on and on, until the VAC lawyers, will no longer support you because they are only allowed to fight VAC about VAC stuff. If your complaint involves another government department, you are on your own.

5. Knowing that the Government lawyers have the opinion of Mr Dallaire, as clearly stated in BC Federal Court, that he is to be treated no different than anyone else on Public Assistance. I guess that is why he is a Senator.

Since we have Senators to help give the Government guidance. Since Mr. Dallaire was unable to assist me, he has probably donated significant funds to the Equitas Society in support of their lawsuit.

 We are all equal under the law

All valued Canadians with legitimate opinions.

MISINFORMED MISINFORMATION

A Professor Not Understanding What He Is Professing

Paul Robinson is a professor at the University of Ottawa. Writer for the Ottawa Citizen. Good for him. Does that make him entitled to comment on anything he has not experienced first hand? I think not.

peter.stoffer.a1@parl.gc.ca

Please see the following letter to editor Peter Stoffer submitted in response to an article that appeared in the Ottawa Citizen on August 6^th.    The website link to the original opinion piece by Paul Robinson is included in Peter’s letter below. 

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/There+sacred+duty+Canada+veterans/8750653/story.html 

****

Dear Editor,

I vehemently disagree with Paul Robinson and his opinion that “There is no ‘sacred duty’ to Canada’s veterans.” (Ottawa Citizen August 6).

Paul gives an example of motorcycle riders getting into accidents and 

sustaining head trauma.

"To illustrate this point, in an article titled Why Treat the Wounded? Michael Gross asks us to imagine a scenario in which three people suffer identical head injuries: a man riding a motorbike and wearing a helmet, who through no fault of his own is struck by a speeding car; another man, also riding a motorbike, but not wearing a helmet, who runs a red light and hits a car; and a soldier injured in battle. It is not obvious in this scenario why the state has a duty to give the soldier better medical treatment than it gives to the bikers.

Reading this confused mans' explanation brings some important questions to my mind. Was the motorbike driver in a war zone? Was the motorbike driver looking out for snipers?  Was the motorbike driver concerned about hitting an IED? Was the motorbike driver traveling with a platoon of other motorbike riders at the time? Did the motorbike driver and his platoon, witnessed or hear about another motorbike rider being killed the day before? Was the motorbike driver away from his/her friends and family for months? Was the motorbike driver given adequate trauma counselling in theatre exactly like they would if they were a civilian having experienced a school shooting the day before? Was the motorbike driver ordered to drive that day regardless of his mental or physical condition? Did the motorbike driver have access to free private confidential medical treatment upon his request that day?

Any individual with the narrow minded, uneducated, ignorant point of view of comparing a motorbike rider getting a head injury in Canada to a member of our military, overseas, getting the same injury under totally different circumstances, needs more schooling and maybe, just maybe, a little TI!

Oh writer Paul, TI means "TIME IN". Which means time in service to ones country in a war zone. Civilian! 

"Abuse of Process" UNIONIZE OUR MILITARY, NOW!

 Federal lawyers argued the veterans' lawsuit is "abuse of process" that should be thrown out. Really? So the Rights Veteran's fought for are now an "Abuse of Process." This is the; "Mercenary Effect!"

When civilians try to join the military, they are taught the honour and dignity of serving ones country. They are advised that their service to their country is very much appreciated and it is an honourable profession  There is no military union because the Government, for 79 years, took care of their Veterans. Now Veterans are a drag on the Government. What was an honourable career of serving ones own country has become a problem and those darn Veterans are just making an,"Abuse of Process" in trying to receive what those prior to the New Veterans Charter of 2006, received.

The Royal Canadian Legion, which should have been there as a substitute Union Representative Body, is not helping. Speaking of,"Royal," Where is Waldo anyway? I haven't heard a peep out of our "Commander in Chief." I realize that I do not fully understand politics but, if I am given a job with a title, let us just pluck one out of the air, let us say,"Commander in Chief of the Canadian Forces and Queen's own Representative. I would assume I should do something to live up to that Title. I am obviously misinformed. The old Veterans are happy with what they have and the New Veterans are having to go it alone. In this same environment at the same time, the Royal Canadian Legion is wondering why their membership is dropping, and quickly. Might it have something to do with non-support of current Veterans and their reaction to, the inaction of the; Queen's Royal Representative the GG and/or the Royal Canadian Legion? I think that, a "Union" calling itself the;"Canadian Armed Forces", (the Canadian Navy, Air Force and Army), has a nice ring to it. If the Harper Government wants to save money, fire the Generals that seem to miscommunicate with the MND. Lose the Senate and for heavens sake, lose the so called,"Commander in Chief" and replace him with a low budget actor/actress. You will get more bang for your buck that way.

NEWS FLASH!...JUST IN, WE HAVE A NEW GG SIGHTING!...HE STILL LOOKS TOO BUSY TO HELP.

"The Mercenary Effect!" Well, if you need a military, but you are not willing to pay for the sacrifice that these people make, then one of two things will happen. The first is that the general public will have heard so much bad about the military and it's treatment of Veteran's that, fewer and fewer will stay in or even join. In this situation, the Government will be forced to pay more, with more benefits. Why put your life at risk for your country if you can make the same money and not have such poor working conditions or benefit packages. That is one scenario. The second is, "Unionize." Yes, just like the German military, we could form our own,"Canadian Military Union." If the military formed a "Union," what could the Government really do about it? It is not like they could call in replacement workers. I think it is time for a reality check here. The average military member has, "The Ruby Slippers" and can click their heels together and just say NO! to the status quo. The Government wants it both ways. They want a military but pay as little as possible.This is good business but, the military is not a business  It is a way of life. Unlike any other job, it asks you to do things and go places civilians would not.

The NDP understands,"Unions." They understand why Unions were formed in the first place. The NDP are the,"Official Opposition." The Liberals, the 3rd party, have always been against a strong military and the Conservatives want us but not pay the cost. We have more Generals' per soldier than almost every other country in the world. To top that off, when they are finished in the military their buddies who they newly appointed behind them are so grateful  that the retiring Generals all get plumb jobs as consultants or some other paying connection to the military. If I am not mistaken, the former CDS is running the Royal Canadian Legion and for sure, he is unbiased...........ya think??? 

Canadian Veterans VS Canadian Government

With all the lawsuits between Veterans and the Conservative Government, a call for experts in helping resolve the issues was sent out.

The Government has compiled a short list of candidates and here are some photos of the work done by these individuals.

It is nice to see, for a change, the close attention to detail of these potentials has been observed by our current staff of problem solvers. The future sure looks bright to me, you???

REALLY? - WHY AM I NOT SURPRISED!