CSANews Issue 74

Thank heavens that we are Canadian!

Most of the world around us seems to have gone mad or bankrupt or both, and I believe that we are just seeing the tip of the iceberg. But we in Canada have been fairly well insulated from all of these problems. Sure, we lost some money in the market crash, U.S. property values have gone down substantially and interest rates are close to nothing, BUT… the stock market has gone back up, property values in the U.S. have stabilized (and it does not matter unless you want to sell, anyway) and interest rates are going to go up, a lot.

The major problem we seem to have is probably in the jobs area; there are a lot of people out of work and this does affect retired people, as well. The unemployed do not buy cars or go to restaurants or buy things, other than food, and the whole economy suffers as a result. There is a ripple effect that affects our governments at all levels.

Tax revenues go down, a lot, and people who lost money get tax refunds instead of paying taxes; the same goes for the unemployed , they no longer pay taxes and, instead, become a burden on us all as the government must assist in supporting them. It’s a vicious circle and I must give full credit to our Canadian elected representatives who have protected us so well. I do wish that they would spend a little less of our hard-earned money, though.

A poem I found in my father’s old papers sort of sums up everything for me.

Drinking From the Saucer

I’ve never made a fortune and it’s probably too late now,
But I don’t worry about that much I’m happy anyhow.
And as I go along life’s way I’m reaping better than I sow,
I’m drinking from my saucer
‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

Haven’t got a lot of riches and sometimes the going’s tough,
But I’ve got loving ones around me and that makes me rich enough.
I thank God for his blessings and the mercies He’s bestowed,
I’m drinking from my saucer
‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

O, Remember times when things went wrong
My faith wore somewhat thin,
But all at once the dark clouds broke
And sun peeped through again.
So Lord, help me not to gripe about the tough rows that I’ve hoed,
I’m drinking from my saucer
‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage
When the way grows steep and rough,
I’ll not ask for other blessings I’m already blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy to help others bear their loads,
Then I’ll keep drinking from my saucer
‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

~John Paul Moore

Have a great summer and our warmest best wishes to CSA’s new president Bob Slack and his lovely wife Lois. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but at least members in Ontario can now vote while they are away. Another CSA victory, and more to come.

J. Ross Quigley, Editor