Grey Power: "putting money aside" (3)

["But it's not that we don't have the money"]

Today Canada may be seen as a country at war with rising costs, with the average Canadian woefully unprepared to survive the long-haul. Boomers are aging and rising health costs may swamp the federal government's fiscal boat, a vessel already awash with red flags, i.e., fewer future workers, unmanageable debt, a struggling economy and increasing expenses in many other areas (aging infrastructure for one). A brave approach and radical plans and policies are required to help bail us out.


We could learn lessons perhaps by glancing back to the time Canada entered World War 2 and used its resources - both human and monetary - to combat and vanquish a determined foe.

When Canada declared war on Germany in September, 1939 (one week after Great Britain had done so), we were a country with only a few rusty rifles in a broom closet. Said the federal Chief of Staff, Major General A. G. L. McNaughton:

     
     "Except as regards rifles and rifle ammunition,
     partial stocks of which were inherited from the
     Great War, the country has no reserves of
     equipment and ammunition." 

     In all Canada there was not a single modern anti-
     aircraft gun, few operational military aircraft, no
     aerial bombs. There was ammunition for 90 minutes'
     fire from obsolescent field guns. "About the only
     article of which stocks are held," said McNaughton,
     "is harness. The composition of a modern land force
     would use very little horsed transport." [pg. 16,
     The Canadians at War 1939/45 Vol. 1]


Not only were the armed forces standing naked in the town square in '39 but the mood of the average Canadian was elsewhere. That year, during the month of August, when Hitler took possession of Slovakia, announced a ten-year non-aggression pact with Russia, moved new divisions of the Wehrmacht (German Army) to the Polish border, Toronto Star's headlines read as follows:


     $11,004 Needed Still by Fresh Air Fund

     
     Foil Grimsby Bank Holdup, Nab Suspect

     
     Toronto Man New Salvation Army Head 

["Above two photos are of text  from The Canadians at War"]

Fortunately, today, we have the resources to battle rising costs but our attention and will are elsewhere. Some are likely too busy watching TV. Others are spending money on bigger sets in order to watch highly paid professional actors and athletes go through the motions, none as important - in my mind - as the battle ahead related to keeping significant services afloat for all Canadians.

["Watching TV, while trouble brews, is so exciting"]

More to follow.


Photos by GH


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