To Immunize or Not to Immunize

Recently, Alberta decided not to force vaccines on everyone. I agree with this decision.  Why? No law should ever be put in place to force anyone to put something in their bodies they don’t want there.

Before we go any further, I believe most vaccines are meant to protect us. Most have very good prevention rates, such as MMR, whooping cough, meningitis, chicken pox, etc. The only real exception, in my mind, is the flu shot.  This vaccine is literally a guessing game when developed, based on the 5-6 most popular strains from areas that have winter before North America. It has also been proven that the flu virus mutates every 6 weeks, meaning the vaccine used may offer very little protection against any new, mutated strains. This is why some years the flu shot works well; some years it doesn’t.

Lots of people say we must also rely on something known as “herd immunity” with approximately 95% of the population needing to be vaccinated for this to happen.  Canada’s immunization rates are between 77% and 89%, depending on the province.  Now, if you do a bit of research, you’ll find that perhaps this isn’t as truthful as we’ve all been led to believe.  Here’s a link for one such article:  https://childrenshealthdefense.org/news/herd-immunity-a-false-rationale-for-vaccine-mandates/.

The popular mentality to herd immunization is that we protect the vulnerable — those with immune deficiencies or those unable to receive vaccines due to other health issues.  This is where this conversation always goes downhill.  Swiftly and with absolute rudeness.  I get it. We all want to believe our loved ones are safe because everyone else has been vaccinated when they cannot be.

However, there’s something we often forget.  There are many different viruses that we are not vaccinated for.  We have the potential to contract these every time we leave our homes.  Particularly those with compromised immune systems. My question is this: how do we protect against these? Do we invest a ton of money into research for a vaccine for every possible harmful virus and bacteria? Do we freak out about these every day threats?  No. We don’t. We choose to practice good hygiene. Or perhaps, we choose to stay home more to avoid seasons where viruses spread more quickly.

The other mentality that seriously irritates me with this entire conversation is the people who vaccinate themselves and their kids are often the ones freaking out the most. Which begs the question, do you not trust the vaccine? Because if you do, you need to chill out and mind your own business.  If you don’t trust the vaccine, then by all means, freak out.  🤷‍♀️

There’s also a popular misconception that those who choose not to vaccinate are doing so based on Jenny McCarthy’s claim that MMR is the cause of autism. I have asked several anti-vaxers their reasoning. Their reasons are often well-thought out, not based on whimsy and simply following along with celebrity opinions.  I have to respect this.  Why? It’s not my life. Not my body.  Not my choice.

There are also increasing vaccine related injuries, with some pretty horrific results. These ARE few and far between, but I do believe we deserve to know all possibilities before choosing what to put in our bodies.  The medical community is absolute shit about educating us on side-effects of pretty much every drug out there. So wrong.

And really, that’s what this entire conversation boils down to.  Choice.  We all think differently. We reason differently based on facts.  We all know the risks of not vaccinating.  We need to know more about side effects related to vaccines. Seriously. Start questioning doctors, nurses and pharmacists more. Our society has become far too dependent on drugs of all manner to “cure” us.

The next time this conversation comes up, be respectful. You don’t get to tell other people what to put in their bodies.  Period.

Destroying History??

First of all, I haven't been following this story very closely and am sure I'm lacking on the nitty-gritty details.  I'm thoroughly disgusted by people in the US who willfully destroyed a confederate statue this week, in response to a white nationalist rally in another area where a woman died.  How is this in any way a justification???  Isn't there law enforcement dealing with it?  Wasn't someone arrested?  Do you extremists feel better now or you have something else to destroy because there wasn't "enough" done?

I've wondered for ages how destroying a statue changes -- or rewrites -- history...  That's a seriously twisted corner of a person's mind to think destroying the symbol erases the history.  Honestly, I think it creates more hatred from one side to the other.  What happened historically, still happened.  There was still slavery, and that fact is still in every damn history book available.  The past cannot be changed.  What can be changed is our present and future.  Unless we continue this bullshit mindset of "us against them".

To me, an extremist is an extremist.  Whether they are a "white nationalist" or "antifa".  You all need to learn to play nicer in the middle of the sandbox because neither of your mindsets is right.  Let the past go. Learn from it, yes, but MOVE FORWARD and please.  Quit behaving like spoiled children who haven't gotten their way.

Refugee or Not to Refugee

I think we've all seen the comparison of Middle Eastern refugees:  "if you knew 3 candies out of 100 were poisonous, would you take a handful?"  Valid point.

Many have also seen the counter argument:  "I'd take several handfuls if meant saving a few people from a worn torn region".  Also a valid point.

Realistically, both of these examples are false.  Here's why:  Three poison candies will realistically kill only three people -- unless you somehow managed to get all 3 in your handful.

Three extremists have the capability to kill many.  Paris.  Brussels.  Orlando.

There really is only one solution:  end the war -- by whatever means -- that will bring a long-lasting peace to that constantly war-torn region.  Don't spread the war by spreading the people.

Type 1 Diabetes Parents DO Understand

As the parent of a type 1 diabetic teenager, life gets tough.  Often.  This damned disease throws a kink into every aspect of her life, and it radiates outward from there.  She has to think about every morsel of food that goes into her mouth.  It makes her think about testing every time she feels gross.  It makes her worry that she's going to drop low during exercise -- or when she sleeps and might not feel it.  It causes extra issues in the parent/kid relationship that would not be there if this disease hadn't come into our lives.

So is it any wonder our teens sometimes say "fuck it" and don't do what they need to do in order to stay healthy???

There's days I'm sick to death of dealing with this disease -- and it's not even my body going through the ups and downs.

Unfortunately, a quote from a type 1 in her early twenties, irritated me.  It was:  "you can't understand, but I do.  Sometimes we just don't want to be diabetic."  Sweetheart, you are so wrong if you think a parent doesn't understand much of what you go through.

My girly was 9 at diagnosis.  She may not have fully understood the ramifications of having this disease then.  Sometimes, I don't think she does, even now.  She didn't understand how to care for it, make calculations for insulin with her meals, or how to make adjustments to basal insulin.  She got to be a kid and this is the weight I carried and still do.  Now, to me, the "mechanics", if you will, is the easy part of this disease.  The emotional part??  Now that shit's hard.

I remember my daughter being afraid to come home from the hospital because she thought we couldn't care for her.  I held her while she cried because she had to have her sweet, little fingers poked 4+ times a day.  Occasionally, at the beginning, I had to hold her down while I gave insulin injections -- again, 4+ times a day (thank goodness for insulin pumps that minimize this).  Cried in the bathroom when she began to resign herself to all the poking needed to keep her alive and healthy.  Came home and was sick every morning for a month after taking her to school.  Helped her when she was low.  Made calculations to correct a high.  Tested every two hours -- day and night -- during regular illnesses to keep blood sugar in check.  Held her hair while she vomited violently from ketones, due to illness or a failed infusion site.  Force fed her sugar during a stomach flu because her blood glucose was dropping.  Have had to kick her ass multiple times to test, count her carbs correctly, deliver insulin through her pump.  To please look after yourself so this damned disease doesn't win.

I'm here to tell you that the ONLY thing I don't understand is what it FEELS like to have this disease.  I don't know what it feels like to have my blood sugar drop like a stone.  I don't know what it feels like to have sky-high sugars that just will not respond to insulin.  I don't know what ketones feel like.  I don't know what it feels like to have to poke my fingers multiple times a day.  I can tell you, though, I'd take this fucking disease into my body so she didn't have to deal with it.  And I'd do it in a heartbeat, without a thought, because no child should have to realize at 9 years of age that they are NOT invincible.  They shouldn't have to carry the weight of a chronic disease.

So, yes, parents of type 1 diabetics UNDERSTAND that some days you just don't want to be diabetic any more.  We don't want you to be either.

#typeonediabetes

Thoughts of the Day

The idea that every child "deserves" to participate in a sport of their choosing is a bit ludicrous.  Wonder where their sense of entitlement comes from with constant ads regarding this???  Every child used to participate -- in street hockey, soccer in an empty field, baseball with no diamond, skating on an outdoor rink -- for hours.  Never had to pay a dime to participate in these activities.

All the "progressive" people out there supporting a transgender person's "right" to use a public restroom of the sex they identify with (not biologically are and look like) -- never ONCE considered they are stomping all over the rights of the majority who simply want a bit of privacy when our pants are down.

All the "bigots" out there who denounce a religion rooted in hate and violence -- hat's off to you.  You are not a bigot or a racist simply because your eyes are open to the evil buried within Islam.  Bigots and racists are the people forcing everyone to accept this violent religion -- and the people embroiled in it -- by simple bullying tactics.

Emotional voting is the devil's advocate.  Justin Tru-doh.  Nutley.  Need I say more???  With every political party's platform at your finger tips via the internet, read it.  Carefully.  Make an informed decision not "I just want so-and-so out".  Oh, and when a Jr. comes along, don't vote for them.  Usually doesn't go well.  JT and his daddy -- the latter still happily dividing Eastern and Western Canada from his grave.

All politicians should have a 3 month trial period for their jobs.  Can't do it???  Out you go.

Unions are past their usefulness.  Abolish them.  Maybe then the cost of health care and education would go down significantly.  Not to mention other public sector areas that are part of a union.  Plus, it would be easier to fire the people who aren't doing their jobs well.

Last, but not least, if you immigrate to our country, don't expect the rules to change to suit your needs.  You have the same rights as I do.  Don't be a jerk and demand more because you "feel" discriminated against.  Heck, my ancestors would eat you whiny pricks for breakfast.  They helped settle this beautiful, wild country and built it into a desirable place for your entitled ass.  Go ahead and wear your religious headgear -- just not at a traditional ceremony that requires its removal.  Also, since we were kind enough to take you in, pay your way here and continue to pay your way -- while our own do without food, clothing and shelter -- I think you can get off your lazy butt and go where the government places you and start contributing.  Don't want to?  I'm sure the refugee camp you just came from will take you back.

Gender Neutrality

Seriously?  What does this expression even mean?  Gay people are still male or female.  Straight people are male or female.  Trans people have biological male or female parts.  The only people exempt from this classification of male/female are hermaphrodites.  In our quest for inclusion of all has our sexual identity become "it", rather than the sex we were born with?  Isn't that what neutral implies?

I'm not against homosexuality.  I understand how you could be attracted to the same sex as yourself. Transgender?  This one I don't understand - not that I'll be an asshole simply because you're different.  I do my damnedest to treat all people with respect.  However, no matter how much I read about this issue, transgender seems to be more of a psychological confusion than an actual identity with the opposite sex.  Bruce Jenner.  Need I say more???

That brings me to the current hot topic in Alberta -- the need our ridiculous NDP government feels to force everyone to accept boys and girls changing and using the washroom together based on gender identity.  Do I understand the premise for this policy is inclusion?  Yep.  Do I agree every child should feel included?  Yep.  However, I think we can all agree we are born male or female.

This policy also states students and staff must use "gender neutral" pronouns when addressing people.  Mr. and Mrs. will no longer be acceptable if said person doesn't think he/she is a he/she.  If a teacher has gender identity issues, "Hey, You, I need help!" is acceptable and respectful?  I don't think so.  But, hey, what does a backwards thinking person like me know?

It will also become acceptable for that boy - who thinks he's a girl today (trans fluid) - to come into the change room with your daughters and strip down.  Most people are more sexually open than generations past, however, this is a very uncomfortable situation for teenage girls who identify as girls.  According to this policy, my daughter must be the one to leave the room if she's uncomfortable.  Self-induced exclusion is still exclusion.  Explain this:  if each and every girl leaves the change room because one boy -- who identifies as a girl -- decides to change with them, how will this person feel?  Probably more excluded than they did before this policy was put into play, and they were the ones using a separate change area.  Better or worse psychologically?  I'd say far worse.

With this policy, we've also just opened the door for blatant sexual harassment to occur at older grade levels.  Teens are very bold.  To realistically think the boys won't go into the girls wash/change room simply to sneak a peek as a practical joke -- or vice versa -- is naive in the extreme.  They merely have to claim they are unsure of the sex they identify with; therefore, they have the to right to go into this change room.  Zero repercussions.  Is this what we want?  Sexually disrespectful kids?  We often spout about the lack of respect in society's younger crowd.  This policy will create more...

I also believe it will cause confusion for younger children who simply cannot understand this type of difference.  I can hear a child in grade two coming home now, "Mommy, lil Jill peed in our bathroom today, and she came out of the stall with her penis showing.  Teacher says he identifies as a girl but he has a penis.  Am I a boy now???"

The policy states over and over that schools must keep each child safe and comfortable while implementing it.  That each child has the "right" to feel safe and comfortable in the school environment.  When a child simply has to identify with the sex opposite of their biological sex --  without having had medical/psychological or parental help first -- there is no way this will protect anyone's child.  There really is only one solution to inclusion for this type of issue:  individual washrooms and change rooms, such as the ones we have at home.

Personally, this policy completely stomps on each and every child's right to privacy and throws society back into the stone age.  Enter the Jian Gomeshi's of the world...

Keep Canada Safe

My heart breaks for the people in Paris suffering so much loss and terror last night.  Words cannot express.

However, the rest of us need to start getting serious about protecting our own countries.  No doubt there are many cells of these extremists already hiding on our soil, as some have probably been born here.  It is an absolute shame these Canadians have been brainwashed to believe in a fanatical and maniacal so-called religion.  It's why I regularly say organized religions are evil.  Throughout history, many wars have been started in the name of religion.  It's time this stopped.

I also don't understand how our own Prime Minister can promote bringing more migrants into our country -- with similar beliefs to these ISIS extremists -- in the name of kindness.  I don't think he's watching the world.  I don't think he's studied history.  The purpose of studying history is to prevent further world atrocities, is it not?

Why are there so many men and such few women and children escaping Syria?  Why isn't the media showing the chaos in Sweden -- caused by Islamic people living there -- burning vehicles, attacking emergency workers, etc?  Why doesn't the media show the Islamic people in Paris attacking complete strangers on the streets?  Is he blind to the implications of these migrants attacking closed borders in Europe -- destroying their tents, clothing and food?  Does Trudeau not see this?  Does he not question this?  Is this what we want here - war, chaos and terror?  Have we learned NOTHING from history?  The peaceful majority were over run by a mere 7% of Nazi believers.  Look at the atrocities that came from 7% of the people. 

Oh, I know what Liberal-minded voters will say.  That I'm fear-mongering.  Racist.  Hateful.  That's why they voted Stephen Harper out.  There was too much common sense coming out of his mouth.  I am none of those labels.  I also believe there are some very genuine refugees leaving Syria.  I believe there are some good people in the Islamic/Muslim faith -- people who believe in peace and understand the freedom of choice.  If you truly  want to help the refugees:  Stop the war.  Stop ISIS.  We can't stop them by pulling military support out, as Trudeau has done.

Trudeau wants to hug them, love them, give them all of our hard-earned money to support them.  What about our homeless?  Elderly?  Poverty stricken families with barely enough to feed, clothe and house their children?  What about those with serious medical conditions who must travel to receive the appropriate care?  What about them?  Trudeau needs to help our own first.

Now, answer this question:  do you honestly want this type of violence on our soil? 

That question is why I don't agree with bringing more middle-eastern migrants into our country.  I think we will be inviting civil war here.  There are too many able-bodied men "escaping" -- without their women and children.  To me, that screams infiltration.  Why aren't these able-bodied men fighting against ISIS to save their own country?  For the numbers leaving, they could have helped overthrow the caliphate by now.  They could be living in peace and rebuilding their own country.  Why aren't they?  Cowards?  Definitely.  Hidden agenda?  Maybe.

Think about this:  if civil war were to come to our soil, who do you most want to protect?  Can you protect your family, friends, country?  Do you have weapons -- and know how to use them?  It's pretty hard to protect yourself from a maniacal moron with a bomb strapped to his or her chest. 

I have a daughter whom I would not be able to protect from her own body, should we have war on this soil, with no more medications being produced and no power.  I can't stock-pile insulin.  It has an expiry date.  Not to mention, if it gets too warm or too cold, it isn't effective.  She's one of many with similar medical issues.  Have any of you thought of that when inviting potential terrorists to our soil?  Bet you haven't.

The best way to help these migrants, is to keep our western countries safe.  For the entire world to arm themselves and go kick ISIS ass. 

Trudeau needs to man up and protect the country he was voted in to lead.  His first priority are the citizens of Canada.  Somehow, watching his lame little speech last night, I doubt he has the capability.

Please.  Keep Canada safe.  Quit inviting potential terrorism here.  Help the migrants by ending the war in their country so they can go home and rebuild.