tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27822740144587312062024-02-22T10:42:29.379-05:00Not an accident, not a problem. Homelessness is a Political AgendaAn introspective examination of the tragedy of homelessness in the richest society ever to exist on Earth
Homelessness is not an accident. Homelessness is not a problem. Homelessness is a political agenda. Why else would there be so many homeless people in the richest country that ever existed on the face of this planet.Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-13692329181686759452011-04-19T06:05:00.002-04:002011-04-19T06:10:02.297-04:00Federal Election 2011We are currently in the middle of one of the most crucial Canadian elections of recent times; one that threatens to irrevocably alter the very fabric of Canada for all time. I urge each of you who has the right to vote to research the facts educate yourselves and think carefully about what kind of country we wish to live in and then Exercise YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE responsibly.<div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-7455478237193144302011-02-15T08:44:00.001-05:002011-02-15T08:45:29.250-05:00Index of Ronzig's web pagesIndex of Ronzig's web pages
Website:
<a href="http://www.ronzigsgallery.com/">Ronzig's Gallery</a>http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
<a href="http://www.ronzigsgallery.com/">Go to Ronzig's Gallery digital photoArt, photography, video, photographic & video recording services, Mini Video Tours of Toronto, Collector Series Postcards featuring an assortment of his best images and art on ceramic tiles top home page.</a>
<a href="http://www.ronzigsgallery.com/about.php">Learn about Ronzig and Ronzig's Gallery: What is digital photoArt? Ronzig's guerrilla photography and video. Art on Ceramic Tiles. Collector Series Postcards featuring an assortment of his best images, Mini Video Tours of Toronto. And photographic and video recording services.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif</a>http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
<a href="http://www.ronzigsgallery.com/best.php">
View some of Ronzig's best work in a slideshow or individual images from Ronzig at Ronzig's Gallery of digital photoArt and photography.</a>
<a href="http://www.ronzigsgallery.com/contact.php">You can contact Ronzig's Gallery by email, telephone or by snail mail to his address to inquire about Ronzig's digital photoArt, photography, Collector Series Postcards featuring an assortmenthttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif of his best images. video, photography & video recording services, Mini Video Tours of Toronto and art on ceramic tiles or to purchase his products or services. You will also find numerous links to other websites where Ronzig has a presence.</a>
<a href="http://www.ronzigsgallery.com/legend.php">
Read the Legend of Ronzig the Wizard and his battle with his evil twin brother Ronzak the Sorcerer in the story of the ongoing struggle between good and evil that has been going on since the creation of the universe.</a>http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
<a href="http://www.ronzigsgallery.com/order.php">
This is where you can order Ronzig's products and services from Ronzig's Gallery such as digital photoArt, photography & video recording services, Mini Video Tours of Toronto, art on ceramic tiles & Collector Series Postcards featuring an assohttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifrtment of his best images.</a>
<a href="http://www.ronzigsgallery.com/panorama.php">Ronzig creates spectacular panorama works either as photographic images or as Digital photoArt that are available in standard sizes up to 44" x 13" on either canvas or archival quality photo paper (larger sizes available by special order). Ronzig's Gallery will also embed a panorama image into the glaze of a series of ceramic tiles to create a unihttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifque wall or floor covering surface to your specs.</a>
<a href="http://www.ronzigsgallery.com/photoart.php">Ronzig's Digital photoArt & photographic images from Ronzig's Gallery cover a broad array of subject matter and themes resulting in highest quality art works to suit any preference. These images are all available on ceramic tiles & Collector Series Postcards as well a more traditional canvas and archival photo paper in a wide range of sizes to suit your rehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifquirements.</a>
<a href="http://www.ronzigsgallery.com/postcards.php">All of Ronzig's best work is available on Collector Series Postcards on archival photo paper, suitable not only for mailing a unique greeting to friends and loved ones, but also for framing as a group to hang on your wall.</a>
<a href="http://www.ronzigsgallery.com/references.php">Ronzig has done work for a wide range of clients from law firms to developers, health services facilities and the City of Toronto, all of which would certainly provide excellent references to Ronzig's Gallery.</a>
<a href="http://www.ronzigsgallery.com/videos.php">Most of Ronzig's best work, be it video, photography or Digital photoArt is available as stock video clips or stock photo & art images at extremely reasonable prices for royalty free applications that you are producing.</a>
<a href="http://www.ronzigsgallery.com/tiles.php">Most of Ronzig's best work can be embedded into the glaze of ceramic tiles, resulting in virtually indestructible art works suitable for architectural uses such as surfaces for walls, floors, counter tops, back-splashes, fireplace surrounds or mantlepieces. As home furnishing uses they provide unique surfaces for tables or any other flat surfaced furniture. There is a series of 4" x 4" tiles with a protective backing designed for use as coasters that are bound to intrigue your guests as you entertain. Of course they make timeless stand alone art suitable for framing or placing on a stand for display.</a>
<a href="http://www.ronzigsgallery.com/videos.php">
Ronzig produces a wide range of videos, including Documentary works, event recording such as children's birthdays, activism and social protest works, art films, Mini Video Tours and special effects clips. Ronzig's Gallery is fully equipped and hahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifs access to support professionals to create original works with multi-camera filming, still photography and custom music for any production. He is presently working on a special fx movie, The Legend of Ronzig the Wizard, for which he the writer, art and costume designer, producer director and star.</a>
Website:
<a href="http://www.downbutnotout.ca/">Down But Not Out</a>http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
<a href="http://www.downbutnotout.ca/">As well as Ronzig's Gallery, Ronzig built and maintains Down But Not Out, a website dedicated to social activism and providing information about many of the current issues that threaten to destroy our planet and the social structures we have developed. This link will take you to the Home page of Down But Not Out which was recently ranked as the 12th best website about homelessness on the internet and the following information will explain each of the pages on the website. You will have the opportunity to comment on what you learn here anhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifd read the many comments of other visitors to the site.</a>
<a href="http://www.downbutnotout.ca/about.php">
Learn more about Ronzig and why he created Down But Not Out and why it began as a website discussing the issues of poverty, homelessness and addiction and how it evolved into much more, encompassing issues a wide ranging as politics, war imperialism, conspiracy, economics, health, the environment and more.</a>
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<a href="http://www.downbutnotout.ca/addiction.php">Having been a crack addict for nearly 2 decades, during the 2nd of which I was homeless, I have acquired an in depth understanding of addiction, how & why it begins, what it does to a person, what is involved with getting free of this curse and the social implications of this ever increasing plague on civilization. I disclose some little known and often ignored information and insights that will assist you in coming to a better understanding of what addiction is all about.</a>
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<a href="http://www.downbutnotout.ca/contribute.php">I have created a page where visitors to Down But Not Out can contribute by telling their story about how the issues discussed on the site has affected them or someone they care about. I encourage you to read what others have to say and please tell us your story. You can remain anonymous if you prefer.</a>
<a href="http://www.downbutnotout.ca/economy.php">There is an extensive examination of the economy on Down But Not Out with discussions about the recession, ecohttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifnomic collapse, the increasing disparity between the rich, the poor and the middle class. I delve into the phenomena of the shrinking middle class and the emergence of a 2 class society where an economic elite rule and the rest of us are rapidly being relegated to economic slavery.</a>
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<a href="http://www.downbutnotout.ca/environment.php">Whether you call it Global Warning, Climate Disruption or choose to adopt one of the euphemisms that opponents to addressing this impending disaster use to seek to reduce the significance of the crisis to protect their ill gotten financial profits, it is a scientific fact that our global environment is on the brink of collapse. If meaningful and immediate action is not taken the human race along with almost all other forms of life on the Planet Earth will soon face extinction.</a>
<a href="http://www.downbutnotout.ca/events.php">
Whenever I have time I try to post notices of significant events that you may wish to attend including rally's, protests, political meetings, or other http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifrelevahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifnt items here. I also use this page to post notices of upcoming art shows where my work will be on display.</a>
<a href="http://www.downbutnotout.ca/health.php">The social, economic and political issues revolving around health and healthcare are currently creating an environment where universal healthcare in Canada is under attack. It is evident that the elite no longer wish to ensure adequate health services for an aging population. They see no need to preserve individual health when there is no shortage of replacement economic slaves to step in when one of us succumbs to preventable illness and dies.</a>
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<a href="http://www.downbutnotout.ca/homelessness.php">There is a worldwide epidemic of homelessness that has emerged in the past couple of decades to plague society and the wealthiest nations, ones with more than sufficient resources to provide housing for their populations are the worst at addressing the situation. Having lived long enough to realize that even when our society was steeped in relative poverty compared to today's situation, homelessness was never a significant problem until recently as the elite grab more and more of the world's wealth and resources, leaving the rest of us to struggle just to keep a roof over our heads.</a>
<a href="http://www.downbutnotout.ca/internet.php">
With the advent of the internet, hope for a just society has been restored, yet there are sinister powers threatening to crush that hope. Just when internet should be reaching the point of universal global access, these powers are forcing ahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifn increasing internet divide, where surprisingly millions who once could afford access are being economically deprived of this crucial commodity, for a commodity is what it has become and it is for sale at price not reflective of costs, but of what the market will bear. Perhaps we should be considering defining internet as a Necessary Service that is available to everyone at affordable rates of free of charge.</a>
<a href="http://www.downbutnotout.ca/media.php">
With the corporatization of mainstream media, it's difficult to find any hhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifonest reporting in this media, as they tend to stick like flies on flypaper to the elitist party line. However even the most cynical of these outlets of information are forced to include a modicum of honesty in their reports when faced with the vast amount of conflicting evidence distributed freely on the internet. It is beneficial also to be up to date on what they are saying in order to point out the inadequacies and outright lies that they distribute.</a>http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
<a href="http://www.downbutnotout.ca/news.php">Over the years, Ronzig has been in the news on several occasions, both as the subject of articles and as interviewee. Of course I've commented on many news items as well. you'll find some of these pieces on my news page.</a>http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
<a href="http://www.downbutnotout.ca/politics.php">There is a disturbing trend in politics that is increasingly threatening the very fabric of Democracy, or the sorry excuse for such that we have adopted. I'm speaking of the merging of the Capitalist manifesto into the political agenda to the effect that today's politicians see their job almost exclusively as serving the requirements of capitalism and corporate profits rather than the needs of the citizens who are the true backbone of any nation.</a>
<a href="http://www.downbutnotout.ca/poverty.php">Ever wonder how it is possible that in the richest civilization that has ever existed on the planet, extreme poverty is reaching epidemic proportions? The answer is obvious. Every single yearhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif for the past 3 decades the wealthiest 5% of the world's population have taken control and ownership of a greater proportion of the world's resources leaving less for each of the remaining 95% of the people who have to live on this planet. In every industrialized nation the middle class is under attack and is shrinking annually as people are forced down the economic scale into the burgeoning poverty class. The truly terrifying aspect of this is the fact that the members of the middle class which is the primary target of this attack believe that when the middle class is eliminated they will be part of the elite upper class of rulers rather than economic slaves of these rulers. Because of this the middle class votes consistently for politicians who serve this elite ruling class and don't even realize they are voting for their own destruction.</a>
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<a href="http://www.downbutnotout.ca/society.php">In a society which professes to be primarily Christian is it not a paradox that we have created such an un-Christian attitude toward our neighbours? By assuming the philosophy of "Looking our for number ONE", we find it easy not only to allow our brothers and sisters to suffer and actually perish because they can not afford to pay for the basic requirements of survival, nourishment and shelter, but many of us are arrogant enough to hate them for their predicament. How are we to overcome this tide of apathy and animosity which in the end will destroy us if we fail?</a>http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
<a href="http://www.downbutnotout.ca/speaking.php">If you group is interested in Ronzig's experiences and philosophies, I do speaking engagements and will talk on any of the topics covered here. I have had great success with audiences while speaking about homelessness & addiction, Democracy & politics as well as photography & art and would be pleased to accept a request to speak to you group.</a>
<a href="http://www.downbutnotout.ca/war.php">Primarily because of American Imperialism the world has been in a constant state of war for the majorityhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif of the past 6 decades. Isn't it amazing how we can call making war on another nation a Police Action or Peacekeeping Action to camouflage the fact that we are invading a nation to seize control of its resources or to use it as a staging zone for our aggressive moves on its neighbours, yet we call defensive retaliation Terrorism? We call the slaughter of innocent civilians Collateral Damage to hide the fact that more than 80% of the people we kill in our wars are civilians primarily women and children. I find it disturbing that Prime Minister Harper has eagerly jumped into bed with the Americans and is arming Canada to fight along side our neighbours to the South as we seek to seize control of far off nations. We stand idly by and allow Israel, the puppet state of the Americans which exists solely because of American arms and financing to commit wide scale genocide in its attempt to eradicate the legitimate population of the region from the planet.</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-76037836516893806262008-10-15T20:31:00.003-04:002009-01-04T13:57:13.249-05:00Check out my new wesite about poverty, homelessness & addiction<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I don't have any idea why Blogspot has messed with their system, but they have made it impossible to post a decent looking notice, so I created an all new site using SynthaSite. It's a far superior format and I'm sure you'll like the layout and presentation much better. Be sure to bookmark the new url
<a href="http://downbutnotout.synthasite.com/">http://downbutnotout.synthasite.com/</a></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-24211964126185498642007-11-07T08:21:00.000-05:002007-11-07T08:29:50.588-05:00Results Reported by THE WELLESLEY INSTITUTE<p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Canada has received both a sharp reprimand and a strong call to action in the preliminary observations of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing, Miloon Kothari , in his preliminary observations at the end of his fact-finding mission to Canada (October 22, 2007). <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><span style="font-size:130%;">“Everything I witnessed on this mission confirms the deep and devastating impact of this national crisis on the lives of women, youth, children and men,” said Mr. Kothari. “ <st1:country-region><st1:place>Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> is one of the richest countries in the world, which makes the prevalence of this crisis all the more striking.”<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Mr. Kothari’s preliminary observations are a devastating indictment of almost two decades of funding cuts by governments in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> , not just of housing programs but also income assistance and other initiatives.
“ <st1:country-region><st1:place>Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> has a reputation around the world for its progressive housing policies and programs, but that is no longer the case,” said Mr. Kothari. “ <st1:country-region><st1:place>Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> ’s successful social housing program, which created more than half a million homes starting in 1973, no longer exists. <st1:country-region><st1:place>Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> has fallen behind most countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and development in its level of investment in affordable housing. <st1:country-region><st1:place>Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> has one of the smallest social housing sectors among developed countries.
Along with his preliminary observations, Mr. Kothari has made a series of recommendations to the federal government, including: <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- a comprehensive national housing strategy, co-ordinated with the provinces and territories;<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- a “large-scale” building of social housing units;<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- an immediate extension of the federal government’s affordable housing programs, which are due to expire at the end of fiscal 2008;<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- immediate steps to fully recognize international economic, social and cultural rights in all Canadian domestic laws; as part of a national housing strategy, specific initiatives directed at groups forced onto the margins, including women, Aboriginal people, elders, youth, members of racialized communities, immigrants and others;<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- an immediate extension of the federal housing renovation program that is due to expire at the end of fiscal 2008;<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- a comprehensive fix for the subsidy erosion faced by s.95 housing co-operatives; funding and resources to ensure that all Canadians have access to potable water and proper sanitation;<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- an immediate extension of the federal homelessness program, which is due to expire in fiscal 2008;<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- a consistent framework of tenant protection and rent regulation laws across the country that meet the standards set by international housing rights laws;<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- additional housing allowances as part of a national housing strategy;<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- inclusive zoning and planning practices across the country;<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- a comprehensive and properly-funded poverty reduction strategy at the federal level, and with provinces and territories; measures to address the urgent, short-term and long-term needs of women;<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- progressive legislation to address violence against women;<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- creation, funding and implementation of programmes and policies to support women in the area of housing and domestic violence;<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- funding and resources to a national Aboriginal housing strategy, on and off-reserve, that ensures that Aborginal housing and services are under Aboriginal control;<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- a moratorium on oil and extractive activities at Lubicon until a settlement is reached with the Lubicon Lake Nation;<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- specific targets and strategies, and independent monitoring, of the Vancouver Olympics;<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- funding and programmes to sustain non-governmental organizations over time;<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- the development of proper statistics and indicators for homelessness and housing insecurity. <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Over the next four months, Mr. Kothari will continue to monitor the activities of the federal, provincial and territorial governments, and will work with non-governmental organizations in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> to develop a comprehensive report on housing and homelessness in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> .<span style=""></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="">Michael Shapcott, Senior Fellow</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="">The Wellesley Institute</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><st1:street><st1:address><span style="">45 Charles Street East, #101</span></st1:address></st1:Street><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><st1:city><st1:place><span style="">Toronto</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="">, ON., </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="">Canada</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style=""> M4Y 1S2</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="">Tel. - 416-972-1010, x231</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><st1:city><st1:place><span style="">Mobile</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style=""> - 416-605-8316</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="">Fax - 416-921-7228</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="">www.wellesleyinstitute.com</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-25977211455231431702007-11-07T07:46:00.000-05:002008-12-10T08:16:01.152-05:00United Nations Condemns Canadian Housing Policy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/sets/72157600544526059/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG60_fc2Gbpd4Jk7B-6EdQoRSpslCMlJiufkvxPorbOOkgYqN9uYS7mXiUXCQ0dI9Um-GWD87m3K8OO4_PPdK-WtcE9Lw9KeP-dq25kQe3CwkpxB5uvhP0Sz8PR_DjcEfQ7YgRiER_EF4/s400/Buddy,+Can+Ya+Spare+A+Dime+5A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130079721127217778" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/sets/72157602980060360/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93r-Il6Qwo2SnmRz5KFieGLt8d8nTMLG00gzHU1X3_7fxYB273J0M4bw0c7XejlWFAZgD-EjGfoB8bsVj00-1oJvjEwYyxrocUhtR0Bo5yOqVeL-SsqMSk0yAVCwrQ9te5mqH2AphcH0/s400/Miloon+Kothari+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130080906538191506" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/sets/72157602980060360/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAv1HlkGa7cUOurkg0ekPWI14AyjoY3fAUdSoQiUNzGPvHBiLJQ5c0iO5jebdjO0Pm_jVWNsjwYuFTuKdtTj6vghZQxsI4f03OOwAiwHZh7vxMvuR9EEn5ZfGWTuqjA_CTJ8iOqJcCF98/s400/Barbara+Hall+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130081009617406626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:130%;" >On <st1:date month="10" day="15" year="2007">Friday October 15, 2007</st1:date> there was a public forum hosted by the Wellesley Institute, with Miloon Kothari, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing, along with representatives of Aboriginal, women and homeless groups. We we were there to hear Miloon set out the details of his fact-finding missi</span><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:130%;" >on and the international right to adequate housing. Local experts set out the issues and solutions for <st1:city><st1:place>Toronto.
<span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Toronto Star report</span></span></st1:place></st1:city></span> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">The lead editorial in the <st1:date month="10" day="28" year="2007">Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007</st1:date>, issue of The Toronto Star contained a powerful piece by Elaine Carey and backs the preliminary observations by Miloon Kothari, the United Nation’s Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing, and sets out a strong call to action. The piece is reprinted below. There was consistently good media coverage of Miloon’s mission to <st1:country-region><st1:place>Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> , a question was raised in Parliament on Thursday and the media (at least the Star) hasn’t let this important mission fade. <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Non-governmental groups should incorporate Miloon’s preliminary observations into our work leading up to the next federal budget.<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">While Miloon has completed the first stage of his fact-finding mission to <st1:country-region><st1:place>Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> with the release of his preliminary observations on Monday, the second – and critically important – stage has begun. Miloon is preparing a detailed country report with a series of specific recommendations to the Government of Canada. This will be debated at the United Nations’ Human Rights Council – the highest human rights body within the United Nations – in a few months.<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Miloon has asked for any additional information – statistics, stories, recommendations for action – that non-governmental groups want to pass along. Please stay tuned for details.<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Here’s the Star piece:<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; text-transform: uppercase;">TOronto</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; text-transform: uppercase;"> STar – EDITORIAL</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">A 3-point strategy for better housing
<st1:date year="2007" day="28" month="10">Oct 28, 2007</st1:date><o:p></o:p></span> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"> Canadians really didn't need a United Nations envoy to tour the country and announce that <st1:country-region><st1:place>Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region><st1:country-region><st1:place>Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> 's major cities to overcrowded shelters and rotting public housing buildings. <o:p></o:p></span> <span style="font-size:130%;">urgently needs to tackle its affordable housing crisis. The signs of it are everywhere, from homeless beggars on the streets of</span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">But the visit last week by Miloon Kothari , the UN's special rapporteur on adequate housing, did shine a spotlight on the shocking lack of affordable housing options in a country as rich as Canada. Successive federal and provincial governments have pledged to address the problem, but all have fallen far short of meeting the growing demand for reasonably priced housing for low-income families and individuals.
<span style="font-family: arial;"></span><span style="font-family: arial;">What is lacking is a co-ordinated federal-provincial housing strategy, in effect a national plan that would ensure every Canadian has a decent place to call home.</span>
<span style="font-family: arial;">Such a blueprint must take a three-pronged approach: new construction of affordable homes, rent subsidies and renovation of existing homes.</span>
<span style="font-family: arial;">The three areas need to be tackled together, not in isolation or in any prescribed order. Rather, a holistic approach is best suited to addressing the problem.</span>
<span style="font-family: arial;">As a key leg of the three-pronged strategy, it is imperative that </span><st1:city style="font-family: arial;"><st1:place>Ottawa</st1:place></st1:City><span style="font-family: arial;"> kick-start a renewed national housing program with a goal of building up to 200,000 affordable and co-operative housing units over the next 10 years. The homes are needed in cities, rural areas and native reserves.</span>
<st1:city style="font-family: arial;"><st1:place>Ottawa</st1:place></st1:City><span style="font-family: arial;"> effectively got out of the affordable housing sector in 1993 when it downloaded the area to the provinces. Because of that, only a few major programs have been funded. The result is that in the past decade, fewer than one new affordable rental unit has been built for every 100 new homes. And overall rental construction is lagging. Across </span><st1:state style="font-family: arial;"><st1:place>Ontario</st1:place></st1:State><span style="font-family: arial;"> , up to 12,000 new rental apartments are needed annually, three times what has been built each year between 2000 and 2005.</span>
<span style="font-family: arial;">The consequences are felt most acutely in the Greater Toronto Area where only 2,000 new affordable rental units have been built in the past five years, while more than 67,000 people remain on waiting lists.</span>
<span style="font-family: arial;">The second leg of the strategy should be a greatly expanded rent supplement program. Obviously, new affordable housing cannot be built fast enough to meet existing demand. That's why paying subsidies to put low-income residents into vacant rental units is necessary. While some housing advocates view rent supplements as a short-term measure that does not solve the overall problem, such subsidies do provide temporary support and needed housing for those in desperate need.</span>
<span style="font-family: arial;">Currently, a family of four receives a shelter allowance of only $544 to cover rent. However, the average market rent in </span><st1:city style="font-family: arial;"><st1:place>Toronto</st1:place></st1:City><span style="font-family: arial;"> has risen to $1,052 for a two-bedroom apartment. During the recent election campaign, Premier Dalton McGuinty promised a new $100-a-month rent supplement program to help 27,000 </span><st1:state style="font-family: arial;"><st1:place>Ontario</st1:place></st1:State><span style="font-family: arial;"> families. That is a welcome first step, but it should only be an initial step. More assistance will be needed because McGuinty's plan will still leave thousands of families scrambling for help to pay their rent.</span>
<span style="font-family: arial;">The third part of the strategy would be a major commitment to renovate public housing that is aging and falling into disrepair. In </span><st1:city style="font-family: arial;"><st1:place>Toronto</st1:place></st1:City><span style="font-family: arial;"> alone, the city's 58,000 units of public housing require an estimated $300 million in repairs. Many of those buildings are now more than 50 years old, with plumbing that leaks and ceilings that are cracked.</span>
<span style="font-family: arial;">The preferred way to deal with this issue is for Queen's Park to upload the cost of renovations. When the Conservative government under Mike Harris downloaded the cost of social housing to municipalities in 2001, it refused to give the cities the money needed to deal with repairs. McGuinty should make reversing this policy the first priority of his re-elected government.</span>
<span style="font-family: arial;">Together, these measures would form the basis of a federal-provincial affordable housing strategy that would go a long way toward helping the neediest among us – those who cannot work, single parents and the working poor – have a better life.</span></span> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-20439260658468301752007-10-18T16:02:00.000-04:002007-10-18T16:05:50.096-04:00This Saturday I am meeting with the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Topics For Discussion</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;" align="left"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">1)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Homelessness is <b style="">NOT</b> a problem, it’s a political agenda.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;" align="left"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">2)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Economic slavery is the primary cause of homelessness. We are governed by people who owe their jobs to campaign funding from the upper classes. No wonder they refuse to protect poor people who are <b style="">FORCED</b> to work long hours for wages that are not sufficient to provide food and shelter for their families.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;" align="left"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">3)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Subsidized housing & rent geared to income has created two classes of poverty. Those with government funded housing can live reasonably well and are the fortunate ones. Those without, live a daily existence on the edge of homelessness and have to spend money which should go to food on rent. They can not afford both. It’s either inadequate nourishment or homelessness. It is naïve to think that the failed policy of building so called affordable housing will ever come close to solving the homelessness issue. No government can afford to build enough housing units to ever make a difference.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;" align="left"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">4)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">We don’t need to build affordable housing; we need to afford the existing housing. There presently exists more than enough vacant housing to accommodate all of the homeless people. The problem is that people on social assistance or working at minimum wage do not have enough income to pay reasonable market rents. Our government has made war on the poor by failing to ensure a reasonable income for either of these groups. A livable minimum wage and reasonable social assistance rates would eliminate most homelessness. If government would give landlords a tax break for setting aside a portion of their housing units to rent at the rate provided for by ODSP or Ontario Works, we could eliminate most of the homelessness caused by affordability problems immediately.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;" align="left"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">5)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Addictions along with physical and mental disabilities are major contributing factors in homelessness and next to economic slavery, are the most significant causes of homelessness. It is unconscionable that in the richest society that has ever existed on Earth, we still condemn sick people from these groups to homelessness and an early death. Any politician who says we can not afford to give these people proper care and a safe home is an outright liar.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;" align="left"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">6)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">There will always be a few people who choose to remain homeless, but if we give most homeless people a reasonable alternative, they will pounce on the opportunity and homelessness will be almost completely eradicated.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;" align="left"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">7)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">It is incredible that a multi billion dollar industry has been instituted to deal with homelessness when allowing people a livable income would eliminate its need at a fraction of the cost.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;" align="left"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">8)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Police harassment, illegal tactics and brutality towards homeless people NEED TO CEASE IMMEDIATLEY. I could site several examples of police brutality, but the most outrageous is one where two police officers threw a friend of mine off a railway overpass in an attempt to kill him. He lived, but sustained multiple fractures to both of his legs. I watched as two police officers soused my squat and ALL MY WORLDLY POSSESSIONS in gasoline and set them on fire. We need a civilian watchdog to handle complaints about police. When I lodged a formal complaint, there was NO MEANINGFUL INVESTIGATION. Neither I nor a second eyewitness were ever interviewed. Every homeless person knows there is no sense in complaining about these events. Nothing is ever done except often there is severe police retaliation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;" align="left"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">9)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Homelessness in most underdeveloped countries is also a matter of economic slavery and political agenda. The difference is that there, a third element exacerbates the situation. Many of these countries rely on economic and material aid from the developed nations. Not nearly enough aid is forthcoming and corrupt political leaders and bureaucrats siphon off most of the cream so that little actually reaches the intended recipients. Add piracy to the mix and it’s easy to see why millions of people world wide continue to wander homeless and starving to death.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;" align="left"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="">10)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">In spite of the lip service and band-aid solutions being offered up, homelessness and starvation continue to increase throughout the developed and undeveloped world at an alarming rate. Will it take violent worldwide uprisings by these desperate victims of social greed and avarice to facilitate meaningful action? If so, beware, for the time is rapidly approaching.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-80129873135693725322007-10-14T10:17:00.000-04:002007-10-14T23:18:42.085-04:00The Unacknowledged Addicts<p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">I was homeless for ten years in </span><st1:city><st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Toronto</span></st1:place></st1:city><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">. During this period and for several years previous, I was an active crack addict and alcoholic. A year ago I quit using drugs and alcohol, and I recently took up residence in a lovely bachelor apartment. You might say that I turned my life around. I feel that I did. I couldn’t have done it without the help of some very wonderful and caring people, but that is another story, which I will save for another time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">What I would like to discuss now is a revelation which was triggered by a comment a friend of mine made when we met accidentally last week.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">I was downtown, walking on </span><st1:street><st1:address><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Queen St</span></st1:address></st1:street><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">, when I happened to run into Paranoid Pete and Little Davy, two old friends from my homeless addict years. They are both in similar circumstances to what mine were for those ten years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">After hugging and clapping each other on the back, the way people do, who love each other and have been separated for some time, I began telling them about my new life without drugs and alcohol.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">At the point in my rendition when I was proudly proclaiming that next week I would be clean and sober for a whole year, Peter said, “We’ll have to have a party to celebrate; no, wait a minute, that’s how it all started wasn’t it?” We all laughed and Davy said with mock sadness, “Relapsed eh?” (meaning relapsed into a state of not using drugs and alcohol) <span style=""> </span>We all laughed again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Now those two words really shook me. Webster’s New Dictionary of the English Language defines relapse as follows: ‘to fall back or revert to a former state, especially to regress after partial recovery from an illness.’ Its’ most common usage when speaking of addiction is to describe a return to the use of drugs or alcohol after a period of abstinence.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><span style=""> </span>What Davy meant as a very clever joke, got me thinking about lifestyles. I can truthfully say that I did not relapse into an old lifestyle. I am in the process of creating a whole new way of life for myself. One I’ve never tried before, but there is a very real danger to any recovering addict, and that is to relapse into the addiction which plagues most of our society’s so called normal population. It is this addiction which I believe has been unrecognised or undefined up until now which is a major cause of people like my two friends and I rejecting the values of that society and turning to drugs and alcohol.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Up until Davy’s joking comment, I had absolutely no intimation that one of the leading factors which led me, and probably a great many others, to a life on the streets was a rejection of an addiction which nobody officially recognises as one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">I say “Officially,” because the condition is so widespread that several phrases have been coined into our language to describe it, but no-one speaks “Officially,” of its’ threat to our society. “Conspicuous Consumption,” “Galloping Consumerism,” “Keeping Up With the Joneses,” “Shop Till You Drop,” all describe symptoms of this addiction.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Stress, nervous breakdowns, heart attacks, family disintegrations, drug and alcohol consumption, ever increasing debt and bankruptcy are many of the results of this unhealthy urge to spend money one can not afford on products which one does not need and often never uses. People go into unending debt to purchase products which wear out, break down or otherwise become useless long before they are paid for. Products which are perfectly useful are discarded to make way for purchases of more sexy although no more functional newer ones. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">The whole value structure of society has collapsed into an evaluation of what you own and what you’ve got. If you have lots of money or lots of things you are a successful member of society. If you don’t, you’re a loser. What you’ve accomplished no longer has merit; it’s all what you’ve got.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">If this trend towards materialism is not recognised for the dangerous threat to our civilisation that it is, I fear we will have no power to prevent the ultimate emulation of the </span><st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Roman Empire</span></st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">. The mighty seem to destroy themselves with their own decadence.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:date month="2" day="26" year="2006"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">February 26, 2006</span></st1:date><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Ronzig</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-36384436472994135632007-10-14T09:09:00.000-04:002007-10-14T23:17:50.662-04:00The Wasteful Society<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" lang="EN-CA" >If you are an average working stiff like most of us, do you ever wonder why you have to work your guts out year after endless year, just to stay afloat?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" lang="EN-CA" >We live in times of almost limitless abundance and yet a large portion of the population in the industrialized countries are homeless and hungry while many more are only slightly better off. Not here, you say! Ah, but just look around you. Even rich countries like Canada and the United States are plagued with throngs of homeless people on their cities’ streets.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" lang="EN-CA" >But why, you might ask? Surely there’s enough here for everybody.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" lang="EN-CA" >There are two simple answers to this question.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" lang="EN-CA" >First, even though there is an abundance of resources to draw from, they are not limitless. Every single product that you or I use depletes from the total pool of available resources. In other words, the fact that I am sitting here working on this computer is depriving someone else of the use of the computer, the desk it rests on, the chair I sit in, the clothes I’m wearing, the apartment I live in, the heat, water and electricity I use and so on, for everything I use. This is true for you too. This is the fact that limits every single person in the world. There is only so much to go around. It is abundant, but IT IS NOT LIMITLESS!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" lang="EN-CA" >Now, it is only natural, and rightly so, that each of us is primarily concerned with our own well being and the well being of those we love. This, by no means limits our responsibility to be concerned for the well being of the billions of other inhabitants on this planet. One of the most important concepts in every religion is the dictum,”Love thy neighbour as you love thy brother.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" lang="EN-CA" >Would you let your brother go homeless or hungry?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" lang="EN-CA" >“But, what can I do?” is the obvious question. Of course you can’t provide for the needs of billions of people, but you can, with little or no cost, become part of the solution and the solution rests solely on the shoulders of each individual in this society. It does not rest with governments. They are powerless, to remedy the situation. Indeed they are an integral part of the cause. Waste is the problem and governments are notorious for waste.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" lang="EN-CA" >You can make a difference in this world. All you need to do is become “Waste Conscious.”<span style=""> </span>If you will remember, every time you leave the kitchen tap running, that it took resources away from a limited pool of manpower and physical materials to provide that water. That means that somebody else’s dinner is running down your kitchen drain, NOT WATER! Just turn off the tap and you will become part of the solution.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" lang="EN-CA" >Every time you throw an old appliance into the garbage because you bought a newer model and no longer need this old, fully functional one, you are depriving someone who can use it, who really needs it, from its use. Just donate it to one of the many agencies available and you will become part of the solution.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" lang="EN-CA" >Instead of throwing away that old dress you no longer wear, just donate it and you will become part of the solution and God will love you for it. And if you don’t believe in God, the person who receives it will love you even if she has never met you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" lang="EN-CA" >Every time you leave your car engine running, you are not only polluting the air we all breath, you are wasting the fuel that otherwise may have gone to provide heat for one of the poor people in this world who die annually from exposure. Think about it. Do you really want to be responsible for the suffering of those less fortunate than you are?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" lang="EN-CA" >Get the idea? A simple change in your thinking will improve the lots of countless others for the rest of your life, and as the saying goes, “What goes around, comes around.” Sooner or later the benefits you bestow upon others come back to you a thousand fold and your life will become better. So, remember, it costs nothing to “Become WASTE CONSCIOUS and save the world.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p></o:p></span></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" lang="EN-CA" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ronzig</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-18547826082572232732007-10-14T08:19:00.000-04:002008-12-10T08:16:02.453-05:00The Dickhead Awards<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KQ7Xy4jAd4Q/RxIOFG0WXiI/AAAAAAAAAR4/jRdKVLEBt1k/s1600-h/bush+senior.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 187px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KQ7Xy4jAd4Q/RxIOFG0WXiI/AAAAAAAAAR4/jRdKVLEBt1k/s400/bush+senior.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121171207165992482" border="0" /></a>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KQ7Xy4jAd4Q/RxIN_20WXhI/AAAAAAAAARw/OVnIgh6ZNgI/s1600-h/Georgie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 192px; height: 182px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KQ7Xy4jAd4Q/RxIN_20WXhI/AAAAAAAAARw/OVnIgh6ZNgI/s400/Georgie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121171116971679250" border="0" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><i style=""><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Dickh</span></i></span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><i style=""><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">ead of the Millennium</span></i></span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'width:2in;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\RONCRA~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.jpg" title="georgebush%20sr"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]-->
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">You’ve heard of the <b style=""><i style="">“two</i></b> <b style=""><i style="">headed monster.” </i></b><span style=""> </span>Here’s a twist, the <b style=""><i style="">“no headed two bodied monster.”</i></b> Both bodies carry but one name and one philosophy. The name: George Bush, the philosophy, “nuke em” Both the senior and the junior bodies of this monster remain constantly on the alert for potential targets for their monstrous phallic weapons. Both of them in actuality are wimpy little dickless wonders who have never learned anything except how to be the big bully in the school yard. Since their reign as wanna be gods has transcended the millennium, they get my vote for <b style=""><i style="">Dickhead of the Millennium.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uegdq9DJK-v5pDxoNIQun7-u_xnUoaZBMCL6N7pbYeFw4MNxaH4m5899_r6jE9-L8G-5ykJOZmjT2Vv50T7KMswN6_3nCVaOI2nlwhTe2_eK-DhcK6UdhsplbQEViIn90TG-MclkZG4/s1600-h/dalton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uegdq9DJK-v5pDxoNIQun7-u_xnUoaZBMCL6N7pbYeFw4MNxaH4m5899_r6jE9-L8G-5ykJOZmjT2Vv50T7KMswN6_3nCVaOI2nlwhTe2_eK-DhcK6UdhsplbQEViIn90TG-MclkZG4/s400/dalton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121172096224222770" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><i style=""><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Dickhead of the Week</span></i></b></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1027" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'width:103.5pt;height:71.25pt'"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\RONCRA~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image003.jpg" title="dalton%20mcguinty"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]-->
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Here’s a target for you George. The world would be a better place if you nuked this guy off the face of the Earth.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Dalton McGuinty could qualify for Dickhead of the Year if he wasn’t such a pipsqueak. Since his effect in world affairs is as small as his mind, he’ll have to be satisfied with Dickhead of the Week.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">In his quest to balance the budget on the backs of the disenfranchised, he has disqualified thousands of impoverished people from the special diet allowance increment to the basic social assistance pittance. This stipend was used by social assistance recipients with medical needs to purchase dietary supplements and nutritious foodstuffs. Good ol </span><st1:city><st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Dalton</span></st1:place></st1:city><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"> has changed the rules so that most recipients no longer qualify or only qualify for a miniscule portion of the funds. It’s back to Kraft Dinners and peanut butter for thousands of social assistance recipients with medical dietary needs, but hey, the budget is looking good.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">As if this isn’t enough for our boy to win this coveted award, he has gone even further. In his quest to squeeze every drop of blood from the poor and the defenceless, he has targeted the victims of the government’s negligence in stopping the drug trade, namely the addicts. None of who ever got up one morning and said’ “What should I do today? I know, I’ll become a drug addict.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Just when the epidemic of addiction is at an all time high and the need for treatment centres drastically under funded, Mr. McGuinty has cut budgets for detoxification centres resulting in closing down several and forcing the ones which remain open to eject their patients after only five days of treatment. This policy results in the elimination of the only true hope addicts had in making a come-back. But hey, the budget is looking good, even if our streets continue to look like those of a third world country with homeless addicts sleeping on the sidewalks throughout the winter.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Maybe </span><st1:city><st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Dalton</span></st1:place></st1:city><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"> thinks they’ll all freeze to death and eliminate this disgraceful situation. Too bad it’s been such a warm winter.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:date month="2" day="20" year="2006"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">February 20, 2006</span></st1:date><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">If you have a suggestion for a “Dickhead award,” send us the story. Maybe we’ll have a competition to see who should receive the annual grand phallic trophy.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Ronzig<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-243080035398119932007-10-14T08:14:00.000-04:002007-10-14T23:20:18.734-04:00Stop Wasting Money On Food For Those Useless Kids.<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Now, I realise that Poor Billy Gates is hurting, and he desperately needs the more money so he can flog more of his crashing crap on an unsuspecting world. I highly recommend to all the greedy people that are depriving Billy Boy of his due, by using pirated software, <b style=""><i style="">PLEASE</i></b> take next month’s rent cheque and send it to Billy. Of course, you should include the money that would otherwise be wasted on food and clothing for you children. Those kids really are a waste of money!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Who knows, maybe Billy would use some of it to develop an operating system that doesn’t degenerate into an unstable mess within days of installation. He might even include a registry fixer that a layperson can use without completely crashing his system. Better yet, he could develop a registry that doesn’t degenerate in the first place!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">I wonder who out there is smart enough to create a foil for that money grubbers latest scam. “The Active Validation Tool”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Keep me posted if there is any progress.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-50691160020480164402007-10-14T08:11:00.000-04:002007-10-14T23:22:03.260-04:00Drugs Are Destroying Our Country<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Every day, thousands of pounds of crack cocaine are consumed in </span><st1:city><st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Toronto</span></st1:place></st1:city><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"> alone! There isn’t a city or town anywhere in </span><st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">North America</span></st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"> where the epidemic of crack addiction isn’t destroying the lives of the population. Children in their pre-teen and teen years are the most afflicted segment of this society. These young people who should be the hope and pride of our country are being destroyed by dealers who have no conscience. Violence and death have become a way of life in our cities.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">How can this be happening? Where does this huge amount of contraband come from and how does it get here?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">The answer is obvious, greed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">The cocaine industry is highly organised and gross annual sales would make the sheiks of the oil emirates envious. The dollar amounts involved are staggering and with so much cash at their disposal, the drug barons can buy customs officials, police officers, judges and politicians. And have no doubt, they do. How else could such vast shipments of drugs enter the country and be distributed throughout each and every city and town? Certainly, we read in the papers of some huge drug bust every now and then, but the largest of these busts amounts to a five or ten minute supply at the current rate of consumption. The fact is that the drug barons usually are responsible for the tips that lead to these busts. What better way to eliminate a relatively new and poorly organised competitor before he gets too strong?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">What can be done? Absolutely nothing can be done, unless you and I get angry enough to demand a full scale attack against the parasites that profit from the drug industry.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">To defeat this evil which has pervaded our society, the government has to get serious about the problem. It does no good whatsoever to harass and make criminals out of the victims of these parasites. Addicts are not by definition, criminals, they are victims of crime.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">These are my suggestions:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <ol style="margin-top: 0cm;" start="1" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Decriminalise the addict.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Decriminalise Marihuana.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Provide far more front line care for addicts in the form of detox centres and rehab centres.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Arrest every street dealer and hold him for trial, without bail.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Once convicted impose maximum sentences of incarceration without exception.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Train hundreds of undercover narcotics officers to work at every point of entry where drugs can reach our country.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Use computers to analyse the outcome of every major drug charge.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Use computers to analyse the arrest and conviction records achieved by drug enforcement officers.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Closely monitor the activities of every convicted drug dealer who has served his time and been released.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Create new sentencing guidelines which require judges to hand down extremely long sentences for repeat drug dealing offenders.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Automatically revoke the citizenship or landed immigrant status and deport every convicted drug dealer who was not born in this country.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">What will this accomplish?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="">1.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Decriminalising addicts will take the emphasis off of the victim and place it where it should be, on the dealer.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="">2.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">This will free up resources in the enforcement of our drug laws towards the real problems of crack, cocaine and heroine.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="">3.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Providing more detox centres and rehab centres will reclaim some of the lost souls who can rejoin society. This will result in reducing the market for the drugs as well as return lost production in the economy.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="">4.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Jailing street dealers will hamper the drug barons’ distribution network and slow down the spread of the drugs.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="">5.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Heavy sentencing will keep the distribution network in disarray and result in making it more difficult to recruit replacement dealers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="">6.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">There is no way for the quantities of drugs that are currently entering the country to arrive undetected. There has to be serious corruption within the customs department. When this is uncovered, the busts will not be measured in pounds or kilos, but in container loads. The removal of corrupt officials will seriously hamper the importation of narcotics and stiff penalties will make others reconsider their role in the problem.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="">7.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Properly analysed, these court records should provide hints that will lead to the removal of corrupt court officials.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="">8.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Properly analysed, these conviction records should provide hints that will lead to the removal of corrupt officers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="">9.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Almost every drug dealer who is convicted returns immediately to dealing as soon as he is released. This includes being released on bail as well as on parole. If he is monitored, he can be removed from society for a longer period of time when he is caught a second time.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="">10.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">A repeat offender is a parasite who is dedicated to the destruction of human spirit. He must be removed indefinitely if we hope to turn this plague away.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="">11.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Most of the people who are selling this poison to our children arrived in </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Canada</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"> from some other country. It is time that we made it clear that they are not welcome here. An immigrant to this country will think twice when he realises that he will lose his right to remain in </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Canada</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"> the first time he is convicted of dealing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">If enough people agree with these ideas, I will be happy to run a petition to pressure all levels of government to get started immediately. Let me know what you think and tell your friends about this.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><b style=""><i style=""><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Ronzig<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-35538717535179455162007-10-14T08:00:00.000-04:002007-10-14T23:22:47.704-04:00The Community<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">There is a whole community out there.</span></i></b></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" >Homeless people share more of a sense of community than most of the rest of society.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" >It’s very strange that we live in a society where it is normal for two people who live or work in the same building to share an elevator and not know each others names, and not even speak. Most people don’t even know their next door neighbour’s name. We ride across the city, seated beside another person and don’t say a word.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" >Yet most homeless people know hundreds of other homeless people on a friendly communal level.<span style=""> </span>They hang together in drop in centres and shelters. They build their squats close together. They often pursue what ever money making activities they specialize in as partners.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" >When one homeless person passes another on the street, he will acknowledge that person with a word or a gesture of solidarity.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" >There are several reasons why a sense of community is more prevalent on the streets than in society as a whole: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><span style="">1.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" >It is a common phenomenon that people who share a problem have a sympathetic attraction to each other. A Homeless person can relate to the problems of someone else in the same boat.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><span style="">2.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" >There is a great danger of violence on the streets, which tends to encourage homeless people to band together for mutual protection. Interestingly, homeless people fear the police and regular citizens much more than they fear each other. Much of the violence they are submitted to comes from these people.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><span style="">3.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" >There is a greater drive to socialize among the homeless than is the rule in more traditional forms of society. I believe that this is partly a result of the drugs and alcohol which homeless people use to ease the pain of being outcast. When people are using whatever mind altering substance they prefer, they tend to be more sociable.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><span style="">4.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" >There is an element of freedom to the lifestyle that is conducive to a joyful heart. Even though the life is difficult, it is the most liberated alternative there is to the ever increasing encroachment of government and business interests into people’s lives. Free spirits tend to find pleasure in each others company. (I believe that members of the more traditional segments of society recognize this freedom on an elemental level and react to it violently because of jealousy and fear.)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><span style="">5.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" >For many homeless people, the one thing they have left is their humanity and governments are constantly trying to take that away from them too. We are persistently moving towards criminalization of homelessness. The government wants to round us up and imprison us in so called shelters which will become nothing more than concentration camps. With each move that the government takes to persecute homeless people, there is a collateral reaction among homeless people of stronger resistance. The senseless laws that governments create to try to legislate us out of existence only succeed in instilling an ever increasing contempt for all laws, with the result that lawlessness is spiralling out of control. By creating ever more onerous laws in an attempt to contain the problem, governments only succeed in increasing the solidarity of the homeless community. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" >It’s interesting to note that the money that is spent trying to whitewash the problem could eliminate a large portion of it if the same funds were directed towards providing a liveable level of social assistance. Many of the homeless people out here would have a home if there was a realistic allotment of funds for rental accommodation. At present, a social assistance recipient in </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city><st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Toronto</span></st1:place></st1:city></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" > receives a maximum of $325.00 per month to pay rent. Any fool knows that it is virtually impossible to find liveable housing in </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city><st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Toronto</span></st1:place></st1:city></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" > for less than $500.00 per month. This $175.00 per month shortfall results in hundreds of otherwise normal citizens being unable to pay their rent and becoming homeless. The saddest thing is that once someone is homeless he quickly abandons hope and resorts to drugs and alcohol to ease the pain. Once this happens, there is little or no hope of his ever becoming a productive member of society again. Less than 10% of the people who try to make a come back actually make it. Wouldn’t it be wiser to spend a little time and money preventing homelessness in the first place? Maybe then the community of homeless could be replaced by the community of Mankind.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-CA" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:16;" lang="EN-CA" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Ronzig</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-52182817620457353502007-10-14T07:43:00.000-04:002007-10-14T23:23:36.330-04:00Some solutions to homelessness.<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><i style="">The Revolving Door<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">There is a simple solution to revolving door homelessness. Many people who lose their housing do so because they can't manage money. Some have addiction issues and use their rent to get high, others have mental health issues and can't keep the importance of paying their rent straight in their minds and others have never been taught how to manage money. All the resources that went into getting them housed are wasted and years lost each time they travel through the revolving door. They can have the rent portion of their social assistance paid directly to the landlord, but it only takes a request to their worker to cancel this arrangement. Then they are free to spend the rent on other things and wind up getting evicted.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Instead of allowing this, the social assistance agency should lend them the rent arrears provided that the tenant signs a loan agreement which includes an irrevocable direction to the agency to pay the rent directly to the landlord until the loan is paid back.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It's simple, it's effective and it would eliminate a major cause of homelessness. And technically it wouldn't cost the agency a cent since the money would remain on the books as an asset, being an account receivable.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><i style="">Vacancy Rates Are At An ALL TIME HIGH</i></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">According to several sources on my recent Google search for residential vacancy rates in </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city><st1:place><span style="">Toronto</span></st1:place></st1:city></span><span style="font-size:100%;">, There is plenty of housing available to house <b style="">all the homeless people in </b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city><st1:place><b style=""><span style="">Toronto</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b style=""><span style="">.</span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">In a recent conversation with an apartment building owner, a solution to homelessness and to high vacancy rates could be easily accomplished by one simple and cost effect approach by the government.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Instead of the government building so called AFFORDABLE HOUSING, which when the cost to the taxpayer is factored into the equation is <b style="">not at all affordable nor effective,</b> the government should offer tax incentives to landlords who would be willing to provide a portion of their housing stock at reduced rates to people on social assistance. These reduced rate units would be available at the allowable rental rates provided for by the social assistance agencies. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The result would be a drastic reduction in the number of homeless people, a significant decrease in the number of families living below the poverty line and a major reduction in vacancy rates, which would in turn result in more market rental units being built.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style="">Everyone would benefit.</span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;font-family:arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">1.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">Homeless people would be safely and cost effectively housed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;font-family:arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">2.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">Families would be healthier and able to afford a more nutritious diet.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;font-family:arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">3.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">Landlords would increase net revenues with a marked improvement in profits.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;font-family:arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">4.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">The construction industry would have new projects to build.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;font-family:arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">5.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">New tax revenues from new projects would more than replace and lost revenues resulting from the plan.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;font-family:arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">6.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">The local economy would gain new impetus.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;font-family:arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">7.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">The government could redirect its efforts towards finding ways to provide better support to people with physical and mental disabilities and towards seeking real solutions to the addiction problems which plague our society.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;font-family:arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">8.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">The government would be the heroes for a change, instead of the villains.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">It would be quite simple to develop a formula that would allow low income families that are not on social assistance to qualify for the low rent units too.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-83242811949686571322007-10-14T06:35:00.000-04:002007-10-14T23:24:15.939-04:00Homeless women. A digital conversation.<p>Helen wrote:</p> <p>Thanks so much for the reply.
I only have written one blog so far, under the name - one thoughtful woman at word press.com.
Yes, I have seen your blog: it is great.
Geoff, is a local friend, so we chat and see each other regularly, so I am very blessed.
He is like a new family member. He is such a wonderful giving, loving person. He has taught me a lot about photography, and you should hear his organ playing too.
No worries about the group. I just wanted you to have the award.
I can see what you mean about group rules. I have joined so many, I'm thinking of slimming it down; it can get quite complicated.
Sorry, to hear of your illness and hope you are on the recovery road now and about your own friends. You really are on the cutting edge of this subject. Not enough is done in our country about the ever growing problem of addictions. Alcohol is too easily available here and there are just not enough specialist clinics that can help.
Homelessness in the C21st is a disgrace for any nation and a cause you could enlighten me further on for a project I am going to undertake for flick next year. More about that later.
Take care for now,
My very best wishes,
Helen.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">My reply:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thanks for writing Helen. I am always happy to help where I can. Just ask.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Addiction and homelessness are often confused as synonymous, mainly because one will often, but not necessarily, follow the other. They are two completely separate symptoms of a single disease. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We take so much pride in being a classless society when ironically our capitalist system is bases on the clearly defined classes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The upper class, which controls everything it can and constantly seeks more power to dictate how everyone should conduct their lives.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The middle class, which has grown so large and so prosperous, that the upper class now sees it as a threat.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">And at the bottom of the scale, the ever expanding lower class, which in terms of per capita share of available resources, is getting poorer and poorer as the world gets richer and richer.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This class system uses economic slavery to maintain its integrity. The upper class hoards the lion’s share of resources and directs world functions on both the macro and micro levels. The middle class is used a lieutenants to carry out the policies set by the masters in return for an elevated level of existence. The lower class provides most of the labor in return for a subsistence level of existence.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What has kept the system functioning is the illusion that upward mobility in relation to class status is possible.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Historically, there has been a large gap between the upper and middle classes, with a narrow and often blurred gap between the middle and lower classes, but there has been a shift resulting in a narrow and blurred gap between the upper and middle classes and an ever widening gap between the middle and lower classes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Therein lays the current problem. As the middle class moves inexorably towards achieving upper class status our society is evolving into a two class system with an unbreachable gap between them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This shift has resulted in a clash of momentous proportions. The upper class, in order to maintain its power must crush the middle class assault on its lofty position. As the clash between the mighty few and the slightly weaker, but far more numerous interlopers develops, the lower class rapidly becomes a casualty of war. The walking wounded of this clash are the addicts and homeless. All hope has been rescinded and they have become dehumanized to the point where even fellow members of the lower class despise them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">You might say that addicts come from all classes, and so they do, but the underlying causes of the addiction shift when the addiction comes from the higher levels of society. Instead of desperation and escapism as is prevalent in the lower class, debauchery and irresponsibility are the main roads to addiction among the wealthy.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I fear that the class struggle will lead to ever increasing levels of violence unless radical changes are made soon. People without hope have nothing to lose and anger will escalate to rage on an ever increasing level. That is why I work so hard to make people understand. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If we don’t change the system, we are surely destined to follow in the footsteps of all the previous empires in history. Western civilization will collapse inward upon itself and self destruct. The enemy is not out there. It is within.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Helen’s reply:
Hi Ronzig,
What an amazing and incredibly intelligent reply. Both my
husband and I read this and printed it.
We can't dispute anything you have said here.
I believe that with ever increasing expectation and the
need and desire to do better, have more, celebrity status
and even with pop idol and fame shows, more and more people
want the good life now, better, faster, more, which breeds
resentment and discontentment when "they" realize that not
everybody can be famous or rich.
You are right the middle classes strive to get into the
chosen set and step on anybody/thing that gets in the way.
The ruthlessness of the work place is one such example.
Obviously we don't subscribe to these things.
People compare themselves all the time to the next and
depression is at its highest levels in the <st1:country-region><st1:place>Uk</st1:place></st1:country-region> as people
aspire to "higher things" only to still feel the emptiness
that is in their lives. Relationship breakdown, overwork,
stress and burn out ,also I believe could fuel addictions
to some extent.
We are burying my friend tomorrow -see my first and only
blog so far who died from alcohol and prescription pain
killer abuse. He was 48. He was not homeless but lived with
his mother. His father died of cancer 16 yrs ago aged 59.
We knew he probably took these substances to ease his pain
of loneliness and the frustrations of his own life.
I would be specifically interested to know about women and
homelessness; as this is going to be a focus point next
year as part of my project. Do woman become homeless for
different reasons and are there less woman out there on the
streets compared to men? Do they receive more sympathy and
attention? Would someone stop and talk to a homeless woman
and offer money/help but walk away from a man who might
seem more of a threat?
Thank you so much for your incredibly rich and intelligent
discussion.
I would love to hear more and say a very big thank you for
this information,
Very Best Wishes,
Helen.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My reply:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hi Helen</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have personal experience with the dissatisfaction you speak of. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">In 1978 I was on welfare and behind in my rent, at the very edge of homelessness. I got my real estate license and in less than 10 years I was a millionaire with 100 people working for me. To get there, I worked 14 and sometimes 18 hours a day, 7 days a week without a single day off. I became a slave to money and I was not at all happy. When I went bankrupt as a result of my addiction to crack, instead of feeling bad about my loss, I was relieved.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What followed was a rapid decline into homelessness, but I have to tell you, during my 10 homeless years I WAS HAPPY. I learned that the goal of financial advancement which society worships so intently is a trap which can only lead to despair.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Regarding your questions about homeless women, my friend Spirited Away will be visiting me Saturday and I’ll ask her opinions on your inquiry. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">From my own experience, I can tell you that there are far fewer homeless women living rough as they call it. <i style="">(meaning on the streets rather than in shelters)</i> And I suspect there are fewer homeless women in general. I perceive two possible reasons for this.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">1)<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->It is far more dangerous for a woman out there. They are more likely to be raped or brutalized than men.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">2)<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Sex. A woman is more able to find a member of the opposite sex to support her in exchange for sexual comforts and she is more likely to be able to support herself through prostitution. As distasteful as it is, a woman has more options than a man at that level of existence.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ll have more to tell you after I see my friend.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am saving these digital conversations to post on my blog and I suggest you do the same. They are definitely revealing insights that people should be aware of.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hi Helen.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I spoke with my friend about your questions and she will give the matter some thought. she has acute agoraphobia and has a great deal of difficulty expressing her deepest feelings and I suspect the subject is so close to home for her that she is having difficulty responding. Also, I have put a great deal of responsibility on her of late, so I'm sure you will understand her hesitance to make a rapid reply. I'm SURE THAT SHE WILL RESPOND ONCE SHE HAS TIME TO ABSORB THE QUESTION AND GIVE IT SOME THOUGHT.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">She is homeless and a very caring and loving person with a marvelous talent for expressing raw emotion through her photography. You can see her work here......<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/anacrisan/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/anacrisan/</a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I had a gallery showing of my work yesterday and invited her to show her work with mine as a joint show. I printed and framed a selection of her work for the show <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I AM SO PROUD OF HER. SHE STOLE THE SHOW !!!!!!!!!!!<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Everybody loved her work and she sold TWO<span style=""> </span>of her photos. I sold NONE.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Joe Fiorito, a reporter friend from the Toronto Star did a long interview with her and I'm sure he will say wonderful things about her in his column.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">She usually panics when people approach her, but there was no panic yesterday. SHE WAS WONDERFUL. She spoke with the people who came to the show, most of whom were total strangers to her, without a trace of panic AND she was obviously having a wonderful; time.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, the show was A TOTAL SUCCESS.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I can't seem to find your blog again. Please send me the link one more time as I thought I had bookmarked it, but apparently not.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">God bless.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ron</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>I found the link
<a href="http://onethoughtfulwoman.wordpress.com/">http://onethoughtfulwoman.wordpress.com/</a>2007/09/<div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-53397983599366654812007-10-11T07:52:00.000-04:002008-12-10T08:16:02.979-05:00The Saint of CNH<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_jPtEtwKsNiXxi_kp66olIfQHMXkUZAz2htchx4jyB3_QVrjtBmZzhx_X_wehAUwdwvS3P50v7d0OpD4eLYFzraDvkI6oDx1PlnNfKRe_NcP-KH_qSAWIm7QkyBBD3BJgAIGdJtoKR4/s1600-h/A+saintly+visit+to+my+squat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_jPtEtwKsNiXxi_kp66olIfQHMXkUZAz2htchx4jyB3_QVrjtBmZzhx_X_wehAUwdwvS3P50v7d0OpD4eLYFzraDvkI6oDx1PlnNfKRe_NcP-KH_qSAWIm7QkyBBD3BJgAIGdJtoKR4/s400/A+saintly+visit+to+my+squat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120047940074102194" border="0" /></a>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Every day, rain or shine, regardless of her own personal discomforts, there is an outreach worker trudging through the ravines, the valleys, the back alleys of this city. Her mission is to locate homeless people in peril, and without her vigilance, there would surely be far more unnecessary deaths among the homeless than the disgraceful number we presently account for.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">The easiest way to reveal the extent of her services to these abandoned souls is to paraphrase the message one receives if for some reason she can’t answer your telephone call. It goes something like this.’ This is …………., tell me what you want me to do for you, and how to find you, or call back later.’ This open ended invitation to request her services in any area is <b style=""><i style="">for real!</i></b> When a homeless person asks her to do something, anything at all, if it is within her immense abilities to accomplish it, it will be accomplished <b style=""><i style="">forthwith!</i></b> If someone hasn’t received the monthly pittance which Ontario Works doles out, (<i style="">usually because of an unjust disqualification?) </i>our saint will be instantly on the case, and she won’t give up until the injustice is corrected. If someone needs to get to a doctor or court she will pick them up and chauffer them there. If someone requests assistance in finding housing, she will drive them to view available accommodations and negotiate with the landlord on their behalf, (<i style="">translated: persist in persuasion techniques until the landlord relents and agrees to acceptable terms.)</i> The list of her services is practically endless; help moving into a new home; a free mattress delivered from Sleep Country; a lift to a shelter, or somewhere to get a sleeping bag, or a free meal; a bottle of water on those hot days when dehydration takes it’s toll; or just a friendly face directed to a person who has grown accustomed to scowls. Whatever the real or perceived need, our saint is there to help.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">After a full and exhausting day on the hard streets of </span><st1:city><st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Toronto</span></st1:place></st1:city><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">, one would think she would go home to relax. Not likely! If you were to visit her home on the average evening, you would open her front door, which is never locked, to a scene which would strike awe in your heart. Before you is a little woman, well over half a century in age, busy discussing a problem with one of her clients, (<i style="">translated: homeless person)</i> in her own home, no less, hours after she has completed her daily duties on the streets. Her phone, which is rarely turned off, will ring every five or ten minutes with requests for help or advise. Her dinner table is covered with forms and reports and news clippings and just about anything but a meal. If someone doesn’t remind her to eat, she’ll probably forget. And so you will see the routine scene which dominates her home life until she finally drops into bed, exhausted, only to rise again in the morning to start again.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Our saint lives a life of total dedication to the alleviation of suffering on the streets of </span><st1:city><st1:place><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Toronto</span></st1:place></st1:city><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">, and true to the nature of any real saint she insists on remaining anonymous.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">Please pray for her rapid recovery, for my friend has worked herself ill. God bless her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;">If you know of someone who does wonderful things to help those who can’t help themselves, we <b style=""><i style="">need to hear the story.</i></b> These indispensable people may be the only hope for this civilization. Everyone needs to know that they are with us giving hope to the hopeless, for without them, we are all hopeless.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size:14;">Ronzig<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-22169471700267850702007-09-28T06:58:00.000-04:002007-10-14T23:25:57.447-04:00What happened? (click here)<p class="MsoNormal">It’s common knowledge that substance abuse is endemic amongst the homeless community, but have you ever stopped to wonder why?<o:p>
</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have met pre teen girls whose addicted mothers started them on heroin or crack and put them to work as prostitutes. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>I have met young boys and girls who grew up in homes where alcohol and drug abuse were the norm.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>I have met children who left their homes because of physical, psychological or sexual abuse and turned to drugs and alcohol to dull the pain.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>I have met aging and dying people who should have become revered seniors in our society who are the result of similar situations.<o:p>
</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>I have met countless homeless people who never used drugs before society turned its back on them and left them to struggle for survival on the streets. When society turns it’s back and life becomes a minute by minute struggle to stay alive, substance abuse is a natural and nearly inevitable result. Every one of us would seek some kind of comfort from the pain of exclusion.
</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>I have met many others like myself who were unaware of the dangers of drug use until it was too late, We thought the warnings were just more lies from the slave masters of our present socio economic system.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have <span style="font-weight: bold;">NEVER</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">MET</span> anyone who woke up one morning and said to themselves, “What should I do today? <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I know, I’ll become a drug addict.”</span></span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Other than homelessness and substance abuse, these people are NO DIFFERENT than anyone else. They laugh, they cry and they try to survive.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Think about it. Should society penalize these victims and condemn them to a premature death or should we do more to find a way to help them?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-56174842285130818022007-09-27T10:25:00.000-04:002007-10-14T23:26:19.488-04:00An Interview with Jack Layton, The only leader who cares. CLICK TO VIEW INTERVIEWIn this interview, Jack mentions that a homeless person froze to death in a bus shelter near his home. The ciy's solution was to REMOVE THE BUS SHELTER, and the meager protection it allowed. WHAT KIND OF IDIOTS ARE RUNNING THIS WORLD??????<div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-55338175569553058802007-09-08T12:20:00.000-04:002007-10-14T23:26:42.352-04:00Democracy Is Dead<p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >I recently learned that to have any hope of getting elected, a candidate for the Presidency of the </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family:Arial;">US</span></st1:place></st1:country-region></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" > has to spend FIVE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS on his campaign. What this means to the voting public is that each and every candidate has been bought and paid for and owes total fidelity to the fat cats who back him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p>If the 10% rule applies in Canadian politics as it does in most things, Stephen Harper must have spent FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS to get elected last time and will have to spend that much again to get re-elected. NO WONDER HE CONSISTANTLY LEGISLATES IN FAVOUR OF HIS MASTERS.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-12536221043508610222007-08-24T08:10:00.000-04:002007-10-14T23:27:05.122-04:00We make a difference.<p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" >Homeless people develop a feeling of disconnection, from other people, from society and from themselves. This disconnection breeds feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. This is a major contributing factor to the failure rate of attempts to bring them back into society. I know I've been there. I've felt the hopelessness and seen it amongst my peers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" >I believe that this photography project which I am fortunate enough to have joined, serves an important role in helping both the artists and the subjects to regain a feeling of self worth and importance. Not only do we take a photograph, but we communicate on a very real and personal level with most of the subjects. The result is a type of bonding which is uncommon within the homeless community. I have witnessed the effects first hand. The group members have become stronger and formed friendships with each other and developed a connection with society as a whole, which strengthens them and improves their chances of rejoining society on a permanent basis. The subjects express gratitude for the chance to talk about their situation with someone who actually cares and hopefully this will lead to further connections for one or two of them. If we help one person take the first step on the road back, we will have been successful.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" >When I was homeless, several ordinary people took the time to talk to me. Not preaching, you understand. Just listening to what I had to say about myself and my circumstances. The ones I appreciated most didn't try to tell me what to do they just listened and showed that they cared. They helped to restore hope.<span style=""> </span>This gave me the strength to try and eventually I came back.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-1134462997415788942007-08-13T10:57:00.000-04:002008-12-10T08:16:04.677-05:00My Camps (Click Here)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KQ7Xy4jAd4Q/RsBzAqXa6vI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/JDw6BCapj2k/s1600-h/140+There+is+A+Solution.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KQ7Xy4jAd4Q/RsBzAqXa6vI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/JDw6BCapj2k/s400/140+There+is+A+Solution.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098201233393117938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">There Is a Solution</span>
If you agree with this suggestion, send this to Your political leaders and ALL your friends. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfAdTeVEyWvh04QzDWW9YrfFSrCuaWt49u3wL11n42NcTSi8qqRJP-C656Vw5Ei5wQ-KuYQ8fho3_UoD5WlHi8dRYsZkYoiesoEXRrSrgHda6Sj9cxjY941b7WsOIkny1IRqbIX04oec/s1600-h/34+My+Camp+23.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfAdTeVEyWvh04QzDWW9YrfFSrCuaWt49u3wL11n42NcTSi8qqRJP-C656Vw5Ei5wQ-KuYQ8fho3_UoD5WlHi8dRYsZkYoiesoEXRrSrgHda6Sj9cxjY941b7WsOIkny1IRqbIX04oec/s400/34+My+Camp+23.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098201233393117954" border="0" /></a>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVmuwsMgt0q0CnJPXM72u3-hGNRDWq22hjrwL3W2r3SYNh5lf-EazybXq4Y3cGcbSVfwtyPYXolW2dYr3JSE2vVjuSi28gdp0CJujOwCLEW-3_Cj0rpN5l8xgIyF3w_DwSJKWf2REfsQ/s1600-h/51+Evicting+Chris+21.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVmuwsMgt0q0CnJPXM72u3-hGNRDWq22hjrwL3W2r3SYNh5lf-EazybXq4Y3cGcbSVfwtyPYXolW2dYr3JSE2vVjuSi28gdp0CJujOwCLEW-3_Cj0rpN5l8xgIyF3w_DwSJKWf2REfsQ/s400/51+Evicting+Chris+21.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098201237688085266" border="0" /></a>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETbjT1MXWsryPqn2IOd53w2kMlSTo47TN8KbfFJDQO6SaU1DekUuXPX4dmOdYmjMdgUDSZ-dfyBrEBxyKJarCOQzsDB2i6Y-GZwcl_5QtDItXJRFek5VFDDiQXVb7rYrZqyd3DfEO0ac/s1600-h/81+Squat+10.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETbjT1MXWsryPqn2IOd53w2kMlSTo47TN8KbfFJDQO6SaU1DekUuXPX4dmOdYmjMdgUDSZ-dfyBrEBxyKJarCOQzsDB2i6Y-GZwcl_5QtDItXJRFek5VFDDiQXVb7rYrZqyd3DfEO0ac/s400/81+Squat+10.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098201237688085282" border="0" /></a>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbRYxcz6AwvPxo-_kSiKQHc8VOzbpPdeyCX4lbDwOMQPOtcw8GCX2eEGloXVW5uda4jjbG5tfdZo2EkI2nFSDNCHzja7d-rR7uKBnXHHpVMt_flxCHajHPFbDLD9M-zjSZvSFNP58EqQ/s1600-h/103+Ron%27s+Camp+11.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbRYxcz6AwvPxo-_kSiKQHc8VOzbpPdeyCX4lbDwOMQPOtcw8GCX2eEGloXVW5uda4jjbG5tfdZo2EkI2nFSDNCHzja7d-rR7uKBnXHHpVMt_flxCHajHPFbDLD9M-zjSZvSFNP58EqQ/s400/103+Ron%27s+Camp+11.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098201241983052594" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-9933122904698488472007-06-29T07:47:00.000-04:002008-12-10T08:16:07.255-05:00More Evicting Chris (click here)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1g0LvYroTjr7JhudjjYhc464YTVKQ7bpBXZBF532_OxGJ3dDN4y5As4PduChScLnTFip4ijbUvzhxttzOZjSZtvQWXH0plry4xYUCs6yjSKWawD6YeAOWk5lTwWpirXbatkUR1jS6BU/s1600-h/Evicting+Chris+7C.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1g0LvYroTjr7JhudjjYhc464YTVKQ7bpBXZBF532_OxGJ3dDN4y5As4PduChScLnTFip4ijbUvzhxttzOZjSZtvQWXH0plry4xYUCs6yjSKWawD6YeAOWk5lTwWpirXbatkUR1jS6BU/s400/Evicting+Chris+7C.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081453726047882882" border="0" /></a>On August 23.2006 city workers with trucks, heavy equipment and a contingency of mounted police demolished Chris Gardiner's home under the on ramp to the Gardiner Expressway. Chris is a gentle person who does no harm. I have known him for many years and can testify that he is supportive and helpful to others. His squat was always neat and clean and he is not a drug addict.
Similar scenes occur on a regular basis in Toronto, as authorities pursue a policy of harassment designed to drive homeless people from the city. People who were born and raised here are being driven out to seek shelter in a more friendly location.
The same thing and worse has happened to me on several occasions. Each time I gathered up the few belongings that remained after they took my home to the dump, found a new secluded site and started over. Every homeless person who ever had a squat will speak of similar experiences. They don't want homeless people in Toronto, but they won't make affordable housing available. It's cheaper to just drive us away and let someone else deal with the problem. <span style="font-weight: bold;">I wonder what an eviction like this costs the City.</span>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFWeLMvFG8g1pLL4WDxRM5X9h-BmrGi6sIc8PgWqATXyiPWka-9OQ-8wbWcMtzLMXbodnE1WJVghyphenhyphenDAJBCv7Kx_dr143usUWctrAd79K_z4IrGIBe1rniUIKt_muRIz4-NbzU_4Kx-9g/s1600-h/Evicting+Chris+11A.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFWeLMvFG8g1pLL4WDxRM5X9h-BmrGi6sIc8PgWqATXyiPWka-9OQ-8wbWcMtzLMXbodnE1WJVghyphenhyphenDAJBCv7Kx_dr143usUWctrAd79K_z4IrGIBe1rniUIKt_muRIz4-NbzU_4Kx-9g/s400/Evicting+Chris+11A.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081453584313962098" border="0" /></a>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOFke-zwRmz0BMmYpTjS3FNNHDWAVpaVr_GptC03CMCRqTzCRUeOM4VQX3Gi6Txy6ZhYT3x2uCMAlphqFRPMeXILaauNWMquEEN-WCPVTHdTvWXiWgG3lESyOhzaK1LUHMelYy515Q5M/s1600-h/Evicting+Chris+13A.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOFke-zwRmz0BMmYpTjS3FNNHDWAVpaVr_GptC03CMCRqTzCRUeOM4VQX3Gi6Txy6ZhYT3x2uCMAlphqFRPMeXILaauNWMquEEN-WCPVTHdTvWXiWgG3lESyOhzaK1LUHMelYy515Q5M/s400/Evicting+Chris+13A.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081453395335401058" border="0" /></a>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMIeTVRsCbke3SeVPKvPrkg5AH4Fg0PJEDEfRthJEsT5DzsLWQ9ycXwr7SwkDiWiHLvIAgUEXacgmeiSeo4OohP2Hgt3Vq-b7sfJHPXwfRc7XJAxImF22WuCvNKQYKRyygwlxsGx9GMMM/s1600-h/Evicting+Chris+14G.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMIeTVRsCbke3SeVPKvPrkg5AH4Fg0PJEDEfRthJEsT5DzsLWQ9ycXwr7SwkDiWiHLvIAgUEXacgmeiSeo4OohP2Hgt3Vq-b7sfJHPXwfRc7XJAxImF22WuCvNKQYKRyygwlxsGx9GMMM/s400/Evicting+Chris+14G.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081453206356840018" border="0" /></a>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQt3Qsy_E3hIFt5HecouPZJDiCOkppTdAwMab6tY-HUumZK_nLIBFBIgnv6r9tBlJXGQFVBkc0i9om2DypHMWw24EiLwhqdTP4dEooxOIVV0n16Q9q9RXO8xcKEPspFaIfqfFL6VUrt5g/s1600-h/Evicting+Chris+18A.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQt3Qsy_E3hIFt5HecouPZJDiCOkppTdAwMab6tY-HUumZK_nLIBFBIgnv6r9tBlJXGQFVBkc0i9om2DypHMWw24EiLwhqdTP4dEooxOIVV0n16Q9q9RXO8xcKEPspFaIfqfFL6VUrt5g/s400/Evicting+Chris+18A.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081452940068867650" border="0" /></a>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivl_Sqv58wn9Ay_1nx5pFaqw0_X-hcO-d0Ki9CODb1OJritnF82zXlTZ6dBZ7mzX6OGhZfI7siyeiD_BvjF8dJet34lFrQvt3-vNixkAc2qyk_Bqw-fyzRqQwWlQ7midb6MA9ilcp2IDQ/s1600-h/Evicting+Chris+25A.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivl_Sqv58wn9Ay_1nx5pFaqw0_X-hcO-d0Ki9CODb1OJritnF82zXlTZ6dBZ7mzX6OGhZfI7siyeiD_BvjF8dJet34lFrQvt3-vNixkAc2qyk_Bqw-fyzRqQwWlQ7midb6MA9ilcp2IDQ/s400/Evicting+Chris+25A.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081452703845666354" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-73539237269159928692007-06-28T08:31:00.001-04:002008-12-10T08:16:08.108-05:00Evicting Chris Gardiner (click here)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XSQnozZY91IIgbnnvwkPLqvoETLyML_jKs9B91EqIqtviE6BJPhby8mJRxooWjJiv22LH59pnkbyrGrgThuruDPGg3De86byg6HUWbYOLE7PJR59djF-FbelGuvbnrbSBRJEcvOuaqI/s1600-h/Camp+7.3.jpg"> </a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XSQnozZY91IIgbnnvwkPLqvoETLyML_jKs9B91EqIqtviE6BJPhby8mJRxooWjJiv22LH59pnkbyrGrgThuruDPGg3De86byg6HUWbYOLE7PJR59djF-FbelGuvbnrbSBRJEcvOuaqI/s1600-h/Camp+7.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XSQnozZY91IIgbnnvwkPLqvoETLyML_jKs9B91EqIqtviE6BJPhby8mJRxooWjJiv22LH59pnkbyrGrgThuruDPGg3De86byg6HUWbYOLE7PJR59djF-FbelGuvbnrbSBRJEcvOuaqI/s400/Camp+7.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081092875780574754" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" ></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" >This article appeared in the Toronto Star
Pubdate:August 24, 2006Page: A12Section: NewsEdition:MET Length:498
Highway shanty knocked down.
City bulldozes shack by Gardiner Man lived there for several years
Byline/Source: By Christopher Maughan Toronto Star
Photo Caption: TORY ZIMMERMAN TORONTO STAR Ron Craven, a friend of Chris "Gardiner," was among those who objected to the removal of Chris' shack beneath the downtown highway. He was so at home he named himself after the place. But after eight years living there, a homeless man who became
known as Chris "Gardiner" has been evicted from his
makeshift house underneath </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" >Toronto</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" >'s downtown highway.
City officials and </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" >Toronto</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" > police arrived at around </span><st1:time minute="0" hour="7"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" >7 a.m.</span></st1:time><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" >
yesterday to try to persuade Chris, 44, and five other residents to agree to move into social housing. An hour and a half later, police dragged all of them from the
home, taking him and three others into custody. Then the bulldozers went to work, trashing the walls of his small, three-room shack. About 30 people showed up to protest the eviction. Many knew Chris personally and wondered why he was being targeted now, given that he had lived there peaceably for so many years.
"He's an easygoing, gentle person," said Ron Craven, an elderly man who lived with Chris while he was still on
the streets. "There's no criminality in him at all."
Shawn Simpson, who was evicted yesterday morning but not taken
into custody, said he thought he knew why the shack was torn
down.
"See behind there, the condos being built? Nobody in there
wants to look at this," he said over the roar of nearby dump
trucks.
Still, it's hard to see how people would have even noticed
it, tucked underneath the on-ramp, inside a chain-link fence
around an old hydro transformer. Chris had put up sticks on the
fence to screen off his shack.
Inside, he had a propane-stove, a TV and light running off
batteries, even a sink.
It took him almost two years to scrounge up boards, nails, and
scrap metal to build the place, after police tore down an earlier
shack. Simpson said he'll remember Chris' shack as a
welcome spot.
"He would cook Christmas dinner for all the homeless people
who get a little depressed that time of year. But no matter what
I say, people won't understand, they'll just judge
us."
But Iain De Jong, an outreach worker with the city's
Streets to Homes project, insisted he had Chris' and his
roommates' best interests at heart.
"My message is pretty clear: we're there to provide
services and we're there to provide help." He said the
eviction is due to refurbishment being done on the underside of
the highway.
Since it began a year and a half ago, the Streets to Homes
project has successfully gotten 730 people into social housing,
De Jong said.
This article appeared in the Globe & Mail
</span> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:city><st1:place><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" >TORONTO</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" > -- A man who has been living under a highway off-ramp for the past eight years was evicted from his makeshift home yesterday morning, following a standoff between police and activists who accuse the city of treating homeless people without respect.
Chris "Gardiner" - named after the roadway that sheltered him - was arrested along with five friends who stood by his side as police entered the small three-room house built out of scrap wood. They were all released yesterday afternoon, after being charged with trespassing and failure to leave the premises when directed, and fined $70 each.
TD
"It is the end, but it's also the beginning," Chris said in an interview after his release. "The city has not heard the last from me. They have no idea what's in store for them."
A 44-year-old with a bushy brown beard, glasses and long, brown dreadlocks tied up under a navy blue bandana, Chris held his ribs in pain, saying police had "dropped him" during the arrest.
His eviction follows a year of formal requests by the city that he move on so that construction could begin on the pillars that hold up the highway above. On Friday, he received a written notice from the city warning him to leave his shack by </span><st1:time minute="1" hour="0"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" >12:01 a.m.</span></st1:time><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" > yesterday.
Nearly 30 bystanders, many who camped overnight to support Chris, chanted "Shame" and "Leave Chris alone" yesterday morning as officers handcuffed and carried him out of his shack.
The dwelling, complete with a well-stocked kitchen, a propane-powered camping stove, a sink (but no running water) and a light bulb hanging from the ceiling, powered by the same battery that ran his stereo and hand-held television, was torn down by hydro workers shortly afterward. His belongings, city officials said, have been "put away in safe storage."
Chris said later that he doesn't want any of his possessions back. In fact, he has refused to accept anything from city outreach workers, who have offered him an apartment and other help. Iain De Jong, manager of the city's Streets into Homes project, said he has been trying for months to convince Chris to move into subsidized housing.
"Look around, this is a construction zone," Mr. De Jong said. "There's work being done in this area, it is not a safe environment to be living in. There will be equipment, there will be trucks going in and out, there will be dust and debris falling down from overhead."
In anticipation of the construction, Mr. De Jong said an intensive outreach program has had city workers visiting homeless people underneath the Gardiner "multiple times each day" for the last month.
But Kolin Davidson, once homeless but now an activist with the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty, said such programs don't respect people's rights.
"You don't send outreach workers down simply as a precursor to an eviction notice," said Mr. Davidson, who was one of the supporters arrested yesterday. "Chris was a lot safer [underneath the Gardiner] than in the slums that are available to him. The City of </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" >Toronto</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" > has a lot to learn about building trust with people."
Mr. De Jong argued that moving people into special housing is the only way the city can solve homelessness.
"I've seen people's lives change for the better when they make the move from living underneath bridges or out in parks and into safe and affordable housing," he said.
Between February, 2005 and June, 2006, the city's Streets into Homes project moved 730 people directly from the street into housing, Mr. De Jong said. According to a city report, only 11 per cent of those people became homeless again.
"When we bring someone from the streets to a house we don't just say goodbye after that," he said. "There are dedicated staff who follow up with these individuals."
Chris says he makes $35 to $50 a week returning empty beer bottles and picking up dropped change.
Originally from </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" >Montreal</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" >, he came to </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" >Toronto</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" > when he was 19. At 31, he said he went through "a kind of revelation" and adopted religious convictions that include a rejection of the notion of land ownership.
"You can worship your false god - the law - and claim that he owns everything. I do not," he said. "I claim that the real God owns everything including the Gardiner Expressway itself, the land under the Gardiner Expressway and the air over the Gardiner Expressway."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfCKglcFeOBfe5JKCA20dh1audFFo0KUyEf1l70Mduwf29XSPz8z3m63aByGYPzSW_oAtTUYHmVdWdCTPv7iS8HDsLIViP-VfLVMx1o4gwobgjUuXaRAtNbWBJgowuExxYdTZOrdRd3U/s1600-h/Camp+12.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfCKglcFeOBfe5JKCA20dh1audFFo0KUyEf1l70Mduwf29XSPz8z3m63aByGYPzSW_oAtTUYHmVdWdCTPv7iS8HDsLIViP-VfLVMx1o4gwobgjUuXaRAtNbWBJgowuExxYdTZOrdRd3U/s400/Camp+12.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081092588017765890" border="0" /></a>
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSYB-P7Fo816C6JLvwa2mbdYJzhyphenhyphennFKOGuOii86fsV13aybo_7kdo6qLTGPV3HcI0abBrcZezUZLk8huO_KLnWOFJuAgnh9V6wrk6W-nnexsh2kj6J-qBeTrJJSojv_zwufLEas7ugk4/s1600-h/Camp+11.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSYB-P7Fo816C6JLvwa2mbdYJzhyphenhyphennFKOGuOii86fsV13aybo_7kdo6qLTGPV3HcI0abBrcZezUZLk8huO_KLnWOFJuAgnh9V6wrk6W-nnexsh2kj6J-qBeTrJJSojv_zwufLEas7ugk4/s400/Camp+11.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081092025377050082" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-88887613442273054692007-06-28T03:01:00.000-04:002008-12-10T08:16:10.978-05:00Squats (click here)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0lZtXJRzXxLcNcif1BIL-ULosUPAqVoNFQIWIfeMZE3yHZIxibyBCvbDSPehBhR5kyGjxoVlPQkH7QzL-OeowErcjij02evpXYRjL8kXn3ZOXF4oQ1S1dGDEt-XsoZ8KJR-3xk0Z08og/s1600-h/Camp+45.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0lZtXJRzXxLcNcif1BIL-ULosUPAqVoNFQIWIfeMZE3yHZIxibyBCvbDSPehBhR5kyGjxoVlPQkH7QzL-OeowErcjij02evpXYRjL8kXn3ZOXF4oQ1S1dGDEt-XsoZ8KJR-3xk0Z08og/s400/Camp+45.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081008728781311426" border="0" /></a>Squats are what we call our makeshift homes. When you see someone sleeping on the sidewalk and you think there are so many of us, you're only seeing the tip of the iceberg. I never slept on the sidewalk. I ALWAYS had a squat hidden away somewhere, a place to sleep in safety, to store my few possessions, to relax, to get high. So, although I was homeless in the traditional sense of the phrase, I was never without a home. If you look in the hidden places you will find that most of us are squatting in tents, in homemade shacks, in abandoned vehicles, in abandoned buildings, in culverts, in containers, under bridges, anywhere we can find to be safe, invisible and sheltered from the weather. There are a lot more of us than meets the eye. the disgrace of homelessness in our town is much worse than you could imagine. Here are some squats that were photographed by an outreach worker from Street Survivors, a program attached to Central Neighbourhood House and dedicated to helping the homeless. There is a whole industry that has been created in response to this problem. Services such as health, outreach, drop in centres, shelters, housing search assistance, legal assistance, advocacy groups and more have been implemented at a cost far in excess of what it would cost to prevent the problem in the first place. AFFORDABLE and ACCESSIBLE HOUSING.
<div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEjNVMcqXTQSROnSSgzWORe5Yy72KiTiHJNXa5FFaF_kzXbfhN4g0giDf4VFX6abHQP0zd506u5IaD5thl-cspKQo5JZr6HAR54tT3F8__DVXdK49PdAannphUAHgzKrB9h4znq8Yhmo/s1600-h/Camp+44.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEjNVMcqXTQSROnSSgzWORe5Yy72KiTiHJNXa5FFaF_kzXbfhN4g0giDf4VFX6abHQP0zd506u5IaD5thl-cspKQo5JZr6HAR54tT3F8__DVXdK49PdAannphUAHgzKrB9h4znq8Yhmo/s400/Camp+44.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081008642881965490" border="0" /></a>
</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDj86rGPSEc9zlBQLzPiS9hxQO8MSu3C-MhRjlxWlwg06ueKv5-ooq4hFdiOX5g2aiyXVsyR7Py1ILJldF1F-TceWVA-tdEvadcj-PDVHw0DFoBR4vySM9CE-75LDKPVoiLTcb1KGtwoQ/s1600-h/Camp+36.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDj86rGPSEc9zlBQLzPiS9hxQO8MSu3C-MhRjlxWlwg06ueKv5-ooq4hFdiOX5g2aiyXVsyR7Py1ILJldF1F-TceWVA-tdEvadcj-PDVHw0DFoBR4vySM9CE-75LDKPVoiLTcb1KGtwoQ/s400/Camp+36.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081008552687652258" border="0" /></a>
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aqrzf4_Z2Y8TMPwdBjLzR5W8mNEHZIsxMQSWdplKeSjq6xwLfz0ZQEqq10lba5kLm4hPWPsnv7jX_fBVXCe_w6ZGhBU3OBXfq2v_Frbs21MOaTpYODyNNqBNYyFRur54pZ2wCdJnKcg/s1600-h/Camp+16.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aqrzf4_Z2Y8TMPwdBjLzR5W8mNEHZIsxMQSWdplKeSjq6xwLfz0ZQEqq10lba5kLm4hPWPsnv7jX_fBVXCe_w6ZGhBU3OBXfq2v_Frbs21MOaTpYODyNNqBNYyFRur54pZ2wCdJnKcg/s400/Camp+16.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081008166140595554" border="0" /></a>
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIXj8K2qf8CYk2uk3JdYJxOXCyvVmDWxayT-wirzZaYFnMingkvvvvMIQJwV0vzcEdKKQNucDXLhV5uAGqVN4wk9BGruWDzclqv_3EOHAeov0j0Htew2TcxocNVSfCJT4MJXrU6cbs9c/s1600-h/Camp+1.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIXj8K2qf8CYk2uk3JdYJxOXCyvVmDWxayT-wirzZaYFnMingkvvvvMIQJwV0vzcEdKKQNucDXLhV5uAGqVN4wk9BGruWDzclqv_3EOHAeov0j0Htew2TcxocNVSfCJT4MJXrU6cbs9c/s400/Camp+1.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081007543370337554" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-37538697798421975042007-06-26T13:09:00.000-04:002008-12-10T08:16:13.543-05:00Alleys (click here)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg34y8nIUcrOmIzzz-OLdYoL9dubcyqeJSd0wQw1gzZoqXQc-wzwtnzCYacduavpPrSdYQxJyJf6njBtFvPWfHKaddj1Q-Ozms2PSk8vTk8kcmofdlvnne6A9p4LWln867WCbDfy1eKwM/s1600-h/Alley+4.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg34y8nIUcrOmIzzz-OLdYoL9dubcyqeJSd0wQw1gzZoqXQc-wzwtnzCYacduavpPrSdYQxJyJf6njBtFvPWfHKaddj1Q-Ozms2PSk8vTk8kcmofdlvnne6A9p4LWln867WCbDfy1eKwM/s400/Alley+4.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080423930964560706" border="0" /></a>There used to be a swing in there where I would sit and smoke a joint and rest. Now there is a fence.
We try to stay out of sight as much as possible, so Rooftops, Lanes and Alleys are our natural habitat, but the authorities are fencing off all of our hiding places and forcing us to stay out in plane view. This seems counter productive to me. They say that all the homeless people sleeping on the sidewalks is bad for business, so why do they force us out of our hiding places? We don't want the tourists to see our misery any more than you do.
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlxPd_P9HxWQ3AC_paB8TE5S1rwrzFnR9QRQOdQknrq9DWQQneU438FMfLiIUm4HkL2ygrQxUdT17xCyvm9tUguElvruO6bb_U719PPMqoc0qvh5hyphenhyphenqgDMlBh_4Ye0LjvTygc8akBJCI/s1600-h/Alley+28.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlxPd_P9HxWQ3AC_paB8TE5S1rwrzFnR9QRQOdQknrq9DWQQneU438FMfLiIUm4HkL2ygrQxUdT17xCyvm9tUguElvruO6bb_U719PPMqoc0qvh5hyphenhyphenqgDMlBh_4Ye0LjvTygc8akBJCI/s400/Alley+28.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080423823590378290" border="0" /></a>
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyj0eWEaWPj1Ra0LAd6jP8QBL28HhA7XThByGYMlQ9kyxOBYUT2S2exAWaCCCfJ99yPv27wxKHB33T-5L_vJw0KPBPJFGSCKLN4z77vxR2g6HurOo9PgvEVj5ehWZHl-I2OCqcBoX4zs/s1600-h/Alley+11B.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyj0eWEaWPj1Ra0LAd6jP8QBL28HhA7XThByGYMlQ9kyxOBYUT2S2exAWaCCCfJ99yPv27wxKHB33T-5L_vJw0KPBPJFGSCKLN4z77vxR2g6HurOo9PgvEVj5ehWZHl-I2OCqcBoX4zs/s400/Alley+11B.3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080422998956657346" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">To order prints contact ronzig@rogers.com
View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2782274014458731206.post-11059416852834484912007-06-22T22:58:00.000-04:002008-12-10T08:16:17.096-05:00The Art of the Street (click here)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhf8HyGRhAt0CrJnYnRItm5UIXuXgcjlr6Yz-hPbKbuUJBo6_BOv3G3TWoTQY1LFMxRFLOt-AXvuhVnld-TfP3aeZHpHbKToH0ozzCl_MuLGM73kRGSpJ4iaXekC0APFHjHoI5FwFqdc/s1600-h/Grafitti+28.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhf8HyGRhAt0CrJnYnRItm5UIXuXgcjlr6Yz-hPbKbuUJBo6_BOv3G3TWoTQY1LFMxRFLOt-AXvuhVnld-TfP3aeZHpHbKToH0ozzCl_MuLGM73kRGSpJ4iaXekC0APFHjHoI5FwFqdc/s400/Grafitti+28.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079090296374512258" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" >
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Graffiti is an art form which exemplifies the lifestyle out here. It is bold and free in spirit and totally irreverent. Many of these works are produced by homeless people, but most are created by others. The artists all have a common link, they are drawn by the magnetic appeal of a wild and undisciplined lifestyle. The rules that society places on us all are ignored or, more often flagrantly broken. While the authorities view graffiti as vandalism, many property owners actually post signs inviting the artists to apply their skills. Because the venue is usually in secluded and perceptively dangerous locations, the so called normal citizens rarely see the best of it. The range of styles, subject matter and talent is limitless and the effect on our environment is a testament to the times in which we live. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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View my Flickr Photo Gallery\{http://www.flickr.com/photos/9326442@N08/,here}
View my Portfolio and references\{http://ronzigs-portfolio.blogspot.com/,here}
View the ongoing saga of The Legend of Ronzig The Wizard\{http://rronzigthewizard.blogspot.com/,here}</div>Ronzig the Wizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213235979505985852noreply@blogger.com0