As this is my first blog, I will be takign this space to give general opinions and views on todays culture.
Elder Abuse
Each Christmas morning we have thoughts of children opening presents with a smile, with their parents just looking with pride as each gift gets opened, sharing in their excitement. As each Christmas day moves along there is the family breakfast and then the major event of the Grandparent’s visiting. Yes in each of our mind’s Christmas is family. It is all about sharing, joy, harmony and togetherness. We tell stories of Christmas past with anyone who will listen and share in each other’s togetherness. This is the Christmas the majority of us knows, love and will remember for the rest of our lives.
Now, there is another side of Christmas that we do not picture. However we should. Picture your parents or grandparents not there with you at Christmas. While you are enjoying all the fixings that go along with Christmas, we have forgotten an important member of our lives. They are generally in a nursing or retirement home, getting care from staff, not family. These pillars of our community are alone on this special day. Not only are they alone on this special day they are scared in a lot of cases.
In 1997, the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse was founded with the intent of addressing and preventing the abuse and neglect to this ever important segament of our population. One of the actions that they have brought forward was an International Elder Abuse Day with the first one being held on June 15, 2006 and held on June 15 of each year. Were they able to do this alone? No, they had support from many international organizations such as the World Health Organization, the International Longevity Center and Canada’s own Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.
Unfortunately, here in Canada there have been many reported cases of neglect and abuse towards this distinguished part of our population. It is estimated that between four to ten percent of this population has been through some form of abuse. Unfortunately, the majority of cases are unreported or hidden. To raise awareness of this issue, the Government provides from their website information on recognizing physical, sexual and neglectful abuse.
Since the Government of Canada and our international communities have started to do their part, it is time for us to do ours. Take the time to educate yourself and become fully aware of the surroundings of the seniors in your life. When you visit them this Christmas, take the time to talk and let them know you are there for them as our elders have always been there for us. Once this is accomplished the most important step towards prevention and protection should be taken. When they speak to you, listen and hear them.
Classic Albums
I am a huge music buff and a friend of mine asked me to write down the fifteen most influential CD’s in my life. Unfortunately I could not narrow it down to fifteen. With that being said I am going to use this space to review CD’s that I believe were and are classics.
Steve Earle – The Hard Way
This forgotten masterpiece was Steve Earle’s fourth release for the MCA Companies and the first full CD I had ever heard of his. This was the follow up to another Steve Earle classic “Copperhead Road” and continued his tough stance image. There have been a lot of arguments on whether or not Steve Earle was country at the time and still there is that argument. In my humble opinion with all of the artists that were out at the time and selling themselves as country this CD is about as country as you can get. The craftsmanship of each song tells a story unto itself. I have always said that if you want to know how Steve Earle is feeling then buy a CD and look at the year. Once you listen to it you will know how he is feeling. In this classic, he was feeling transient, (The Other Kind, This Highway’s Mine, West Nashville Boogie), romantic (Promise You Anything, Close Your Eyes, Hopeless Romantics), ready to tell you his opinion (Justice in Ontario, Billy Austin) and a bit nostalgic (Have Mercy). Through it all, Steve Earle gave us honesty. This is a worth listen at anytime.
Also recommend: Guitar Town, Copperhead Road, Jerusleum, and Feel Alright
In closing my first blog, I have a message for those people that decided it would be a good idea to topple over the cenotaph here in Fredericton shortly before Remembrance Day. Plain and simple, you are cowards!
As I See and Say It
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