Ok, I haven't been around much lately but it's thread time.

Lets start off with the news this morning as it's been busy. @doniveson is not going for re-election. I find this upsetting but understand why he's chosen to move on to other things. I feel fortunate that we've had

his leadership over the last few terms. We really need to ensure we get as much information on the mayoral candidates as we move towards the municipal elections and weed out the UCP candidates. I feel as though Don would have been re-elected if he chose to run again. Next,

@ryanjespersen is back! I can't communicate how happy I am that he's back. I miss seeing him at Rogers during Oilers games and at other events he emcees, but it's terrific to have him back on a medium. The last bit of news, which I didn't find out on here but from Jespo's show,

is that @Dave_Khan has stepped down as leader of the provincial liberals. I'll be very keen on seeing where he lands. Real smart man and gracious with his time when I've had questions about all sorts of things, usually political. Busy busy Monday morning.

So how about that

"Freedumb" march in Calgary this past week against mask use? You'd think we weren't losing people daily to this virus or that our cases weren't flying through the roof........

It's mindnumbing the number of people that cry and complain about the economy being depressed and are

in real financial strains but yet won't do their responsibility to protect their fellow man so we can get past this and move on. It's not just Calgary obviously but fuck people, grow up and wise up.

While on the COVID conversation, I was having a discussion with my wife this

past week about how the government has dropped the ball so hard on the COVID response. I commented that, and many would agree (and it should be pointed out that this isn't the fault of the teachers IMO) that there is spreading happening in schools. This shouldn't be a surprise

to anyone as there are so many kids in closed spaces for hours on end, but hey, the best way to nip that in the bud? Limit youth sports and cut booze off at 11 in bars and clubs............. But what my point I was getting at was that is there going to be a point where they shut

down the schools. She commented that we can't shut down the economy and I countered with the absurdity that the fact that schools are seen as a primary means to an end to let people go to work is fucking ridiculous. Aren't schools there to educate the future generations?? Pretty

sure they aren't babysitters. If schools central purpose is to free up people to go to work, this system needs some MAJOR fixing. Just my two cents.

Ok, so to take a short break from political talk I'm going to delve into more of some personal tales.

This past week I worked my

first shifts in a security capacity where I have worked amongst the homeless community as the city has dedicated to get them out of the elements through the winter months. It was a real culture shock to see the number of people who are on the street and the struggles that they

go through. It really drove home how fortunate of a situation I find myself in, as I'm sure most people can identify with as well. It's been a real eye opener and I think we need to reminded that we can't jump to conclusions about people that come from situations that we might

not be able to identify with personally but give everyone a clean slate until provided reason not to.

Earlier this week my wife and I put together 3 shoebox packages for kids who find themselves in situations where they might not get anything for Christmas, on behalf of and with

help from my kiddos. They enjoyed the experience and it was an ideal opportunity to explain to them how important it is to help out those less fortunate when we can. I think the pandemic has really driven home how important connecting with people is to our mental and physical

health. We need to take care of each other. I think the disregard with masks and such or whatever irks me to such a degree because it communicates how insensitive folks are to their fellow man. We need to pick it up, and fast.

One last point, and this one of a more optimistic

flavour, it sounds as though we're getting closer and closer to a vaccine. This is reason to be excited. I was listening to some podcasts and the discussion about who should be the first people to get vaccinated. They mention medical professionals, and seniors. Do you think

teachers, front line workers and emergency services should be included in that group as well? Would love to hear your opinions.

Alright folks, once again it's been a slice. I've heard of some of my followers who have either caught COVID or have family who has it, or are

isolating as they've potentially been exposed. Please stay safe. Wear your masks, keep distanced. This is no joke and we don't need to suffer and cause others to suffer. Stay vigilant.

Much love from the Insider XXXOOO

#abpoli #cdnpoli