Deadly Taxes

CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG!                                                    May 16, 2014

By published author

Bryce A Baker

Deadly Taxes

A visit to the gas pump today, again reminded me of how brutally the Canadian public is getting screwed. As on schedule, the gas companies shot the prices up just before a long weekend. If any in this country we live in, feel that what we are getting shafted by is acceptable, then they are not just sheep; they are STUPID sheep. We produce more than enough crude in this country to provide a reasonable price per litre and stimulate our economy back, so there isn’t the manipulated sense of financial security. Right after I pay and prepare to fuel my vehicle, I feel that bending over to let the oil company and government taxes finish the job, is almost mandatory.

Although this is my beef to start, it isn’t my only thought of the day. It comes to mind that, we the people are the ones that vote for leadership in all areas of government, from municipal to federal and yet we have virtually no say as to which cattle prod they use on us. Coming from my background, I know exactly what goes on behind our backs. A small example is the mayor of Toronto.

When we pay more for fuel, the chain reaction affects everything in our lives that is transported; which is everything. We don’t have extra in our paycheck to do fun things, or even support our children in a manner comparable to our employment. There used to be a middle class of wage earners, but now if your household earns under 80,000 dollars a year you are in the poor end of the spectrum. It is poor or very rich with no buffer between. From a business stand point we are being bankrupted.

Looking from a government standpoint, they present us with taxes to support the infrastructure we need to survive in today’s world. This is a reasonable understanding, but when the taxes exceed the income by ludicrous amounts, it means the infrastructure is supporting pockets that don’t feel putting food on the family table is important.

The Lottery was brought in originally to help take some burden off the tax payer to support essential services and reduce debt. If a jackpot can exceed 40 million, there has to be a gigantic intake of funds, but I don’t see any REAL funds making changes, ANYWHERE!

So let’s take into account; fuel tax, lottery, income tax, provincial tax, federal tax, land tax, water tax, environment tax, and on and on and on and on, we should have an infrastructure that would be the envy of the world. OH!!! There is a tax that is rather humorous; it is the death tax. Apparently when you die, someone from Revenue Canada crawls into your coffin demanding to get paid for letting you die.

Some years ago New Zealand was on the brink of bankruptcy. They came up with a solution and in just two years restored a good economy. They levied a 10 percent tax and made radical changes in the money base in a business structured arrangement. The structure is too simple for our government to understand so I won’t overwhelm them with the details, and it would impede their spending habits.

I would write more but there is word out that our government is considering taxing us for using our computers, and besides I feel very emotionally taxed right now.

In closing I have no ill feelings for the oil companies that are killing our economy or our government that is choking us to death; and beyond. I am but a sheep following the idiot with the label of leadership.

Please... CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG!

Bryce A Baker

www.bryceabaker.com

Butt of a Sick Joke

CORRECT ME IF IM WRONG!                  May 3, 2014

By published author

Bryce A Baker

Butt of a Sick Joke

Over the last couple of decades or more, the fashion trend for some young males has taken on a life of its own. Personally, I feel it is an insult to masculinity and intelligence; I speak of the sagging pants. They are exposing more than their butts.

Out of curiosity, I did extensive research and found some interesting information.

The lowered waist band originated, without a doubt, in the American prison system where it was reported that belts were not allowed to be worn and as a result pants drooped, some lower than others. Now, from what I understand as well, the look signified an ownership by another inmate for sex.

Now I know what you are asking, and I am not going into details!

The sub culture of street youth adopted the look to portray their outlaw attitude. Then came the rap music persona, and so on, and so on… We all know how much of a grab it has had, and maintains on the rebel youth of today.

Setting aside the meaning of the fashion statement, I found that getting in a foot pursuit with one of these youths is rather ironic. Given the fact that they are relating to their counterparts in the prison system, they can’t outrun a cop when they are attempting to keep their britches up and not tripping over them. Since their mentors are that of their ‘friendly buddies’ in jail, they will get the opportunity to truly understand what they are in for within the walls of a prison.

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but in relationship to how a person presents themselves, does, in my opinion, outline how and what their personalities are. To each their own expression of how they dress, but speaking from extensive experience on the street, and criminally analyzing those who perpetuate street crime; they do have a uniform along with a specific look.

With that said; I was working an undercover gig in Victoria in the mid ‘80s. I wandered into an all-night restaurant for a coffee in early hours, and sat at the counter… and sat… and sat. Finally, the manager came up and refused service to me because he assumed I was a street criminal. In a way it was comical but it points out that either I fit the part I played or maybe I have an alternate lifestyle.

I feel it isn’t a given right to walk down a public street looking like one has messed their pants or has an exhibitionistic fetish. It is not an expression of a positive contribution to our world. It is an expression of violence, crime, ‘gangsta’ and a disregard for those around them!

Anyway… there is an old saying;

If you sag, don’t brag.

If you steal, you can’t appeal.

For later or sooner, you will have a new spooner.

Your cell will be crowded. Your life will be forever clouded.

So pull your pants up and be a man.

Okay… I made it up!

Please… CORRECT ME IF IM WRONG!

 

Bryce A Baker
www.bryceabaker.com

Hate Draws Flies; Love Draws Angels

CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG!                                        April 18, 2014

By published author

Bryce A Baker

Hate Draws Flies; Love Draws Angels

Over the years, many people have come to me to release some of their pain through counsel, about family or misaligned accusations against them. They expressed that the gossip passed from one vile mouth to another about them, has crushed them emotionally.

These stories that people have shared with me are all too common, and are extremely brutal against those who try to do good in this world. It is a sad reality that some people need to degrade or seed a libelous statement against another, either out of jealousy or their own insecurities.

I, also, have personally been bombarded with this dirty sword, causing severe damage. In my career as a detective, it is accepted that the defense lawyers are going to try to discredit me and my arrest in some way, but when it comes to family or friends it can be devastating.

Many years ago, a good friend and counsel witnessed a personal encounter I had with someone I cared very deeply for. The vile content of that person’s accusations cut deep. After that person had left, my Pastor asked me if any of what was said is true. I told him simply, “No.” He smiled at me and said, “Then don’t worry, the truth will always surface.

Eventually it did, fortunately, in my lifetime. But sitting back and knowing the truth, when a relationship or contact with a family member has been restricted by deception and lies can cause many sleepless nights. Emotional damage like that can be hard to purge.

I have found, as a writer, I can create a character or situation that is only fiction, but the penned word can take on a surprising strength. It is my intention, and hope, that a positive influence may bring out the truth or have my readers understand things from a renewed perspective. These Correct Me If I Am Wrong articles are a way to explore avenues of what I have come to understand through experience and observation.

With that said:

There are some great people that have passed that I do miss. Growing up I didn't have the blessing of grandparents. My mom’s dad was a very hard worker; he passed well before I was born. My dad's father was a man that I would model my life after; he died when I was three. My grand moms passed before my teen years. I still miss my 19 year old uncle who passed in 1961 when I was only 6. He will remain my hero for giving his life to save his friend’s. Then there is Rena's dad who I never got the honor of meeting. He was a Bomber Pilot in WW2 and heavily decorated. I would have been in my glory sharing a drink with him.

There are others, of course, that are seated in a place above that are also missed, but my point is simple; Love those that share your time and cherish every second without the negative.

And when someone cuts you with a dirty sword, remember, eventually they themselves will be taken to the ground.

Please... CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG!

Bryce A Baker

www.bryceabaker.com

The TV Made Me Do It

CORRECT ME IF I’M WRONG!                 April 4, 2014

By author Bryce A Baker

 

The TV Made Me Do It

 

Undoubtedly, most of us have watched TV or been to a movie or two. We have read comic books or utilized other means of absorbing mental stimulation from a media format.

This brings up a subject that has been controversial for years. ‘What, if any, influence has subject matter or character portrayal have on individuals or groups?’

As a writer I know for a fact that media does coerce us into alternate understandings and reaction. For instance, children emulate what they see in cartoons or television programing whether they be pro or con. Children function differently when they have taken into their own world their hero or mentor.

Back in the fifties and sixties the Three Stooges were accepted so much that children were hitting other children over the head with hammers believing that it is was only an opportunity for a laugh. The show eventually was banned.

Since then, we and our children have been inundated with books, TV shows, movies and the worst INFLUENCE, video games that are riddled with violence, along with a sociopathic escape from reality. Death or injury has become surreal to some individuals, resulting in actual events. 

Children do have a positive influence with comic heroes fortunately, and it does form a platform to adulthood.

The human mind is a fragile mass of a sponge like substance that absorbs all that is seen and heard. It analyzes the input then stores the data in pockets of negative or positive files to be operational when the time warrants. If the individual can be programmed to function without restraint or a conscience base, then bad things are bound to occur.

As adult’s, television hypnotizes us to follow what product or service we cannot live without. So the immature mind isn’t the only target.

An excerpt from my book ‘Ghosts of Time’: “Within the closed capsule of the human mind, is a complex stratosphere of social programming. We believe what is told to us, even when it is unconfirmed or unreasonable.”

Trying to introduce more positive, progressive subject matter in the media would develop more productive people. In this liberal world we are going to self-destruct from alternate realities.

Okay! I know… this coming from a person that writes books that do contain some violence. But my books do not contain swearing and the content shows the difference between good and evil. In my book ‘Knight Horse’, there are two young boys talking about their action hero figures. Their conversation demonstrates that most young people seek out the good.

There is no possible way to shift back to what was referred to as censorship, but we could provide an understanding to our children that there is a difference. In real life, we don’t get a ‘RESET’ button. Once the ‘GAME OVER’ appears, there is no second chance.  

Please... CORRECT ME IF I’M WRONG! 

Bryce A Baker

www.bryceabaker.com

The Bear Facts

Correct Me If I’m Wrong!                                           March 14, 2014

By author Bryce A Baker

The Bear Facts

Most that know me are aware that I’m a country boy. So most of what is in this ‘Correct Me If I’m Wrong!’ is from first-hand experience.

Let me tell you of one story a Park Ranger told me many years ago. They got a report of a bear attack and responded. Apparently there was a black bear by the side of the road and a mother wanted to get some photos. She put some honey on her son’s cheek so she could get a picture of it licking the boy’s face. Well, like most woodland creatures after the taunting food source disappeared, it looked for more on the boy and got frustrated. The boy and mom escaped unharmed, but she wanted the bear put down for attacking the boy. Need I say ‘Who needs putting down???’

Bears are extremely unpredictable.

Living and being in rural areas, I have had dozens of interactions with black bears and two grizzly encounters. In most cases they can be spooked and sent running, but that isn’t always the case.

The worst draw for a bear attack is a dog barking at them or a person screaming. The bear’s defense mode kicks in.

I had bears on my acreage out of Peachland nearly every day with no indication of a threat. Yet when I sold and moved into Peachland core, there was a large male bear that had his morning buffet route through my yard. He learned that populated areas provide an easy food source. THIS is when interaction can turn deadly.

My face to face with this bear showed he had no fear of humans. Not even when my truck horn howled two feet away from him. He trained his new female partner about his buffet route.

Early spring, I startled her with her two cubs in my yard and she attacked me. Fortunately, when I raised my arms and yelled, it scared the cubs so she went after them instead. 

I contacted the Conservation Office and was tortured by a bureaucratic bunch of BS. There was nothing they could do. The Conservation Officer mentioned he was going to come to the area and ticket people that don’t wash their garbage cans. Washed or not, a bear can pick up a scent more than a dog. Then, are we getting ticketed for bird feeders, dirty barbeques, or pet dishes. There is much more to this, but there isn’t enough paper in my computer.

I received a report from a friend of mine about a similar problem and she received a similar response from Conservation. She didn’t leave garbage out or any temptations. The Conservation Officer refused to trap the bear because if they did they’d have to tag it before release. His problem with that is that they are held liable if the bear gets into trouble after release.

No matter what we do, bears are going to eventually interact in populated areas. Even though urban attacks are rare, the threat persists.

I have been told that we have pushed these animals out of their habitat and we are responsible. I agree to disagree. Yes we have, but considering the millions of acres of unpopulated forested areas as well as the cities and towns that have been established for tens of decades, we need our space too. Bears need to be educated like the people to understand, what is a safe environment. Bears can be taught that urban areas and garbage are not conducive to their safety either. For those that feel we kicked the bears off the block, don’t yell for help when a bear is sitting down at your dining table uninvited, or face an attacking mom bear like I did.

I feel that there should be a team of trackers like myself to be organized to respond to wild animal reports and duly take action appropriate to the call. If it is a deathly situation and a tranquilizing dart isn’t going to save a human life then, the worst case scenario would be to put the animal down. If a bear trap can be used then, the animal is spared and released in a proper area. 

Considering the extreme shortage of Conservation Officers in this province, contract government appointed trackers could cover areas for human safety.

Wild bears or any other wildlife is part of my being and to see an animal destroyed is the last thing I would like to see. But priority is human life.

In closing; I have always put my money where my mouth is. I volunteer to be part of a Wildlife Conservancy Unit in B.C. with no excuses.

Post Script;

Grizzlies are a different story. Just pray your only encounter is seeing the butt end of one walking away.

Please... Correct Me If I’m Wrong!

Bryce A Baker

www.bryceabaker.com

www.bryceabaker.com

Child Protection from the Law

 CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG!                                               February 21, 2014

By author Bryce A Baker

 

Child Protection from the Law

In a time long, long ago; in a place far, far away, I remember being a kid. 

To understand what is happening in modern pertinent circumstances, one has to immerse themselves deep into that callow thought pattern.

In 1985 the Child Protection laws changed in Canada to secure any child free from abuse. In the process it relinquished most, if not all authority away from parents, teachers, law enforcement or any adult.

I understand the theory of providing a protective base for our children, but I saw a substantial increase in youth crime and extended violence soon after that law was instituted.

Many times as I personally approached youth that were committing a crime, minor or felonious; their response was for the most part the same, “I am under age and you can’t do nothing to me.” And they smiled as they said it!

The laws were instituted to reduce abuse by family or otherwise against these children, but created a monster. The youth are programmed that there is no retribution while they are a minor and like a very young child, will test how much they can get away with. The freedom they have been given in this regard is programming the future as adults.

Respect for my elders and others remains a part of my being as taught when I was young. If children are taught that respect, honor, authority, consideration and even love are only options in growing up, then what we are dealing with now is expected.

I investigated charges of sexual assault against a teacher by two teenage girls in the late 1980’s. My investigation cleared the teacher of these charges and the two girls admitted in court, they made the allegations up because the teacher was giving them a failing grade. As a result, the teacher was still forced to forfeit his credentials as a teacher, his wife left, and he spent his savings on the lawyer. The girls were given NO punishment for their actions.

I could write volumes of the damage this law has done, but the only way it can change is if we start thinking like responsible adults and reinstitute proper parenting back into our society. No, I don’t believe that a corporal punishment is necessary; there are many other ways to instill proper values in our children.

As adults, we pay for mistakes and that is accepted, (more or less) so think like a child and ask yourself; ‘If I steal that cookie from the cookie jar, will I get in trouble and get punished?’ or ‘Oh well; I can do anything I want because if I can’t, I will just call Child Protection and complain about my parents!’

I give credit to the good parents that give their children the guidance they need to grow to become a responsible adult.

“Sorry mom! I will put the cookie back.”

Please... CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG!

Bryce A Baker

www.bryceabaker.com

Success

Correct Me If I’m Wrong!                                  February 7, 2014
by author Bryce A Baker 

Success

 

Personal experiences are the blackboard of life, with you being the chalk. The formula for success includes the downfalls which provide the window to see the right path. If we utilize the tools that are given us, almost anything is possible.

Success in society is as varied as the population itself. To some it means wealth and status. To others it is accomplishing a personal challenge. And then there are the couch potatoes that are very successful at opening a beer with no ambition… to each their own.

The phrase ‘If only I knew then, what I know now’  has rattled around in many of our thoughts. But it is a good thing we didn’t.

Success (work related) to me was an investigation with resolution. In that industry, recognition from the public was not anticipated or expected as such. This wasn’t why I personally did the job anyway. With this said, I have an incident to relate.

After retiring from said employment in the nineties, I embarked on the new project of illustration art. Aside from the opportunity to purge negative from my memory, it provided a fun way to meet the public in a totally different perspective.

During a solo art show, a group of teenage Asian gang members approached my display. The youth were under eighteen and known for extreme violence. My first thought was to prepare for battle.

The group silently walked around my show for about fifteen minutes. Then the gang leader and a few members approached me and said, “You are really good! I’ve always wanted to do art work.”

We had a positive conversation for several minutes, and they left without incident.

This conversation and reaction was the biggest success in my life. It is said ‘to lead by example’, so if that be true, I pray that, that young man changed along with setting an example for others to do the same.

In conclusion; one less violent act means one less victim. One positive example could lead to an epidemic. This is success to me.

Please... CORRECT ME IF I’M WRONG!

 Bryce A Baker
www.bryceabaker.com