I'm Pretty Easy

Every now and then I just have to wonder what the hell is going on in the world.

You would think that after about ten thousand years of “civilization” we would have at least learned to get along with each other. Why can't we be tolerant of those who have different ways of doing things? Why can't we refrain from killing each other in the name of God? Why can't we agree on one God? Just pick one, they are all more or less the same, they want us to live a life of purity, compassion, love and to be happy. Of course they do want us to fear them, and the penalty for slipping is an eternity of damnation in a place filled with demons, fire and unnamed tortures. Interesting enough, one of the things that will send you to hell is the belief in those same demons.

The government of the day in Alberta is going to pass legislation that will cause farm workers to get paid minimum wage, have Workman’s Compensation if they are injured in their work and a minimum level of safe working conditions. It seems to make sense to me, but what do I know? The farmers are incensed, livid and frothing at the mouths. Today there was a protest where they drove the tractors on the road, slowing down traffic and chanting how the government is putting an end to their lifestyle. I think that the farmers just don't like being told what they should have to do, even if it is in their best interest.

The revolt may have something to do with the fact that rural Alberta votes Conservative and have for generations. The Conservatives lost badly in the most recent election and there may be a few sour grapes about the outcome. According to Conservative supporters, we are on the road to hell and can't afford the gasoline to get there. I think running out of gas on the way to hell is a good thing, but that is just me.

The thing about most laws that governments pass to protect the people is that generally there is always a way to get around the legislation. If the government says that farm workers have to get minimum wage, no one really cares if those workers are charged room and board or charged for the work supplies, bringing them back to the same wage they were getting before. We humans have been lying and cheating our governments since governments were thought up. We will continue to do so and if the farmers were smart, they would just shut up and do what they want to do.

Mind you, I like to complain about stuff too. Doesn't much matter what I complain about, sometimes I complain about the government and sometimes the farmers. 

I'm pretty easy.