Deductible? Shur-Man!

In Canada we have had many scandals with people in Parliament, like other countries have had with their government. Lately Peter Shurman, a Progressive Conservative finance critic has been collecting more than $20,000 a year for housing allowance on his second house on Niagara-on-the-Lake.

While he is working and using his privileges of being employed with the government he is writing off his retirement home. Truthfully, he didn't do anything wrong, per say, but what he did wasn't right. He found a loop hole in the system. I mean, if you can find a loop hole and not do anything illegal in the process (meaning it's still legal), then all power to ya!

The problem I have with Shurman is that he should be setting an example, especially if he is high up in the finance division of the government. He should be doing everything right not everything not wrong. There's a difference of doing something wrong, to doing nothing wrong, and to do everything properly. And Shurman sits right in the middle of that group when he should be on the right side, doing the right thing.

 According to Global News, Hudak has recently stated that Peter Shurman has been stripped of his title. Many people agree that what he did was not right. Although Peter stresses that he "followed all existing rules" he has set a bad example for the citizens.

How will the public react to see that their tax dollars have been used so irresponsibly? From Fame to Shame, Peter Shurman has chipped off another piece of our trust in this government.

P.S. Courtesy of my dad there's a joke about Shurman: "Hey Peter, can I write this off?" "Shur-Man!"

Peter Shurman

http://globalnews.ca/news/821373/tory-mpp-peter-shurman-bills-20719-for-residence-in-niagara/
http://globalnews.ca/news/827192/ontario-pc-leader-tim-hudak-removes-peter-shurman-as-finance-critic/
http://www.torontosun.com/2013/09/08/conservative-mpp-peter-shurman-dumped-as-partys-finance-critic

Munsch Up That Cocaine, Robert

You remember the ever-so-famous child's book writer, Robert Munsch, right? Well, have you ever wondered where he got all those crazy ideas from that have made his books so well known? Drum roll please...Crazy-crack and Sippin' Whiskey. 

Robert Munsch, the author of Alligator Baby, Zoom, Makeup Mess, and MANY more has struggled with addiction. I know throughout my childhood I treasured those books. But this creative writer has unveiled his secret for his creativity. 

He was addicted to cocaine and alcohol, and has a few mental illnesses - OCD and bipolar disorder. He has been sober since 2010 and he said that his friends and family helped him through his problems. 

How can someone of sound mind conjure up a story about a family going to the zoo and end up bringing home the wrong baby? Or how about the girl who buys all colours of makeup and ends up looking like a clown? He had some help with the creativity - cocaine - which led to his success. 

Regardless, mental illness and addictions are serious problems, and I for one am happy to know that he has reached out for help.

He has some philosophical words for parents, he hopes "everyone will talk to their kids honestly, listen to them, and help them do their best with their own challenges." So even though he has had a difficult time in his life he can still use his experiences as an example of what NOT to do for his audience.

Truthfully it kind of broke my heart to hear that he struggled with these addictions.The books my mom used to read to me at bedtime have been tainted with this unforgettable story. From Fame to Shame, Robert Munsch, our beloved children's book writer has used and abused drugs. 

Will you ever pick up another Robert Munsch book again or read it the same way?   

Robert Munsch

http://www.ctvnews.ca/robert-munsch-recovering-from-cocaine-addiction-1.513399
http://www.littleacornbooks.com.au/Paper-Bag-Princess-Robert-Munsch_p_36.html