So, I want to take you out of the political scene for one session to tell you about an incident that happened this week in Hamilton, ON, Canada. It’s where I live. The gas station that is right along the way to the highway is a nice place with nice people working there. As I drove by it the other night, just after midnight, I saw two police cars. The next day I drove in to get my usual stuff like a newspaper, and gas and Coffee. And to ask what happened Thursday. The place had been robbed. Which, I’m sure none of us wants to go through an experience like that, whether we work at a bank, drug store or gas station. As I thought of it I began to wonder what kind of people would do such an awful thing and I thought of people who might be addicted to drugs. Which, this is my constroversial opinion.

I don’t think Safe Injection Sights (SIS) drug abuse can cost someone a lot of money each day and every week. I’ve heard of some drugs costing as much as $200 a day. Fentanyl which is pretty popular these days costs almost near $100/gram. Maybe some of these people work on a full-time basis but still can’t afford to buy their drugs. They may be going to the nearest safe injection sight (SIS) to avoid being hospitalized from their addiction. The other thing that may be happening is that it’s so expensive to maintain that they’re resorting to doing things like holding up places, getting cash to support their drug habit. This Circle K gas station (pictured) does a nice business. They sell gasoline, there’s a convenient store inside, washrooms, the price of gas goes down throughout the day, or up depending on what the Government wants to do, It has nice friendly service. When I first noticed the two police cars while driving by I immediately thought to pray for those working there. They are nice people trying to make a living. Also the Owner of the place, which he shouldn’t have to incure this loss. When I thought of it, I remembered the nice looking lady who didn’t look a day over 25 years old. A small petit woman. I also thought of the man with grey hair who looked like he was getting close to retirement. Just like I am. Though, not as much grey. Lol. These are nice people. They have their whole lives ahead of them. I was glad to see them working there earlier today. I told the young lady that I was praying for them and this place and that I hope they will be fine after this. But that if something happens like if someone quits their job there I’d completely understand.

Nobody wants to go through that.

There’s a lot of stress, pressure, whatever you want to call it, that a person goes through when a place is held up. This includes the assailant. Because he doesn’t want to be caught. I’m speaking realistically. But, there’s probably a reason why he’s doing it. And that is why there shouldn’t be these S.I.S. Because people will not recover from their addictions. But if there’s going to be, they should allow for people to recover. That includes information, places they can go, like a Healthcare clinic where a Doctor can prescribe medication for quitting smoking which includes nicotine, one of the strongest drugs out there. It’s what I did, and I quit smoking over ten years ago. But people should be allowed to quit. And be able to find places that can help them do that. It takes a lot of will power to quit any kind of drugs or addiction. But if you can do it, then it should be easily accessible.

I went to the Walk-In Clinic near my place to get help to quit smoking.

Buying fentanyl costs nearly $100/gram. It’s used as pain relief and can help you sleep. It can be prescribed by a Doctor but can also be bought on the street. The price of any and all drugs even at street value has risen the last two years, which means Trudeau’s getting tons of dough from the sale of Cannabis in the Country. So much so that even illegal drugs are being sold at a higher price than normal. Inflation has taken it’s toll.

We should all be careful of our surroundings, especially at night and when we’re at the bank machine. Anyone can approach us from behind and be blindsided by someone holding a gun or a weapon and force us to empty our bank accounts for their addictions. Like I said, take precautions, like do your banking indoors inside the bank, do so in the daytime, avoid the ATM at night which includes the drive through because anyone can be hiding nearby. Be aware of your surroundings. If you’re going somewhere, remember that you can pay through Interac or better yet, a credit card. No need for the bank. We should remember that whoever was responsible for that holdup at the gas station will probably do something again. Another place, or another method. Like hanging out near a bank machine. If you are robbed, remember a few things. First, I’m not a Police Officer and if you want safety precautions you should speak to one to know things. Second, If you’re held up do exactly as he says. Three, remember that he is under as much stress as you are because he doesn’t want to get caught and you don’t want to get hurt either. He’ll probably rush home as fast as you call the Police. Next, Pay Attention. Even if you see a car parked across the street or in the parking lot at the ATM, see if someone is inside of it. Maybe there’s two people making out, or someone up to no good.

A robbery can lead to more crime being committed. I’ve heard of people being assaulted, cars being stolen, home invasions, carjackings, and then an armed robbery being committed later on by the same group. Some do it on their own, others are an organized group. There’s no added reading to this. My advice for you is this. Stay Safe. The picture is the place where the robbery took place. Take care. May God keep you safe in your surroundings. Here’s a verse: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Vs.2. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” Psalm 127:1,2.