Memo to Brian Bowman: Connect Hearing offers Free Hearing Tests

Winnipeg is experiencing horrific violence and it seems to be stemming from the methamphetamine crisis.  Gang activity is on the rise.  Everyday on social media, I seem to see a new video that someone is posting about someone having a temper tantrum about someone cutting them off in a drive-thru line or in traffic.  The anger doesn't seem to match the situation but it is also disturbing that we have a desire to record people in their worst moments without talking to them.  We seem to forget how to treat people as human beings. 

Our youth and our systemically disadvantaged seem to be screaming a message.  The message is that they are hurting and need help.  They want to be heard. 

That is it.  They want to be heard.  They are hurting.  They also are intelligent and have valuable lived experiences.  They know that adding more police, or increasing the police overtime budget, is not the solution.  People want some support.  No one really wants a hand out, they want a hand up.  Or even someone to be extending their hand out.  Treat all people with respect and truly try to listen to their perspectives. 

So, what is our Mayor doing?  He is calling for a meeting of three people:  him, Premier Pallister; and Prime Minister Trudeau. 

Yeah, three white guys of privilege getting together.  Yeah, that will really be effective.........says no one. 

Mayor Bowman, are you actually tone deaf?  If so, there are hearing tests available. 

I watched the press conference.  You were in City Hall surrounded by a bunch of people of privilege. 

Here is a suggestion.  Get out of City Hall for a day and go listen to Winnipeggers.  Listen to the challenges some of us are experiencing.  Instead of talking, listen. 

And, if for some reason, you can't get off of City Hall for a day, well, then get out of City Hall. 

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