Got booed at a public meeting...bring it!

12 posts / 0 new

Fri, 2009-10-23 07:04

rural - Francesca rural - Francesca's picture

I made a presentation on "economic accessiblity" to a public meeting on Owen Sound's proposed new arena.

defined: Economic Accessibily: Legislation exists to compel our society to address physical barriers to accessing services, buildings and programs. There is no such legislation for economic accessibility. (I developed this presentation at the request of the Mayor!)

I was making 5 reccomendations and by the time I reached the 4th one, I had to yell over top of the crowd! That's not mentioned in the article.

Poor must have access to rec centre, mayor says

my 5 reccomendations that seemed so offensive?????

Create a community based committee to focus on issues of Economic Accessibility for the proposed facility, members would consist of representation from funding partners, service providers and community representatives ensuring both economic diversity, racial diversity and gender diversity.

Limit membership based services to "lesson/class" based programming (swimming lessons, aerobics etc), public swimming, skating, card playing, single usage events etc etc would be fee-for-service

Local service providers are able to complete the administration of subsidies and offer memberships, and tickets to fee-for-service events to clients. (Children's Aid, Keystone, United Way, Credit Counselling etc)

All staff take annual training in shaming based behaviour around poverty issues, such as the Bridges Out of Poverty training program

Create a workplace environment and philosophy that focuses on providing the best options and service possible, rather than viewing subsidy applicants as and interruption in general service provision

Fri, 2009-10-23 08:10

Slumberjack

In a culture of greed bought about through the example of capitalism at every turn, one can never underestimate the motivational power that greed has when it comes to stomping on the far less fortunate while they are down.

Fri, 2009-10-23 09:27

Michelle

I'm sorry that happened to you, Francesca. That really sucks. But good on you for facing a hostile crowd and telling them what they didn't want to hear. That's truly "speaking truth to power".

Congratulations.

Fri, 2009-10-23 11:48

remind

Quote:
In a culture of greed bought about through the example of capitalism at every turn, one can never underestimate the motivational power that greed has when it comes to stomping on the far less fortunate while they are down.

Ain't that the truth slumberjack...

and I am so sorry you had to experience that R_F, but it is indicative of the new Conservative norm of silencing being foisted upon us, in many ways.

Fri, 2009-10-23 11:56

remind

They did not hear her, I do not believe Michelle, anymore than those in Townhall meetings hear Obama, when they are busy yelling.

They hear their own voices only, and others raised in mutal approval with them.

There is no going beyond the emotions of the limbic brain, their frontal cortex is not engaged for rational thought processes.

That is why agent infilitrator agitators work, they get people stirred up so they can't hear and think rationally.

Fri, 2009-10-23 14:10

Pogo

Great recommendations by the way.

Fri, 2009-10-23 16:00

Polunatic2

Great recommendations. I know how you feel Francesca. Several years ago, during the public consultation for a new streetcar right-of-way in Toronto, every public meeting was marked by booing and screaming at anyone who supported this improvement to public transit. In one of the meetings organized by city staff, a local Councillor grabbed the mike at the start of the meeting to rile up the crowd and personally attack city staff. It was truly one of the most shameful things I've ever witnessed. Most speakers didn't get past their first sentence before the attempts to drown out their voices started.

Sat, 2009-10-24 09:55

rural - Francesca rural - Francesca's picture

Thanks everyone. Fortunately I was amused as it takes a lot more than booing to shut me up. I often find public opposition a great motivator, as I know I'm on to something. The silent majority also doesn't stay silent, I've often been surprised at the community leaders that step forward and express support.

My board is also writing a letter to the editor, as they feel not only was it an attack on me, but an attack on our organization.

Sat, 2009-10-24 10:21

remind

In thinking about all of this, it is realy quite disturbing how short sighted and thoughtlessly focused some people are.

Going to make it succinct.

In BC, income assistance cheques come out on the last Weds of the month, so it is called WW, or welfare Weds.

Now this tends to be the busiest day of the month for most businesses, seriously. And they even have to put extra staff on.

Businesses depend on that day, workers depend on that day, as do the recipients.

Yet the recipients are treated negatively, and talked down about, and that says much.

Oh and another thing, you willl never find any good sales on, on the week of WW, either.

"The poor, their ours to exploit", is the advertising term that would be used if some people, and perhaps a majority, were publically up front about it their sentiments, admitted to themselves, or not.

Sat, 2009-10-24 13:55

#10

Sineed

Those were totally reasonable recommendations, RF - what on earth were people booing at??

Sat, 2009-10-24 14:12

#11

Polunatic2

Quote:
Oh and another thing, you willl never find any good sales on, on the week of WW, either.

Now that is a truly disgraceful business practice. I haven't noticed that in Ontario (because fortunately I've got a permanent job) but it could well be the case here too.

Sat, 2009-10-24 14:26

#12

remind

I would say because their were several factors in play

For example, maybe some wanted it ran as a country club, where wealth gave you access, and thus were booing.

While others didn't think at all about lower income people needing to be compensated for in a proposal, and were thus embarassed and angry, that they had not thought about it. So they transfered anger and reactively booed, only to think later...

While still others may have been booing the booers...