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Bullying rampant in Canadian society

It seems that much of our global village is caught up in bullying. From global nationals, to manufacturers to the local business person.

While in the hospital waiting on a specialist, I noticed a plaque on the wall,  Bully Free Zone.  A couple of months ago Premier Dalton McGinty of Ontario declared, “zero tolerance for bullies.”  The news this morning announced the NHL lockout is continuing. I don’t know whether to rejoice or cry.

The owners  want a bigger slice of the pie.  Since they believe in the golden rule – those who have the gold, make the rules; they feel perfectly justified in making whatever demands they wish. On the other side are the poor hockey players.

All they want is to have what they consider a fair share of all proceeds made at their expense.  What about loyal fans?  Can you believe after the last lockout, they returned in even greater numbers than before, and paid a higher premium for tickets to watch what?  More bullying? Yes!

The club owners hire enforcers.  To do what?  Take out those skilled players,  who can score goals. Concussion, such as was meted out to Sidney Crosby, is his problem, but it is also ours. Why should we continue to accept bullying in sport?  Well,  some consider hockey, sport.

Humans are a strange animal.

It seems that much of our global village is caught up in bullying. From global nationals, to manufacturers to the local business person.

Each tends to squeeze the one below. We know everyone needs a job.  But at what price?  Manufacturers will come to our community, if we give them a big enough tax break, and other concessions, like a compliant workforce,  that will work for something less than a living wage. If this isn’t bullying, then what is?

Is bullying endemic in our society? What are we going to do about it?

 

Dan MacQuarrie