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Saint John, New Brunswick.I happen to like it.
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Ok Dennis, keep calm and write on. I happened to see this photo shared on Social Media. When I saw it, I instantly felt a number of emotions; First, I was angry. Next, I was hurt. Then I was offended. Then, anger again. Why? Because I love my City, unconditionally, it would seem. People are so easily offended when their favourite Sports team, TV Show, Musician or Celebrity is besmirched. I mean really? That matters, does it? I’ve witnessed shouting matches about Hockey team or Base Ball team stats. This makes me wonder why are we not so offended when our hometown gets drawn through the mud? Civic Pride; Where is it? If you were to say something negative about New York City to someone from New York City, You best take a step backward. Why do we not have the same passion about our own hometown? Do we not realize that this city was where our nation actually began? This was the First actual Incorporated City in the Country. I think it should be somewhat revered, but it isn’t.
The City is in a difficult position. Yes it is. It is not just Saint John that is in a hard position. The country in general is in trouble. It’s the Dollar. It’s Government corruption. It’s the Nation’s economy. It’s the Provincial Deficit. It’s the lack of jobs.
It frustrates me to hear people say that they just hate being in this city, but they have to stay because this is where their job brought them. (I sympathize to a point as I have friends that travel for work.) Some are so belligerent and hateful to my hometown that I WILL passionately defend it. I grew up North End after all… This is my “HOUSE” after all. If you are guest in my home and you say nasty things to my family, you will be politely excused. I simply don’t have to smile and say “Why, Yes I think you’re right. My hometown is a shit hole.” I can tell you what I have said to such people; “Take your career someplace else desirable.“ Then, its followed up with the same downward peering attitude they covey as I say “Oh wait, there isn’t work in that perfect ideal place for you is there?“
We all know so many people that have had to move westward to find jobs because there aren’t jobs in their trade. That’s one scenario. Another is that jobs in their trade are occupied with people that are here just for the paycheck and will leave as soon as its time. They only contribute in the short term of the city’s economy. Well, free up a spot for someone else with the same credentials and qualifications, that wants to work in this city do so instead of having to labour at something that they did not train for. I could go on, but I will refrain. For those that do not have a trade, there are jobs to be had. If you are willing to work, there is work. It may not be the job you want, but there IS work. My paternal Grand Father, back in the depression days, was a hard worker. He would do a full day’s labour work for pay that by our standards was meager. Yet He provided for his large family, by hard work and being determined to work and not give up. We are in a recession, although its not yet officially labeled as such. I say this; Work is work. I’ve recently driven by folks carrying signs advertising a car related company on Rothesay Avenue. Sometimes, they are even in costume. I can’t help but feel respect those folks doing that job, because they are willing! It’s not a glamourous job, but they are doing it …while in full public view. Don’t look down on them for doing such a job. Rather, be proud that they are doing work.
My current career isn’t the career path I had originally thought of taking or trained for, but it meets my needs. I enjoy my job. In fact, I love what I do. I do have frustrations at work as well. That’s “life”. I have been in my current role for 14 years. I have seen a high turnover of new faces during those years. Why? Some of that is corporate direction. The majority is that people just don’t like it and move on quickly. I know for some, job changing is very frequent. A lot of time, it’s those same folks calling this city, Saint John, a “shit hole”.
Let’s face it, The city itself will always be here. The political entities that you love, or even love to hate, will be gone in a few years. Certainly, the residual impact that they leave behind, is the aftermath. Despite all that is said about my City, I still think it’s beautiful. Beautiful in the way that you look at someone you have respect for. Someone that has endured life experiences, Good and Bad, yet they come out on top with grace, wisdom and a take no crap attitude. I’ll leave you with this:
A friend of mine shared this photo of two ladies out for a walk in “Lower Cove”. They gather bits of trash they find as they walk. He spoke with them and found they do this very frequently. These people are game changers. If you are out in this city, and you see things that disappoint, know that YOU can help make that change. Small differences when combined make huge differences. Make a difference. Pick up trash. Volunteer. Hold a door for someone. Say Thank You. Sit and talk with someone in Kings Square. Be active in Your City. Finally, when the time comes... Speak up and cast a vote.