On Oct. 29 the James Street Swing Bridge caught fire.
Almost instantly police and fire officials labeled it a crime scene.
Even quicker, however, the racist tweets and Facebook posts began to spring up online.
The hurtful comments are a sad indication of where humanity is heading. Or at least where some would like to take us.
It seems in Thunder Bay, in some corners, the 1950s have returned.
It’s time we moved into the 21st century. It’s time we – on both sides of the bridge – leave the anger behind.
We’re all part of one community, fighting for the same things – hope and happiness for our families, a place to call home and friends and loved ones to enrich our lives.
Haters are going to hate. They can’t help themselves. Their lives haven’t turned out the way they want them to, so they look for someone to blame.
Both sides point fingers. No one wins.
The good news is we have leaders, in Fort William First Nation Chief Georjann Morrisseau and Mayor Keith Hobbs, who want to help carry us beyond the hatred, to find common ground and work together as one.
It has to start from the top down.
Racism and resentment are not the way of the future in Thunder Bay. They’re the way of the past. It’s time to move forward.
