Many times Newspapers are contacted to settle disputes.
Over the years, we have fielded numerous calls and read dozens of anonymous letters about egregious activities that need to be exposed – at least in the mind of the complainant.
Some eventually turn into News and others fade into the night as tempers settle. In recent weeks, we have had two neighbour-type disputes, two alleged human rights violations heading to formal proceedings, two contractual complaints between businesses and a landlord and tenant issue.
The common denominator from what we can piece together is the seeming inability of people to resolve their differences. It is a fact of life that many people find it difficult to approach problems with an eye to finding a solution, instead coddling the notion of being offended.
Perhaps it is a sense of fear that holds people back from dealing with problems. Many times we have seen situations where the problem amounts to miscommunication. When built upon, that easily-solved misunderstanding escalates to the point of officers being dispatched to sort out the trouble.
In a chat with newly appointed OPP Inspector Scott Smith, we agreed that many of the nuisance calls amount to people not getting along. As if officers have time – or the skill set – to be judge and jury, people seem to think it quite appropriate to involve authorities for every perceived slight that occurs. The use of officer time should be confined to occasions when at least an attempt has been made to solve the issue amicably. We tend to forget that these services have a cost, and instead of working on larger issues of public safety, officers are dispatched to deal with the trivial.
While it is easy to suggest people should try to get along, there are times when some people want to run their home and property as well as that of the neighbourhood. One letter we received was actually an apology to a little league team cursed out and shooed away for practising at a school yard closed for the summer. The neighbour of the bully was mortified at the man’s behaviour. Surely there are larger issues out there than some kids having fun and getting exercise, but the world has its share of grumpy people, full of self-importance and lacking in patience.
Learning to get along starts by living by the Golden Rule. Treat others as you would yourself – and most troubles can be avoided.
