Gang Violence: Money to the Rescue!

Over the past few weeks there has been alot of talk about violence in the media - and there should be.

First there was the shooting at the Toronto Eaton's Centre, and the shooting at the theatre in Colorado, and the BBQ shooting in Toronto's East End (Scarborough).

Lot's of violence... all gun related.


So it seems logical that Toronto's response is to put more money in to fighting gun violence... and  that Rob Ford is still fighting for more police (and the subsequent budget).

This is great news right, I mean we're getting $12.5 million from the province to fight crime!

I think fighting violence and crime sounds like a terrific idea, but how much more do we have to spend before we will finally stop crime? How many dollars will finally crush this social ill?

How much has the USA spent on the war on drugs? or the war on terrorism?

How close are they to being done/winning?


To me it seems like a fortune teller who needs more money to get a better vision for you...

Maybe money isn't the answer; and who has to work on a tighter budget than HR?

So what is the HR response to this? Performance Management 101.

I think we have enough police, it is just what we choose to focus on.  Performance reviews are based on a quota system - numbers need to be made.

Now don't get me wrong, quotas aren't all bad - but the easiest way to make these numbers is to get a greater portion of the population on minor infractions then to try and stop (or even slow down) gang violence... It just takes too long... it has deep social roots... try quantitating that!

Speeding or not coming to a complete stop is a little easier to address.

So this is where the focus goes.  What gets rewarded gets done.

This is not the problem of the police, but the system that they have been hired to support.


So if the city and province truly want gun violence to be brought down - then why not make the quota related to how many un-registered firearms they bring in each month?

Do you think there would be a little more focus on gangs then? I do.

I have nothing against the Toronto Police, I just think that it is unfortunate that money continues to be thrown at societal problems (Drugs, War, Terrorism, Bullying, Homelessness, etc.) like a fundraising effort - when it truly isn't a question about having raising enough money ayway.

Levon Helm - Rest in Peace!

Yesterday we lost one of the greatest musicians - Levon Helm.

If you haven't seen The Last Waltz buy it now... Not rent... It is that good - if you don't enjoy it, give it to someone with a soul.

If you're not familiar with it, The Last Waltz is a celebration of the end of the career for the group collectively known as 'The Band'.  They were originally Bob Dylan's backing group until they started writing their own music and becoming hugely successful with tunes like: The Weight, Up on Cripple Creek, and The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.

And not too mention, they are Canadian - so what's not too love?

Levon was the drummer (primarily), and usually lead vocalist - not a combo seen very often.  I use the words 'primarily' and 'usually' because the entire group was so talented - They all played multiple instruments and contributed to vocals in different tunes.

As for Levon, I had the pleasure of seeing him last summer at the Black Creek Music Festival opening for John Fogerty.  Since The Band broke up a few years before I was born, this would be as close as I would get to the real thing.

Levon, you were a great performer until the very end.  Thank you for your music and enhancing the lives of millions through it!