I've figured Thompson out.

Ok, so for years now, I've been wondering what the heck is wrong with this place. I mean, there are the obvious things, such as if you were to lift Thompson and drop it in a big city's ghetto, we'd fit right in - thanks to excess trash and general needed repair and graffiti. But there's always been something more; something a bit uncomfortable and strange, especially with 90% of it's population. And today, Megan hit the nail on the head. When you come to Thompson, you see people, but you see people at the worst they can be. Teenagers falling into the typical ruts, but taking things way too far, so many pregnant young people it's sad, alchoholism, drugs, rape, violence, dirt, you name it, Thompson has it. Now don't get me wrong, there are exceptions (duh look at me! Just kidding folks :P) but overall, this is Thompson. And it's been getting worse every year.

It's difficult to talk to people who've never been to Thompson or experienced living in it, because they really can't possibly get aa grasp on it. A large part of the problem is just that it's isolated, and that a lot of the northern reserves aroung Thompson aren't given the care and respect they should be given, and so the people living in them end up living in shady and downright bad conditions, and this has a really negative affect on them. These reserves are shutting down and the people living in them are moving to Thompson. And I'm not saying this in a racist way, seriously, because Native people (many of whom I have as friends and have HUGE respect for) have a rich and amazing history and lead great lives that have great impacts. But the reserves, especially in N. Manitoba, seriously need to stop being exceptions to the law, because when the violence and terrible things that go on there are allowed to happen, it ruins the inhabitants lives. Can you imagine if the police in Thompson turned a blind eye?

And what the hell is with everyone becoming EMO?! I HAAAAATE emo culture, oh my word, HATE it. All it does is influence kids to take on a depressing and self-destructive view on their lives, how is this good for them in the least?!

And Thompson churches.. ugh... I almost don't want to start. The churches in Thompson are what hold the key to helping all of these people. Jesus Christ is needed more than ever, but the churches don't do a damn thing. As a congregation, we are ORDERED by Christ to spend time with these people and help them, in each and every way we can. "It is the sick who need a doctor, not the healthy."; yet if a drunk or homeless person were to walk into a Sunday morning service, chances are they'd be asked to leave without a second thought. It makes me sick. A part of me is so glad to get away from this place, but at the same time, I'm so afraid to go, because I'm worried about what's going to become of it. I worry for the few people that haven't slipped into the general concensus, that they'll become just like everyone else.

I want to see change.