My G20 post will have to wait another day, or maybe it will never be done b/c I'm just not understanding the financial agreements on cutting the deficits that the countries agreed on - well I kind of understand what they want but how is the question. Maybe I shouldn't enter into the financial field after all....
In a post earlier I laid out my view of the rioters that took over Toronto for the G20 weekend:
People, the next time you want to protest, please protest like Winston Smith & Julia.
At least all the damage they were capable of was over-populating Oceania
. Next time, use sex as a way to protest - not only is it more enjoyable but it's less disruptive.
According to my religion teacher last year, "Sex is great!" - I'll take his word for it. With this in mind, I can't help but wonder why people are protesting by burning police cars, throwing feces, and breaking windows when that is hard work and not enjoyable at all.
I love to read and every once in a while I see glimpses of literature in the real world. In the case of the G20 I instantly connected it to George Orwell's 1984. At first it was the fact there was a law passed so quietly that one could not help but think of all the rules/laws placed on by Big Brother that the citizens of Oceania did not really know about. That being said, it also felt like the people of Toronto were the Party members or the proles and the G20 leaders were the wining and dining Inner Party Members. It also felt like the people that did not care about the fact some of the rights were infringed upon (I Just Want My City, Province, & Country back) just like Parsons & Syme.
As the rioters destroyed my city and left all of us wondering what they were protesting for/against I couldn't but think of the Two Minute Hate - the people in Oceania didn't seem to know why they were hating on Goldstein, only knowing that they hated him. Similar to this, it seemed like the rioters were just hating on something - this something may be capitalism but I wouldn't know b/c they never stated their reasons for such a violent, vandalizing destruction. It seemed like there were just hating with no reason to hate.
After this I thought about the protesting done in 1984 and realized when Winston and Julia were protesting they never did anything violent - they just had sex (which was forbidden but still). I couldn't help but think these two are the smartest of all, not only were they protesting but they were doing it while enjoying themselves since according to the said teacher, "Sex is great!" The only destruction these two would be capable of would be having kids hence overpopulation (but only if they go at it like rabbits do). This comes to the conclusion that the next time people want protest (without knowing what they're protesting against exactly), they should just have sex - as stated earlier, way less disruptive and way more enjoyable.
Once again:
People, the next time you want to protest, please protest like Winston Smith & Julia.
At least all the damage they were capable of was over-populating Oceania
. Next time, use sex as a way to protest - not only is it more enjoyable but it's less disruptive.
Thanks, oh, have fun.
Showing posts with label G20. Show all posts
Showing posts with label G20. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Something about the G8 that made me SMILE
My friend posted this on my fb wall and it just made me smile - the only thing probably about the G8 that made me smile
G8 through students' eyes at Spruce Glen:
What is G8?
1) "G8 is a thing where eight of the richest countries come together to talk about stuff"
2) "They are leaders of the G8 countries. Toronto is one. They are walking around Huntsville to see if things go well...."
3) "G8 members are coming to talk about the town keeping clean."
4) "The G8 is a group of people from eight countries. Canda is one of them. US is one. They are president and prime ministers. Queen Elizabeth is the only woman."
5) "G8 is leaders who protect our Earth"
What would you ask the G8 leaders?
1) Is your limo VIP proof? (my personal favourite)
2) How old are you? Are you marFor results of the Toronto District School Board's vote to close schools, see thestar.com.ried?
3) When did you start the G8?
4) How do you keep cities and countries safe?
5) Does your clothing match?
Since I'm in a hurry to take a quick pre-run nap my own G20 analysis will have to wait - didn't do it this morning b/c I got biten by a bug last night at the corner of my eye and it's all swollen and when I woke up I could barely open and close it.
but want to share an account of the G20 protest by a U of T professor with you - I don't really agree with everything he says (I think he's amping it up a bit) but it's a good read for good prospective
http://www.tvo.org/cfmx/tvoorg/theagenda/index.cfm?page_id=3&action=blog&subaction=viewpost&blog_id=43&post_id=12972
G8 through students' eyes at Spruce Glen:
What is G8?
1) "G8 is a thing where eight of the richest countries come together to talk about stuff"
2) "They are leaders of the G8 countries. Toronto is one. They are walking around Huntsville to see if things go well...."
3) "G8 members are coming to talk about the town keeping clean."
4) "The G8 is a group of people from eight countries. Canda is one of them. US is one. They are president and prime ministers. Queen Elizabeth is the only woman."
5) "G8 is leaders who protect our Earth"
What would you ask the G8 leaders?
1) Is your limo VIP proof? (my personal favourite)
2) How old are you? Are you marFor results of the Toronto District School Board's vote to close schools, see thestar.com.ried?
3) When did you start the G8?
4) How do you keep cities and countries safe?
5) Does your clothing match?
Since I'm in a hurry to take a quick pre-run nap my own G20 analysis will have to wait - didn't do it this morning b/c I got biten by a bug last night at the corner of my eye and it's all swollen and when I woke up I could barely open and close it.
but want to share an account of the G20 protest by a U of T professor with you - I don't really agree with everything he says (I think he's amping it up a bit) but it's a good read for good prospective
http://www.tvo.org/cfmx/tvoorg/theagenda/index.cfm?page_id=3&action=blog&subaction=viewpost&blog_id=43&post_id=12972
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Overstepping the Bounds
The coverage of the G20 in Toronto right now is hilarious, I can't find very much info on what went on in the meeting (like most G20 meetups) but this is beyond the normal; there is only coverage of the protestors. The American stations such as CNN are reporting the insights of the meeting but I really don't like the biasness of CNN so I'm just going to have to wait for the hype of the protestors to die down so I can find more about the actual G20. Also too lazy to read french newspapers.
Right now, in my mind, the police, the media, the protestors, and the rioters are all at fault. Let's start by dissecting the worst of the bunch, the rioters.
I already ranting about them yesterday so I'll keep this one short, thanks for ruining by city when you don't even live here. I've heard that quite a few of these arrested Black Bloc tactic groups are American. What the hell? You destroyed my city guilt-free and will leave with no punishment (I hate this word but I can't think of a better one right now) - no regrets since you're scotfree.
Moving onto the protestors - if you're one of those that protested peacefully and with a cause, KUDOS to you. You are the kind of people that make my day and make me SMILE. You're the 'Savage' of my "Brave New World".
However, if you're one of those "protestors" that are not rioters but kept whining about the fact you were detained and the detention centres are dirty, suck it up. The police may have over stepped their powers (which I'll attack later on, no worries) but if they ask you to move somewhere so they can do their job (maybe to protect you from other violent protestors/rioters) then let them. Don't complain about how it's a police state b/c it isn't. I've had people compare Toronto to communist China & communist North Korea today, and this makes my blood boil. In communist China & communist North Korea I highly doubt you would have been let out on the streets to protest. Also, they would have brought out real bullets instead of the rubber ones. A lot more tear gas would be used if my reasoning is correct. DO NOT CALL THE EFFORTS OF THE POLICE TO KEEP THE PEOPLE SAFE A POLICE STATE.
When CP24 interviewed some girl from the States I was just furious. The girl had been detained and she was complaining about how the holding cells were dirty, wet, and cold. Considering it was raining in TO last night I think she was the one that tracked in the wetness. Also do you expect a temporary holding cell to be clean, dry, comfy, and nice? THIS ISN'T A FRICKEN 5 STAR HOTEL! Also she was given CLEAN, DRY SWEATS - DON'T COMPLAIN. Especially if you're American and your tax dollars aren't even the ones used to clothe you to keep you warm. There have been reports that the police were respectful, professional, and giving out sandwiches so don't complain. The police are handling the situtation pretty well (but then I'm no expert).
Going down low to the media. WHY THE HELL IS MOST OF THE COVERAGE JUST ON THE VIOLENT PROTESTORS AND THE 'POLICE BRUTALITY'? why is the damm media talking up shit? (serious words for someone that cut the potty mouth and hates swearing in written forms) First off, the G20 itself should be covered - the media is there to inform.To inform the people of what was discussed so the people can demand their governments to act upon the resolutions or so the people can show their disagreements and try to make the governments act differently. CP24 had basically no coverage whatsoever on the G20 itself - only coverage on the violent protestors (not much on the peaceful ones) and the supposed acts of police brutality - but then I slept for most of the day so what do I know?
Onto so-called police brutality? What do you know about police brutality? Sure there are some cases where I don't think the police acted appropriately either but to claim police brutality in such a laid-back and loose way is politically incorrect. Do you think the police enjoys hitting people? Do you think they enjoy standing in the rain and trying to move people home so they won't get sick (both themselves and the protestors) - I really don't call banging a baton against a shield brutality. I don't call wrestling a guy to the ground while trying to arrest someone brutality. Brutality is hitting someone with bricks, with stones, with wine bottles from the recycling bin. Get your facts straight.
Also, what is with the media and thinking they are above the law. If a police officer is trying to direct you so they can do their job then follow their instructions - to detain a police officer from doing their job can grant you an arrest or detention. It's as simple as that. The media was complaining about how the police were arresting them but honestly, they asked you to move but you didn't so they had the right and the responsibility to arrest you. Don't just pull up your media badge and claim you have to right not to be arrested when you broke the law. THE MEDIA IS NOT ABOVE THE LAW. Not to be a heartless person but I was actually happy when the CTV producer was arrested b/c that just sends the message that the media IS NOT above the law. Just suck it, I don't want to hear it.
No one gets out of my ranting gasp, including the police. Kudos to the officers that tried their best to keep peace but I do have a few bones to pick. There was one footage that I saw and you were treating this girl in purple like a ragdoll - that is just unacceptable. I realize she probably was resisting arrest but to treat someone in such a rough matter is just not ok. It makes me sad when I see others treated this way.
Also, there are reports that the police was arresting people during a peaceful protest and I just don't like that. If the protest was peaceful then they should be granted their rights to freedom of thought and speech as granted by the Charter. You can't just arrest them without a reason - I surely hope you have a good enough reason for all the viewers and the people who got arrested.
And searching people just b/c they were wearing black? I understand you want to find the members of the Black Bloc but these are not the appropriate grounds to take - just b/c they're wearing black does not mean you have concrete evidence - that is in a way infringing on the right to privacy - although I do think it's better than just arresting them b/c they were wearing black.
Anche, where were you yesterday when they were tearing down everything in sight? Couldn't we have had some sort of help? I understand this could have been a tactic so the rioters don't get even more abusive and angry but think of the poor shop owners. Think of the old man with the jewelery store at Gerrard & Yonge - they torn down his store which is probably the love and baby of his life. And the feds, the province, and the city are telling people they have to pay for the damages themselves - well they told them to buy insurance but you can't buy insurance for riots. Isn't the job of the police to protect the people and to prevent crime? Maybe you were told by the feds to let this happen to justify the $1 Billion pricetag on security but you also have to remember the oath you took when you became a police officer.
One more shout out, PM HARPER! You were advised NOT to host G20 in Toronto b/c this was going to happen but you didn't listen. Thanks asshole. B/c you had the knowledge that this was going to happen it is your responsibility as a knower to help us clean up and repair the city. And I'm not talking about committing fed dollars to clean up b/c that's NOT YOUR money but rather ours. Our money that you wasted already and we're not paying a cent more for something that you have the responsibility as a knower to prevent. Why don't you very graciously donate your salary to cleaning up this mess? I like this idea the most. On the brightside, at least you weren't taking a leak during the G20 photo for once - at least you look liberal use of the photo-op this time.
Also, to future protestors/rioters:
People, the next time you want to protest, please protest like Winston Smith & Julia. At least all the damage they were capable of was over-populating Oceania. Next time, use sex as a way to protest - not only is it more enjoyable but it's less disruptive.
- JC
Also, to the City of Toronto, I think you should sell stuff animals to help pay for clean up - little stuffed horses in riot gear. I think that would be terribly cute and I would stock up. Just a thought
Off to go find press conference online - can't believe I slept the whole day away.
***long run was cut short today b/c stupid bottle flew out of my hydration belt - doing it Tues, planning my run around a gas station so I can buy fluid
***saw a fox chasing a rabbit today - so cute but felt bad for rabbit
***apparently protests are still going on tomorrow so I'm not heading downtown but rather to lunch @ Maison.
***Been asking people but no one knows when clean up is going to start
***Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky!!! must find & rent.
Right now, in my mind, the police, the media, the protestors, and the rioters are all at fault. Let's start by dissecting the worst of the bunch, the rioters.
I already ranting about them yesterday so I'll keep this one short, thanks for ruining by city when you don't even live here. I've heard that quite a few of these arrested Black Bloc tactic groups are American. What the hell? You destroyed my city guilt-free and will leave with no punishment (I hate this word but I can't think of a better one right now) - no regrets since you're scotfree.
Moving onto the protestors - if you're one of those that protested peacefully and with a cause, KUDOS to you. You are the kind of people that make my day and make me SMILE. You're the 'Savage' of my "Brave New World".
However, if you're one of those "protestors" that are not rioters but kept whining about the fact you were detained and the detention centres are dirty, suck it up. The police may have over stepped their powers (which I'll attack later on, no worries) but if they ask you to move somewhere so they can do their job (maybe to protect you from other violent protestors/rioters) then let them. Don't complain about how it's a police state b/c it isn't. I've had people compare Toronto to communist China & communist North Korea today, and this makes my blood boil. In communist China & communist North Korea I highly doubt you would have been let out on the streets to protest. Also, they would have brought out real bullets instead of the rubber ones. A lot more tear gas would be used if my reasoning is correct. DO NOT CALL THE EFFORTS OF THE POLICE TO KEEP THE PEOPLE SAFE A POLICE STATE.
When CP24 interviewed some girl from the States I was just furious. The girl had been detained and she was complaining about how the holding cells were dirty, wet, and cold. Considering it was raining in TO last night I think she was the one that tracked in the wetness. Also do you expect a temporary holding cell to be clean, dry, comfy, and nice? THIS ISN'T A FRICKEN 5 STAR HOTEL! Also she was given CLEAN, DRY SWEATS - DON'T COMPLAIN. Especially if you're American and your tax dollars aren't even the ones used to clothe you to keep you warm. There have been reports that the police were respectful, professional, and giving out sandwiches so don't complain. The police are handling the situtation pretty well (but then I'm no expert).
Going down low to the media. WHY THE HELL IS MOST OF THE COVERAGE JUST ON THE VIOLENT PROTESTORS AND THE 'POLICE BRUTALITY'? why is the damm media talking up shit? (serious words for someone that cut the potty mouth and hates swearing in written forms) First off, the G20 itself should be covered - the media is there to inform.To inform the people of what was discussed so the people can demand their governments to act upon the resolutions or so the people can show their disagreements and try to make the governments act differently. CP24 had basically no coverage whatsoever on the G20 itself - only coverage on the violent protestors (not much on the peaceful ones) and the supposed acts of police brutality - but then I slept for most of the day so what do I know?
Onto so-called police brutality? What do you know about police brutality? Sure there are some cases where I don't think the police acted appropriately either but to claim police brutality in such a laid-back and loose way is politically incorrect. Do you think the police enjoys hitting people? Do you think they enjoy standing in the rain and trying to move people home so they won't get sick (both themselves and the protestors) - I really don't call banging a baton against a shield brutality. I don't call wrestling a guy to the ground while trying to arrest someone brutality. Brutality is hitting someone with bricks, with stones, with wine bottles from the recycling bin. Get your facts straight.
Also, what is with the media and thinking they are above the law. If a police officer is trying to direct you so they can do their job then follow their instructions - to detain a police officer from doing their job can grant you an arrest or detention. It's as simple as that. The media was complaining about how the police were arresting them but honestly, they asked you to move but you didn't so they had the right and the responsibility to arrest you. Don't just pull up your media badge and claim you have to right not to be arrested when you broke the law. THE MEDIA IS NOT ABOVE THE LAW. Not to be a heartless person but I was actually happy when the CTV producer was arrested b/c that just sends the message that the media IS NOT above the law. Just suck it, I don't want to hear it.
No one gets out of my ranting gasp, including the police. Kudos to the officers that tried their best to keep peace but I do have a few bones to pick. There was one footage that I saw and you were treating this girl in purple like a ragdoll - that is just unacceptable. I realize she probably was resisting arrest but to treat someone in such a rough matter is just not ok. It makes me sad when I see others treated this way.
Also, there are reports that the police was arresting people during a peaceful protest and I just don't like that. If the protest was peaceful then they should be granted their rights to freedom of thought and speech as granted by the Charter. You can't just arrest them without a reason - I surely hope you have a good enough reason for all the viewers and the people who got arrested.
And searching people just b/c they were wearing black? I understand you want to find the members of the Black Bloc but these are not the appropriate grounds to take - just b/c they're wearing black does not mean you have concrete evidence - that is in a way infringing on the right to privacy - although I do think it's better than just arresting them b/c they were wearing black.
Anche, where were you yesterday when they were tearing down everything in sight? Couldn't we have had some sort of help? I understand this could have been a tactic so the rioters don't get even more abusive and angry but think of the poor shop owners. Think of the old man with the jewelery store at Gerrard & Yonge - they torn down his store which is probably the love and baby of his life. And the feds, the province, and the city are telling people they have to pay for the damages themselves - well they told them to buy insurance but you can't buy insurance for riots. Isn't the job of the police to protect the people and to prevent crime? Maybe you were told by the feds to let this happen to justify the $1 Billion pricetag on security but you also have to remember the oath you took when you became a police officer.
One more shout out, PM HARPER! You were advised NOT to host G20 in Toronto b/c this was going to happen but you didn't listen. Thanks asshole. B/c you had the knowledge that this was going to happen it is your responsibility as a knower to help us clean up and repair the city. And I'm not talking about committing fed dollars to clean up b/c that's NOT YOUR money but rather ours. Our money that you wasted already and we're not paying a cent more for something that you have the responsibility as a knower to prevent. Why don't you very graciously donate your salary to cleaning up this mess? I like this idea the most. On the brightside, at least you weren't taking a leak during the G20 photo for once - at least you look liberal use of the photo-op this time.
Also, to future protestors/rioters:
People, the next time you want to protest, please protest like Winston Smith & Julia. At least all the damage they were capable of was over-populating Oceania. Next time, use sex as a way to protest - not only is it more enjoyable but it's less disruptive.
- JC
Also, to the City of Toronto, I think you should sell stuff animals to help pay for clean up - little stuffed horses in riot gear. I think that would be terribly cute and I would stock up. Just a thought
Off to go find press conference online - can't believe I slept the whole day away.
***long run was cut short today b/c stupid bottle flew out of my hydration belt - doing it Tues, planning my run around a gas station so I can buy fluid
***saw a fox chasing a rabbit today - so cute but felt bad for rabbit
***apparently protests are still going on tomorrow so I'm not heading downtown but rather to lunch @ Maison.
***Been asking people but no one knows when clean up is going to start
***Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky!!! must find & rent.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
G8 Outcomings
Regardless of the protests downtown Toronto I do have to pick apart the issues of the G8.
First of all, why can't the leaders use Skype instead? - as suggested by a Twitter user.
$5 Billion was committed to maternal and child health programs - $1.1 billion, over 20% of the overall amount, was committed by Canada. I'm happy that we are doing this for the third world countries and the people there but I can't help but think the $1 Billion used for the hosting of the G20 can be used toward this instead. Also, why is it that ONE country is committing over 20% of this? If this is the occurrence then whey are we hosting such an expensive and disruptive event? It's evident this $5 billion could have been raised without having all these 8 leaders in one room - waste of time and money if you ask me.
The sanction on Iran was discussed again and it seems like the G8 leaders are moving toward sanctioning Iran (the UN & Iraq - The Sanction). This is stupid A SANCTION DOES NOT WORK. The only thing that will happen during a sanction is the normal-everyday people will suffer. Remember that these rich leaders have Swiss bank accounts, they will still be able to get the materials they want for nuclear weapons. However the average person does not have a Swiss bank account and they will not be able to get materials they need for a healthy life - including chlorine which is necessary for clean water.
I'm not too happy with the fake lake built for the G8 nor the fake grass used for the photo. The cost of these summits is disgusting. And it seems evident that less work is being done. A hell of an expensive photo-op.
Also would like to add that Toronto and Canada has become the laughingstock of the world. France has already stated that when they host the G20 next year they are going to use 1/10 of the money we are using. Let's not forget when America hosted the G20 last year they spent $17 million - we are spending over 51x as much. Don't host the G20 in a diverse city is all I'm saying....
Also, Huntsville G8 was rather peaceful - why did the PM pick Toronto for the G20? If the G20 was in Huntsville I highly doubt as much damage would exist right now. I mean the non-Canadian protestors probably don't even know where Huntsville is.
This was a stupid idea.
As far as I know of there is no planned clean up yet for the Toronto streets,
but I am calling upon all the people living in the GTA to come out and help clean up this mess on Monday.
***skipped run tonight b/c I have a long one tomorrow
***more adequate post will be posted later - have a 28k at 5:30am
First of all, why can't the leaders use Skype instead? - as suggested by a Twitter user.
$5 Billion was committed to maternal and child health programs - $1.1 billion, over 20% of the overall amount, was committed by Canada. I'm happy that we are doing this for the third world countries and the people there but I can't help but think the $1 Billion used for the hosting of the G20 can be used toward this instead. Also, why is it that ONE country is committing over 20% of this? If this is the occurrence then whey are we hosting such an expensive and disruptive event? It's evident this $5 billion could have been raised without having all these 8 leaders in one room - waste of time and money if you ask me.
The sanction on Iran was discussed again and it seems like the G8 leaders are moving toward sanctioning Iran (the UN & Iraq - The Sanction). This is stupid A SANCTION DOES NOT WORK. The only thing that will happen during a sanction is the normal-everyday people will suffer. Remember that these rich leaders have Swiss bank accounts, they will still be able to get the materials they want for nuclear weapons. However the average person does not have a Swiss bank account and they will not be able to get materials they need for a healthy life - including chlorine which is necessary for clean water.
I'm not too happy with the fake lake built for the G8 nor the fake grass used for the photo. The cost of these summits is disgusting. And it seems evident that less work is being done. A hell of an expensive photo-op.
Also would like to add that Toronto and Canada has become the laughingstock of the world. France has already stated that when they host the G20 next year they are going to use 1/10 of the money we are using. Let's not forget when America hosted the G20 last year they spent $17 million - we are spending over 51x as much. Don't host the G20 in a diverse city is all I'm saying....
Also, Huntsville G8 was rather peaceful - why did the PM pick Toronto for the G20? If the G20 was in Huntsville I highly doubt as much damage would exist right now. I mean the non-Canadian protestors probably don't even know where Huntsville is.
This was a stupid idea.
As far as I know of there is no planned clean up yet for the Toronto streets,
but I am calling upon all the people living in the GTA to come out and help clean up this mess on Monday.
***skipped run tonight b/c I have a long one tomorrow
***more adequate post will be posted later - have a 28k at 5:30am
Disgusted with the Black Bloc
I am utterly disgusted with the Black Bloc - they are destroying the city and I'm still not sure what they are protesting for/against.
They are ruining the point of protesting, destroying the city, and just creating a bad name for themselves and the city. Over 90% of the protestors were peaceful protestors that have something to stand for and a message to deliver but now these Black Bloc members have created so much confusion their message can not be heard. This group of a few hundred people are disgusting, they are not protestors; they are filthy, selfish, condescending terrorists.
It has been reported that the Black Bloc leader isn't even Canadian - get the hell out of my city, my province, my county. These people are disruptive and not even human in my point of view, they have no cause that is evident, they are disgusting.
I know for a fact they don't stand for the environment or are asking for the G20 leaders to work toward climate change solutions since they just sent 2 police cruisers on fire which just released a ton of cabon dioxide into the air. These people are thugs who deserve to be arrested. They have broken the windows of the cute shops on Queen, they have tried to break the windows of the major banks downtown, they have stormed into the Eaton Centre and just destroyed my city.
Also, if you're just protesting against the pricetag of the summits then why are you destroying the city? The cost of cleaning all of this is just sky-high. They have broken into the Eaton Centre and just destroyed stores & restaurants. Since you're the ones that destroyed the city then I think you should be the one paying for the damages.
Toronto David Miller and I don't often agree but in this case I must agree with him, these people, the Black Bloc and the like are not here to protest. They are just here to take opportunity of the situtation to reck havoc. Protestors and other anarchists don't follow them, they have been seen on camera yelling at them to stop, to stop ruining the city and to stop ruining the name of protesting.
I am just in tears over what is happening to Toronto, they are ruining the image of Toronto - Toronto is a beautiful city that is normally really peaceful yet lively; not violent at all. These people need to understand that by using violence they are not going to be heard, they are going to be shunned by the society. They are not getting their point across in this case - they are losing their point b/c violence is NEVER the answer.
Calling the police Nazis is not the answer. This is not protesting. Don't ruin the right to the freedom of speech and thought for the rest of the country. You have already ruined this right for other 9000+ protestors.
It is chaos downtown. It is not my city anymore. Unless you're a peaceful protestor, don't bother going downtown and ruining it for everyone else.
VIOLENCE IS NEVER THE ANSWER
Also, it's hard to believe Queen St. hosted the MMVAs last week.
The streets were filled with cheering, happy, excited people wanting to see their favourite artists last week but now, the streets are ruined.
As far as I know of there is no planned clean up yet for the Toronto streets,
but I am calling upon all the people living in the GTA to come out and help clean up this mess on Monday.
They are ruining the point of protesting, destroying the city, and just creating a bad name for themselves and the city. Over 90% of the protestors were peaceful protestors that have something to stand for and a message to deliver but now these Black Bloc members have created so much confusion their message can not be heard. This group of a few hundred people are disgusting, they are not protestors; they are filthy, selfish, condescending terrorists.
It has been reported that the Black Bloc leader isn't even Canadian - get the hell out of my city, my province, my county. These people are disruptive and not even human in my point of view, they have no cause that is evident, they are disgusting.
I know for a fact they don't stand for the environment or are asking for the G20 leaders to work toward climate change solutions since they just sent 2 police cruisers on fire which just released a ton of cabon dioxide into the air. These people are thugs who deserve to be arrested. They have broken the windows of the cute shops on Queen, they have tried to break the windows of the major banks downtown, they have stormed into the Eaton Centre and just destroyed my city.
Also, if you're just protesting against the pricetag of the summits then why are you destroying the city? The cost of cleaning all of this is just sky-high. They have broken into the Eaton Centre and just destroyed stores & restaurants. Since you're the ones that destroyed the city then I think you should be the one paying for the damages.
Toronto David Miller and I don't often agree but in this case I must agree with him, these people, the Black Bloc and the like are not here to protest. They are just here to take opportunity of the situtation to reck havoc. Protestors and other anarchists don't follow them, they have been seen on camera yelling at them to stop, to stop ruining the city and to stop ruining the name of protesting.
I am just in tears over what is happening to Toronto, they are ruining the image of Toronto - Toronto is a beautiful city that is normally really peaceful yet lively; not violent at all. These people need to understand that by using violence they are not going to be heard, they are going to be shunned by the society. They are not getting their point across in this case - they are losing their point b/c violence is NEVER the answer.
Calling the police Nazis is not the answer. This is not protesting. Don't ruin the right to the freedom of speech and thought for the rest of the country. You have already ruined this right for other 9000+ protestors.
It is chaos downtown. It is not my city anymore. Unless you're a peaceful protestor, don't bother going downtown and ruining it for everyone else.
VIOLENCE IS NEVER THE ANSWER
Also, it's hard to believe Queen St. hosted the MMVAs last week.
The streets were filled with cheering, happy, excited people wanting to see their favourite artists last week but now, the streets are ruined.
As far as I know of there is no planned clean up yet for the Toronto streets,
but I am calling upon all the people living in the GTA to come out and help clean up this mess on Monday.
Friday, June 25, 2010
I just want my city, my province, and my country back
I feel like George Orwell’s 1984 has come alive in Toronto. I can’t believe my so-called democratic country right now. The OPP has been approved to use sound canons even though they haven’t been proved to be totally safe. The police have also been given special arrest powers for the duration of the G20. My city, my province, my country is turning into something unrecognizable and just disgusting.
A motion to ban police use of sound cannons during the G20 was dismissed Friday morning by the Ontario Superior Court Justice, David Brown. The police claim they need these sound cannons to communicate with the crowds when it becomes too loud for them to continue communication with the traditional megaphones. But the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the Canadian Labour Congress are suggesting that the police are using the Toronto residents as guinea pigs to see if these sound cannons are safe. Way to show love to the citizens of Toronto. David Brown’s decision is letting the police use the sound cannons but under limits on their usage. Nice to see that Brown cares about the lovely citizens of Toronto.
As of Friday afternoon, the protest groups were accusing the police of denying them the right to the freedom of speech (granted under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms) due to the fact the sound cannons will be able to overpower their voices. This brings about a good argument in my mind, the whole issue about what is a right and what is a freedom and the boundaries to freedoms. Honestly, in this case I feel like the rights are being infringed upon since I highly doubt the protestors are going to be chanting death threats. The point of the protests is to improve the conditions of the world – to demand more funding for 3rd world nations, to demand the Harper government lift the undemocratic statement that Canada will not deploy any aid to countries that support abortions, to demand action on climate change, and just to better the world. There is nothing wrong with these protestors and they are doing a great thing by going downtown and protesting for issues in which they believe in. They are the people that we should slave to become more like – the people that don’t just sit around and act as the government and the corporations tell them. They are the people with minds for themselves. These people deserve the right to freedom of speech and the right to be heard as much as the G20 leaders – actually if you ask me, these people have more of a right to be heard than these G20 leaders b/c the right to freedom of speech is under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms which is granted to Canadian citizens. Tell me, when was the President of China Canadian? Is Barack Obama Canadian? The answer is no. Why are we taking away the rights of the people? Why are we suppressing them and their thoughts? What kind of world are we living in? Why are so little people concerned about the fact our rights are infringed on? I think we are now entering the Orwellian world and these protestors are today’s version of Winston Smith.
Moving onwards, the police have been given special powers for the duration of the G8 and G20 summits. I find this disgusting and just undemocratic. The law that is granting the police these powers was passed quietly by the Ontario government – sounds like the Canadian War Measure act to several critics (as reported by CTV news). The media and the people were not informed of these new laws and many people were searched on Friday morning because they were within a 5m perimeter of the G20 summit area. What a lot of bull – you can’t just search people while they’re out on a stroll with their dog. What if they are found to be carrying a ‘weapon’ such as a leash with studs (you never know what will be considered a weapon at this rate, a guy was arrested and detained yesterday and all he had was a crossbow), are you going to arrest them? What about if they were out for a run and was carrying a ton of Gatorade and an ipod (together it has been rumoured that a bomb could be created), what would you do then? Arrest them for possession of bomb making materials? This law that was passed so quietly enables the police to ask anyone within 5m perimeter of the G20 summit area to state their name and purpose for entering the zone, if the person refuses to answer these questions then the police can search and arrest them. What if the person is a mute? What happens? This law may have been passed democratically but the application is not exactly following the traditions of the country. This law is temporary and will expire on June 28, 2010 but while it was put up on the Ontario e-law website last week the official publication date is not until July 3, 2010 – at this point in time the law would already have expired. Is it right for the government to pass a law and carry out the clauses without informing the people? This is just ridiculous and just humiliating for the citizens of Toronto – we no longer have say or knowledge of what goes on in our city.
Certain parts of my city have been blocked for the G20, undemocratic actions have been taken on by the governments, and infringements have been made to my Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I don’t know whether to be more alarmed that this is occurring or to be scared that the people of Canada don’t seem to care very much about the fact this is happening. Are we turning into robots? Are we becoming the Syme and Parsons of today? Why is it that the world doesn’t seem to care that the rights and freedoms of many have been infringed upon? Is there a justification for these actions? They say it’s for the safety of the people of Toronto, but, is it really for our safety? Or is it for another purpose – to see if we will react if our rights and freedoms are taken away? Are we being used as an experiment? In this case we are not treated as humans with rights but as lab rats.
I just want my city, my province, and my country back. Je voudrais mon village, ma province, et mon payé.
A motion to ban police use of sound cannons during the G20 was dismissed Friday morning by the Ontario Superior Court Justice, David Brown. The police claim they need these sound cannons to communicate with the crowds when it becomes too loud for them to continue communication with the traditional megaphones. But the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the Canadian Labour Congress are suggesting that the police are using the Toronto residents as guinea pigs to see if these sound cannons are safe. Way to show love to the citizens of Toronto. David Brown’s decision is letting the police use the sound cannons but under limits on their usage. Nice to see that Brown cares about the lovely citizens of Toronto.
As of Friday afternoon, the protest groups were accusing the police of denying them the right to the freedom of speech (granted under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms) due to the fact the sound cannons will be able to overpower their voices. This brings about a good argument in my mind, the whole issue about what is a right and what is a freedom and the boundaries to freedoms. Honestly, in this case I feel like the rights are being infringed upon since I highly doubt the protestors are going to be chanting death threats. The point of the protests is to improve the conditions of the world – to demand more funding for 3rd world nations, to demand the Harper government lift the undemocratic statement that Canada will not deploy any aid to countries that support abortions, to demand action on climate change, and just to better the world. There is nothing wrong with these protestors and they are doing a great thing by going downtown and protesting for issues in which they believe in. They are the people that we should slave to become more like – the people that don’t just sit around and act as the government and the corporations tell them. They are the people with minds for themselves. These people deserve the right to freedom of speech and the right to be heard as much as the G20 leaders – actually if you ask me, these people have more of a right to be heard than these G20 leaders b/c the right to freedom of speech is under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms which is granted to Canadian citizens. Tell me, when was the President of China Canadian? Is Barack Obama Canadian? The answer is no. Why are we taking away the rights of the people? Why are we suppressing them and their thoughts? What kind of world are we living in? Why are so little people concerned about the fact our rights are infringed on? I think we are now entering the Orwellian world and these protestors are today’s version of Winston Smith.
Moving onwards, the police have been given special powers for the duration of the G8 and G20 summits. I find this disgusting and just undemocratic. The law that is granting the police these powers was passed quietly by the Ontario government – sounds like the Canadian War Measure act to several critics (as reported by CTV news). The media and the people were not informed of these new laws and many people were searched on Friday morning because they were within a 5m perimeter of the G20 summit area. What a lot of bull – you can’t just search people while they’re out on a stroll with their dog. What if they are found to be carrying a ‘weapon’ such as a leash with studs (you never know what will be considered a weapon at this rate, a guy was arrested and detained yesterday and all he had was a crossbow), are you going to arrest them? What about if they were out for a run and was carrying a ton of Gatorade and an ipod (together it has been rumoured that a bomb could be created), what would you do then? Arrest them for possession of bomb making materials? This law that was passed so quietly enables the police to ask anyone within 5m perimeter of the G20 summit area to state their name and purpose for entering the zone, if the person refuses to answer these questions then the police can search and arrest them. What if the person is a mute? What happens? This law may have been passed democratically but the application is not exactly following the traditions of the country. This law is temporary and will expire on June 28, 2010 but while it was put up on the Ontario e-law website last week the official publication date is not until July 3, 2010 – at this point in time the law would already have expired. Is it right for the government to pass a law and carry out the clauses without informing the people? This is just ridiculous and just humiliating for the citizens of Toronto – we no longer have say or knowledge of what goes on in our city.
Certain parts of my city have been blocked for the G20, undemocratic actions have been taken on by the governments, and infringements have been made to my Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I don’t know whether to be more alarmed that this is occurring or to be scared that the people of Canada don’t seem to care very much about the fact this is happening. Are we turning into robots? Are we becoming the Syme and Parsons of today? Why is it that the world doesn’t seem to care that the rights and freedoms of many have been infringed upon? Is there a justification for these actions? They say it’s for the safety of the people of Toronto, but, is it really for our safety? Or is it for another purpose – to see if we will react if our rights and freedoms are taken away? Are we being used as an experiment? In this case we are not treated as humans with rights but as lab rats.
I just want my city, my province, and my country back. Je voudrais mon village, ma province, et mon payé.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
G20 - Crossbow report
Now that summer has started and I am no longer IB I have more time on my hands to direct to one of my passions, politics. I love politics - it's just so fun to watch and dissect. The G20 being in my city don't help the growing fire and the latest thing I have to laugh about is the recent arrest of a 53 year old man.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/06/24/g20-security-threat-car.html
This 53 year old man was arrested on the charge of possession of dangerous weapons - what a joke, he had a chainsaw, gas cans, and a crossbow. What are you going to do with a chainsaw, gas cans, and a crossbow in an area guarded tightly but a enormous amount of police. I mean if my friend was downtown he could have been arrested to (he does archery), I mean if my friend was say, on his way to archery practice and the police saw him would they arrest him? If they arrested him then his future would be ruined. Charged with weaponry possession at age 16. Future bosses would LOVE him.
I understand the cops are concerned about what could happen during this time period but this is just ridiculous - the above mentioned items are things that people use everyday. They questioned this poor guy over and over and over again . I'm willing to bet this guy is pretty traumatized right now - all he wanted during the "interview" was to find out if his dog was ok - isn't the fact a dog with the guy a sign that the guy isn't some protestor wanting to kill or send a message. Who would bring their dog to a future bombing job.
The whole G20 thing is a bust and a HUGE waste of money. The cost of G20 2010 in Toronto is over 1 Billion$ and that doesn't include the fact businesses have to be closed. The Telus centre in downtown Toronto was basically empty according to CP24. Through the grapevine I have heard that the University of Toronto has unofficially told its students not to show up to class (well, I've heard that some profs may have told their students to not show up for class but to join the protest). Many offices have told their employees not to go to work - which may be fine for them b/c their employees can work from home. But, the small businesses downtown aren't going to fare as well - my dad isn't going to work tomorrow b/c of the G20. Just think how much money is potentially lost by the small businesses downtown b/c of the G20 - their employees and customers have issues getting the business b/c certain TTC lines are shuffled, certain streets are closed, certain areas are blocked, and certain highways are diverted. For these small businesses, each and every work day is important to bringing in the money to support their families and to lose a few days is detrimental for them.
The G20 sounds like a good idea - oh the world is getting together to work out issues and move forward but that's a load of bull. The G20 is really just a photo-op, these so-called world leaders will talk, sign a few papers, take a few photos, conduct a press conference, fly home, and forget about whatever happened. The cost of the G20 just isn't worth this photo-op but what do these people care about - it's not them paying the bill. It's not their neighbourhood that now hosts a huge-ass chain fence. It's not their business that had to close down for potential 4 days. It's not their hard-earned money that went toward building a fake lake (honestly, Harper, what the hell are you thinking). They say the government works for us but really we work for the government for no pay (in fact we front the government with our taxes) but the government really works for the corporate society - the corporate sectors rule the nest and it's up to the governments to be their bitches. I'm telling you, even if the the world leader agrees to something discussed at the G20 if their corporate backers don't agree then the deal is off - but then there really was no intention of following whatever is signed at the G20. The G20 is just a hell-of-an-expensive photo-op. Over 1 Billion and change. Thanks.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/06/24/g20-security-threat-car.html
This 53 year old man was arrested on the charge of possession of dangerous weapons - what a joke, he had a chainsaw, gas cans, and a crossbow. What are you going to do with a chainsaw, gas cans, and a crossbow in an area guarded tightly but a enormous amount of police. I mean if my friend was downtown he could have been arrested to (he does archery), I mean if my friend was say, on his way to archery practice and the police saw him would they arrest him? If they arrested him then his future would be ruined. Charged with weaponry possession at age 16. Future bosses would LOVE him.
I understand the cops are concerned about what could happen during this time period but this is just ridiculous - the above mentioned items are things that people use everyday. They questioned this poor guy over and over and over again . I'm willing to bet this guy is pretty traumatized right now - all he wanted during the "interview" was to find out if his dog was ok - isn't the fact a dog with the guy a sign that the guy isn't some protestor wanting to kill or send a message. Who would bring their dog to a future bombing job.
The whole G20 thing is a bust and a HUGE waste of money. The cost of G20 2010 in Toronto is over 1 Billion$ and that doesn't include the fact businesses have to be closed. The Telus centre in downtown Toronto was basically empty according to CP24. Through the grapevine I have heard that the University of Toronto has unofficially told its students not to show up to class (well, I've heard that some profs may have told their students to not show up for class but to join the protest). Many offices have told their employees not to go to work - which may be fine for them b/c their employees can work from home. But, the small businesses downtown aren't going to fare as well - my dad isn't going to work tomorrow b/c of the G20. Just think how much money is potentially lost by the small businesses downtown b/c of the G20 - their employees and customers have issues getting the business b/c certain TTC lines are shuffled, certain streets are closed, certain areas are blocked, and certain highways are diverted. For these small businesses, each and every work day is important to bringing in the money to support their families and to lose a few days is detrimental for them.
The G20 sounds like a good idea - oh the world is getting together to work out issues and move forward but that's a load of bull. The G20 is really just a photo-op, these so-called world leaders will talk, sign a few papers, take a few photos, conduct a press conference, fly home, and forget about whatever happened. The cost of the G20 just isn't worth this photo-op but what do these people care about - it's not them paying the bill. It's not their neighbourhood that now hosts a huge-ass chain fence. It's not their business that had to close down for potential 4 days. It's not their hard-earned money that went toward building a fake lake (honestly, Harper, what the hell are you thinking). They say the government works for us but really we work for the government for no pay (in fact we front the government with our taxes) but the government really works for the corporate society - the corporate sectors rule the nest and it's up to the governments to be their bitches. I'm telling you, even if the the world leader agrees to something discussed at the G20 if their corporate backers don't agree then the deal is off - but then there really was no intention of following whatever is signed at the G20. The G20 is just a hell-of-an-expensive photo-op. Over 1 Billion and change. Thanks.
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