Adopt, Don't Assault, a Police Person
In case no one has noticed, the G8/G20 summits have invaded southern Ontario. The biggest topic of discussion (other than the fake lake the federal government built to entertain the press) is the huge police presence and security precautions that have been put into place both in Huntsville and Toronto.
Most of the comments about the security are less than positive and some are downright nasty. Those who are anxious to protest everything under the sun are particularly verbal about the measures the government has taken to protect the world leaders who are going to be present over the next four days. People with agendas want access to those with the most political clout to present those agendas. And they are visibly annoyed to be denied the right to stand face-to-face with the power brokers and politicos.
They threaten unfriendly protests (some even violence) and expect to share personal space with the most powerful people in the world? Does anyone see the incongruities to that?
Little do the protesters seem to understand that the police and their security measures are as much for their protection as they are for the protection of those who probably won't get anywhere near the barricades. Somewhere out there lies in wait at least one nut, or radical group, whose interest is murder, mayhem and mass destruction. The chances are that this nut or group will, without proper precautions, shoot or blow up, not a world leader, but some of those protesters who insist on clogging up the downtown core. Pay attention: the police are there to keep YOU from getting killed.
So quit harassing the people who are putting their lives on the line as much for you as for those dignitaries who will slip in and out of our national territory over the next few days.
And while you're at it, do a little research on some of the many countries on this fragile ball of dirt where peaceful protest is met with real repression and be thankful you don't live in any of those places. Having lived is several countries where the police are NOT your friends even when you are simply another law-bidding citizen going about your lawful business, where they inspire fear and not confidence, I am happy to live in a country where the vast majority of cops really are the good guys.
Another helpful hint: Remember that your right to protest and how you protest is only a "right" as long as it doesn't infringe on the rights afforded by our free, democratic society, to the rest of us.
Most of the comments about the security are less than positive and some are downright nasty. Those who are anxious to protest everything under the sun are particularly verbal about the measures the government has taken to protect the world leaders who are going to be present over the next four days. People with agendas want access to those with the most political clout to present those agendas. And they are visibly annoyed to be denied the right to stand face-to-face with the power brokers and politicos.
They threaten unfriendly protests (some even violence) and expect to share personal space with the most powerful people in the world? Does anyone see the incongruities to that?
Little do the protesters seem to understand that the police and their security measures are as much for their protection as they are for the protection of those who probably won't get anywhere near the barricades. Somewhere out there lies in wait at least one nut, or radical group, whose interest is murder, mayhem and mass destruction. The chances are that this nut or group will, without proper precautions, shoot or blow up, not a world leader, but some of those protesters who insist on clogging up the downtown core. Pay attention: the police are there to keep YOU from getting killed.
So quit harassing the people who are putting their lives on the line as much for you as for those dignitaries who will slip in and out of our national territory over the next few days.
And while you're at it, do a little research on some of the many countries on this fragile ball of dirt where peaceful protest is met with real repression and be thankful you don't live in any of those places. Having lived is several countries where the police are NOT your friends even when you are simply another law-bidding citizen going about your lawful business, where they inspire fear and not confidence, I am happy to live in a country where the vast majority of cops really are the good guys.
Another helpful hint: Remember that your right to protest and how you protest is only a "right" as long as it doesn't infringe on the rights afforded by our free, democratic society, to the rest of us.
YES - so true! Crazy stuff, isn't it?
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