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Ya, and they still think it is a "good thing" but then of course those stating they will do so have also stated falsehoods here about First Nations in respect to why the police are racially biased against them.
Personally beginning to think they are protesting in favour of the g8/20, eh.....
Someone in a farming region bought a lot of ammonium nitrate. PANIC IN THE STREETS!!!
With the G8 and G20 summits two weeks away, police aren't taking any chances on a large purchase of fertilizer last month in the Niagara region -- material that could be used in a truck bomb.
Someone who lied about who they were buying it for
Hope to hell it isn't another whack job christian tea bagger trying to blow up the government. After Oklahoma you have to take that kind of threat seriously.
I'm in total agreement Kropotkin. It's a very scary thought!
How could they possibly penetrate perimeter security? All one billion dollars of it?
This whole G8/G20 thing is so infuriating. The government revealed today that real lighthouses are being declared "surplus", yet there is money to spend to build a fake lighthouse for G8 leaders to enjoy for a few hours.
Just another of the many ridiculous things occurring. Imagine the things that could've been accomplished with 1 billion$. There are people in my province who cannot get approval for life-saving cancer drugs to be funded.
If you want your blood to boil even more, the federal and provincial governments just gave Live with Regis and Kelly 1 million$ to come to PEI.
Something amazing is happening in Toronto. People I know who, for whatever reason, have no interest in protesting or politics are starting to pay attention. The ridiculousness around the cost of the summit and the insanity of the show of force and the militarization of the city has caused people who would never otherwise consider going to a demonstration, or march, or rally to start asking questions. A friend of mine, with whom I got in a huge argument only a month ago over the usefullness of any kind of protest, has said that he's angry about what's happening and wants to do something about it. He wants to march. My bosses, who had been complaining about the protesters for weeks, have now decided to close shop for the weekend and join them because they're angry about what the G20 is doing to the city. Even the media is starting to show signs of life. The TCMN press conference was the lead story all day on CP24 yesterday, and they countered the police statement that there were only 40 cops there.
CSIS Threatens Aboriginal Activists re: G20
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/csis-held-clandesti...
"The Aboriginal Peoples' TV Network has video of what it says is a Canadian Security agent warning native activists that blockades during the G20 summit could trigger a reaction from foreign security forces in Canada to protect their leaders.."
CSIS Threatens Aboriginal Activists re: G20
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/csis-held-clandesti...
"The Aboriginal Peoples' TV Network has video of what it says is a Canadian Security agent warning native activists that blockades during the G20 summit could trigger a reaction from foreign security forces in Canada to protect their leaders.."
Memories of the APEC summit in Vancouver in 1997, when Chretien allowed Suharto to loose his goons in a hotel there, and then there was the pepper-spray police riot on the UBC campus.
On principle, if any agency of the Canadian government is insinuating that foreign security forces have free rein in Canada, then that is a scandal that should see a lot of people fired.
Unfortunately, this country isn't currently run on that sort of principle.
Someone in a farming region bought a lot of ammonium nitrate. PANIC IN THE STREETS!!!
With the G8 and G20 summits two weeks away, police aren't taking any chances on a large purchase of fertilizer last month in the Niagara region -- material that could be used in a truck bomb.
They're now calling it a "gardening incident."
lol. I love the way the police talk. One day soon I'll post some links to photos of a few of my "gardening incidents." Now, that's some scary.
Ha, skdadl. :D I had a gardening incident on my postage stamp out front. (Yes, it's MY postage stamp now; I have claimed it.) I fondly call my little plot out front, "The Herb Cemetery". Although actually, they've revived somewhat, and my basil is spectacular.
My cat had a gardening incident the other day, but as usual, being a cat, she buried it.
Oh, that's another gardening incident! Some dumbass let their dog crap in my garden and didn't pick it up! I hate people who walk their dogs and don't pick up after them.
I never had this problem back when I was renting apartments without yards...
Okay, sorry for the thread drift. :)
I read in the Star that, because the hotels are price-gouging (I know: you're shocked), people who live in or near the exclusion zone (condo peeps?) are renting out their places for the duration at amazing prices. Can't say I blame them, but wow, this has become such a display of naked drooling capitalism. (Is that a mixed metaphor? I was going to throw in a proliferating there, but I figured that would be over the top.)
I know exactly what you mean, skdadl. I once proliferated over the top, and it was not a pretty sight.
I read in the Star that, because the hotels are price-gouging (I know: you're shocked), people who live in or near the exclusion zone (condo peeps?) are renting out their places for the duration at amazing prices.
My neighbours on Springhurst used to make a few bucks parking cars in their front yards during the Ex. It's nice to see a little of the privateering spirit still alive in TO: one gets so bored with trickle-up economics.
Security - especially at public spectacles - is a good indicator of which way a society is tending. How much a leader spends on bodyguards depends on how much anger he expects from the people, which tells you exactly how much he intends to hurt them.
Nothing is going to happen here that couldn't have been accomplished by e-mail; probably all the decisions are already made. The Olympics were a diversion, but this circus is a show of power, not unlike the Mayday parades in Red Square used to be - in case we wondered who's boss around here.
This is interesting. The son of a family friend who has a security license has taken a job doing security for the G20 here in Toronto. He's getting paid $20 an hour. His instructions are that, within the security zone he can ask anybody he wants to show their identification. If they comply his instructions are to let them go on their way. If they refuse, or show any signs of belligerence, his instructions are to detain that person and alert the closest police officer.
CSIS continues its intimidation tactics:
People have been visited at their homes.
People have been visited at their places of work.
People have been followed through their neighbourhoods.
CSIS agents have refused to leave people's homes when asked and have also refused to identify themselves.
Police have detained people and harassed and threatened their families and their immigration status.
In a single 24 hour period, almost every single person of colour in our group (AW@L) received visits from either CSIS or the Toronto police.
full article here.
My neighbours on Springhurst used to make a few bucks parking cars in their front yards during the Ex. It's nice to see a little of the privateering spirit still alive in TO: one gets so bored with trickle-up economics.
Security - especially at public spectacles - is a good indicator of which way a society is tending. How much a leader spends on bodyguards depends on how much anger he expects from the people, which tells you exactly how much he intends to hurt them.
Nothing is going to happen here that couldn't have been accomplished by e-mail; probably all the decisions are already made. The Olympics were a diversion, but this circus is a show of power, not unlike the Mayday parades in Red Square used to be - in case we wondered who's boss around here.
Well said, absentia. I agree with every word. I live outside the city now, but Toronto was my home for 38 years, and I am beyond shocked and appalled that the vulgar, spoiled, ignorant, adolescent jerks who pass for world leaders these days are about to violate the lives of so many real people who were my neighbours and my friends.
When the Tories realized that they could only humour/promote Clement halfway (the G8), I think they decided to pick on Toronto largely for the reasons you cite. It's obvious that any city as tightly packed as Toronto is going to be paralysed by infernal, polluting cavalcades of Internationally Protected People, but the Tories hate Toronto anyway, so they're probably enjoying it. And the mess they're creating certainly gives them and all their international criminal cohorts a chance to flex a little muscle, just as you say. These meetings have no meaning, just muscle.
ETA: Or as a proper McLuhanite/Derridean would put it, the muscle is the meaning.
For maximum security, i propose that all summit meetings - political, economic or military - henceforth be held on deep-water oil-rigs. The standard crew can be replaced for the duration (It's for only a couple of days. What could go wrong?) by security-cleared contractors, at 100 times roughnecks' wages. Each Glorious Leader will arrive in a corvette from their own navy. These vessels can also be used for socializing and sleep. While meetings are in progress, they circle the rig, looking out for the Rainbow Warrior, Newfoundland fishing fleet or other activistic activity. If a pipe shoud blow while they're there.... Well, that won't happen, and if it does, i'll apologize.
For maximum security, i propose that all summit meetings - political, economic or military - henceforth be held on deep-water oil-rigs. The standard crew can be replaced for the duration (It's for only a couple of days. What could go wrong?) by security-cleared contractors, at 100 times roughnecks' wages. Each Glorious Leader will arrive in a corvette from their own navy. These vessels can also be used for socializing and sleep. While meetings are in progress, they circle the rig, looking out for the Rainbow Warrior, Newfoundland fishing fleet or other activistic activity. If a pipe shoud blow while they're there.... Well, that won't happen, and if it does, i'll apologize.
A truly excellent plan, even if unlikely to be accepted by the guilty parties in charge of these arrangements.
I'd like to see everyone who is there to demonstrate rethink their strategy and have flash mobs showing up all over the place except for where the billion dollar security is. I think streets empty of protesters and filled with security would make the point that it really wasn't needed completely obvious and besides which it would be so easy to catch the provocateurs then.
I read in the Star that, because the hotels are price-gouging (I know: you're shocked), people who live in or near the exclusion zone (condo peeps?) are renting out their places for the duration at amazing prices. Can't say I blame them, but wow, this has become such a display of naked drooling capitalism. (Is that a mixed metaphor? I was going to throw in a proliferating there, but I figured that would be over the top.)
A friend of my husband's is renting her apartment for $8,000 for the duration of G20.
I wonder what I could get for my little house 3k west of downtown...we could move in with my parents, ask our friend to move his car from the backyard.
No protest - no people of any kind; empty streets. That is a super idea!
How do you get the word out, and people to understand the point, in so short a time?
Flashmobs is a great idea -- can that be done via Facebook, or is that too public? (How do you organize a flashmob anyway -- get enough people, but keep it mostly secret?)
I don't know, I don't even have a cell phone but I think they are essential for flash mobs. I am sure Twitter could be used. I think facebook could be used to discuss tactics, recognizing that there are eyes everywhere, but any notice of events would need to go out just before the actual event.
absentia, I am glad you like the idea, I wonder how many people would get it?
There is a video called Bad Hotel on the Rabble blog about the G8 and G20, have you seen it? It is fabulous.
Personally I am not interested in demonstrating for the G8-20
They are expecting demonstrators, there is almost no point that can be made.
I would be interested in rounds of demonstrations where Harper speaks over the next few months domestically. That would be more effective in my view and possibly more educational.
The issue is not to make so much noise on one event where you are going to be on one side of a tall fence and the action on the other-- make it so Harper has to be behind a big fence wherever he goes after.
Let them spend the billion on this but don't use this time to make the point-- make it in other contexts. Make it so the think there will never be an end to the protest -- Don't concentrate on their strongest point where they have planned for it and will hold you away. Wait and protest in other places and other ways .
The nice part is those protests will be regular make the news likely each time but not as likely attract vandals and violence. I am not interested in violent protest in Canada. I believe there is so much more the opposition to this government can do and to be associated with violence and property damage is not going to build a cause on the issues.
This kind of building rotating political protest can be brought right through an election.
I'd like to see everyone who is there to demonstrate rethink their strategy and have flash mobs showing up all over the place except for where the billion dollar security is. I think streets empty of protesters and filled with security would make the point that it really wasn't needed completely obvious and besides which it would be so easy to catch the provocateurs then.
Just wanted to say, I also love this idea!
Thanks Sineed, it is nice to find some common ground. :)
I am glad you like the idea, I wonder how many people would get it?
Maybe not everyone, but it doesn't matter. They would look like idiots anyway and get even more resentment from the mainstream (whoever that may be) than they already have building up. It might be a nice change for blame to fall where it belongs. I've felt for a long time that protest doesn't work, and it's more likely, every step into fascism, for peaceful protesters to get hurt or killed.
No, i hardly see anything. Will try if my video program works.
Why riot when you can party?
Somewhere aroud here someone said that their revolution included dancing... well here's a couple of opportunities!
1) Thursday June 17 there will be a party to celebrate the opening of the Convergence Space
We're going to warm up the convergence space! Let's make the space ours! We've got DJ's food and a whole lot of fire in our hearts! Think of this as a housewarming for the movement's house! Let's spend time together socializing and dancing before we take to the streets!
When: Thursday, June 17, 2010 8pm
What: MOVEMENT's HOUSEWARMING PARTY
Where: OUR NEW CONVERGENCE SPACE! 1266 Queen Street West (just off of noble)
2) Fever 2010!!!! Take back the streets, Saturday Night! June 26.
This is going to be amazing.
I think the dancing is fabulous but I vote for starting there and continuing everywhere except where they are expected.
"Billion spent to keep dancers away from world leaders. Dancers happily danced elsewhere."
Wouldn't it be a lovely headline?
"Unable to fight the rhythm, savage riot cops soothed by the cool grooves opt to dance the night away"
Howsabout that one?
I should have mentioned, the Convergence Space party is drug and alcohol free. And donations of money and/or useful things are greatly appreciated.
Yes! that one is even better.
NDP leading the opposition once again.
Resolve detainee issues, Layton says; NDP leader threatens G8, G20 funding
NDP leader Jack Layton threatened yesterday to derail funding for the G8 and G20 summits in Ontario if the Afghan-detainee affair is not resolved.
He was speaking before a meeting today to thrash out details of how documents relating to the issue will be released.
Mr. Layton said his party is frustrated by the lack of progress in finalizing how an all-party committee of MPs will get access to documents that are at the centre of a debate over the treatment of prisoners in the Afghan war.
He said the New Democrats may try to force a debate on the detainee issue in the House of Commons as a tactic to hold up the release of more funding for the two meetings of world leaders, which are set for this weekend in Toronto and Huntsville.
"The Conservatives are dragging their feet," he told Canwest News Service. "We can't just let them drag their feet right into the summer."
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Resolve+detainee+issues+Layton+says+leader+threatens+funding/3149740/story.htmlA globe reader this morning offered Torontonians another means of making a statement. Patricia Chartier sauggests, "For the sake of Canada's image on the international stage, do not give in to your anger at the billion dollars being spent to shut down the city for our important guests.
"Please, turn the other cheek instead - and moon the arrogant bastards as they roll into town."
That a pretty poor argument george...who wants to have the image of being a country that puts up with this kind of BS? I just think there are more interesting ways to respond than storming the fence, sniffing tear gas and listening to authoritarian sound systems while wearing my che T and providing cheap content for the mass medias mandate of sydicating high calorie conflict with low nutritional value.
Be angry...and do it in new engaging ways or demonstrate a more enlightened alternative.
Personally I think its great for Canada's "image on the international stage" for the world to see the citizens of Toronto and elsewhere standing up, through a diversity of tactics, to this violent thugery that is our own federal government and an international gang of profiteers and felons.
Actually, the citizens of Toronto would have to bend over to bring this imagery to the world.
"Please, turn the other cheek instead - and moon the arrogant bastards as they roll into town."
Oh, Satan, you li'l devil, get thee behi... er... Well as tempting as this is, i think empty streets would send a more effective message. Dance, by all means; wear as little you like and bare as much as you're comfortable with, anywhere - everywhere - else!
Be careful about taking your clothes off since it is against the law. You could get turned into the police and arrested. Canada will just be boring to the foreign press. They protest much differently in places like France and Greece. Lets face it, the people meeting behind the fences don't give a flying fuck what the people want or what is good for the people. They don't have to listen and they don't.
Well, geez! The people behind fences undeclared war on the people a long time ago - like at the dawn of civilization. How much they think they can get away with depends on how much we already let them get away with. It builds and builds.... Every couple centuries, we have to cut their heads off, but we never do that until we're pushed beyond endurance. Not there yet. Don't really want to go there. So, maybe - it's a long-shot, but what's to lose? - short-circuit History this time... Ignore them to death?
Well ladies you could go topless as there is no law against it in ontario. That would get media attention. (I am not being sexist, both statements are true). But other than the shock of it it would be a distraction from the real issues. Just like the managers pointed out to Allison Smith(or maybe sue ormiston). They don't want to talk about the violent protesters or if they condone it because it takes away from the real reason for the protests(as most on here have pointed out.)
A better plan would be for people to protest banks all around the country. Maybe not the exact correct target, but who doesn't love a good bank bashing. No one shows up to the g meetings instead they have 50 people protest each of all bank branches of one bank. Perhaps RBC as I believe they are the largest. Like affinity groups there is no head to cut off. How does one protect something spread out across the entire country. Could change targets and protest other things as well. Bell Telus Rogers, they too would have a large following of people upset with them. Start putting pressure on the people running the show to start giving back and reverse the visually damaging upward flowing waterfall of wealth.
Good article on Germany in the guardian, the coalition is falling apart after just 8 months as they try to force austerity on the non rich while giving the wealthy a free ride. People can get behind things they can see, like austerity for all(others).
So, maybe - it's a long-shot, but what's to lose? - short-circuit History this time... Ignore them to death?
As a silly, tongue in cheek commentary I think the idea of simply ignoring the G20 is quite poignant and, dare I say, cheeky. Making the gov't even more foolish than they already do by giving them absolutely no reason for any money being spent on security... yeah, in theory. But the more it gets said the more it irks me. (irks?). There is a lot of really hard work going into organizing the G20. Work is being done getting people together, getting people informed, even getting the media to fall in line to some degree. (but we'll see how long that lasts). I think that suggesting that it would be better to do nothing feels like an attempt to undermine all the work that is being done on getting the voice of dissent out there. It also feels like a vote for complacency, which I find it really hard to accept. There are probably intelligent arguments out there against public demonstration, not to say I'd agree with them, and if that's what you're getting at, let's hear that. But I'd really rather not hear these half-hearted suggestions that despite all the work that's being done, doing nothing would be better.
Yes, let there be thousands of protesters, so easy to mix the provocateurs into that mix and it all justifies the insanity of thousands of cops and the billion dollars, as I have said before protest everywhere but where you are expected and protest in unusual ways, dance and sing, I liked the suggestion of flash mobs at banks.
I think that suggesting that it would be better to do nothing feels like an attempt to undermine all the work that is being done on getting the voice of dissent out there. It also feels like a vote for complacency, which I find it really hard to accept. There are probably intelligent arguments out there against public demonstration, not to say I'd agree with them, and if that's what you're getting at, let's hear that. But I'd really rather not hear these half-hearted suggestions that despite all the work that's being done, doing nothing would be better.
I was a bit flippant back there. Sorry; i never meant to disparage, let alone undermine, the work being done by all the brave people, young and old, who put themselves on the line. I used to be one - not all that long ago. It's just that i see History rolling along, inexorably: tanks in city squares, and i'm so sick of watching the best of us become road-kill.
Personally I think its great for Canada's "image on the international stage" for the world to see the citizens of Toronto and elsewhere standing up, through a diversity of tactics, to this violent thugery that is our own federal government and an international gang of profiteers and felons.
"Flaherty's an interesting guy I tell you. He is a fiscal conservative, but honestly I think Flaherty gets it, both in terms of the whole economics of pensions, and the reality of them, but also the politics of it... He's a very astute politician." (Ken Georgetti, president of the Canadian Labour Congress, quoted in the Globe, June 14, after Flaherty's hints at the need for some additional funding in the Canada Pension Plan.
The "thuggery" of the federal government is being nicely concealed behind Jimmy's apparent concessions. Mind you, he's saying that the CPP won't be doubled, as labour earlier demanded, and there is no hint of increases to the government-funded OAS or its Supplement. And, of course, no additional percentage is gong to be realized immediately. It would be slowly increased over, say, the 40-YEAR SPAN that the demographers and actuaries are concerned about. Nice.
But apparently Jimmy's actions in Ontario a few years back, where he chopped 21 per cent off the income of every man woman and child on welfare...that's by the board. Flaherty "gets it" , from the perspective of some; "the whole economics of pensions, and the reality of them,but also (sic) the politics of it..." Nothing said, of course, about Jimmy's background work in preparing the finance industry to put in place those "defined contribution" plans that are not completely replacing "defined benefits"...at least, out in the private industry that is threatening to leave the country if labour calls for more.
It will be interesting to see which labour banners are unfurled in T.O. next week, and their demands on the G20. I'm sure there are still some non-business unions in this age of financial astuteness.
Or we could all show up for the Right Wing Nut alternative alternative G20 summit and hear Karl Rove and five or so other Old White Men. If you can afford $95 minimum and a barf bag, that is:
http://www.g20.ca/
You can even go to a Sunday Stop Iran rally at the well known weekend hotspot of Gervais and Don Mills and be seen with tens of fellow travellers.
Be careful about taking your clothes off since it is against the law. You could get turned into the police and arrested.
If you saw me naked you would be calling the police too!
Yes, let there be thousands of protesters, so easy to mix the provocateurs into that mix and it all justifies the insanity of thousands of cops and the billion dollars, as I have said before protest everywhere but where you are expected and protest in unusual ways, dance and sing, I liked the suggestion of flash mobs at banks.
I really like this! Showing up in a flash mob, making the security scramble and then just....dancing. Or having fun. No violence, no confrontation, just partying it up. Canadians will start to ask why the harper government spend so many millions of dollars on security.
Their little truth spinners will be quick to suggest that there was no violence BECAUSE of all the security but we both know that's a lie. Some elements strive on that shit. By showing up and dancing, partying, goofing around we will be showing the harper government that we are NOT violent citizens that need to be controled. People will start to see that the harper government is responsible for drumming up all these security issues to justify their actions. Lets show the rest of canada that we aren't the people that harper is trying to make us out to be.
I just heard on the noon news that banks are closing branches anywhere near city centre, in case of demonstrations. The newscaster called it the "summit of the scared". Don't know which network, since i'm in another room, but it seems the absurdity of it all is fintering through to mainstream media. To me, the most important gain is simply getting the majority to see.
It is encouraging to hear people trying to think outside the box or protest cage as it where. Protesting at selected banks is a good idea but if you merely have a dozen people showing up for a while I doubt if it will do any better than a passing mention in a news cast. And I think that organizing for 50 people to attend something is almost as hard as organizing for 5000. The irony for me is that the only organization I see that has the ability to pull off small and medium size simultaneous protests are the anarchists, especially the black bloc.
I think that Harper is going to be inside the event preaching to the assembled international master class that Canada has a well educated workforce that is the most docile in the world. Go ahead ignore them out of existence.
merely have a dozen people showing up for a while I doubt if it will do any better than a passing mention in a news cast.
What do hope to accomplish with a large scale protest? You're going to have to do a lot to convince me that evening getting a full 24hrs a day coverage of people storming the fences in large numbers and sniffing tear gas is going to result in anything better than a dozen folks having an intimate experience with each other. I feel the later is more essential in diminishing suffering in the world and it can't be broadcasted.
I don't think I have ever argued that a large scale protest will do anything other than make the people attending fell better for at least having spoken out. The people in power don't care about protests hell they don't even care about parliament. I wonder when marching whether it is worth it but I always see a few people on the route that you can tell have had their eyes opened to an issue. And one shouldn't discount the feeling of not being alone that you can only get when you walk with large crowds of people who share at least some of your views and aren't' at home watching reality TV.
I also really like the affinity group model propose by SOAR and it can obviously be used to engage in various sized protests as well as providing support and protection in a large crowd if the police riot.
I think people are missing an obvious purpose of large scale protests such as summits and the Olympics. While it is nearly impossible ot measure the effectiveness of these actions in terms of effecting policy, and they are rarely successful in actual disruption of the events, there is a lot to be said about not letting the powers that be control the narrative of what the world sees when its eyes are turned towards Canada. Personally, I feel a responsibility to let the world see that those of us with a conscience in this country will not accept the militarization of our cities for the purpose of corporate gain at the expense of the world's poor and indigenous people.
Who owns the media coverage?
In my view the days of large protests are done, they have simply become another opportunity to discredit those who protest and I say that as someone who has walked in more than a few.
My point is that we need to be smarter than them, we need to figure out a way to control the message and that showing up in large crowds where they have security and provocateurs in place is simply playing into their hands.
What would be the message to the world if all the media could show was empty streets but for the armed guards they employed? Would it be that Canadians are passive or could it be the Canadians have such contempt for the bullying monsters that rule that they shunned them? What if there were images pouring out of utube of Canadians flash mobs dancing with signs that clearly indicate that?
The Yippies of the late 60s, under Hoffman and Rubin, understood how to bring media attention without also bringing fear.
Check em out! Don't re-invent wheels. (I still thiink mooning the bastards is best).
I Stole His Book many times and gave it to my classmates. We have come a long way since then, our current set of protesters would have had me arrested for shoplifting.
George take off your rose coloured glasses. To you really think putting flowers in barrels of National Guard rifles worked real well for the kids at Kent State. No fear after that eh? And that is without even mentioning the pictures from the football stadium on September 11 that were horrifyingly chilling and certainly shaped my views on democracy and america.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steal_This_Book
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5wvCnkOnnA
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kent_State_shootings
The Yippies of the late 60s, under Hoffman and Rubin, understood how to bring media attention without also bringing fear.
Check em out! Don't re-invent wheels. (I still thiink mooning the bastards is best).
The media and the audience is very different.
Media can be decentralized now so why not protests too? Make your own media. Make it more interesting than a bunch of confused people standing around a fence.
And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music. ~Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
The concept of dancing at banks has been around since the 90's.
It may not be *the* answer but for some dance culture may even have carved out a niche were freedom and respect could be given at least a bit of room to grow.
"The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough."
Rabindranath Tagore
Personally, I don't plan to protest in any shape or form. I will be focusing some attention on that which I think is beautiful. and think needs more attention.
But I would not be upset if you characterized my actions as protesting with an absolute refusal to accept that which is ugly with every breath I take.
Running a real pig for president was one of my favorite Yip International moments.
Now they're removing trees outside the Convention Centre - inside the supposedly most secure place on earth. Next thing you know they're going to shut down Toronto's oil wells.
On my walk from the office to the subway I noticed that most of the newspaper boxes are now gone as is the spiffy multi-purpose garbage recycling box. They've taped garbage bags and blue bags to the light post.
Media can be decentralized now so why not protests too? Make your own media. Make it more interesting than a bunch of confused people standing around a fence.
Maybe these guys have the right idea....
But seriously. ebody, do you do yarn bombing? I think that is the greatest thing on the planet. I first encountered it in Sweden. I was in Stockholm and there was some sort of special day (week?) for it, and that stuff was everywhere. It is so beautiful. It made me want to dance. So I did.
rabble.ca based G8/G20 Communique: http://www.rabble.ca/blog/2420
For activist-orientated/progressive updates on Summit happenings.
I enjoy yarn bombing as a spectator. I'm a felter at heart but haven't started felt bombing yet either. I didn't know about Sweden; sweet.
rabble.ca based G8/G20 Communique: http://www.rabble.ca/blog/2420
For activist-orientated/progressive updates on Summit happenings.
statica. you are a machine. thank you for all you do. you rock.
Oh Yeah those sound cannons are gonna be used
"One publication, "The Peak" magazine is dishing out tips for protesters on how to stir up trouble with advice on how to break through a police barricade."
The solution comes in all kinds of different colours!
A Big Cop Party
This is not the type of story I wish to read to my daughter. Notwithstanding laudable efforts to create "kid-friendly" spaces of protest for the majority of us who think world leaders should stop taking photos of themselves and start listening to their constituencies, I am not planning to bring a two-year-old to the Big Cop Party. Quite frankly, and probably as they were intended to do, the thought of those sound cannons scares me. My own ears have never been the same since that AC/DC concert, but that was my choice.
The "Hells Bells" the police are playing already sounds depressingly familiar ("Anarchists! Booga-booga!"), but the sheer opulence of the G8-G20s Big Cop Party at a time of economic hardship is creating a groundswell of indignant muttering among the politicos that will hopefully become a serious examination of the viability of such "summits." It will be up to the thousands of brave people who crash the Big Cop Party to demonstrate conclusively that the wasteful spending indulged in by the police and their masters on the shores of "Harper's Folly" is far more absurd than any children's bedtime story.
US has advised its citizens to avoid TO during the G20.
I have so advised my friends, as well. I wish all the people i wish well stayed well, well clear, and safe...
Toronto will recover, i suppose - some protesters won't.
I have so advised my friends, as well. I wish all the people i wish well stayed well, well clear, and safe...
Toronto will recover, i suppose - some protesters won't.
staying away=complacency=complicity
staying away=complacency=complicity
= simplicity
dang it. i hate it when my own symbols are turned against me!
and you are right. my post was over simplifying.
i get wound up by this suggestion that the best thing to do is to stay away. And that's not to say i don't understand the idea behind it, or that I even think it's a bad idea. I just think that the simple act of showing up is of great importance. And I don't like to see it undermined.
Do you think the authorities would accept the the explanation that people are tossing garbage bags over the fence and into the secure security zone because they were mistook it for one of the impromptu garbage dumps from last year's labour relations fiasco in Toronto? Just wondering.
i get wound up by this suggestion that the best thing to do is to stay away. And that's not to say i don't understand the idea behind it, or that I even think it's a bad idea. I just think that the simple act of showing up is of great importance. And I don't like to see it undermined.
Gotcha. Don't worry: i haven't the power to undermine anything. It will unfold as it must.
Shunning them would be a powerful statement if everybody did it. I don't expect that people will act on this strategy until they understand that the monsters mean to control everyone and everything. They are the ones making war, now they have sound weapons, they are armed and dangerous and they have no hesitation to use provocateurs to justify violence, how is it intelligent to walk into this trap? No matter what happens the media will twist it their way and the vast majority will never know what happened. How many people really understand what happened in Seattle?
I have also repeatedly said I think alternate forms of protest should be employed everywhere they are not expected.
Having said that I respect whatever decision a person makes, I've been to more than a few protests myself and in fact I am participating in one soon but I can't say more other than I will be in disguise as a very old granny. lol
Yes. I suppose it could be seen as walking into a trap. But staying away, given their show of force and insane intimidation tactics, feel like playing right into their hands as well.
In terms of alternate forms of protest, there are a few things that are already planned that fit that bill nicely. There is the march to Alan Gardens on the 25th followed by a tent city. Then there is Saturday Night Fever.... check posts above for the awesome sexy details of that one....
Around Metro Centre they've boarded up those concrete bins and removed the bus shelter from the corner of King and Simcoe. Okay folks, this is getting ridiculous. How is removing a bus shelter nowhere near the convention site going to help anyone (but make for possibly drenched streetcar riders)?
Fortress Toronto: Secrets of the Fence
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/torontog20summit/article/825908
"Fences are a symbol of the time. It's this conflation of dealing with terrorism but dealing with political protest at the same time. And it's been very convenient since 9/11 to roll out extreme security measures all across the urban environment in the name of the war on terror and high security..It is fear that's creating all this. Their (gov't officials) fear of political protest, their fear of terrorism. It's a statement of strength and authority but I think it shows you how scared our leaders are.."
because if you had done the kinds of things they have done, and are doing, to people, you would worry about your safety too...
Day Blames G20 Travel Alert on 'Small Group of Thugs'
http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20100620/G20-travel-warning-100620/
"Treasury Board President Stockwell Day is blaming a US government travel alert issued for the city of Toronto on 'a small group of thugs' who plan to protest as world leaders descend on Canada's largest cit for the G20 summit next weekend.."
How disgusting for a Minister and public servant to so characterize those exercising their legitimate rights, indeed duty to democratically express themselves on vital issues of public concern during the G20. I protest Mr. Day!
Email: DayS@parl.gc.ca
days1@parl.gc.ca
Ph: 1-800-665-8711
So what are protestors - especially the dressed in black, rock throwing ones - protesting exactly? other than some general anti-business, anti-government, anti-society anger.
- how can the average person who spent the day at work and is seeing the highlights on the news relate to the actions of these people other than to say - oh look a bunch of vandals. What's the message that will get the general public on side and in solidarity with the protest?
Bring on the end of western civilization !! isn't probably going to attract all that many. In Canada, Golfer's Digest subscriptions likely dwarf Adbusters subscriptions, so ....
think "Save the Whales" - couldn't be more simple and clear and guess what? - it worked.
The whales might disagree.
Just wanted to say, that although there are clearly disagreements around here about tactics, one of the biggest public demonstrations is just now getting underway and I want to wish everyone who is going to be out on the street, at Queen's Park, and working behind the scenes a safe and productive summit. The following advice is as much a reminder for myself as it is what I feel I have to offer to others.
Please be safe and smart.
Bring lots of water. Bring bandanas and vinegar. Stay with a buddy (or buddies!). Wear close toed shoes.
Look out for one another. Protect eachother and support each other. Know your message. Bring your message loud and clear.
Don't be intimidated. Know your rights.
These are our streets.
What's the vinegar for? (I've been researching tear gas & pepper spray remedies for my workplace, in case our health care unit ends up with people thus afflicted.)
Ah, a bandana soaked in white vinegar (or lemon juice, but vinegar works better) can help dampen the effects of tear gas. Won't help much if you're right in the very thick of it, but that stuff really really hurts, even from a distance, and this helps.
Toronto police to offer free water to G20 protesters
Police have added a water cannon to their arsenal as they step up security ahead of this week’s G20 summit in Toronto.
Won't that feel good on a hot summer day?!
Ah soon to see all the weapons of the security forces at work~ Shots fired around security zone
*SLAM the GATE on the G8!*
*A Rally & March in Opposition to the G8/G20 Summits*
******************************************
*Saturday, June 26th, 2010 @ Noon
Grandview Park*
(Commercial Drive, between William and Charles St.)
*Bring noise makers, banners, water and friends!*
******************************************
Come join us as we march in solidarity with the thousands protesting the G8/G20 Summits in Toronto and around the world. Let's send a loud and clear message to the G8/G20 elite that we wholly reject their unaccountable meetings. We know their decisions will only lead to further economic and social disparity, promote exploitation environmental degradation and colonization.
*Organized by the Vancouver Community Mobilization Network* Contact: *
van.mobilize@gmail.com*
On the web: *http://vcmn.resist.ca/*
http://www.nationalpost.com/police+arrest+Toronto+charges/3190245/story.html
More scare tactics.
TORONTO - A Toronto man has been charged with six offences, including possession of explosive for unlawful purpose, after G20 police executed a search warrant on Tuesday.
Officers from the Toronto Police Service executed the search warrant at 58 Elderwood Drive in the Bathurst and Lawrence area of Toronto as part of an ongoing investigation, according to a news release.
Byron Sonne, 37, also faces charges of intimidation of justice system participant by threat, intimidation of justice system participant by watch and beset, mischief interfere with property, attempt mischief and weapons dangerous.
Police said they won't release any more details about the investigation, because it is ongoing, but added there is no risk to public safety.
Read more: http://www.nationalpost.com/police+arrest+Toronto+charges/3190245/story.html#ixzz0rh0GdG1W
&Perez Hilton covers the G20. Ubefuckinleivable.
Brilliant succinct overview of what it's all about, no?
As the G20 (a group of 20 wealthy, developing countries) gather in Toronto this weekend, activists came together to bring attention to rights of all minority populations discriminated against because of their gender, sexuality or socioeconomic status.
Global Bonapartism: G20 and the Planet
http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=19872
"At Toronto, the main card will be Obama vs. Merkel
Who is 'Contemporary Security Canada'?
http://toronto.mediacoop.ca/story/who-contemporary-security-canada/3753
"Who is 'Contemporary Security Canada' and just how did they get the G8/G20 security contact?"
Police have arrested one man after he allegedly tried to drive a car containing "possible dangerous material" close to the G20 summit area in downtown Toronto.
The car contained sticks, an axe handle and gasoline, Toronto police Chief Bill Blair told CBC News on Thursday.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/06/24/g20-security-threat-car.html#ixzz0rnQrHWgE
Wow:
"Under the new regulations, anyone who comes within five metres of the security area is obliged to give police their name and state the purpose of their visit.
Police, at their discretion, can deny access to the area and "use whatever force is necessary" to keep people out.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2010/06/25/g20-new-powers.html#socialcomments#ixzz0rrq3Rn2N"
So not only are you kept out of public spaces your rights are infringed for a further 5 metres beyond the fence. And what would be considered an acceptable reason? Would they accept wanting to see the fence? I would like to hear if people are being prevented from peaceful protest outside the fence using this.
And this from same article:
"Anyone who refuses to identify themselves or refuses to provide a reason for their visit can be fined up to $500.
The new rules also give police the power to search anyone who approaches the fence."
And this:
"The regulation also says that if someone has a dispute with an officer and it goes to court "the police officer's statement under oath is considered conclusive evidence under the Act."
How does that square with the right to a fair trial?
Canadians should ask themselves how far we will allow this government to go.
Can we turn it around?
Students of history will know that people in some places have elected governments who unraveled their democratic rights and democracy itself before. By the time they realized what they had accepted it was already too late.
G8/G20 Communiqué: IMPORTANT: New Powers of Arrest for Police June 25, 2010 | By statica | Important information about the police's new powers of arrest. A MUST READ for anyone hitting the streets this wekeend.
An important point to acknowledge: the regulation was passed in secret on June 2, 2010 by the Ontario LIBERAL government. It was kept secret for a further 23 days until the powers came in to effect.
Closing for length. Please continue here.