This morning police raided a Toronto home and arrested four organizers. No doubt this is an example of preventative detention yet another tactic in the arsenal of repression known as the Miami protocol that has turned our city into a police state.
Even if you have never come out to a protest or it's been years since you have today is the day. Our city has been shut down by a massive show of militarized police power. Young protesters have been vilified for standing up for justice. It's time for each of us to show up and take back our city from the violence and domination represented by the G20 and symbolized by the thousands of police and the terrible fence they have built.
Please join your neighbours at Queen s Park at 1 p.m. for the People First march. Let's show those G20 leaders and Stephen Harper that we are ready to defend our democratic rights.
It is also time for legitimate protesters to stand up and take a zero tolerance stance for the Black Block. The anti-democratic and violent groups that show up at otherwise peaceful protests need to not be tolerated. If we as people who wish to see a more just world allow real issues to be co-opted by a group of idiots then why even bother. Shame on union groups and others for not taking steps to flush them out. Get out there and protest, and confront anyone with their face covered.
Good luck with that, aleein8.
How does one show one's "intolerance" for violence? By using violence?
How about some public denouncements from unions, advocacy groups like greenpeace, and amnesty international. However there has been nothing. does this mean there is tacit approval? this would be a good start, and a bit of a no brainer. Additionally it is not that hard to verbally confront these groups in a protest march or shout them down. It is interesting that these things do not happen. So, no violence does not have to be a part of making a difference in all of this mess. Lets ensure the real message is not lost. Because right now none of thise of us with legitimate concerns are being heard. Turn on the news, the G20 message is still getting out, and hooliganism is the official response. It is us who truly care that are not heard.
Joining in the chorus of denunciation led by the right wing politicians and their house media is not going to "ensure the real message is not lost". It's only going to assist them in getting their message out - the message that the G20 stands for peace and prosperity and that the real perpetrators of violence are those who dare to stand up against injustice and oppression.
Besides, public denunciation is not exactly what I'd call "zero tolerance". Check your hyperbole at the door.