Part I: The "Freedom Convoy" demonstrators in Ottawa - when hundreds, if not thousands of people presenting grievances appropriate the flag and the word "freedom", chaos ensues
Ailsa, thank you so much for your sane words. I have so many emotions around this shameful occupation of Ottawa, none of them good. Mostly, I am sad to see this shameful behaviour from a handful of people of questionable intellect thrust upon the good people of Canada. And I am very angry. I just don't know what to do with that anger. I hope to turn that anger on it's head and spread more kindness and compassion.
Laurel, like I said at the beginning of the post, I really did feel compelled to organize my thoughts as I never like to think of things in black and white, and wanted to be charitable towards the protestors (that is, the ones who aren't harassing, intimidating or worse). But there is something bigger at play here and I'm going to try to write about that next. I have come up with several choice words for the worst protestors, but none of them are very ladylike. I understand that you're angry, as are so many of us who have no choice but to embrace science, our democratic process and the common good. It feels like we're in the minority right now but I know that's not true - we're just stunned, I think, that WE are susceptible to this kind of unrest. The mind boggles.
My charitable mind tells me there are many that are opposed to vaccine mandates, that are equally as appalled by the nature of these protests. I sure hope that is the case.
Ailsa, I’m saddened to see this has spread to your home. You were spot on with your assessment. We can only hope that rational thinking will prevail and our countries will be able to withstand this dark period in history🙌🏼
Mary, we're sad too. So many people being terrorized by these hateful protestors, even children wearing masks coming home from school. Ottawa residents are normally very mild-mannered (except when they're in their Audis lol!), but this is beyond the pale and demonstrates what happens when a mob takes hold. Albertans are spear-heading this, and with their hate for Trudeau, it has taken hold with others. Say what you will about him, he's inclusive and compassionate...yes, he's made mistakes, but what politician hasn't, especially one without a whole lot of experience. But I'd sooner a school teacher than a corrupt businessman! I'm not sure what's going to happen next; our police chief has indicated that what we're seeing is indeed an "insurrection" and that he doesn't have the manpower or authority to squelch it. So, no plan. And no end in sight.
Ailsa, thank you so much for your sane words. I have so many emotions around this shameful occupation of Ottawa, none of them good. Mostly, I am sad to see this shameful behaviour from a handful of people of questionable intellect thrust upon the good people of Canada. And I am very angry. I just don't know what to do with that anger. I hope to turn that anger on it's head and spread more kindness and compassion.
Laurel, like I said at the beginning of the post, I really did feel compelled to organize my thoughts as I never like to think of things in black and white, and wanted to be charitable towards the protestors (that is, the ones who aren't harassing, intimidating or worse). But there is something bigger at play here and I'm going to try to write about that next. I have come up with several choice words for the worst protestors, but none of them are very ladylike. I understand that you're angry, as are so many of us who have no choice but to embrace science, our democratic process and the common good. It feels like we're in the minority right now but I know that's not true - we're just stunned, I think, that WE are susceptible to this kind of unrest. The mind boggles.
My charitable mind tells me there are many that are opposed to vaccine mandates, that are equally as appalled by the nature of these protests. I sure hope that is the case.
Ailsa, I’m saddened to see this has spread to your home. You were spot on with your assessment. We can only hope that rational thinking will prevail and our countries will be able to withstand this dark period in history🙌🏼
Mary, we're sad too. So many people being terrorized by these hateful protestors, even children wearing masks coming home from school. Ottawa residents are normally very mild-mannered (except when they're in their Audis lol!), but this is beyond the pale and demonstrates what happens when a mob takes hold. Albertans are spear-heading this, and with their hate for Trudeau, it has taken hold with others. Say what you will about him, he's inclusive and compassionate...yes, he's made mistakes, but what politician hasn't, especially one without a whole lot of experience. But I'd sooner a school teacher than a corrupt businessman! I'm not sure what's going to happen next; our police chief has indicated that what we're seeing is indeed an "insurrection" and that he doesn't have the manpower or authority to squelch it. So, no plan. And no end in sight.