Friday, October 13, 2006

Last Minute Details

Caledonia Wake-up Call has posted various scenarios that may take place on Sunday, depending on the cooperation of the OPP. Some seem quite tame, and I'm surprised they've been nixed; especially the bus tour option.

Meanwhile, the Spectator is quoting Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay as saying that people who participate in the march in Caledonia Sunday are "putting their lives at risk."

I can't help wondering why a supposedly peaceful march could be dangerous. First of all, why would the natives at the site be against the march as long as nobody actually went on the province's land other than the ones occupying the site? In some ways it could help draw attention to the painfully slow action of the government with respect to this land claim and others.

Howard Hampton admits to two-tiered justice: "This is a different kind of law enforcement, this is a different kind of administration of justice," he said.

Well, that's it then. Let's just close up shop and go home. Somewhere...
And why would anyone from the March start an aggressive action, knowing that the OPP would be jumping on them at the first sign of a threat?

Why indeed?

Our local radio personality was all for joining the rally up until today. Suddenly he's had a change of heart. He says he has received several threatening messages, and the most ominous one warned that "We will be amongst you".

If that doesn't send chills up and down your spine, I don't know what will. It reminds me of a certain group has a policy of hiding amongst civilians for protection, sabotage and obfuscation.

We have one hope left in Ontario and that hope rests with newly-appointed OPP commissioner Julian Fantino, who says this about Caledonia:

"I will learn a lot about what's happening and we will make wise decisions that are in the greater good," he said in a conference call. "We certainly are very respectful of rights and entitlements of people but we also, I think, have to be very mindful and respectful that there is a rule of law, that anarchy can't prevail and that we will do our utmost best to ensure that peace and tranquility prevail and whatever it takes to do that we'll have to consider all options."


We can only hope and pray.


Update: Things aren't going so well for Gary. However, the natives are planning a big BBQ!!!

Peace at any cost.

Daimnation! - Star upset with Fantino choice!

And from a Spectator reader - Caledonia March is a Protest against Injustice.
Lorne Gunter - Where is the Rule of Law When You Need It?

8 comments:

Mac said...

Talk about a media circus waiting to happen. I hope the OPP do the right thing here...

Zac said...

Is Fantino on the job yet?

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Zac, I understand he takes over at the end of the month. He is probably very happy not to have to deal with this rally.

Zac said...

Yeah, it's not something that I'd want to get in the middle of.

I think he'll be a good addition. He's fair. He'll be a positive step I think. I think both sides of this matter can find something to like about him.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

I think both sides of this matter can find something to like about him.

Well, I'm not so sure about that.

Zac said...

I was more or less referring to you and I.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

I was more or less referring to you and I.

Oh, o.k. I thought you were referring to the native POV.

Anonymous said...

Canadians have a long histoy of risking their lives for freedom on forieign soil. Should we not risk our lives on Canadian soil for the same cause?