Caledonia resident - "It sucks"

So Michael Bryant arrived in Caledonia today. As the Globe reports he met with "local politicians, business and spiritual leaders during his much-publicized trip, but did not meet with any of the Six Nations protesters or their representatives."

Frustrated residents were not able to talk to the Minister, but seemed only too happy to vent to reporters:

Misti Bottenfield, who lives near the former housing development site that has been occupied for almost two years, said it's time Mr. Bryant gave protesters an ultimatum.

“It should be — get off the land or no talks,” said the 26-year-old, adding she has been repeatedly intimidated by the protesters. “Get off the land and out of the houses. Even though the barricades are down and the roads are open, it's still not much better. It sucks.”

Pat Woolley, another Caledonia resident complained:

“This thing is getting worse, not better,” said Woolley, adding the province should put an end to the occupation now while it continues negotiating the land claim.

“Businesses continue to suffer ... You can't allow this thing to go on. I've always brought my children up to believe we are all equal under the law. My frustration with this Liberal government is that we're not seeing this transpire in this community.”

Bryant's main response to the occupation was that "whether the provincially owned land is cleared of protesters is a matter for the provincial police, not the governing Liberals to decide".


So, what's the hold-up, Julian Fantino? Why not clear the land? Are we not all equal under the law?

* * * *

Tuesday Update: Why am I not surprised? - Bryant rules out force in Caledonia.

Same old, same old.

Many residents have long insisted the occupation is a flashpoint for conflict, and many say they feel intimidated by the protesters. Bryant, however, said the occupation is now largely a symbolic one.

It sure is 'symbolic' - of two-tier justice, appeasement, and a police system that has a racial bias when it comes to enforcing the law.

It's going to be a long wait until the 2011 election for those Caledonia folks. Let's hope we'll have strong opposition leadership by then.


Spectator - Bryant to Caledonia: No forced removals. That's right, Michael. Just throw more of our money at it.

Expositor - Native Protesters again shut down Mike Q's project.