On the one hand I understand and empathise with the police -- they have been given a job to do and are doing their best to do it. And there will be protesters (which is proper) some of whom will behave violently (which is not proper). Order must be maintained.
On the other hand I am forced to ask, when did Canada become a nation in service to foreign leaders and the federal cabinet?
The Queen is the head of state and, notionally at least, she is our sovereign. I can understand closing the city to protect her -- I can't imagine it would happen but she is the Queen.
Here, Canada's largest city is turned into an armed camp for the benefit of foreign leaders and the glory of, well, glory of what? -- somehow that feels very wrong.
10 comments:
Well said. It's very Canadian to glorify the leaders of other countries while essentially ignoring our own, whether you deem our leader to be Her Majesty, the Governor General, or the Prime Minister.
I understand Toronto wants to bid for Expo and other international events.
I think the grumbling about everything - that Torontonians are "inconvenienced" by the G8/G20 where they are welcoming the world and getting untold millions in economic benefits and spin offs, world wide recognition and STILL are not happy should disqualify Toronto from EVER hosting large international events.
The city is not a good host. Period.
I agree with Mr Morton.
I'm not exactly sure why but this feels wrong to me. It's more than just the usual Airport security theatre BS we've got used to.
This is different. wsam
What disturbs me is the implicit suggestion that protestors are terrorists.
Anon -- yes, the last point is very powerful
First Anonymous compares apples and oranges. Toronto backed by its citizens and businesses would choose to host international events like Expo, etc.; no choice in this incompetently planned lockdown summit.
We welcome visitors, invite them to enjoy our city, and offer service with a smile, too. You should come here sometime.
Welcome to Stephen Harper's Police State. Have you your papers?
I have been to Toronto many times. There is no other place in this country quite like it.
In no way does Toronto reflect the rest of Canada.
Do you think Premier Dalton and TO Mayors were not consulted? Seems to me THEY are promoting the heck out of this very good news amazing international event.
Calgary invested $80 during the Kananaskis G7 summit for turism and business investment promo- the province another $200 million and the Feds spent $300 million for security and infrastructure upgrades alone.
The benefits for Alberta have been long term. So when Toronto sees whats in in for them will they stop bellyaching?
In no way does any city in Canada represent the whole of the country. We are a diverse land and thankfully not a totally authoritarian one ... yet. What is going on in Toronto is the Conservative party compensating for a lack of something. Overcompensating, some might say. Toronto does not have to become Tehran just so Harper can feel secure and virile.
Very good points! I don't recall the last royal visit but weren't they quite accessible to the general public?
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