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Mr. Michael Ignatieff
Liberal Party of Canada
81 Metcalfe Street, Suite 400
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 6M8
As you are certainly aware, there were many incidents that occurred during the G20 weekend in Toronto, June 26-27, 2010. Both Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty have refused to call an inquiry into actions taken by their offices, hoping that this situation will just fade away. It will not. Too many Canadians are dismayed and angered at what took place in Toronto that weekend.
I am very surprised that the opposition has remained silent, particularly since you served as Director of the Carr Centre for Human Rights at Harvard University. You have not made any statements about the G20 weekend that I am aware of; in fact the last mention of G20 on the Liberal party website was on June 4, 2010. We ask you to explain your position on these proceedings.
Please do not take the stance that police response was necessary due to actions of the ‘Black Bloc’; we want to know why 19,000 police were ordered to stand down while 100 hooligans broke windows; we also want to know why subsequently hundreds of innocent citizens were brutally assaulted, arrested and detained, many without charges being laid. We also want to know why more than $1 billion dollars of taxpayer money was spent for this weekend.
Please make public your position on the request for a federal inquiry into the actions and strategies of the Integrated Police Services along with investigation into the choices made by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Liberal Party of Ontario. If you wish to be our leader, now is the time to show leadership.
Sincerely,
Glenn Coles, Toronto
PS: This open letter has also been posted to the facebook group ‘Canadians Demanding a Public Inquiry into Toronto G20’ with over 56,000 members. We await your response.
CC:
Mr. Stephen Harper, Conservative Party of Canada, #1204 - 130 Albert Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5G4
Mr. Dalton McGuinty, The Ontario Liberal Party, 10 St. Mary Street, Suite 210, Toronto, ON, M4Y 1P9
Showing posts with label public inquiry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label public inquiry. Show all posts
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Speculative Answers to the G20 Inquiry
Since our government refuses to call a public inquiry into the events of the G20 weekend, we are forced to speculate. Of course, speculation can only be a guess since all the information is not yet available. Mr.Blair/Mr.Miller/Mr.McGuinty/Mr.Harper, do you think these answers are wrong? Prove it!
Why were police ordered to stand back while Black Bloc hooligans broke windows on Yonge Street?
The Black Bloc is a ‘black operation’ and some government agents were involved with the group. It was necessary to create chaos in order to demonstrate to the public that the streets are not safe without police involvement; the activities also drew attention from legitimate protests and allowed the next step of public control.
Why were stripped-down police cars abandoned in visible locations?
A burning police car is a wonderful photo opportunity; though civilians took advantage to bash the cars we had to wait for hours before our agents set the cars on fire. The tactic worked; videos of burning police cars were seen around the world.
Why were peaceful protesters assaulted and arrested at Queen’s Park, the designated ‘free speech zone’?
Canadians think they have too many rights; police put up with a lot of complaining and back-talk about searches and identification requests. When an order is given to disperse a crowd it must be done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Once we decided to clear the area we used as much force as was necessary including pepper spray, tear gas and rubber bullets. We were prepared to use live ammunition closer to the secure zone but this was not necessary.
Why was the ‘kettling’ technique used at the Queen and Spadina intersection?
This was a training operation that was very successful. Once surrounded by lines of police with shields the crowd cannot escape and individuals can be arrested using the ‘snatch and grab’ technique. This scenario also provided an excellent demonstration to the public encouraging them to stay away from the secure area.
Why were so many people arrested and then released without charges?
We built the temporary detention centre well in advance of the G20 meetings and advised the public that it would be used to hold numerous protesters. It was necessary to fill the jail with people in order to justify the large security expenses; in addition large numbers of arrests convinced average Canadians that there really were security issues and that the police were in control.
Are any arrested protesters still in custody?
This question cannot be speculated on; if there are people still under arrest we want to know who they are, what they are charged with and that they are being treated with respect. Even goons who break windows have basic human rights in our Canada.
Who were the police involved in these scenarios?
While Toronto/GTA police were involved, there were also police from numerous other areas across the country including teams from Montreal, Calgary and Edmonton. There was even a specially trained unit of police from the United States who assisted in the operations.
How involved were Bill Blair/David Miller/Dalton McGuinty in the planning of these operations?
Blair, Miller and McGuinty were just puppets who did what they were told. Planning and control of these operations occurred at much higher levels.
Why will you not call for a public inquiry?
Are you kidding? If the truth came out a lot of jobs would be lost and the power structure would change.
Why were these meetings planned to occur at the same time as Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse/Cardinal Grand Cross?
A lot more is going on than most people understand.
What really went on inside the secured perimeter?
You will never know.
Why were police ordered to stand back while Black Bloc hooligans broke windows on Yonge Street?
The Black Bloc is a ‘black operation’ and some government agents were involved with the group. It was necessary to create chaos in order to demonstrate to the public that the streets are not safe without police involvement; the activities also drew attention from legitimate protests and allowed the next step of public control.
Why were stripped-down police cars abandoned in visible locations?
A burning police car is a wonderful photo opportunity; though civilians took advantage to bash the cars we had to wait for hours before our agents set the cars on fire. The tactic worked; videos of burning police cars were seen around the world.
Why were peaceful protesters assaulted and arrested at Queen’s Park, the designated ‘free speech zone’?
Canadians think they have too many rights; police put up with a lot of complaining and back-talk about searches and identification requests. When an order is given to disperse a crowd it must be done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Once we decided to clear the area we used as much force as was necessary including pepper spray, tear gas and rubber bullets. We were prepared to use live ammunition closer to the secure zone but this was not necessary.
Why was the ‘kettling’ technique used at the Queen and Spadina intersection?
This was a training operation that was very successful. Once surrounded by lines of police with shields the crowd cannot escape and individuals can be arrested using the ‘snatch and grab’ technique. This scenario also provided an excellent demonstration to the public encouraging them to stay away from the secure area.
Why were so many people arrested and then released without charges?
We built the temporary detention centre well in advance of the G20 meetings and advised the public that it would be used to hold numerous protesters. It was necessary to fill the jail with people in order to justify the large security expenses; in addition large numbers of arrests convinced average Canadians that there really were security issues and that the police were in control.
Are any arrested protesters still in custody?
This question cannot be speculated on; if there are people still under arrest we want to know who they are, what they are charged with and that they are being treated with respect. Even goons who break windows have basic human rights in our Canada.
Who were the police involved in these scenarios?
While Toronto/GTA police were involved, there were also police from numerous other areas across the country including teams from Montreal, Calgary and Edmonton. There was even a specially trained unit of police from the United States who assisted in the operations.
How involved were Bill Blair/David Miller/Dalton McGuinty in the planning of these operations?
Blair, Miller and McGuinty were just puppets who did what they were told. Planning and control of these operations occurred at much higher levels.
Why will you not call for a public inquiry?
Are you kidding? If the truth came out a lot of jobs would be lost and the power structure would change.
Why were these meetings planned to occur at the same time as Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse/Cardinal Grand Cross?
A lot more is going on than most people understand.
What really went on inside the secured perimeter?
You will never know.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Serve Not Rule
On Saturday I stood in the middle of intersection Queen and Spadina, my arms raised in the air holding a sign that read ‘Serve Not Rule’. Around me a crowd of hundreds chanted ‘take it back, take it back’; the inference was the energetic reclaiming of the place where police surrounded and captured a group of peaceful civilians during the G20 meetings. Thanks to the internet there is no secrecy about these events; hundreds of street reporters now capture pictures and video of everything that occurs.
The march began at Queen’s Park; the gathering for civil liberties was preceded by a gathering to question the powers of the OSPCA. Together the groups merged to walk through the streets of Toronto and proclaim basic compassionate rights for all creatures. Within the group, which numbered around 2000, were numerous messages. Many people carried signs stating their opinions in creative ways. A common theme and chant was simple: What do we want? Public Inquiry. When do we want it? Now! Whose streets? Our streets!
It is important to clarify that the growing dissent is not against the police as individuals. The officers who work in Toronto are dedicated people who spend their careers training to do their job well. We all hope for the availability of police to serve and protect; to guide crowded events; to help us when called upon. In order to deliver these services it is necessary for police to have certain powers; we grant these powers with expectation that they will be used honourably. When police power is abused like we saw during the G20, the public gets pissed off.
In Canada it is against the law to strike a police officer, even in self-defence. I agree with this ideal; police are public servants doing a job that deserves respect. However, when police attack people who are not defending themselves a line has been crossed. Pepper spraying a seated person is not acceptable behaviour; arresting a woman for blowing soap bubbles is just juvenile. The excessive force that was displayed while guarding the G20 is not what we pay the police to do. Serve not rule.
The same concept applies to the government. The power system is headed by the Unholy Trinity, a group consisting of banks, government and police. Together they control the way the world runs today. The G20 meetings set dangerous precedents where kings gather while the rebellious citizens are kept back by the Praetorian guards. It is time to change the way that things work; the government exists to serve the people, not to rule them.
We do have a dilemma. The history of humanity is full of conflicts between ‘us and them’. Ultimately power struggles are won by those with the greatest resources; the Unholy Trinity is in a very powerful position. The dilemma is that the banks, government and police force consist of thousands upon thousands of people. Within these groups are many spiritual people doing what they feel is right, or what is necessary to make a living. We cannot vindicate the people in these institutions; healing comes from merging rather than destroying.
Along the march were numerous bicycle police, who we thank for their service yesterday. At each intersection traffic was stopped or redirected while the crowd passed; at designated turns in the published parade route the bicycles were positioned to guide us in the proper direction. Again this movement is not about demonizing police; it is about changing some key concepts in the way that our civilization operates.
As a marching young woman boldly proclaimed on her sign, ‘We Will Not Shut the fuck up!’
The march began at Queen’s Park; the gathering for civil liberties was preceded by a gathering to question the powers of the OSPCA. Together the groups merged to walk through the streets of Toronto and proclaim basic compassionate rights for all creatures. Within the group, which numbered around 2000, were numerous messages. Many people carried signs stating their opinions in creative ways. A common theme and chant was simple: What do we want? Public Inquiry. When do we want it? Now! Whose streets? Our streets!
It is important to clarify that the growing dissent is not against the police as individuals. The officers who work in Toronto are dedicated people who spend their careers training to do their job well. We all hope for the availability of police to serve and protect; to guide crowded events; to help us when called upon. In order to deliver these services it is necessary for police to have certain powers; we grant these powers with expectation that they will be used honourably. When police power is abused like we saw during the G20, the public gets pissed off.
In Canada it is against the law to strike a police officer, even in self-defence. I agree with this ideal; police are public servants doing a job that deserves respect. However, when police attack people who are not defending themselves a line has been crossed. Pepper spraying a seated person is not acceptable behaviour; arresting a woman for blowing soap bubbles is just juvenile. The excessive force that was displayed while guarding the G20 is not what we pay the police to do. Serve not rule.
The same concept applies to the government. The power system is headed by the Unholy Trinity, a group consisting of banks, government and police. Together they control the way the world runs today. The G20 meetings set dangerous precedents where kings gather while the rebellious citizens are kept back by the Praetorian guards. It is time to change the way that things work; the government exists to serve the people, not to rule them.
We do have a dilemma. The history of humanity is full of conflicts between ‘us and them’. Ultimately power struggles are won by those with the greatest resources; the Unholy Trinity is in a very powerful position. The dilemma is that the banks, government and police force consist of thousands upon thousands of people. Within these groups are many spiritual people doing what they feel is right, or what is necessary to make a living. We cannot vindicate the people in these institutions; healing comes from merging rather than destroying.
Along the march were numerous bicycle police, who we thank for their service yesterday. At each intersection traffic was stopped or redirected while the crowd passed; at designated turns in the published parade route the bicycles were positioned to guide us in the proper direction. Again this movement is not about demonizing police; it is about changing some key concepts in the way that our civilization operates.
As a marching young woman boldly proclaimed on her sign, ‘We Will Not Shut the fuck up!’
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The G20 Conspiracy
During the G20 meetings, events in Toronto were seen around the world. While the police accuse anarchists of conspiracy to create chaos, the true conspiracy involved the government and the police. A public inquiry is necessary to ensure that this use of force does not happen again.
In Toronto we love our police. These fine people put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect our public; most do it with integrity and honour. However, we suspect that the people in riot gear were not our police; instead they were imported to impose martial law during the G20 meetings. They were not there to protect the people but to corral them, innocent or not.
The events were staged for public consumption; plans for these activities occurred well in advance. The film studio was converted into a makeshift jail to hold people from anticipated mass arrests; the riot police had weapons and shields and tear gas and pepper spray, all ready to be used on citizens. As the warriors said in the movie Braveheart, ‘we didn’t get dressed up for nothing’.
On Saturday, men in masks identified as Black Bloc were allowed to prepare themselves in public view, then to create chaos as they rampaged through our city. I suspect that many of our police were chomping at the bit to step in; however they were ordered to stand back and not break ranks. Out of 12,000 uniformed officers, a unit of 100 could have easily stopped the carnage but they did not. Why?
I speculate that the photo opportunities created by hooligans were intended to create fear and anger, thus encouraging Torontonians to accept martial law on Sunday. Nice strategy if it works but we are not that stupid. The public will not allow this to continue; the riot gear must become as foreign as the officers who wore the suits. Toronto will not allow these tactics to become commonplace.
The window-smashing and car-burning also distracted from the key points that people were protesting in the first place. Personal freedoms were diminished and Toronto became a city under military rule. Again, we will not accept this. Yes we believe in law and order but we will not be fooled.
The people demand a public inquiry, not to whine about bumps and bruises but to insist on transparency. This is not about blaming Toronto police who acted with great discipline over the weekend; it is about refusing to be forced into complacency. We want to know who gave the orders, who were the hooligans and who wore the riot gear. It is our right to know.
In Toronto we love our police. These fine people put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect our public; most do it with integrity and honour. However, we suspect that the people in riot gear were not our police; instead they were imported to impose martial law during the G20 meetings. They were not there to protect the people but to corral them, innocent or not.
The events were staged for public consumption; plans for these activities occurred well in advance. The film studio was converted into a makeshift jail to hold people from anticipated mass arrests; the riot police had weapons and shields and tear gas and pepper spray, all ready to be used on citizens. As the warriors said in the movie Braveheart, ‘we didn’t get dressed up for nothing’.
On Saturday, men in masks identified as Black Bloc were allowed to prepare themselves in public view, then to create chaos as they rampaged through our city. I suspect that many of our police were chomping at the bit to step in; however they were ordered to stand back and not break ranks. Out of 12,000 uniformed officers, a unit of 100 could have easily stopped the carnage but they did not. Why?
I speculate that the photo opportunities created by hooligans were intended to create fear and anger, thus encouraging Torontonians to accept martial law on Sunday. Nice strategy if it works but we are not that stupid. The public will not allow this to continue; the riot gear must become as foreign as the officers who wore the suits. Toronto will not allow these tactics to become commonplace.
The window-smashing and car-burning also distracted from the key points that people were protesting in the first place. Personal freedoms were diminished and Toronto became a city under military rule. Again, we will not accept this. Yes we believe in law and order but we will not be fooled.
The people demand a public inquiry, not to whine about bumps and bruises but to insist on transparency. This is not about blaming Toronto police who acted with great discipline over the weekend; it is about refusing to be forced into complacency. We want to know who gave the orders, who were the hooligans and who wore the riot gear. It is our right to know.
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