To the Editors,
Last week’s Opinion page hosted a bouquet of letters. It was encouraging to see more readers sharing insights.
We are frustrated with government at all levels: politicians acting in their own self-interest, protest organizers raking in obscene sums of money, and disruptive behaviour by protesters parading grievances, real or imagined. Everyone I spoke to is in shock at the ease with which protesters exposed and exploited appalling weaknesses of political leaders.
As of press time last week, Ottawa was under siege for 11 days, as protesters became occupiers. Their definition of “freedom” is the most narrow and self-centred imaginable. Illegal occupiers barricaded the Ambassador bridge between Windsor and Detroit. They were emboldened by feeble responses from provincial and federal governments, and a puzzling lack of enforcement against lawlessness. Videos show police officers bringing hot coffee to protesters. Is this a new version of tough love?
Federal ministers surfaced to point fingers at other levels of government. Wiarton Willie spent more time in public view than our prime minister. Love him or hate him, Pierre Trudeau would have had another “just watch me” moment if destructive behaviour by protesters escalated during his watch. Meanwhile, Queens Park spokespersons emerged to announce new funding for horse racing, but did not mention protests. Our premier spent the weekend snowmobiling at his cottage. Bless him.
With so much instability, what do you suppose captured MPP Toby Barrett’s attention for his weekly column? If you said invasive weeds, you would be correct. Phragmites are a serious concern, but not the most compelling challenge we face right now.
On Friday, February 11, Premier Ford declared a state of emergency. We soon will know how effective it was, or was not. The same day, Prime Minster Trudeau warned of “severe consequences” for anti-vaccine mandate protesters who don’t stand down. Protesters partied all night. The prime minister also warned Russia of “serious costs” if they invade Ukraine. Vladimir Putin must be shaking in his custom-made Loro Piana sneakers.
A final observation: When Black Lives Matter protesters gathered peacefully at Parliament Hill, we saw snipers on the roof. When indigenous protesters gathered peacefully, as in 2012, to finalize a land claim treaty – snipers on the roof. When protesters occupied Ottawa and assaulted citizens, what did we see? Bouncy castles.
Bob Gaunt,
Hagersville
