Welcome To Toronto The Good!
Dear foreign diplomat and friend,
You're tired of having to attend summits, conventions and meetings, we know. All those briefings and speeches just go on and on. That's why, from the beginning of April until July 4th, we're offering our thousands of preferred G8/20 travelers Diplomatic Immunity during your stay here in Canada!
That's right! Not only can you party hard without worrying about being arrested or detained for any old reason, we're not even going to check your bags at the airport!
You may have heard that there's a "5-tier system of security" for people who need to travel downtown during your summit, but never you fear! That's just for the crusty protesters, residents and business owners. Not for you!
So, snort some blow! Rent a few hookers! Kill a man just to watch him die! We've got you covered. And please, enjoy your stay.
(http://images.encyclopediadramatica.com/images/f/f5/Monopoly-Man.jpg)
- the mgt
Hundreds of G20 Delegates Granted Diplomatic Immunity (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/hundreds-of-g20-delegates-granted-diplomatic-immunity/article1519006)
Security Map (http://www.thestar.com/staticcontent/822532)
Again, I wasn't sure where to put this. Seems to belong in Aneristic, but I thought OKM was a safer bet.
Just responses to stupid media, atm.
Re: Warning! Stuff!
Attention citizens:
As you know, it recently came to our attention that persons in certain farming regions of Ontario have been buying fertilizer (which will henceforth be referred to as ammonium nitrate). These persons have caused us great distress, because this ammonium nitrate (which will henceforth be referred to as possible bomb-making material) could possibly be used to make a bomb.
In the interest of quelling public panic, we immediately sent PSAs to all of our major news stations, including composite sketches of one suspect, which you should have seen by now. Luckily, this disturber of the peace turned himself in to our crack team of investigators the very same day, and we have identified him as a farmer. This leads us to conclude that his purchase of possible bomb-making material was probably not for the purpose of attacking the G8/20 gatherings upcoming in our city.
Please, rest assured that if we detect anything equally suspicious in the near future, we will immediately send more PSAs to more major media outlets to let you know that we're investigating things, these 'things' could harm you, and that's why our upcoming weekend G8/20 meetings need security funding beyond the 1.1 billion we've already spent.
So, "stand on guard," watch yourselves, and stay tuned.
- the mgt
Police identify buyer of ammonium nitrate (http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Canada/20100608/missing-ammonium-nitrate-fertilizer-100609/)
Fertilizer bomb threat a mere 'gardening incident' (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/g8-g20/news/fertilizer-bomb-threat-a-mere-gardening-incident/article1597974/)
Quotethat's why our upcoming weekend G8/20 meetings need security funding beyond the 1.1 billion we've already spent.
You're shitting me right? They went *over* a billion?
:lulz:
Well, at least this gives me a reason to be glad I'm no longer in TO
Quote from: Requia ☣ on June 19, 2010, 06:58:30 AM
Quotethat's why our upcoming weekend G8/20 meetings need security funding beyond the 1.1 billion we've already spent.
You're shitting me right? They went *over* a billion?
Most current media is repeating 'about a billion', but we hit a billion two weeks ago and money's still being spent. At the same time, there are quotes in the most recent mass media news stories pegging it at 1.3, and there's no correction within the articles. Thought I'd go with a conservative estimate.
Latest Security Measure/Expenditure? Pulling up saplings from the downtown core. Because they could be uprooted by protesters and used as weapons. I watched this happen today and it was... Fuck it. No words for it.
@ Rumckle - Downtown's already a ghost town. Only people there are cops, residents, business owners and a few really fucking confused tourists wondering if the Pride parade has a BDSM theme this year.
I live in one of the security zones which has been given an eastern bloc makeover with 10foot chain-link fences, my building put together a wonderful four page G20 survival guide which did a fantastic job of scaring my wife :sad:
Some highlights:
- 35,000 protesters have already pre-registered for the event and this number is expected to grow/ as the Toronto Police Zone is located [right where you live], we anticipate protesters in and around this perimeter.
- We would recommend residents and their guests enjoy their weekend away from the city core.
- If you decide to leave the building ... carry identification with your address on it at all times, and photo-identification.
- Do not initiate conversations with protesters/if you are going out into the crowd you are recommended to be in casual address as business attire may put you in a susceptible position.
- Should an emergency occur we will need the help of volunteers to maintain security.
- As we may lose power and water during the event (we had a half-hour blackout last night, no less - first in over three years), we HIGHLY recommend that you have sufficient food/ water for the weekend.
- We would also recommend that you put together a personal emergency kit to keep you going for 72 hours.
- Please report any suspicious behaviour and keep the door to your suite LOCKED at all times.
The thing which pisses me off though, is the story that there were other locations outside of the downtown core with plenty less residents and businesses where the city wanted to host it, but that the prime minister overruled those because he wanted to "show off the city".
"Ensure you follow the dress code, and have your papers ready for inspection at all times.
Anyone seen communicating with undesirables will be detained.
For the Glorious Nation of Canada!"
Quote from: Nurse Rhizome on June 19, 2010, 06:53:55 AM
Re: Warning! Stuff!
Attention citizens:
As you know, it recently came to our attention that persons in certain farming regions of Ontario have been buying fertilizer (which will henceforth be referred to as ammonium nitrate). These persons have caused us great distress, because this ammonium nitrate (which will henceforth be referred to as possible bomb-making material) could possibly be used to make a bomb.
In the interest of quelling public panic, we immediately sent PSAs to all of our major news stations, including composite sketches of one suspect, which you should have seen by now. Luckily, this disturber of the peace turned himself in to our crack team of investigators the very same day, and we have identified him as a farmer. This leads us to conclude that his purchase of possible bomb-making material was probably not for the purpose of attacking the G8/20 gatherings upcoming in our city.
Please, rest assured that if we detect anything equally suspicious in the near future, we will immediately send more PSAs to more major media outlets to let you know that we're investigating things, these 'things' could harm you, and that's why our upcoming weekend G8/20 meetings need security funding beyond the 1.1 billion we've already spent.
So, "stand on guard," watch yourselves, and stay tuned.
- the mgt
Police identify buyer of ammonium nitrate (http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Canada/20100608/missing-ammonium-nitrate-fertilizer-100609/)
Fertilizer bomb threat a mere 'gardening incident' (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/g8-g20/news/fertilizer-bomb-threat-a-mere-gardening-incident/article1597974/)
Someone really ought to take this opportunity to go out in force and stab a couple of hundred coppers through the heart with sharpened chair legs. Next summit they'll all have to stand :evil:
Media directive 416
Dear international media member,
As you are a member of the 3,000-strong Press Corps providing up-to-date coverage of this, the 4th G20 and 36th G8 Summit, we'd like to take a moment to say Congratulations! And welcome to the Experience Canada Alley theme park!
Located beside a beautiful and historical lake simulation, Experience Canada is an immersive virtual 3,700 square meter pavilion. Replete with Canadiana (canoes, a vista and possibly beaver-emblazoned champagne glasses), Experience Canada is at once a wonder of modern architecture and your place to hang your hat, have a beverage and enjoy the World Cup.
Please report to Experience Canada's front desk at your earliest convenience (located inside the Direct Energy Centre, which is located within Exhibition Place). Only a short subway/car ride from such cultural icons as the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, the University of Toronto, the Skydome and the Art Gallery of Ontario, Exhibition Place will be your home away from home. You will find Exhibition Place next to (non-simulated) Lake Ontario.
Also, please note that while all of the aforementioned icons will be closed for the weekend of (and for many, the week leading to) the G8/20, you may familiarize yourself with and report on these unique institutions by searching on the internet.
Again, welcome to the inner circle! Relax, and enjoy Experience Canada: we created it just for you.
- the mgt
Addendum: It has been suggested by some members of the press reporting on public reaction to Experience Canada Alley that the $1.9 million expenditure for the simulated lake, vista and pavilion (which will be dismantled after you leave) is exorbitant given already existent waterfront locations and vistas. Your talking points should be updated to include:
- a failing global economy,
- Canada's chance to market itself to the world,
- and the word "expenditure" should immediately be replaced with the less biased and more trade-friendly "investment."
PM defends G8 fake lake pavilion (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/06/08/g20-fakelake-costs.html)
:lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
:mittens:
Thanks, Telarus. Really don't know what else to do with all this mindfuckery but mock it.
Quote from: Rumckle on June 19, 2010, 02:36:30 PM
"Ensure you follow the dress code, and have your papers ready for inspection at all times.
Anyone seen communicating with undesirables will be detained.
For the Glorious Nation of Canada!"
Pretty much.
Quote from: Captain Utopia on June 19, 2010, 02:03:29 PM
I live in one of the security zones which has been given an eastern bloc makeover with 10foot chain-link fences, my building put together a wonderful four page G20 survival guide which did a fantastic job of scaring my wife :sad:
"Keep your doors locked, don't go out"... Everything but "invest in duct tape." And what's that about needing volunteers? The scare tactics for this are ridiculous (and we're in complete agreement about other locations). Hope you and your wife are doing alright. My SO and I are just north of you guys, but outside the cage area.
...................
Update to cite that 1.3 billion price tag (http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/torontog20summit/article/823085--hume-g20-and-the-architecture-of-paranoia). (I haven't double-checked the calculations or anything, but it's a major article that hasn't been edited yet, just in case anyone was interested).
Re: The Fence is not a downer!
Dear Public,
Clocking in at 6 kilometers and counting, we know you're as impressed by The Fence as we are! Yet, we're amazed and saddened to find many of you determined to see this spectacular piece of artisan-ship through your Negative Nelly glasses.
That's why we're taking this opportunity to show you The Fence in another light: that in which it was intended. Showcasing the work of uncounted artisans, The Fence is at once an interactive performance art piece and a testament to the skill of hundreds of unidentifiable workers. Take Pride in The Fence! It's an eco-friendly showcase of metal recycling and a complex creation of ribald ingenuity!
Our artisans have constructed a charming and spirited maze of walking trails right in the middle of your city, with a jocular nod towards the increasingly popular architectural 'claustrophobia experience.' Highlighting the architects' (until now) secretive directive of Playful Subversion, a risqué 'red light' theme has been added throughout the inner security perimeter. Acknowledging the exhibitionist in all of us, security guards may (or may not!) be standing ready at undisclosed checkpoints to perform full-body X-rays of all incoming participants!
In addition to the craftsmanship on display, The Fence offers our world leaders and their aides the opportunity to let their hair down for a coltish game of Paintball! If you're worried about their safety, please remember that this weekend is a chance to plunge into a fraternal devil-may-care world they rarely get to experience in these overly-serious days. And in the impish words of former Interpol president and recently retired chairman of Canada's Advisory Council on National Security, "If no one gets hurt, we will have spent too much."
In closing, instead of focusing on irrelevant and distracting details like the $5.5 million price tag, we encourage you to see through the eyes of one right-minded tourist who, stunned by the majesty of The Fence, rapturously proclaimed, "That is severe gauge, man, wow!"
- the mgt
Everything you need to know about The Fence (http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/torontog20summit/article/825908)
Inner security perimeter checkpoints may include X-ray scans by security guards (http://nationalpostnews.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/g20-fortress-new.jpg)
G20 comics - paintball (http://nationalpostnews.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/na0619-g20jokes.jpg)
:lulz: to whole thread.
Thanks FZ. I'm glad you got a laugh out of it. And from one n00b to (admittedly, not really but sort of) another, welcome (back). :)
.................................
Unnecessary personal information and rambling follow:
The only reason I kept writing them is that they were something to do and they helped me think about what kind of place/time I'm living in, but they don't *do* anything. As a longtime activisty type, it's kind of...
Wait. Is that... fun? In my politics??? Just the usual mundane fill-in-the-blanks mimicry in writing these, but they were. Fun to write, I mean. Which I've missed...
Not sure what else is bubbling under the Starbucks encounter with hoops, the Dok and TGG (which felt kind of like this (http://www.principiadiscordia.com/book/61.php)), but it sparked something.
But that's the last of these, I think. The summer gig got cut, so I have to go find another job now and get my shit together again for September.
Too bad, I was enjoying the horrormirth.
I counted 47 police officers on my way in to work today... at least Mussollini had the trains running on time!
Quote from: Hoopla on June 21, 2010, 04:38:55 PM
I counted 47 police officers on my way in to work today... at least Mussollini had the trains running on time!
Sounds like a good time to rob a bank.
Quote from: Nurse Rhizome on June 21, 2010, 04:31:38 PM
The only reason I kept writing them is that they were something to do and they helped me think about what kind of place/time I'm living in, but they don't *do* anything. As a longtime activisty type, it's kind of...
Wait. Is that... fun? In my politics??? Just the usual mundane fill-in-the-blanks mimicry in writing these, but they were. Fun to write, I mean. Which I've missed...
:mittens:
I've been enjoying them a lot. Sorry to hear about the job though, that sucks!
Quote from: Nurse Rhizome on June 21, 2010, 04:31:38 PM
Not sure what else is bubbling under the Starbucks encounter with hoops, the Dok and TGG (which felt kind of like this (http://www.principiadiscordia.com/book/61.php)), but it sparked something.
Gah! There was a get-together in Toronto and I missed it? Oh well, it's my own stupid fault for flouncing :lulz:
Charley Hawk and CU - I'm glad you enjoyed them. :)
Quote from: Captain Utopia on June 21, 2010, 04:47:39 PM
Sorry to hear about the job though, that sucks!
It does suck mightily. Yesterday, I was set (straight-forward RA job to keep me in rent and twizzlers 'til the regular gig came back in the fall) - this morning, I'm not. Shit falls apart. Thanks for the sympathy <- no sarcasm there. Just means it's time to log off til I get this house in order again.
(... 47 on a morning commute... hoops, that's fucking ridiculous...)
Quote from: Captain Utopia on June 21, 2010, 04:47:39 PM
Quote from: Nurse Rhizome on June 21, 2010, 04:31:38 PM
Not sure what else is bubbling under the Starbucks encounter with hoops, the Dok and TGG (which felt kind of like this (http://www.principiadiscordia.com/book/61.php)), but it sparked something.
Gah! There was a get-together in Toronto and I missed it? Oh well, it's my own stupid fault for flouncing :lulz:
:lol: Maybe us Toronto spags can put something together for later this year (bar or even just an eggGASM-type thing)? Other than that, Dok has a plan for another trek over the snowbank next summer (and is purportedly bringing supplies...).
Take care. Off to do the job board thing.
Holy crap, I think I just saw a UAV. Definitely not a helicopter, and smaller and more maneuverable than a light aircraft... I see a *lot* of them from this vantage point.
Quote from: Captain Utopia on June 26, 2010, 06:25:45 AM
Holy crap, I think I just saw a UAV. Definitely not a helicopter, and smaller and more maneuverable than a light aircraft... I see a *lot* of them from this vantage point.
1. Go outside.
2. Spot UAV.
3. Flip the bird. Or moon it.
4. Hope it isn't one of the armed ones.
1 Use a lasso or a grapple hook and appropriate that bad-boy.
2 Paint it with outrageously racist slogans - "Kill all _____" (insert ethnic minority)
3 Release it then take a photo of it with the slogans
4 Send photos to newspapers
5 Spark outrage/lulz
ETA: Extra points if you accomplish step three by throwing it out a window yelling "Fly my pretties, fly!"
Quote from: Nurse Rhizome on June 21, 2010, 04:31:38 PM
But that's the last of these, I think.
^!LIES!^
...................................
Re: Security SexDear officer/guard,
Reasons abound. You've been wearing armor all day long and it makes you look about 3 inches wider than you normally do. You've got millions of dollars of batons, tear gas, tasers, water and sound cannons, as well as rubber bullets, yet as of today, your weapons remain unused. Crusty half-dressed protesters have repeatedly failed to do anything wrong all day long, which leaves you feeling frustrated, pent, and indeed, unspent.
Of course you want a little release, and who could blame you?
But we must insist that you stop renting hookers. They will steal your shit. That is all.
- the mgt
Sex worker steals officer's gear (http://www.nationalpost.com/story.html?id=3203681).
Pic o' tha week -
(http://thestar.blogs.com/.a/6a00d8341bf8f353ef013484e1214b970c-pi)
Quote from: Nurse Rhizome on June 26, 2010, 06:13:34 PM
Pic o' tha week -
(http://thestar.blogs.com/.a/6a00d8341bf8f353ef013484e1214b970c-pi)
That is fucking priceless! I'm not even a terrorist but I'm overcome with the urge to blow that shit up just for the lulz. :lulz:
Quote from: Nurse Rhizome on June 26, 2010, 06:11:34 PM
Quote from: Nurse Rhizome on June 21, 2010, 04:31:38 PM
But that's the last of these, I think.
^!LIES!^
...................................
Re: Security Sex
Dear officer/guard,
Reasons abound. You've been wearing armor all day long and it makes you look about 3 inches wider than you normally do. You've got millions of dollars of batons, tear gas, tasers, water and sound cannons, as well as rubber bullets, yet as of today, your weapons remain unused. Crusty half-dressed protesters have repeatedly failed to do anything wrong all day long, which leaves you feeling frustrated, pent, and indeed, unspent.
Of course you want a little release, and who could blame you?
But we must insist that you stop renting hookers. They will steal your shit. That is all.
- the mgt
Sex worker steals officer's gear (http://www.nationalpost.com/story.html?id=3203681).
Did you really post that letter? If not, do so. :lulz:
:mittens:
We need to pair good art with this and have Nurse R release it as a book. With tear out pages.
Minor police presence.
(http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af205/spiff_bucket/DSCF0158.jpg)
Earlier, when the police cars were on fire, you should have seen the massive crowd of them then filling up three buses. But since I didn't take any pictures then, you won't.
I kinda wish I'd seen any weed in the last year, because I'm just juvenile enough to get a kick out of lighting up on my balcony with that many coppers below.
Re: 10/10, would raid again
Dear Public,
As our weekend together winds to a close, we'd like to extend a warm thank-you to all the spirited citizens who took part in Toronto's G20 celebrations this weekend. Thousands of you were cheeky enough to take part in our Street Theatre Improv and Paintball games (you were great targets!). And we're excited to report that OVER 900 of you effervescent kooks were onsite at the film studio to volunteer for a lively Prisoner-themed RPG. Congratulations: you've just participated in the largest mass arrest in Canadian History!
But the real thanks goes, as I think you would agree, to our friends in black. So many shop fronts destroyed... Those police cars in flames... It almost brings tears to our eyes to write this, our gratitude is so great...
For weeks to come, Canadian news media will brim and burst! Veins in the foreheads of otherwise stolid talking heads will throb! And the words Thug, Hooligan, Mob and Criminal will once again burst righteously from lips long accustomed to naught but telecaster prompts! They will turn to us, saying "Your job is so difficult," "Why let them protest at all?" and (admittedly, our favourite) "I guess the inconvenience and expense was worth it in the end." But really, it was a joint effort and we couldn't have done it without you.
As we know you had just as much fun as we did this weekend, we'll be sticking round for a good long while. See you tomorrow!
- the mgt
Addendum: To the many journalists and photographers we knocked about and caged-up – You are hereby ordered to cease using the pejorative "Torontonamo Bay" to describe your stay at the luxurious "Detention Centre"-themed film studio.
Addendum 2: Provocateurs Numbers 20-32 are hereby ordered to report back to police lines immediately for debriefing and hot cocoa. We're unsure of your current locations and your parents are worried.
It's OVER 900!!! (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/g20-related-detentions-biggest-mass-arrests-in-canadian-history/article1621198/)
What was that about a film studio? (http://lexgill.com/2010/06/28/urgent-conditions-at-629-eastern-ave-illegal-immoral-dangerous/)
Video of dangerous 'black bloc' protester and his gang (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XgEI5dCrE&feature=youtu.be)
June 27th, 2010: Officers and citizens engage in a spirited game of Red Rover!
(http://www.jonasnaimark.com/temp/G20.jpg)
..........................................
Quote from: Captain Utopia on June 27, 2010, 01:21:35 AM
I kinda wish I'd seen any weed in the last year, because I'm just juvenile enough to get a kick out of lighting up on my balcony with that many coppers below.
:lol:
Are things getting back to 'normal' for you now The Fence is down?
Quote from: Telarus on June 26, 2010, 08:08:35 PM
:mittens:
We need to pair good art with this and have Nurse R release it as a book. With tear out pages.
Thanks, Telarus.
It's been weird. (And head meets pillow in 5... 4... 3... 2... zzzzz...)
who needs a fence when you have a bicycle...
Quote from: Nurse Rhizome on June 29, 2010, 07:08:06 AM
Re: 10/10, would raid again
Dear Public,
As our weekend together winds to a close, we'd like to extend a warm thank-you to all the spirited citizens who took part in Toronto's G20 celebrations this weekend. Thousands of you were cheeky enough to take part in our Street Theatre Improv and Paintball games (you were great targets!). And we're excited to report that OVER 900 of you effervescent kooks were onsite at the film studio to volunteer for a lively Prisoner-themed RPG. Congratulations: you've just participated in the largest mass arrest in Canadian History!
But the real thanks goes, as I think you would agree, to our friends in black. So many shop fronts destroyed... Those police cars in flames... It almost brings tears to our eyes to write this, our gratitude is so great...
For weeks to come, Canadian news media will brim and burst! Veins in the foreheads of otherwise stolid talking heads will throb! And the words Thug, Hooligan, Mob and Criminal will once again burst righteously from lips long accustomed to naught but telecaster prompts! They will turn to us, saying "Your job is so difficult," "Why let them protest at all?" and (admittedly, our favourite) "I guess the inconvenience and expense was worth it in the end." But really, it was a joint effort and we couldn't have done it without you.
As we know you had just as much fun as we did this weekend, we'll be sticking round for a good long while. See you tomorrow!
- the mgt
Addendum: To the many journalists and photographers we knocked about and caged-up – You are hereby ordered to cease using the pejorative "Torontonamo Bay" to describe your stay at the luxurious "Detention Centre"-themed film studio.
Addendum 2: Provocateurs Numbers 20-32 are hereby ordered to report back to police lines immediately for debriefing and hot cocoa. We're unsure of your current locations and your parents are worried.
It's OVER 900!!! (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/g20-related-detentions-biggest-mass-arrests-in-canadian-history/article1621198/)
What was that about a film studio? (http://lexgill.com/2010/06/28/urgent-conditions-at-629-eastern-ave-illegal-immoral-dangerous/)
Video of dangerous 'black bloc' protester and his gang (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XgEI5dCrE&feature=youtu.be)
:mittens:
Nothing says "reasonable use of force under difficult circumstances" than morons breaking shit with even more morons cheering them on. Blog and youtube the real abuses of power all you want kids, you've just lost the battle of public opinion - even if the simplest narrative doesn't always win, it sure as hell gets a massive head-start. I shudder to think how this will be convoluted and strung into the hipster legends.
Quote from: Nurse Rhizome on June 29, 2010, 07:12:36 AM
Are things getting back to 'normal' for you now The Fence is down?
I no longer have to show two forms of ID to get into my building. That
is nice.
They haven't gotten around to removing The Fence from my vantage point yet.. though it was abandoned by yesterday morning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl_yUR8MNMM
Quote from: Captain Utopia on June 29, 2010, 02:45:49 PM
Nothing says "reasonable use of force under difficult circumstances" than morons breaking shit with even more morons cheering them on. Blog and youtube the real abuses of power all you want kids, you've just lost the battle of public opinion - even if the simplest narrative doesn't always win, it sure as hell gets a massive head-start. I shudder to think how this will be convoluted and strung into the hipster legends.
Did the protesters lose public opinion? It seems to me like the more media coverage they get, the more people recognize that protesting the G8/20 is worth flipping a car over for.
Whatever one's message is, there really is no more convenient vector to grab the attention of the world's most powerful capitalists all at once. And nothing carries the branding of an actual revolution like riots and violence in the streets.
This is a small sample of polls here (http://www.cp24.com/servlet/HTMLTemplate?Results&id=193115&pollid=193115&tf=ctvlocal/ctvNewsSub.html&cf=ctvlocal/cp24.cfg&hub=CPHomeNews&subhub=VoteResult&poll_name=CTVNewsCPHome) for what it is worth:
Do you think Toronto's G20 summit was effective for the world leaders who met?
Yes (26 %)
No (61 %)
Do you think police effectively handled Saturday's protests?
Yes (51 %)
No (43 %)
Do you think police have been given too much power during the G8/G20?
Yes (46 %)
No (50 %)
So no, I don't think the media narrative is going to suddenly swing in favour of the protesters. It's currently seen as a waste of time
and as something for which the police were needed.
There will be a documentary in a few months which will show police brutality and overreach. But by then everyone will have already made up their minds on the issue, so it won't really matter, but many Starbucks lattes will be eagerly sipped while discussing it.
Quote from: Cramulus on June 29, 2010, 03:51:21 PM
Whatever one's message is, there really is no more convenient vector to grab the attention of the world's most powerful capitalists all at once. And nothing carries the branding of an actual revolution like riots and violence in the streets.
The "worlds most powerful capitalists" didn't blink. They expected this shit to happen, and didn't give a fuck anyway.
They know that people like to vent their safety valves once in a while, and hey - that's a good thing - stops them from doing anything
really dangerous. The tax-payer is left with the bill in any case.
While I like the fact that people protest during international summits and the like, and I feel bad the riot police always seem to overreact and overstep their bounds, I think the whole thing is a bit cliched. Sure, when you're there, you feel the moment, you feel the excitement, it's like watching a prize fight, and the adrenalin pumps out at a frenetic pace.
But the armchair realist in me knows that this is going to continue happening, just so, sometimes with more blood, sometimes with less, sometimes with broken windows, and cars afire, sometimes with broken bones. The job of the protestor is to move forward, no matter the "shock and awe" of the brutality of the police. The job of the riot police is to intimidate and then put down, with considerable force "if necessary."
I have to say, and I feel like a broken record, I felt the most elation at a group of protestors watching the Iranians last year. Can't believe that whole thing started about a year ago. ETA: not elation at watching the protestors get beat and killed and arrested, mind you, just that they were doing it AT ALL.
Quote from: Captain Utopia on June 29, 2010, 04:23:32 PM
This is a small sample of polls here (http://www.cp24.com/servlet/HTMLTemplate?Results&id=193115&pollid=193115&tf=ctvlocal/ctvNewsSub.html&cf=ctvlocal/cp24.cfg&hub=CPHomeNews&subhub=VoteResult&poll_name=CTVNewsCPHome) for what it is worth:
Do you think Toronto's G20 summit was effective for the world leaders who met?
Yes (26 %)
No (61 %)
Do you think police effectively handled Saturday's protests?
Yes (51 %)
No (43 %)
Do you think police have been given too much power during the G8/G20?
Yes (46 %)
No (50 %)
So no, I don't think the media narrative is going to suddenly swing in favour of the protesters. It's currently seen as a waste of time and as something for which the police were needed.
1. "Disclaimer: This is not scientific and reflects the opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate." The internet users in question are readers of http://www.cp24.com/, which seems to side with the police in their coverage. So I wouldn't necessarily take those numbers as a fair sampling of public opinion.
2. I'd love to see these poll results compared longitudinally. For all we know this year's protest had more support / better public opinion than previous years.
Another set here (http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/HTMLTemplate?&tf=ctv/generic/hubs/ctvNewsV2Sub.html&cf=ctv/generic/hubs/ctvNews.cfg&id=193135&pollid=193135&save=_save&show_vote_always=no&poll=CTVNewsTopStories&hub=TopStories&subhub=VoteResult), using the same software it seems.
I haven't seen any coverage which doesn't seem to side with the police. Anyway, I know all polls have problems, but I thought it was more useful than my personal anecdotal evidence, having talked with about a dozen locals since the weekend.
I'd love for what happened on Sunday to be turned into a national scandal. I just don't think it will.
Quote from: Captain Utopia on June 29, 2010, 05:08:20 PM
I'd love for what happened on Sunday to be turned into a national scandal. I just don't think it will.
I hope so, too.
But just for the record, it really started during the weekdays leading up to the protest, when police were raiding people's homes and detaining people known to be part of the movement.
btw... "Hipster legends" and "lattes"? You're kidding, right? :lol:
Quote from: Jenne on June 29, 2010, 04:37:04 PM
ETA: not elation at watching the protestors get beat and killed and arrested, mind you, just that they were doing it AT ALL.
^this^ is the point, sometimes.
..................................
I think this may have gotten lost in the PSA parody pile of bile, but opinions of the mgt may not be those of the author.
I don't think the "battle for public opinion" is lost at all. Lost on CBC, the Sun, and all the other media that follow the script, sure, but they aren't the public. Not to the extent that they claim, and not by a long shot. Still, even in mainstream reporting, "WTF" responses can't be avoided.
What I'd love to see... is all the newly political people who are outraged right now looking back at what happened in Pittsburgh last year (or NY, DC, Quebec, Philadelphia and so on down the line), and seeing the exact same fucking script. I'd love it if everyone had to own up to the fact that this kind of treatment is everyday stuff for homeless, migrant workers, sex workers and/or First Nations people in the city. I'd shit bricks of awesome if every religiously law-abiding citizen learned from this that *anyone* can be criminalized. That billions of dollars for them is directly related to 'austerity measures' for the rest of us. I've got a wish list that I refuse to give up <cue rickroll> and it keeps getting longer the more I learn.
But I'd settle for a citizen's inquest at this point. Like I said, it's been a long week.
Kai's started a non-parody thread in aneristic. Moving there (http://www.principiadiscordia.com/forum/index.php?topic=25637.0) for srs talk. This thread seems done, for now.
Thanks to anyone who gave feedback, and I'm glad some others enjoyed it. Writing this was a good outlet this weekend. Just hope it wasn't to masturbatory an exercise.
(http://i.imgur.com/Wg2Sb.jpg)
I enjoyed reading it. Thanks!