I feel like weeping! Not the sentimental tears, I often experience reading this blog, but rageful despair at the way our government responded! Snipers!? Riot gear? Shame shame shame!
I can see it from their perspective. A protest where there are a bunch of propane tanks and gasoline jugs, they would have been seen as potential explosives.
My understanding is that three hours prior to the raid, Ottawa police liaison officers raised the concern with Coventry personnel. During those three hours, much of the fuel was moved offsite. Then the police raided. After dark. On a Sunday night. An extraordinary use of police resources, including overtime pay, that I would argue was entirely unnecessary.
Certainly since the time of Commissioner Zaccardelli, the RCMP echelon has held the attitude of protecting the reputation of the police force rather than protecting the public. It is also an institution that has forsaken its reason for existing.
I feel like weeping! Not the sentimental tears, I often experience reading this blog, but rageful despair at the way our government responded! Snipers!? Riot gear? Shame shame shame!
I can see it from their perspective. A protest where there are a bunch of propane tanks and gasoline jugs, they would have been seen as potential explosives.
My understanding is that three hours prior to the raid, Ottawa police liaison officers raised the concern with Coventry personnel. During those three hours, much of the fuel was moved offsite. Then the police raided. After dark. On a Sunday night. An extraordinary use of police resources, including overtime pay, that I would argue was entirely unnecessary.
Certainly since the time of Commissioner Zaccardelli, the RCMP echelon has held the attitude of protecting the reputation of the police force rather than protecting the public. It is also an institution that has forsaken its reason for existing.