A zero sum game situation
What did it all mean? After three short days, the deficit is larger and our government has promised to reduce that same deficit. By calculation, we won’t be having another G8/20 next year.
I watched what the various networks offered as “on the spot up to the minute news”. Looped feeds of the same policeman on a bicycle keying his microphone, or the lonely police cars serving as an impromptu barbecue. Some quick shots of young people being led away in plastic cuffs, still in pyjamas. In the new world order, even sleep can be prejudged as criminal behavior.
The unofficial tally has more than 600 citizens under arrest. Note that arrest do not mean judged, or convicted. Rather, it is a way to show the powerless that protest is futile. Some tear gas was used, some plastic bullets. Batons were swung with fervour. Peacekeeping fervour. Canada should not feel pride.
I agree, some store fronts were damaged (insurance companies hate to pay for damaged store fronts). Some police cars were burned, although we will never know who lit the match. And the important people were never witness to any of this. After all, as the honorable Lawrence Cannon stated, they had more important things to do than watch TV.
A pointless weekend, in reflection. Nobody won (a true zero sum game). And next year, in France, the whole show will be repeated; in Paris, the public know how to riot. Bets are on that the assembled world leaders won’t watch TV then, either. After all, they have more important photo opportunities to attend.
Just a thought: maybe Canada can send someone else to the next summit.
