Coffee, Whisky and Cigarettes

I must say, The Real News' coverage of this is pretty well done.

Here it is in full.

Choice cuts:

Basically, anyone can be deputized into being an agent of the law or "guard."

It seems almost any area can be deemed a "public works" site and is under the jurisdiction of said "guards."

Any guard has the right to search any person, without a warrant, if they are trying to enter a "public works" area.

If that person refuses any of the "guard's" requests, that person can be immediately arrested and faces a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 2 months in jail.

If a "guard" fails to obey orders or disregards his/her orders, that "guard" is subject to the same penalty.

In a way, I can almost understand the attitude of the Police in Toronto. I used to work security at a shitty bar that catered to a young crowd. On Canada Day one summer, I spent 15 hours straight working at this bar. I was in the adjacent parking lot where a stage was set up for a few bands. My main job was to keep people from fucking in the overflowing porti-john's.

After 15 hours of being "the fun police," everyone was edgy, anxious, and ready for any patron to show us the smallest amount of aggression. I dare anyone to do the that job and not feel the same way by the end of it.

Now give those guys near anonymity, weapons and undefined laws to hide behind and you've got yourself the police force.

I'm not saying it's right. I'm just saying I can understand it.

Also, I think I have a man crush on Steve Paikin.

Reminds me of a quote from Spider Jerusalem; future journalist from Warren Ellis' fantastic Transmetropolitan series:

"There was a time when I liked a good riot. Put on some heavy old street clothes that could stand a bit of sidewalk-scraping, infect myself with something good and contageous, then go out and stamp on some cops. It was great, being nine years old."

I guess we haven't gotten to that level of protesting, yet.

--UPDATE --

This appears to be the same incident. This footage was shot from inside the crowd.

Find more here.

G20 - Cops Charge Protesters at Queen and Spadina, After "O Canada" from Torontoist on Vimeo.

Hate crimes up by one-third in 2008 (Globe and Mail).

You'd think we'd have better things to worry about other than skin colour or who likes sucking cock.

Israeli Forces illegally storm civilian aid ships bound for Gaza in international waters.



More info:

BBC

Globe and Mail

Jerusalem Post: 'Israel will use more aggressive force in the future.'

I don't think they understand the concept of international waters. This was piracy at best.

UPDATE: Globe and Mail story about the now-missing Canadian.