Last weeks WSCD (What Should Cher Do?) poll’s topic was about Cher at the G20 Summit. The answer that received the most votes was “Try to get her face in a picture that’s picked up by the Associated Press”. And although I had NO intentions of heading to downtown Toronto to complete such a task, I was fully planning on photo shopping my newly botoxed face into a picture for all of you. It would be funny. Perhaps my “body” would be wearing something outlandish and ridiculous – think Hippie chick with purple hair. And we would laugh. My intentions were good.
And then this weekend happened. And all hell broke loose in Toronto. And it was no longer funny.
The city had been preparing for the worst, but we all thought it was overkill.
We were wrong.
Unfortunately the peaceful and legitimate protests of many were marred by the violent and criminal behaviour of a few.
I spent most of the weekend glued to the TV where they showed live coverage around the clock.
Our city was transformed into something we have never seen in this country;
- Rioting
- Looting
- Vandalism
- Over 900 arrests in 48 hours
- Tear gas & gas masks
- Police in full riot gear MARCHING through the streets
Sights that some other far away countries probably experience every day, but one I hope not to see in my country anytime soon.
Elle reported that she walked past much of the damage on her way to work this morning, and that people in the downtown core are still shaking their heads in disbelief.
So, instead of laughing at a photo shopped picture of me this morning, I urge you to view the pictures in this link. And be thankful we don’t live like this everyday.
13 Responses to “Today, I’m Thankful”
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June 28th, 2010 at 11:54 am
I was without internet or cable all weekend, so I’m just learning about all of this now. And I’m totally in shock. I never thought it was going to get that bad.
June 28th, 2010 at 11:58 am
I never understand what these wackadoos are protesting. And I always support the right to peaceful protest…but come on crazies!
Also, you should move to the US, we riot in LA when the Lakers win…weird.
June 28th, 2010 at 11:59 am
OMG – those photos are CRAZY. Wow. Those freaking stupid anarchist idiots ruin everything. Stupid idiots.
June 28th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Just terrible. I don’t understand the need for violence. I’m sorry this is happening so close to you.
June 28th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
I don’t understand the need for violence. In this particular case, it seems to be violence for the sake of violence. What was the message that those people were trying to send? Because I’ve read about 10 articles and I still don’t have a clear idea of their point. What do you accomplish by smashing random store windows and burning cop cars? Also, why are you all covering your faces? If you are so tough take the mask off and show yourself.
So sorry that happened so close to you. I hope everyone you know was safe.
June 28th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
But. Ummm. You are Canadians and you people never get mad.
I don’t get it.
And the pictures are just awful. Makes me so sad.
June 28th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
This is terrible.
The only time I was in Toronto was right after the shooting on Boxing Day a few years ago. I remember how everyone was in shock because things like that don’t happen there. I can only imagine what people are thinking now. It makes me so sad.
June 28th, 2010 at 6:27 pm
So sad…I can’t even imagine!
June 28th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Love the cowards that are protesting, lighting stuff on fire, smashing windows, clashing with police and can’t even show their faces!!! That’s brave!!
June 29th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Imagine how many places people actually DO live like this!? It’s awful.
June 29th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
HOLY CRAP!
First of all, those shots are amazing. The chair in the window is actually kind of awesome from an artistic point of view, but otherwise, how horrific.
I understand protesting as a form of expressing one’s opinion, and those first shots were that. The rampage through the streets? Just an excuse to be jackasses. There was no protest in that. No desire to affect change. Just hooligans getting to rip up things and make wonderful crashing sounds. Bully for them. I hope they’re all caught and properly charged for the damage they incurred. What asses.
And worst of all? They screwed up your opportunity for a great AP shot. Total asses.
June 29th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
like everyone else, i just don’t get it. it’s crazy. we have a lot of sport related craziness in MA, people flipping over cars & starting fires when we won the superbowl or world series- it’s like what the hell is wrong with you people….it’s the times like this that make you realize how some people truly are animals…
July 2nd, 2010 at 6:24 am
I didn’t even hear that on on the news here. But the news I watch is hosted by comedians, and there’s nothing funny about riots.