Jamie West Blog - CHML
May 10, 2006
I'm embarrased. Everything I grew up being taught about obeying the law is becoming hollow when I look at the double standard being created in Caledonia. Vandalism, acts of intimidation, public hwys blocked and NOTHING but OPP officers standing around trying to keep two sides physically apart while anger and fear continue to rise.
When police fail to enforce the most basic laws for some but not others it leads to anarchy. Fear particularly gives rise to vigilantes. If sworn officers of the law fail to enforce those laws then the lesson from history is that the people take up arms. This can't happen!!!! Everyone would lose. However, perhaps its time for the Federal law enforcement agencies namely the RCMP or the Canadian Armed Forces to take over policing duties in the town. Let's be honest, things have gotton worse with the mood in the town on all sides. Communication on the talks continues to be non existent, rumours run rampant, the police are saying nothing, the government ministries at all levels are saying nothing, the leadership on the native side is saying nothing.
Meanwhile, the protestors are becoming bolder with every passing day. Now there are two blocades, spray paint on a provincially funded overpass (total disrepect), flags on hydro towers, hydro towers cut up and welded to the overpass, accusations of objects being tossed from the overpass and strange carvings in farmers fields being created in the darkness of nighttime.
Again...the province and the feds are failing to show any strength, leadership or a desire to take a tougher stand.
They better do it soon because if the odds makers are right and this thing lasts for several more months....it could be one long, ugly, hot summer.
Caledonians can hold their heads very high in the face of intimidation by keeping their cool and demanding of their elected officials and police that the law be enforced NOW.