Caledonia Blockade must end, with force if needed

Posted 4/28/2008 12:00:00 AM

I can live with the protest squatters sitting on provinicially owned land until the land claims issue is resolved. If they want to sit and rot in the rain and snow that's fine but the latest blockade goes way over the top. With negotiators at the table and working to find a resolution on local land claims, the people of Caledonia are once again being victimized by a group of mavericks who clearly believe they are above the law. The OPP are FULLY to blame for this belief. First of all...there is NO reason for this to be happening. Like I said, negotiatiors are now doing what the native protestors wanted by staging the first blockades two years ago. This standing in defiance to back their militant brothers in Deseronto is nothing more than an excuse to steal some media attention. Secondly, the Confederacy has become a totally laughable entity with seriously diminished credibility. One day they speak for all of Six Nations...the next day they don't....sometimes they control the protesters....sometimes they don't. The only thing that is consistent with the Confederacy is their never ending litany of confusing and mixed messages. You can't solve anything folks, if you can't communicate! Thirdly, the protesters are being opportunistic with the knowledge that the main bridge through Caledonia is set to be closed for repairs leaving the entire town choked by a blockade of the by pass. Disgusting. Blocking provincial highways is on par with terrorism and the OPP are just standing by letting it happen. Fantino and the OPP have an opportunity to set everyone straight by simply asking the protestors to leave. Failing that, they should be arrested and charged the same way any one of us would be for pulling a stunt like that.
Enough is enough Mr. Fantino. Do your job.

Posted by: Jamie West

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Caledonia: It's Time To Move On Or Move Out !!!

Posted 4/28/2008 12:00:00 AM

Caledonia is being held hostage again.

And as before, each side is blaming the other.

And as before, it is the town of Caledonia that pays the price.

Just another reminder that this is still going on and Caledonia will suffer through another summer of uncertainty and discontent.

Does anyone even care anymore unless you have property in the affected areas?

Sadly I don’t think so. It is a problem that has been around for over 200 years and it isn’t likely to be settled in my life time.

Even if a solution is found, would it appease everyone? My fear is, in 20 years and after millions of dollars spent, we are all in the same place with no advancement.

That sounds defeatist. But can anyone offer a bright side?

Do you really think we have made progress?

I’m starting to believe neither side is seriously interested in settling this as it is an exercise in futility. And the rest of us are just plain bored of the whole thing.

Newsflash to the government, the people are pissed and want a solution now.

Newsflash to the Natives, you’re burning the public out with your cause.

Both parties should solve this within a set timeline or simply let the rule of law prevail and move on!

Both parties lack of action on solving this is unacceptable to a law abiding society.

What have I learned in all of this? I would NEVER buy property anywhere near a Native reserve. Why? Unpredictability between government and the Natives!
If I had a house/business in Caledonia?? I would sell and cut my losses.
(unless you don't mind the protesting)
Why?
You’ll be in the same predicament for the rest of your life if you don’t.

Sad, but I’m afraid that is the reality from where I sit.


Move on or move out!

Scott

Posted by: Scott Thompson

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Caledonia Targeted Again

Posted 4/28/2008 12:00:00 AM

Comment for April 28, 2008

Enough is enough !

Over the years, I have attempted to gain some understanding of the concerns of First Nations. I’ve listened to the pleas of passionate and pragmatic leaders such as Roberta Jamison and David General, who have articulated those concerns.

I want to help them. Fair minded Canadians want to help.

But, once again, events of the last few days have clouded those good intentions.

Hooligans have blocked roads in Desoronto, in Eastern Ontario, and, they’ve blocked off the Highway Six by-pass in Caledonia.

They did so, not to underline their legitimate concerns for clean water, or decent housing or proper schooling for their children.

No, this protest, this law-breaking exercise was to show support for Shaun Brant, and his on-going attempts to disrupt the lives of people who have nothing to do with their land claims.

This entire exercise is not about Aboriginal rights; it’s about civil disobedience.

Any attempt to deal with land claims or clean water is superceded by the desire for law and order.

Those who thumb their nose at the law, for their own selfish purposes, must not be tolerated.

Law and order must be maintained.

The people of Caledonia deserve at least that much.

Posted by: Bill Kelly


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