Well, I didn't think I'd get called "authoritarian" first thing in the morning, but it is what it is. Listen, if you're commenting on what's happening in Ottawa and you don't live in Ottawa, remember that you might be missing some key facts about this occupation. 1/
You might see this as a "workers' strike" but it isn't. First, nearly all truckers are fully vaccinated. Second, nearly all are still working their jobs right now. Only a small few have played any significant role in this occupation or various blockades around the country. 2/
Third, and most importantly, the majority of people crowding the streets of Ottawa right now aren't truckers, nor are they necessarily fighting for the same things. This occupation has attracted all sorts of different ideologies. It stopped being about mandates ages ago. 3/
The "leaders" of this occupation have not only demanded all COVID-related mandates end but have also demanded Justin Trudeau's resignation AND have officially offered to form a coalition party with two other currently elected parties. That is an attempt to overthrow democracy. 4/
Using vaccine mandates as cover was a smart idea. It got a lot of people on board. But there's been an entire movement beneath it with far more sinister goals. The "leaders" are not truckers, but alt-right figures with ties to white supremacy orgs. 5/
The shots you see on TV of people peacefully partying in front of parliament hill for the last 19 days are only part of the story. They get a lot of attention because that's where the action is. But this is a well-orchestrated takeover of a city. They have satellite camps. 6/
These camps are a few kilometers away from downtown. There are tents, kitchens, porta potties, etc. They're refueling stations, meeting/strategizing spots and rest areas for occupiers. They smuggle gas from these areas to trucks downtown. 7/
The other heartbreaking thing you're not seeing is what businesses and downtown residents - roughly 50,000 of them - have to deal with. Occupiers have harassed people on the street for wearing masks. Elderly people are afraid to leave their homes... 8/
Kids and parents are being yelled at in front of schools, many LGBTQ and BIPOC people are afraid (have you seen the Nazi symbolism at these rallies?), there have been death threats to made to many city officials and those who speak out against what's happening (me). 9/
Two people attempted to set an apartment building on fire after taping the front door handles shut (caught on camera, reported to police) because the residents told them to stop shooting off fireworks in the middle of the night. That's just one horrific situation. 10/
Oh, I'm not done. Big rig horns blaring day and night until a court injunction (mostly) quieted them down. Kids couldn't sleep. People couldn't function. They're still dealing with the diesel fumes in neighbourhoods, which are highly toxic. It's day 19. Let's remember that. 11/
And we haven't even talked about businesses. The busiest mall in the city has been shut down for over two weeks, losing millions in revenue daily. Dozens of local small businesses shut down as well. Why? Harassment. 12/
Businesses have to follow health guidelines by law, and current guidelines require indoor masking. But when they've tried to enforce that, they get harassed by occupiers who refuse to wear them. Their employees were also getting harassed for wearing masks themselves. 13/
Ultimately, these places became overrun with occupiers and they couldn't guarantee anyone's safety. Many made the difficult decision to close until this is over. The effect that is having on them and their employees is undoubtedly devastating, especially to small businesses. 14/
Ultimately, what we're seeing here is not a workers' strike or a protest, but the violent occupation of a city. You don't need to be killing people for it to be violent. Psychological torture, harassment and intimidation are also violent. They instill fear into citizens. 15/
This "protest" likely crossed into the realm of domestic terrorism a while back (I say "likely" because I'm not a lawyer.) If you want more information, read Section 83.01 of the Criminal Code. 16/
But if you don't want to read it, "risks posed to health and safety of the public" & "interference or disruption of essential services, facilities or systems" are both listed under that section. Which is likely why the gov enacted the Emergencies Act for the first time. 17/
The Emergencies Act was created in 1988 and has never been used. It's an extraordinary step that isn't taken lightly. The reason it's being used now is because this situation is out of control, Ottawa is under siege, and our democracy is at risk. 18/
No one knows when/how this is going to end, and I think I speak for a lot of us in Ottawa when I say we're exhausted & worried. Calling us "authoritarian" for supporting an end to this occupation minimizes what we've been living through and what's happening to our country. 19/
I encourage you to read local Ottawa media and follow more Ottawa people (especially those who live downtown) to find out more about what's happening here. I love my city. I love freedom. I believe in protests. I don't believe in terrorism. 20/20
Just watching this thread go mini viral and anticipating the usual awfulness that always ensues. I'm fine with meaningful discussion and disagreement, but I will block you if you're hateful or threatening to anyone. You can consider that a win if you'd like, big boy.🏆
