SPP Summit: Protesters turn violent

Opinion

Barry Artiste, Now Public Contributor, this story is an Update to an accompiant piece from Now Public Contributor "MoonWolfs" intital ongoing reporting on the SPP this week.

Gee, and who didn't see this coming?

It has been reported that protestors from every political stripe have issued protests against the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP).

The "Keebler Elf" of Religious Rock and Roll, 1950's  Gospel Singer "Pat Boone", gave the media an "answer to a question which no one asked" in which Pat Boone stated "We wish our neighbours no harm, but their problems are for them to solve, as ours are for us"

Boone's statement declared. "And that's the way it should be.  Some may construe this unquestioned statement as the "  The "Stars and Bars" seem to be "alive and well" in the "Religious Right".

While others in North America who are unclear  on the concept of American and Mexican History, forget that the people of Mexico discovered and settled California, Texas and nearby states (much to the detriment of the American Native Aboriginal peoples) long before European settlers came to America. Then the Mexican/American War resulted in the Americans taking the land from Mexico "Karma's a Bitch" full circle. 

Though free trade can be a good thing, Mexico, historically has a long way to go in developing human rights and laws, with a sound economy in which to protect it's citizens from obvious ongoing Government corruption and inefficiency ensuring it's people have a decent living wage.   America, well let's face it, they are the major player in which both countries rely on sustainability  in the marketplace, whether it be WalMart or Campbell Soup.

Canada on the other hand, well, we have resources everyone wants as we do not have any manufacturing left, much like the United States, who rely on cheap consumer goods and labour from Mexico and Pacific rim countries.    

My Final Thought

Perhaps all three countries should rethink manufacturing, and include Mexico in the mix to manufacture exclusively for the North American markets.  That, perhaps would boost Mexican economy and salaries ensuring a better standard of living for it's Mexican citizens and reduce the mass migration into the US and Canada.

Mexico is part of North America, like it or not, so let's stop this fussing and feudin, make things right, get on with making North America strong both economically and secure in keeping all manufacturing in North American sort of "All in the Family" to benefit all of us. 

But then, that is only my Opinion.

 url="http://www.ottawasun.com/News/OttawaAndRegion/2007/08/21/4433860-sun.html"]MONTEBELLO -- Protesters and police traded rocks and debris for tear gas and pepper spray yesterday in front of the gates leading to the Montebello resort hosting the Security and Prosperity Partnership summit.

At least three protesters were seen being arrested during a scuffle earlier in the day and more arrests appeared imminent as tensions between police and demonstrators flared. Police had only confirmed one arrest as of late afternoon.

Several hundred protesters converged on this small Quebec community east of Ottawa, where Prime Minister Stephen Harper hosted U.S. President George W. Bush and Mexican President Felipe Calderone for a meeting to discuss forging a stronger North American union.

A wide variety of issues brought protesters to Montebello, ranging from Canada's role in Afghanistan to free trade to the summit itself, which was closed to the public under high security.

Foster Griezic, a professor from the University of Victoria, was one of the many demonstrators to feel the effects of tear gas.

"There is something fundamentally wrong with how our system works," he said, eyes still stinging from the gas. Although the leaders were shielded from the melee, Griezic said the message he and his fellow protesters were trying to get across would still resonate.

"The real problem is to get the public on side. In all the instances when that happens you can have a really positive impact," he said.

Buses loaded with protesters arrived throughout the day from Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and beyond.

Families with young children stayed back from the front of the demonstration to avoid the clashes with police, remaining in one of the two police-sanctioned protest zones. Despite efforts by police to contain demonstrators to these zones, the crowds took to the streets at about noon.

Chanting and waving flags and placards, they pressed on to the gates where police helicopters hovered above as police in full riot gear filed out to meet them.

'TERRIBLE INJUSTICE'

"We feel very strongly that what's happened with the governing of our country is a terrible injustice," said Toronto resident Margaret Rao, 54.

"Canada's former role as an international peacekeeper has been replaced by a militaristic mentality resulting in the spending of taxpayers' money on weapons and military equipment."

Wearing Bush masks, and covering their faces with handkerchiefs for protection against tear gas, protesters danced and taunted police.

Two officers suffered minor injuries.

One protester scaled a light standard, attached a U.S. flag and attempted to light it on fire, to the amusement of the crowd below.

Throughout the afternoon, police used tear gas from time to time to disperse demonstrators. By 5 p.m., the situation had escalated and a double line of officers forced the crowd back from the gate.

More protests are expected today as the world leaders wrap up their discussions.