Candle Light Vigil

Yesterday here in Ottawa was quite a sight to behold. Helicopters swarming overhead, riot police in riot gear blocking off major arteries to and from the downtown core, and protestors with signs displaying everything from, "We Don't Want to be a part of Bush's War Machine" to "Bush Should Die". I didn't agree with something like that last one, but there was a few good points floating around dealing with American Foreign Policy, I didn't have anything against those. I even saw the motorcade of 40+ vehicles over here in Gatineau from the building I work in (on the 26th floor, mind you) and even that was quite extraordinary. I went down to the Candle Light Vigil that was organized by protestors. It was very well organized, and really neat. Clouds of pot were hovering over the grounds to symbolize a point that we have decriminalized small amounts of marijuana possession...oh the hilarity. But it was good to experience the event by just being there for a few minutes.

Last night many American news channels such as CNN and Fox News were stating the point that because there were protestors for Bush's visit and we didn't support the campaign in Iraq, all Canadians are Anti-American. In fact, Fox News was reporting last night, "Canada thinks they are better than Americans? Yeah right. American is the strongest and most benevolent country in the history of the World". There are so many things wrong with that statement that I don't know where to begin. There is really no point to argue this claim. CNN, when talking to Independent MP Carolyn Parrish, was quoted saying, "Canada needs America, America does not need Canada". What is with all this hostility by American broadcasters? Canadian media usually attempts to display an unbiased opinion when discussing our two countries and their relationships with one-another. The truth is, most Canadians are not Anti-American, they are just Anti-Bush because of his policies and government practices. This little feud should be fueled by facts, and not because it makes exciting and controversial broadcasting.


Settle people; we are all fighting for the same thing, just in a different way.