[Distill3d]

they estimated it cost $30,000 for policing on thursdays event and $35,000 for the flag thing

thats $75,000 in costs tax payers have to absorb for a handful of hooligans who are fighting for money

kind of ironic almost

hate to point this out, but in every other province in Canada isn't 30,000 + 35,000 is only 65,000?? :shrug:


as for homelessness, its not like the people in Vancouver can just pick up all the homeless people, put them on a bus and drop them off in Chilliwack and say "you're turn."

the downtown east end needs to eliminate the root cause of most of the homelessness and poverty in the area more then it needs to eliminate the homeless.

[SpongeG]

haha

i was on crack that day

[Distill3d]

haha

i was on crack that day


:haha:

i was starting to think you were a politician for a second there.

[204]

Vancouver: Downtown business security man calls for sanctions against protesters (http://www.infoshop.org/inews/article.php?story=20070322123221542)

Thursday, March 22 2007 @ 12:32 PM PDT

The courts need to crack down on protesters before the anti-Olympic movement spirals out of control, says a former Vancouver police officer.

Downtown business security man calls for sanctions against protesters

By Mark Hasiuk-Staff writer
Vancouver Courier
Wednesday, March 21, 2007

The courts need to crack down on protesters before the anti-Olympic movement spirals out of control, says a former Vancouver police officer.

"It's bloody obnoxious disgusting behaviour, and it's getting worse," said Dave Jones, a retired 30-year veteran of the Vancouver Police Department and current director of crime prevention for the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association. "We see the same people time after time, and now they've seized on the Olympics as their icon for their personal discontent."

A rash of violent demonstrations began last month when protesters stormed the podium during the unveiling of the Olympic countdown clock at the Vancouver Art Gallery. The clock has since been defaced by graffiti and the Olympic flag has been stolen from outside city hall. The latest incident took place last Thursday when police clashed with approximately 50 protesters in the downtown core.

Police laid several charges ranging from mischief to assault with a weapon. Jones said Crown prosecutors must make sure violent protesters get the message.

"We'd like to see sanctions applied to those people who are arrested at these events," he said, calling for stiffer penalties that include a ban on attending future public gatherings. "The lack of sanctions has emboldened people to think criminal behaviour is an acceptable part of a protest."

Jones also called on the public to attend Olympic promotional events to counteract the actions of a violent minority. "Whether you support the Olympics or not, you should come out and show what a peaceful demonstration can actually look like," he said. "If you don't want a criminal in your crowd, then tell him you don't want him in your crowd."

Jones, whose 16 security officers help patrol a 90-block area downtown, said many of the 8,000 businesses in the DVBIA are concerned about the negative image violent protests project on behalf of the city.

Jason Gratl, president of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, said the courts can apply bail conditions that prevent protesters who are arrested from legally attending future events, but a mischief charge-commonly used on protesters-is not likely to warrant such a ban.

"It's a condition that ought to be imposed with careful consideration of the accused person's right to free expression."

Gratl suggested the concern from the businesses community has little to do with civic pride and is more about money. "Protests might be bad for business, but they are good for democracy."

[LeftCoaster]

How is this good for democracy? There was a DEMOCRATIC vote, and these assholes lost. This is distincitly undemocratic.

[Nutterbug]

How is this good for democracy? There was a DEMOCRATIC vote, and these assholes lost. This is distincitly undemocratic.

Extremist ideologues tend to have a "my way or the highway" view of things, and are fully aware that they cannot get their way through the democratic process.

[ckkelley]

Vancouver: Downtown business security man calls for sanctions against protesters (http://www.infoshop.org/inews/article.php?story=20070322123221542)

Thursday, March 22 2007 @ 12:32 PM PDT


Jones also called on the public to attend Olympic promotional events to counteract the actions of a violent minority. "Whether you support the Olympics or not, you should come out and show what a peaceful demonstration can actually look like," he said. "If you don't want a criminal in your crowd, then tell him you don't want him in your crowd."




This is really the answer, I think. People like me and others that support the Olympics have to come out in droves to these public ceremonies and shout the bastards down if we have to.

The fact is the people in Vancouver voted for the Olympics and 64% of the public approved it.

End of story.

[Nutterbug]

The fact is the people in Vancouver voted for the Olympics and 64% of the public approved it.

End of story.

But have the terms of the deal (budget, environmental and homeless matters, etc.) been changed since the vote was taken? That would nullify the vote, and warrant a revote.

A revote would probably pass, but your argument is invalid unless it is taken and made official.

[ckkelley]

But have the terms of the deal (budget, environmental and homeless matters, etc.) been changed since the vote was taken? That would nullify the vote, and warrant a revote.

A revote would probably pass, but your argument is invalid unless it is taken and made official.

Point taken but this type of thing can happen after all democratic exercises. Broken promises and the like. It isn't pretty but it does happen.

Still, I'm sure that Vancouver 2010 is still supported by the majority of the people; Vancouverites, British Columbians, and Canadians.

[mr.x]

Protestors issue 2010 threat
Mar, 27 2007 - 2:30 PM (CKNW)

VANCOUVER - Protesters are threatening to shut down an upcoming Olympic organizing meeting, if it is not voluntarily opened to the public.

Anna Hunter with the anti-poverty committee says the May 16th gathering of the Vanoc board could be raided by activists.
Vanoc officials have not been available for comment, but earlier this month, board chair Jack Poole expressed interest in making the May 16th meeting more 'transparent.'

[Canadian Mind]

Protestors issue 2010 threat
Mar, 27 2007 - 2:30 PM (CKNW)

VANCOUVER - Protesters are threatening to shut down an upcoming Olympic organizing meeting, if it is not voluntarily opened to the public.

Anna Hunter with the anti-poverty committee says the May 16th gathering of the Vanoc board could be raided by activists.
Vanoc officials have not been available for comment, but earlier this month, board chair Jack Poole expressed interest in making the May 16th meeting more 'transparent.'

can we call this an open terror call now?

[SFUVancouver]

cough FLQ cough war measures act cough use Bill 36 (anti-terror) before it expires cough

Of course I'm just kidding.

[Smooth]

Protestors issue 2010 threat
Mar, 27 2007 - 2:30 PM (CKNW)

VANCOUVER - Protesters are threatening to shut down an upcoming Olympic organizing meeting, if it is not voluntarily opened to the public.

Anna Hunter with the anti-poverty committee says the May 16th gathering of the Vanoc board could be raided by activists.
Vanoc officials have not been available for comment, but earlier this month, board chair Jack Poole expressed interest in making the May 16th meeting more 'transparent.'

If it wasn't for this group I'm sure it would be opened to the public. The APC have proved several times over that they are incapable of peaceful protests and rational thinking. If it is open to them then their goal would be to shut it down so I say keep the next meeting closed. Then when they raid it they can be arrested for break and enter, harassment, and any other applicable laws that they are sure to break.

[ckkelley]

cough FLQ cough war measures act cough use Bill 36 (anti-terror) before it expires cough

Of course I'm just kidding.

:previous:

Funny!

You know, it just might be crazy enough to work

[Canadian Mind]

cough FLQ cough war measures act cough use Bill 36 (anti-terror) before it expires cough

Of course I'm just kidding.

I'm beggining to regret supporting the removal of said bill. Could come in handy now.

[murman]

I'm beggining to regret supporting the removal of said bill. Could come in handy now.

Kind of like lawyers. Universally reviled until you need one.

[Canadian Mind]

Kind of like lawyers. Universally reviled until you need one.

kinda convinient how these guys come to prominence just as we kill the bill.

[Nutterbug]

But have the terms of the deal (budget, environmental and homeless matters, etc.) been changed since the vote was taken? That would nullify the vote, and warrant a revote.

A revote would probably pass, but your argument is invalid unless it is taken and made official.

Point taken but this type of thing can happen after all democratic exercises. Broken promises and the like. It isn't pretty but it does happen.

Still, I'm sure that Vancouver 2010 is still supported by the majority of the people; Vancouverites, British Columbians, and Canadians.

Nevertheless, if they don't live up to their side of the deal, then people have the right to demand a revote to approve the new terms.

[Policy Wonk]

"the people" are not demanding this, just a bunch of professional poverty pimps who haven't contributed anything to society in their entire lives.

[ckkelley]

Nevertheless, if they don't live up to their side of the deal, then people have the right to demand a revote to approve the new terms.

Sure they have the right to demand a revote but that doesn't mean it's going to happen.

The point is moot, the latest poll has Canadians - coast to coast supporting Vancouver 2010.

Just sit back and enjoy the ride. This train's comin' and it ain't stoppin' for no one.

[Nutterbug]

Sure they have the right to demand a revote but that doesn't mean it's going to happen.

That makes the activism understandable, don't you think? Though I can't agree with the tactics of the hooligans.

People must be held to their word.

[ckkelley]

That makes the activism understandable, don't you think? Though I can't agree with the tactics of the hooligans.

People must be held to their word.

It's a free country but in life and politics sometimes things don't go the way we'd hoped or imagined.

[Nutterbug]

It's a free country but in life and politics sometimes things don't go the way we'd hoped or imagined.

Which is much easier to accept if your side wins by lying/cheating.

Wouldn't you be pissed off if you bought something that fell short of what the salesman made it out to be?

[Phil McAvity]

Wouldn't you be pissed off if you bought something that fell short of what the salesman made it out to be?


If you're referring to the Olympics falling short of what they were made out to be, at least wait until they happen before complaining.

[Nutterbug]

"the people" are not demanding this, just a bunch of professional poverty pimps who haven't contributed anything to society in their entire lives.

Maybe another referendum will shut them up, if the people support it as you put it.

[Policy Wonk]

nothing will shut them up, except the cancelation of the games, at which point they will begin protesting something else with just as much rancour.

After Toronto lost out on the 2008 Olympics, the "Bread not Circuses" assholes just moved on to other bullshit causes, like supporting the wealthy squatters in the Toronto Islands.

[Nutterbug]

nothing will shut them up, except the cancelation of the games, at which point they will begin protesting something else with just as much rancour.

At least a referendum defeat will show them for the despots that they are moreso than the populist freedom fighters that they proclaim to be. By denying the people the vote, the for side comes off as despotic, not seeking public approval after the terms have been changed from the original deal.

[ckkelley]

At least a referendum defeat will show them for the despots that they are moreso than the populist freedom fighters that they proclaim to be. By denying the people the vote, the for side comes off as despotic, not seeking public approval after the terms have been changed from the original deal.

I think the onus is on the "detractors" that it's because of the Olympics that real estate has soared the way that it has putting long term tenants at risk.

Maybe if they prove that first and attempt to control themselves I'll put away my violin.

[mr.x]

Police Raid Offices For Evidence In Vancouver 2010 Olympic Flag Theft

Published: Friday, March 30, 2007 | 6:21 PM ET
Canadian Press: ELIANNA LEV

VANCOUVER (CP) - Police said Friday they were acting on a tip when they raided the office of the Downtown Eastside Residents Association looking for evidence in the theft of the Olympic flag from city hall.

But the association and the Anti-Poverty Committee said the raid was a bid to discredit social activists opposing the 2010 Winter Games. "We consider what happened last night to be an all-out attack on this organization," said Kim Kerr, executive director of the association.

"It's an organization that's been down here a very, very long time, and whose championing of a cause for people are going to end up homeless or are already homeless is well known."

He said in the association's 34 years, it has never been subjected to a search warrant.

Sister Elizabeth Kelliher, chairwoman of the association's board, said she was shocked that the police chose to focus their energy on searching the association, when they should have been helping those in need.

"I have always, from childhood up, looked to the police department for protection, for making sure our society is a just one, that nobody was treated unfairly," she said.

"How can a police department do something that they know has no relationship to the truth?"

Police said they obtained a search warrant after they got an anonymous tip about the flag's whereabouts.

Two detectives and six uniformed officers went to the DERA offices Thursday evening so they wouldn't attract any protesters.

"We have had some violent altercations in the past, so the numbers were strictly for officer safety," said Const. Tim Fanning.

The officers searched the storage locker area of the building and took a number of photographs. After an hour, they left empty-handed.

Fanning downplayed any criticism for the amount of energy the police force is putting into the missing flag.

"We follow up every criminal case as much as we can, as much as resources allow," he said. "This is something that affected a lot of people. . .it was very upsetting to the citizens of Vancouver."

A group calling itself the Native Warrior Society claimed responsibility shortly after the flag vanished from the lawn of city hall three weeks ago. They circulated an e-mail of masked men holding up what appears to be the flag.

After the flag's disappearance, both DERA and the Anti-Poverty Committee issued statements denying any involvement.

"Although criminal, (the theft) is an extremely courageous and powerful and inspiring act, which I fully and whole-heartedly support as does my organization," said Jill Chettiar, with the Anti-Poverty Committee.

Members of both organizations vowed not to tone down future protests.

"This organization has been here a long time and has fought for the rights of people in this neighbourhood a long time and will continue to do so as vigorously as we have in the past," said Kerr.

He said that the association was looking into legal action against the police.

The Anti-Poverty Committee has been at the forefront of protests at recent Olympic events.

The protesters say the money going towards the Olympics would be better spent to build social housing and ease poverty.

In February, protesters disrupted a ceremony to unveil the Olympic countdown clock. Anti-poverty protesters stormed the stage, shouting obscenities and pelting police with rocks, eggs and paint-filled balloons.

A few weeks later at a flag-lighting ceremony at city hall, police presence was heightened and protesters were searched before entering a fenced off area. Two people were arrested for breach of the peace.

Those there to disrupt the ceremony managed to drown out the event's speakers as well as a children's choir.
© The Canadian Press, 2007

[subdude]

Activist confesses to spray-painting Vancouver's Olympic clock

Last Updated: Thursday, April 5, 2007 | 1:01 PM ET
CBC News

The man charged with mischief for defacing the Olympic countdown clock in downtown Vancouver in March has admitted he did it, saying he was inspired by jailed environmental protester Betty Krawczyk.

Garvin Snyder of Vancouver, who was arrested Monday, told CBC News he painted the slogan "Free Betty" eight times on the new clock on March 12.

Krawczyk, a 78-year-old great-grandmother, is serving a 10-month sentence for contempt of court after being arrested three times during protests of highway construction through Eagleridge Bluffs in West Vancouver in 2006. The Sea to Sky Highway is being upgraded for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

"My mom is 79 years old, and I'd be disappointed if my mom was taken away and jailed for her beliefs," Snyder said.

He added he admires Krawczyk's actions, and that he would go to jail if it would lead to her release.

"She's a wonderful lady, she's very committed, she has strong beliefs and she doesn't deserve the punishment that she received for her actions. I'd change places with Betty right now. I'd do her 10 months if all she has to do is pay a fine for mischief."

Snyder said he was not surprised he was caught, because he sprayed the clock in the middle of the afternoon.

He said he would plead guilty at his next court appearance.

Snyder is a former security guard who said he voted "yes" in Vancouver's Olympic referendum.

He currently manages a building for the Downtown Eastside Residents Association, a group that has been outspoken in its criticism of Vancouver city council on Olympic-related issues.

Clock concerns 'outrageous'

Meanwhile, Krawczyk told CBC Radio's The Early Edition from prison on Thursday that the concern about the countdown clock shows the government has misplaced its priorities.

"To take spray-painting on something that is not even alive — a clock is not alive, it is not a living thing — as being tremendously important when Eagleridge Bluffs, which was an intact ecosystem, to totally obliterate that, and then to compare the two, it's outrageous."

Krawczyk has been in jail for one month, and said she expects to spend another six to seven months behind bars.

[ckkelley]

^
Garvin meet Betty. Betty meet Garvin.

Oh and Garvin...F**k you asshole!

[subdude]

Garvin, whatever, he's a misguided soul.

I walked by the clock for the first time yesterday and I must say it's a gorgeous piece of work. Lotsa people taking photos and generally enjoying themselves. So Garvin and your ilk, give us a break, the world is in no need of more losers.