Budget cruncher hands off Olympic Torch
True to form, protesters in Vancouver took to the streets - one thousand strong - to underscore their displeasure about the folly of the cost of the Olympics (and its impact on the environment) at a time when financial straits are hurting a lot of Canadians around the country.
As I noted in a post earlier this week, opponents to the games were gearing up for a full frontal attack to be launched on the day of the opening ceremonies.
They did not disappoint!
The rag-tag posse of disgruntled protesters swept through downtown Vancouver yesterday chanting catchy slogans.
"We ain't got no tickets!"
"Homes not games!"
Although they were well organized (and nimble on their feet) the men in blue were out in full force, too, and managed to hold the upstarts back without any disruption at the commencement of the Olympic celebration.
It was one of the biggest organized rallies ever in Canada against the world games.
The protest was described as an "action against capitalism & colonization".
"There's never been an Olympian protest like this. This is a first," said Chris Shaw, a spokesperson for 2010 Watch who participated in the landmark event.
The main thrust of their protest pertained to cost.
According to the group - Canadian citizens are taking it on the chin and bearing the brunt of the multi-million-dollar games - which will ultimately only profit land developers and corporate sponsors for the Olympics.
In one tense moment, a masked man clad in black dashed forward with an anarchist flag to taunt police, but was quickly pushed back.
A spirited bank of Canucks - in opposition to the anti-Olympics protesters - sauntered into the melee as well sporting their own brand of patriotism.
Wearing banners with the red maple leaf etched boldly on their face, they proceeded to shout down the party-poopers.
"They say protest! We say party!"
The protesters managed to get their message out, nonetheless.
In fevered speeches, organizers denounced Canada's failure to sign treaties with the aboriginal First Nations, cutbacks in funding for education and the arts, and development of tar sands oil in Alberta.
A spirited bank of Canucks - in opposition to the anti-Olympics protesters - sauntered into the melee as well sporting their own brand of patriotism.
Wearing banners with the red maple leaf etched boldly on their face, they proceeded to shout down the party-poopers.
"They say protest! We say party!"
The protesters managed to get their message out, nonetheless.
In fevered speeches, organizers denounced Canada's failure to sign treaties with the aboriginal First Nations, cutbacks in funding for education and the arts, and development of tar sands oil in Alberta.
The arts issue inspired another chant.
"With glowing hearts, we Kill the arts!"
Some grumbled to anyone within earshot that their children would be payng for the Olympic folly for decades to come.
Earlier in the day, protestors managed to disrupt the carring of the torch ceremony twice, by blocking the streets along the celebrated route.
Meanwhile, in an upscale part of town, Governor Schwarzenegger managed to hand off the torch to the Canadians to uproarous applause.
Guess the the protestors were worried that if the tried to interfere that he'd terminate them!
Like Arnold, I'll be back.
Olympic Logo symbol of dirty politics & injustice
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