Pneumatised!

Here are the updates from my Twitter tonight, again in reverse chronological order. (Sorry, I only had time to reorder the other tweets further down in this article!) Again, please ignore the time stamps, I’ve been working on this blog since I’ve copied those in here. Some of my tweets are plurks (my Plurk profile is www.plurk.com/feyMorgaina):

I didn’t vote for Harper’s gov’t. Look what he’s done to Canada in just a few years. This isn’t the Canada I g… http://plurk.com/p/60pvlx
30 minutes ago via API
I’m getting really tired keeping up with news, but it’s important. I never thought I’d see this happen here. I… http://plurk.com/p/60puhj
32 minutes ago via API
It’s midnight here, been hearing helicopters all night. Heard sirens just now heading south again… http://plurk.com/p/60psph
35 minutes ago via API
RT @shaminis: We just drove by there was no one there RT @rabbleca: RT @jenniferhollett: All night dance party at the detention center,
44 minutes ago via web
RT @jenniferhollett: All night dance party at the detention center, starting at 12am. From http://g20.torontomobilize.org/schedule #cbcg20
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @krystalline_k: Protesters begging to get out; Corp media begging to be let in
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @AntoniaZ: Canadians have right to peaceful assembly and protest. So why are police rounding up citizens en masse tonight? #G20
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @g20mobilize: News crews, media crews, attempting to get down to the Novotel Hotel- police are blocking them from recording any activity or getting in.
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @andrewbrett: Just drove by extremely fortified Eastern detention centre where peaceful protesters will be held. #g20
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @kady: Okay, things seem to be back to — well, not exactly normal, but not supertense oh my heavens are we all going to be stampeded? #cbcg20
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @kady: Protesters passing now. Loud cheers and whistles. Line moving back towards MacDougall Lane. Not a window smasher in sight. #cbcg20
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @RaveenaAulakh: #G20 Just ducked behind a tree as cops on horseback charged at protesters on Queen and Ryerson.
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @spaikin: and shame on those that ordered peaceful protesters attacked and arrested. that is not consistent with democracy in toronto, G20 or no G20
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @rabbleca: @spaikin details assault on peaceful protestors at Novotel (where @redman0380 was detailed) and on Guardian journalist by police #g20report
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @g20mobilize: Bail hearings (if you are not released by police) start tomorrow at 2pm at 2201 Finch Court.
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @RaveenaAulakh: #G20 This ain’t ending tonight. Hundreds of cops in riot gear at Augusta and Queen. Protesters in alleys.
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @SimaSaharZerehi: City TV media is trying to get to Novotel but police lines are blocking them. (via @g20mobilize) #g20report #g20
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @IndiraBalki: after strong denials from Police #Bill_Blair confirms they launched tear_gas into crowds today #G20
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @farah_way: RT @redman0380: We’re all charged w breach of peace for peacefully protesting-press being kept out-this is what police state looks like #G20
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @katecallen: Outside now. Still small group completely surrounded by police, just sitting across from novotel hotel on esplanade.
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @spaikin: police on one side screamed at the crowd to leave one way. then police on the other side said leave the other way. there was no way out.
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @rabbleca: Steve Paikin from TVO the Agenda @spaikin is sharing his observations of police brutality from tonight. no cameras recorded assault. #g20
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @torontoist: He’s Jesse Rosenfeld, on assignment for the Guardian; he filed this story for them on Friday: http://bit.ly/bxR9ke #G20
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @torontoist: We’ve learned the name of the reporter at the Novotel Hotel who @spaikin says was “assaulted” http://bit.ly/cZhETf #G20
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @torontoist: Steve Paikin of TVO says a “peaceful” protest earlier included an unprovoked “assault” by police: folow @spaikin #G20
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @tamera: Holy shit. Read what @spaikin is tweeting abt his experience tonight. He’s a respected journo. He’s not tagging #G20 http://bit.ly/dnLMhQ
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @Ella_Henry: Today I saw riot police charge citizens (most not protesting) and literally run over an old man #g20
about 1 hour ago via web
Oh, good. My Twitter is back up. http://plurk.com/p/60pgrw
about 1 hour ago via API
RT @spaikin: i saw police brutality tonight. it was unnecessary. they asked me to leave the site or they would arrest me. i told them i was dong my job.
about 1 hour ago via web
RT @stephen_taylor: Steve Paikin has NOT been arrested. Simply escorted from scene.
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @CP24: Following arrests on the Esplanade right now – a camera has shot it and should have video shortly.
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @TTCnotices: Downtown subway/streetcar service closed for the evening. On Blue Night Network, 320 Yonge bus diverting, 301/306 not entering downtown core
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @torontoist: So the Eternal Flame of Hope being extinguished (http://bit.ly/aAdRIt) was an omen, after all. #G20
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @torontoist: A short report from Queen West, from a reporter who just left, and a reporter who’s still there: http://bit.ly/bYxg0q #G20
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: RT @redman0380: FB: Ben we are all being arrested en masse over 150 people for no reason #g20 front of novotel toronto goodbye for now.:.
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: RT @redman0380: We are being arrested 1-by-1, 200 ppl in front of novotel for no reason, trapped by riot cops #G20
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @postedtoronto: Two Post photographers arrested at G20 protest http://natpo.st/d0QSI4
about 2 hours ago via web
Man, they really are going to follow the people around all night. Just let the peaceful ones have their sit-in… http://plurk.com/p/60oe41
about 2 hours ago via API
RT @krystalline_k: Cops telling demonstrators to put hands over their head to get arrested peacefully at Novatell
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @shaminis: Hundreads surrounded at the peaceful sit-in being arrested. We are blocked out by police. #g20
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @torontoist: Arrests now happening at Cameron and Queen, reports @kelkord: cops shouting “disperse or you will be arrested.” #G20
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @SimaSaharZerehi: People protesting peacefully outside novotel are being dragged away by police #g20 #policestate http://twitpic.com/20b5bf (via @shaminis)
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @uriohau: RT @g20mobilize: Mass arrests near Novotel Hotel- Cops swarming peaceful protesters-200 riot cops on each side & people not allowed to…
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: How do we know who are agents provocateurs and who are black block? RT @AntoniaZ: Behind the Black Bloc mob http://bit.ly/9B9kOO
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @jonasnaimark: Riot Police are escalating on Queen St. and Spadina. Pushing peaceful people down the street, fights breaking out right now.
about 2 hours ago via web
@theonetruegigi May be some are, but there are many who just want to assemble peacefully for the night. Check out rabbleca tweets.
about 2 hours ago via web in reply to theonetruegigi
RT @lindathu_nguyen: We just alerted police of someone dropping off a bag on the street beside us and walking away. No one is checking it yet #g20
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @smarcopoulos: Toronto Police arresting people on mass near Novatel on Esplanade. Crowd includes journalist @spaikin and @buhfy
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @krystalline_k: 10 cop buses and at least 50 minivans
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @smarcopoulos: RT @buhfy: Ppl are shouting “let us go” and have hands up in the air. Cops pushing us tighter and tighter, protesters pushed against walls.
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: RT @redman0380: They are coming in arresting us one by one what the fuck #g20
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @drewcashmore: Three more buses have now arrived. #G20 protest. So far I count at least 10 buses of riot police
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @adammacisaac: Riot police moving in on peaceful marchers at Novotel #G20Report
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @TorontoStar: Reminder — subway still closed Yonge/University line and will stay closed until 2moro morning.
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @redman0380: Stuck between police riot gear lines at the Novotel as they advance
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @erynwheatley: RT: @MDCLegalUpdates: reports of a sit-in at the Novotel on Esplanade – people not being allowed to leave #g20report
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @spaikin: can’t tell what kinl of weapons are being pointed. can’t be live rounds, can it? new riot squad now here. why? this is peaceful.
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @jenniferhollett: VIDEO: I shot this. What it feels like to be stormed by riot police. http://tinyurl.com/277hoc7 #cbcg20
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @spaikin: “we’re going to sit here ’til someone from the g20 comes out & talks to us” says guy with megaphone
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @krystalline_k: Protesters congregate on Yonge
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @spaikin: crowd at yonge & front. phalanx of cops waiting on west side of yonge. crowd stopping.
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @krystalline_k: Please re-tweet. Do NOT travel anywhere alone tonight! Always travel in a group
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @spaikin: “we’re not radicalized youth. we’re just responding to what we’ve seen today”
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @DanielKitts: RT @MarkMcAllGlobal: Now at Bay & Wellington edge of #G20 fence – mult lines of police in riot gear forming http://tweetphoto.com/29379042
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @AmnestyNow: In lock-down at meeting space. Coffee House in progress as riot police are blocks away. Alain Roy just sang “Revolution” Fitting #g20
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @nealjennings: two separate caravans of bike cops have headed S on Yonge. WTF is going on down there? #g20
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @spaikin: middle aged UWO prof of social justice just told me “this is not consistent with our democracy. we’re just asking for our rights”
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @CP24: Reporters on the streets say more and more police arriving
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @stephen_taylor: Night falls as riot cops prepare for a long night in Toronto G20: http://yfrog.com/0d15349012j
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @buhfy: Protesters trapped and surrounded on all sides by cops/bldgs. Can’t get out. Cops fired rubber bullets at crowd. Ppl now chanting sit down.
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @Adam_Giambrone: TTC will issue press release in minutes that the subway and all transit south of the B/D line will remain closed tonight and reopen @ 9am.
about 2 hours ago via web
RT @globalnewsto: #ISU now confirms 130 people have been arrested as of 9:30pm EST. #G20
about 2 hours ago via web
@theonetruegigi …I am more concerned about the safety of the individual than the destruction of property. I feel bad for the jewelry store
about 2 hours ago via web in reply to theonetruegigi
@theonetruegigi For the record, I don’t particularly endorse people smashing things and I am totally against violent protesters, but…
about 2 hours ago via web in reply to theonetruegigi
@theonetruegigi Yeah, saw that. Was just referring to any peaceful people coming down here to march.
about 3 hours ago via web in reply to theonetruegigi
@theonetruegigi The streets do belong to all Canadians, the police are taking over. Any Canadian coming out to help out gets kudos from me.
about 3 hours ago via web in reply to theonetruegigi
@NatashaFatah Go for the big corps, guys! Not the small-time businesses. Not every business is corrupt and “bad”.
about 3 hours ago via web in reply to NatashaFatah
RT @NatashaFatah: Friend’s report: Gerrard+Yonge small jewelery store completely smashed up. The poor old man/owner looked completely broken. #cbcg20 #g20
about 3 hours ago via web
Many people highly suspect agent provocateurs were used today. http://plurk.com/p/60nqbx
about 3 hours ago via API
is starting to think that the police are going to chase the people around in circles downtown all night. http://plurk.com/p/60nq12
about 3 hours ago via API
RT @spaikin: ppl standing around with hands in air. this was peaceful. it won’t be now. unprovoked attack by police
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @spaikin: uh oh… cops firing on ppl… can’t be real bulletrs crowd panicking
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @CP24: Protesters have reached the fence. Huge police presence.
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @craigkielburger: Some protesters reach the fence. Singing ‘O Canada’ and raising peace signs. http://ow.ly/i/2hlF
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @stephen_taylor: Crowds face the police at the fence as night falls. #G20 http://yfrog.com/4j2wdj
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @davidakin: Toronto’s “hospital row” still receiving emergency patients, CP24 reports. #G20
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @DanielKitts: Chief Blair asked if police have plans re: protest block party at Church & Wellesley @ 11 pm. Blair: Yes. -Can you elaborate? – No. #g20
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @DanielKitts: Chief Blair being asked to comment on an incident where woman was allegedly almost trampled to death by police horse. Blair has no info.
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @g20updates: We have reports that two National Post photographers Brett Gundlock and Colin O’Connor have been detained by police. #G20
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @NoLore: Blair says no rubber bullets. Global reporter says that he has some bullets. Blair claims that there were no rubber bullets. #g20
about 3 hours ago via web
@g20updates Bill Blair “…limits to free speech” I disagree. Free speech isn’t violence. It’s violence that infringes the rights of others.
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @g20updates: Bill Blair: There are limits to free speech and they end when they infringe on the rights of others. #g20
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: Protestors are at yonge and dundas heading south for the fence #g20report
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @NoLore: Bill Blair claims that we were black block at QP in press conference, this justifies the violence today. That’s a lie. #g20
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @stephen_taylor: TO Police chief says tear gas has been used, but rubber bullets have NOT been used.
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: Yup, all a set up. Rt @pmoharper #G20 police removed bike racks, trees, etc. but left their police cars (cont) http://tl.gd/25df6s
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @g20updates: RT @kimfox: Protester asks police offer how he’s doing. Officer confesses he doesn’t want to be here and misses family. Very human exchange
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @lifeonqueen: Bill Blair: So far 75 arrested. Arrests will continue. #g20
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: Police tactic worked. Scared the living bejeebers out of people onto Bloor, where they dispersed. Cops have now retreated. @yeeguan
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: RT @yeeguan: They’re shooting at us. Guy got shot in the knee. #G20 @rabbleca http://myloc.me/8sxah
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: RT @yeeguan: Those aren’t blanks. Two guys shot with rubber bullets. @rabbleca #G20 http://myloc.me/8sxjR
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: RT @jesrose: RT @yeeguan: This is what a rubber bullet wound looks like. #G20 @rabbleca http://tweetphoto.com/29365732
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: RT @krystalline_k: Horse cops squish protesters against the wall, one guy gets trampled.
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: @TorontoPolice really? Than whose? It sure looked like a police strategy
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: @TorontoPolice why did you move the line from the fence to Toronto’s busiest commercial streets? #g20
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: Mounted cops are chasing us onto Bloor. #G20 @yeeguan http://myloc.me/8sz4G
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @RebeccaRose84: Media keep repeating that orig peaceful protesters have gone home and that it’s only violent protesters left. This is not true. #g20report
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @nealjennings: protest coming N to Bloor just W of Bedford. #g20. bloor street taken over
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @stephen_taylor: I’ve confirmed that CTV producer Farzad Fatholahzad has been arrested by police at G20 protest in Toronto
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: Protesters separated between Hoskins and Devonshire. Mounted cops chase after Hoskins. @yeeguan #G20 http://tweetphoto.com/29364078
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @TorontoStar: Rubber bullets fired at Queen’s Park hitting at least one person. #g20
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @RebeccaRose84: CTV now showing their producer being taken away by cops in hand cuffs. #g20report #G20
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: Advancing police lines on Harbord. #G20 @yeeguan http://tweetphoto.com/29363174
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @lindathu_nguyen: Chief Blair refuses to answer questions about Queen’s Park evacuation. Wouldn’t answer any questions from @torontoist.
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @torontoist: RT @CP24: Police Chief Bill Blair says 75 people apprehended this evening. #G20
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: Protesters swear to take Bloor. Please, no more injuries. @yeeguan #G20 http://myloc.me/8sxzP
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @Ella_Henry: Police officer just told me if he had a choice he wouldn’t be at the #g20 enforcing this police state
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: Just got pushed north. Two shots (rubber bullets?) Fired. No injuries. @yeeguan #G20 http://myloc.me/8sx2s
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @krystalline_k: Sound cannon driving down Queen
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: Aggressive police push north on Queen’s Park. Pause… @yeeguan #G20 http://tweetphoto.com/29359568
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @MDCLegalUpdates: legal observers calling in from west side of queen’s park to report police charging at protesters #g20report
about 3 hours ago via web
RT @NoLore: “The whole world is watching” we’re chanting. The riot cops keep charging. #G20
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @kady: These ones are moving quicker — and there’s *another* herd moving down now. Everyone here puzzled. http://twitpic.com/209mtd
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @kady: No idea why this sudden movement — but the truncheons are shield-smashing in unison. #cbcg20 http://twitpic.com/209m6b
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: Trying to get to Queen’s Park west. Fail. Cops have sealed the entire place. @yeeguan #G20 http://myloc.me/8svY8
about 4 hours ago via web
shares http://tinyurl.com/2dd6kuo (My commentary on the video of the illegal search) http://plurk.com/p/60n5fz
about 4 hours ago via API
shares http://tinyurl.com/29fzcmu (G20 Updates from Twitter – Constitutional and Human Rights Being Violated)… http://plurk.com/p/60n4ww
about 4 hours ago via API
Video: Just watched this video involving illegal detention, illegal search, and illegal seizure (they took… http://tumblr.com/x3ic8nqm8
about 4 hours ago via Tumblr
shares http://tinyurl.com/2czmrwr (G20 Community Day of Action illegal search) http://plurk.com/p/60mwqw
about 4 hours ago via API
RT @rabbleca: Video of illegal search at #G20 has babblers up in arms: “This is what a police state looks like.” http://bit.ly/df8LWX
about 4 hours ago via web
@CP24 Please, please no one hurt the Tea Shop!!! Good people work there.
about 4 hours ago via web
@CP24 Re: Protests now at Yonge & Bloor. Was just there getting food. Good thing I went when I did or no dinner for me.
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @CP24: G20 Protest heads south on Yonge from Bloor St.
about 4 hours ago via web
@rabbleca Mine too. I haven’t retweeted this much ever.
about 4 hours ago via web
Hey protesters! Don’t mess with the Tea Shop!!! Decent peaceful people there. I love my bubble tea! http://plurk.com/p/60mrja
about 4 hours ago via API
RT @rabbleca: @jesrose Retweeting finger is about to fall off (it’s been hours!), but merci beaucoup!
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @spaikin: police have cordoned off financial district. one cop yells “we’re just trying to get to starbucks here.”
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @TorontoStar: Police making arrests in downtown. Pix by @rogergillespie http://twitpic.com/209iqh
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @spaikin: cops creating new line on king. moving everyone out east towards yonge st. cops in riot gear with helmets
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @druojajay: now taking odds: will the cbc interview a single protester before the day is done? #g20 #g20report
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @craigkielburger: Police pushing people back. People caught with pepper spray in eyes. Young and old. #G20 http://ow.ly/i/2hfU
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @krystalline_k: Cops are running protesters down like animals, throwing them to the ground
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: Anyone identify the agents provocateurs in the crowds? @anndouglas: CBC reporting less than 100 violent (cont) http://tl.gd/25cktm
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @torontoist: At Queen’s Park, cops hit protesters with batons. One of our reporters got hit, and has a bruise: http://bit.ly/9DbTdD #G20
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @JProskowGlobal: Police clearing everyone out of qiueens park north, the designated free speech zone
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @AntoniaZ: RT @KateMilberry Police now pushing people out of designated protest area. Um, that’s the only place they are “allowed” #g20 #g20report
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @stephen_taylor: Picture of Black Bloc vs. police vehicle: http://twitpic.com/209gpd G20
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: Maaaajor police buildup on University puts cop/protester ratio at about 10:1. @yeeguan #G20 http://myloc.me/8sv0C
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @kady: A quick scan thru the windows suggests every one of these white vans is full of police #cbcg20 http://twitpic.com/209gy9
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @stephen_taylor: Police arrest three at John/Wellington: http://twitpic.com/209bkj
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @CP24: Police moving in on demonstrators at Queen’s Park and have taken at least one person into custody. #G20
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: “You’re sexy, you’re cute. Take off your riot suit!” Protesters chant @ riot cops #g20 /v @KateMilberry @knussbaum @CBCReporters
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @g20updates: Katherine Laidlaw on King St.: Police making human perimeter from Simcoe to University on King St. Looks like they’re preparing for arrivals
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @kady: Sizeable security convoy – plus CBC truck – heading up University. As am I! #cbcg20 http://twitpic.com/209e09
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @krystalline_k: Cops reported to be charging through crowd of protesters trapped at Queen’s Park
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: Riot cops banging shields adding to University phalanx. @yeeguan #G20 http://tweetphoto.com/29352874
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @NoLore: Horses circling the park, charging the crowd. #g20 sry the phots not great, I was running away. http://twitpic.com/209e7l
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: RT @NoLore: Riot cops are charging the crowds. #g20
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @nealjennings: someone is launching something at the crowd which is periodically bolting. no idea what’s actually going on but stampede may b imminent #g20
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @jenhassum: Now safe eating supper. Hearing the news, its so bizare that storefronts were smashed. On the march I never saw it happen once. #G20
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @lex_is: Plugged back in, @justincgio and I are safe but injured, uploading photos and video now #g20report
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @CP24: Tactical unit now moving into area blocked off by police, reporter live inside. #G20
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @larrylarry: Confirmed: TTC shuttles on Parliament and Bathurst are FREE and runs every five minutes #ttcu #g20
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @CP24: Police blocking in protesters on Queen St W, moving in from both sides
about 4 hours ago via web
RT @rabbleca: RT @Spacing: Spacing told by medic near Queen’s Park rubber bullets/tear gas have been used on protesters, and (cont) http://tl.gd/25cd52
about 4 hours ago via web
I don’t think police should have charged the peaceful protesters at Queen’s Park – some of them had children w… http://plurk.com/p/60mfz5
about 5 hours ago via API
One guy commented to another that he got turned back from Queen’s Park. He wanted to get some photos on what w… http://plurk.com/p/60mfrr
about 5 hours ago via API
Restaurants still open at Yonge & Bloor. Just got takeout from there. Some people are walking south still. http://plurk.com/p/60mff8

You may see other updates from Torontoist’s “G20 Live: Saturday”.

The latest concern tonight is the assault of Jesse Rosenfeld, a journalist working for the Guardian. He wrote yesterday’s article, “Rejecting G20’s consensus of the few”. His assault was witnessed by Steve Paiken from The Agenda, a show on TVO. Both Steve Paiken and Jesse Rosenfeld were following the peaceful protesters who were later arrested in front of Novotel after being pinned in by police. Some of my retweets were from the protesters in front of Novotel. Below is an excerpt of some of Paikin’s tweets (some of which I retweeted), formatted nicely courtesy of Torontoist (linked above):

11:59 PM: Steve Paikin, host of The Agenda on TVO, was at the demonstration at the Esplanade earlier, and says he witnessed a “totally unneccessary” assault by police, on a reporter claiming to be with The Guardian. Right now he is tweeting @spaikin. Some of those tweets:

“i saw police brutality tonight. it was unnecessary. they asked me to leave the site or they would arrest me. i told them i was dong my job. • they repeated they would arrest me if i didn’t leave. as i was escorted away from the demonstration, i saw two officers hold a journalist. • the journalist identified himself as working for “the guardian.” he talked too much and pissed the police off. two officers held him…. • a third punched him in the stomach. totally unnecessary. the man collapsed. then the third officer drove his elbow into the man’s back. • no cameras recorded the assault. and it was an assault. • the officer who escorted me away from the demo said, “yeah, that shouldn’t have happened.” he is correct. there was no cause for it.
i can appreciate that the police were on edge today, after seeing four or five of their cruisers burned. but why such overreaction tonight? • the demonstration on the esplanade was peaceful. it was like an old sit in. no one was aggressive. and yet riot squad officers moved in. • police on one side screamed at the crowd to leave one way. then police on the other side said leave the other way. there was no way out. • so the police just started arresting people. i stress, this was a peaceful, middle class, diverse crowd. no anarchists • literally more than 100 officers with guns pointing at the crowd. rubber bullets and smoke bombs ready to be fired. rubber bullets fired • i was “escorted” away by police so couldn’t see how many arrested, but it must have been dozens.”

we must make a distinction between the “thugs” who broke store windows and torched cop cars and the very reasonable citizens who • .just wanted to remind the authorities that the freedom to speak and assemble shouldn’t disappear because world leaders come to town.

Individual tweets within the space of a paragraph above are demarcated with a • symbol. DT

Paikin further tweeted (I’m using the ~ symbol to separate tweets):

i have lived in toronto for 32 years. have never seen a day like this. shame on the vandals. ~ and shame on those that ordered peaceful protesters attacked and arrested. that is not consistent with democracy in toronto, G20 or no G20 ~ 2. Who specifically gave the order to clear the street? was that decision made on site or by a higher authority? ~ 3. Does the tor police svc have any evidence of dangerous acts from those demonstrators that forced them to act that way, at that time? ~ if any journos are talking to the police chief on sunday, those would be questions i’d like answered. ok, that’s it. signing off tonight.”

Yes, shame on the vandals, they didn’t need to do this tonight (and yes, there is the question of agent provocateurs being used) and force the police to take more violent action since we already know that Police Chief Blair wanted to arrest people for vandalism. That being said, I am more concerned with the safety of the people than with the destruction of property (windows can be replaced, people can’t nor can they recover that easily from some injuries – I’ve had injuries, though not from protest rallies) so a bigger shame on those that ordered the peaceful protesters attacked and arrested. I have the same questions as Paikin. I also want to know why the Jesse Rosenfeld was assaulted by police. Was it just random dumb luck? He got the cruel ones? Even if he “talked too much” as per Paikin tweets, he didn’t deserve to be beaten. He also clearly identified himself as a journalist for the Guardian. This assault is indeed a human rights violation. It is police brutality. I’d like to know who was in charge of those officers.

If you scroll back through Paikin’s tweets, you can see that the group of protesters he followed tonight were peaceful, at least the whole time he was with them. It appears too that they were the peaceful group of protesters from Queen’s Park. Paikin’s earlier tweets:

dundas square perfectly fine. very few ppl ~ action at yonge & queen. police line stopping traffic along queen. ~ best news for police: just started raining ~ one in crowd says “come join us and march for democracy. they’ve drummed us out of queen’s park” ~ crowd chanting “whose street? our street!” moving west on richmond ~ these are not “thugs” very middle class looking crowd. peaceful march. so far. moving south on bay ~ new chant: this is what democracy looks like” ~ i’m in the thick of it. heading down bay to the fin dist. no cops in site ~ looks like a few thousand ppl. now marching on king, west to TD Ctr. ~ the good old standby: “the ppl, united, will never be defeated” ~ well, here we go. huge phalanx of cops ahead. ~ new chant: “peaceful protest!”
we’re on wellington st. cops against the fence on south side. crowd on north side, now singing o canada ~ gotta be 100 police here. let’s hope crowd stays on its side of street ~ police moving one of their lines west. they just left. now crowd has moved into wellington st ~ very wise move by police to leave. huge crowd is chanting but the immediate provocation is gone ~ huge fence is still peotecting royal bank bldg. crowd doesn’t seem to know what to do now that the cops have left ~ oh come on… cope are returning. a “whack ’em and stack ’em” line coming east on wellington. ~ crowd leaving. cops stopping. no confrontation thankfully ~ back in TD courtyard. lots of police here. “police go home” is the chant ~ crowd leaving TD Centre. they want to chant but don’t apparently want trouble. ~ crowd back on king st. they don’t know where to go. there’s no ringleader out here
uh oh… cops firing on ppl… can’t be real bulletrs crowd panicking ~ everyone chanting peaceful protest. cops moving on crowd. guns poised. ~ ppl standing around with hands in air. this was peaceful. it won’t be now. unprovoked attack by police ~ crowd sitting down on king st in front of 1st cdn place. still chanting “peaceful protest” ~ phalanx of cops standing 20 metres away, guns pointed. i heard some kind of projectile whiz past me. obviously not bullets but unnecessary ~ this is inexplicable. the crowd was ready to disperse, then the police moved on them and fired some kind of projectiles. ~ crowd is up & moving east. one police line on the other side must have receded
middle aged UWO prof of social justice just told me “this is not consistent with our democracy. we’re just asking for our rights” ~ what? are they habs’ fans? they’re chanting “olay olay olay olay” ~ this seems very organic and spontaneous. no signs. no “cause” other than the right to assemble ~ police line on yonge north of king. police screaming “get back”. ppl are ~ crowd stalled at king & victoria. don’t knowbwhat to do.
“we’re not radicalized youth. we’re just responding to what we’ve seen today” ~ crowd at yonge & front. phalanx of cops waiting on west side of yonge. crowd stopping. ~ crowd haa stopped and is seated on east side of yonge at front. ~ “we’re going to sit here ’til someone from the g20 comes out & talks to us” says guy with megaphone ~ have never seen this before. cpl thousand ppl sitting in the street, cops just watching. still a peaceful protest ~ “we don’t want violence. if we do that, we’re stooping down to their level”
now this is bizarre. a guy who just got out of jail in texas is talking to me about the chinese devaluing their $ ~ pouring rain now. everyone getting wet. no umbrellas out here ~ police phalanx, to its credit, just holding the line, not moving on crowd. ~ moving again. down yonge st, south of front ~ hey david akin, crowd is passing your hotel on the esplanade ~ hotel guests waving out their windows. draws huge cheers ~ is that you waving akin? someome is. getting a helluva cheer
here come the cops again. weapons drawn. ppl sitting again. middle of esplanade ~ police in full riot gear moving closer. ppl still sitting in middle of street ~ almost 20 cops. new chant: “the whole world is watching.” coyne will not appreciate unoriginality ~ crowd surrounded. cops on both sides now ~ can’t tell what kinl of weapons are being pointed. can’t be live rounds, can it? new riot squad now here. why? this is peaceful. ~ suddenly 20 cops is now 100
don’t mind saying it…this is scary. one dumb person on either side & this could get dangerous. ~ the police should be smart & do nothing. this is not a violent crowd. they keep insisting it’s a peaceful protest ~ cops tightening their perimeter. why? they are forcing something they dont need to force ~ who is ordering these police to tighten the noose? it’s unnecessary. evwryone’s sitting. now tthety’ret motvintt into the crowd ~ cops moving closer why? ~ arresin people ~ mny arress now. inexplicable ppl say “we wan o go home cops overwhelming crowd ~ weapons are rubber bulles ~ i. gone police escor me away

After that Paikin got to a computer and proceeded to describe his night starting with “i saw police brutality tonight. it was unnecessary.” as quoted earlier.

Police brutality is a human rights violation. They did not need to break up a peaceful assembly of people, something that is a fundamental freedom according to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and also a human right given by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. If we stand idly by this time and not speak up against these human rights violations, even for just one weekend, it is tacit acceptance that it is okay when it isn’t. There are no exceptions to Charter and human rights. Everyone who is peaceful and non-violent retains these rights. Contrary to mainstream media, the protesters who were arrested at Novotel were not what some people may think as Paikin tweeted above, “these are not “thugs” very middle class looking crowd” and also quoted, “we’re not radicalized youth. we’re just responding to what we’ve seen today” There was also a university professor of social justice out marching tonight (UWO is University of Western Ontario).

I’m irked by the lack of understanding some (arguably many) people have regarding constitutional and human rights issues. Everyone has these rights. One of them is freedom of expression, another is freedom of peaceful assembly. Just because some people exercise these rights in a different manner than you might want to (or perhaps not at all) doesn’t mean these rights shouldn’t exist. Nor can you insist on having these rights and hypocritically ask to take away these rights from others simply because you don’t agree with their opinions or methods. What do I mean by this? First, you have a group of people who wish to make their opinions heard by marching or demonstrating in a public place. This group is exercising their right to freedom of expression and also the right to freedom of peaceful assembly. These rights should not be taken away simply because you may disagree with their opinion or disagree with the action of gathering in a large group in order to express opinions. For example, I don’t agree with the opinions of PETA, but I would still argue for their right to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly. I particularly find it hypocritical for some people to criticize others for voicing their opinions when the people criticizing are in fact exercising their right to freedom of expression as well. Frankly, if you do not want to have these human rights for everyone, then you don’t deserve to live here where these rights are guaranteed by our Canadian Charter. I am very irked by people blaming the protesters for what’s been happening when not all protesters were vandals or violent (as can be seen in the tweets above), and police made matters worse by asking for Ont. Reg 233/10 to be passed giving them more power and authority this week when they frankly didn’t need them to do their job. I still stand by my opinion that making a temporary regulation to invoke the provisions given in the Public Works Protection Act, thereby giving the police too much authority and power over civilians, is unconstitutional.

A comment by M. Spector regarding the passing of Ont. Reg. 233/10 on the rabble.ca article “‘Just watch them’: Harper and McGuinty’s G20 tag team against civil liberties” sums up my feelings about the regulation and about some people:

…this nasty piece of handiwork from Dalton McGuilty is more reminiscent of the South African “pass laws”, where Blacks (unlike Whites) could be arrested for failing to show a government-issued internal passport on demand. Or the World War Two movie scenes where the Gestapo routinely asks citizens for ID, and arrests them because “your papers are not in order”.

Or the stop-and-frisk laws that the New York City cops used last year to harrass and racially profile 575,304 people and compile a huge database of information based on those searches.

These are all characteristics of a police state. And they are simply the logical extension of the airport security systems now firmly in place, which the sheeple have all agreed are necessary for their security.

What is amazing is that many people who fancy themselves “liberal” or “progressive” see no problem with these laws, and can’t understand why anyone would oppose the ongoing government project to force everyone to carry a national identity card and produce it on demand. By the time they “get it” it will be too late. [Cass’ note: Emphasis and bolding added.]

I agree with M. Spector above when he says “By the time they ‘get it’ it will be too late.” That is my fear. That it will take a Neda Agha-Soltan (killed in Iran last year) or a Khalid Said (recently beaten to death by Egyptian police) for people to wake up. But, by then we could be already be living in a police state under tyrannical rule too.

But wait, this is a democratic society some say. The majority of people here don’t agree with the protests. This was a tweet I suppose was replying to my earlier comment that things may have been calming down in the downtown core, “good! The real residents of Toronto are tired of this bullshit. Ones still there do NOT have the support of the Gen. Pop.” There are a few problems with this comment that I have to shake my head at (and also, laugh at, this person clearly has not been reading my other tweets to understand what my opinions really are and what my concerns are). First of all, the streets of Toronto do not belong to just the residents of Toronto, but to all Canadians (also, I disagree with the ideas of borders since we are all “citizens” of the entire world and the world “belongs” to everyone). Secondly, if by “Gen. Pop.” this person means the majority of people, ever hear of the phrase “tyranny of the majority”? I know I mentioned it in a blog article a while ago in conjunction with a little discussion about intelligence quotient tests and if they are useful or not. Democratic societies can be considered to operate based on “tyranny of the majority” because there may be a small percentage of the population who do not agree with majority. In my previous article discussing I.Q., I point out why this may be. It’s simply because the most intelligent people in a society will never be the majority. Statistically, the percentage of people with an I.Q. above 130 is quite small – 2.23% according to the graph on that blog. Thus, the majority opinion will often be the least… sorry, meant to say… a less intelligent one and decisions based on that will not be the most intelligent decisions. The opinion of the “Gen. Pop” today regarding these protests and what has occurred in response to the human rights violations frankly shows the lack of understanding the majority of people have regarding what human rights really are about and why Canada has the Charter. It’s what makes Canada fundamentally different from places like the U.S.

But hey, this is a democratic society and I have to obey by the majority because that is the law of the land here. Well, I shall direct you to this little commentary on the G20 and democracy, “No, THIS is Democracy!”

It is nearing early morning now and this blogger needs some sleep. I sign off with another article for my readers, “Behind the Black Bloc mob”.

~~~C
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