Thread by @ChepekaCollin

I went to Ottawa today to see for myself what was going, a thread/1

I was only there for about an hour and a half, but managed to walk through the majority of what remains of the protest - my first impression was the smell, particularly diesel /2

I saw a lot of company trucks, including one @uhaul truck that must have been rented by someone for the ongoing occupation /3

As I got closer to the main event, I started to see some of the infamous signs we are all accustomed to now /3

There was a suprisingly large number of children at the event - I know this has been talked about by police and media but it's important to recognize that these kids looked exhausted/bored/wishing they were anywhere else /5

They still had a stage and speakers going - seems like you just have to line up at the back with a grievance and they will let you on stage - a lot of talk about God, mental health and FREEDOM /6

It was interesting listening in on conversations - these people are definitely trapped in an information bubble; most don't seem to know about the plan about moving to Toronto, talk about adrenochrome addiction and Trudeau's 'ties' to the New World Order /7

The police were just hanging out (in large groups of 5+ people), making small talk with the occupiers and giving them directions /7

Here's the stage from behind (note the gentleman wearing just overalls and a Canadian flag umbrella hat) /8

(ignore my numbering, I'm bad at this) The Hill itself was kind of harrowing - very few people organized on the lawn, except for a couple people standing by themselves, holding signs or reading their Bible to themselves /9

There was one lone police officer standing guard in front of the wall erected - something about this was uncanny, idk if it was the event or the 'Jan 6' vibes I got from the lack of officers at the Hill /10

This dude thought he was really clever, walking up and down the street with jerry cans in a tobagan tied to his back /11

I spotted a few familiar stickers, some nicer than others /12

All in all it was underwhelming - I recognize that my being a cis-passing white male allowed me to walk around without being too nervous and it was the middle of the day. I do not mean to downplay the serious attacks and harassment residents have faced by this crowd, esp POC /13

I guess my final impression is that direct resistance (from police or others) against this group may be a more viable option than previously thought; they are settled in, calm and tired - it's time to get them out /14