1/ More on Windsor: CJ Morawetz is expected to publish the reasons for his decision to grant the injunction this week, but during the hearing Friday, he said the protesters’ right to freedom of expression had to be balanced against everybody else’s right to use the bridge.
2/ I don't want to say too much, because the reasons have not been published. But I don't really understand this either. Let's talk about freedom of expression for a moment.
3/ Protests? Super important. I support them. We need to have a way to voice our dislike of things. It's part of our democratic process. I support giving protesters a lot of room to say what they want. Absolutely.
4/ If the "convoy" had been on the side of the road for a week waving at drivers over the bridge and honking horns, I'd say - "that's democracy in action". Good on them for raising their point and trying to sway opinion their way.
5/ But "protest" is not about taking over critical infrastructure. We have rules. You don't get to protest any way you choose - or you face the consequences. I know this from experience. I represent animal advocates who, not surprisingly, have all been charged when they try....
6/ to protest on private property, to hang signs on public highways, to protest at airports, etc, etc. Balancing rights is a great idea. But I'm not sure how far it takes us. Can they now block the bridge for a day? At their whim? Why?
7/ Can they surround a hospital? Whenever they want? Without notice? Balancing? What the fuck are we talking about???? There's nothing to balance. This is not protest. It's threats. And demands. And action.
8/ The idea that we should balance this as if it's a "legitimate protest" is nonsense. We've seen some degree of legitimate protest in Edmonton, Toronto and Quebec City. They roar into town, honk for awhile, don't shut down critical infrastructue and then get the fuck out.
9/ This is one big reason why I am not a fan of going through the courts. The government has the power to stop illegal action. You want to protest your way? No problem. Just be prepared to pay the price. Assuming the government will make you.
10/ I am tired of all this being framed as one big protest. There's protesting involved, to be sure. But if we keep treating all of this like it's just protest, without consequences, well. Get ready for more. Why should anyone follow the rules?
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