Thread by @Norlaine

So far, the #POECommission testimony from convoy leaders has demonstrated that a) they absolutely wanted to force government change, b) they have zero regard for anyone who isn't part of their crew, c) they have an incorrect perception that they represent

the views of a majority of Canadians, d) they still feel that what they were doing was correct, justified, and maybe divinely ordered, e) they have a deep sense of entitlement and delusions of persecution, f) they can cry on cue for effect, g) they have a deeply flawed grasp

of Canadian civics, h) they harbour a lot of anti-social opinions, i) they have absorbed all the right-wing talking points about science, experts, etc, j) they are not taking the gravity of the charges against them seriously, k) they have testified in direct opposition to

documented evidence (i.e. they appear to perjure themselves often), and l) they are not done making trouble. They are quite similar to the Americans who believe, in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, that Trump was robbed of the presidency.

Indeed, many are self-declared Trump enthusiasts. And don't forget, a former Trump advisor was with them during the occupation. Paul Alexander was even too much for the Trump administration.
cbc.ca/news/world/pau…

We may find the absurdity of the testimony thus far humourous, but we must not forget that this group actually does represent a clear and present danger to the public good. People with the same beliefs have blocked access to hospitals, intimidated school children,

attacked people for wearing masks, or going to get vaccines. Many favour overturning the democratic will of a majority of Canadians. These people are in the minority, but they are continuing to create problems far beyond their numbers.

We need to have some serious conversations in this country about how a civilized, compassionate, diverse society can deal with a fringe movement that refuses to abide by our laws, accept demonstrable facts, or respect the rights of others, without losing our own

moral compass and self-respect. It seems as though they are goading us to make their claims of tyranny, oppression, and crimes against humanity a reality. I expect they were disappointed that no one was seriously injured or killed when the convoys and blockades were cleared,

because then they could say, "See? What we are saying about Canada is true!" We must not back away from our principles of peace, order, and good governance. We must not allow ourselves to be drawn down. At the same time, we cannot simply allow this ongoing radicalization

and disruption to continue. So, what is to be done? What is the way forward? They see two paths; either we lay down and let them continue to foment insurrection, or we become as draconian as they are accusing us of being. We need to find a third option. There has to be a path

wherein this can be resolved without betraying our values of compassion, inclusion, human rights, justice, fairness, and fact-based policy. We need to find a way to defuse and de-escalate the situation, to discredit them without malice.