If ever any person argued that politics is not like high school friendships, then they we terribly wrong. Like many fellow Torontonians, I have been following closely the preparations for the up-coming two day summit of the G20, and I must admit I am a little more than shocked. How is it that a 'conservative' government can comfortably display the characteristics of a socialist one? There is no doubt in ANYBODY'S mind that money will be spent, but the magnitude at which it is, is what worries us, more than anything else.
In the Words of Jennifer Yang, a Staff Reporter of thestar.com, "What exaclty does $1 Billion worth of summit security look like?"
I think that best sums it up for everyone following the preparations. What the heck does one billion dollars worth of security look like? War tanks, loud sound makers, hundreds of masked soldiers from other parts of the country and walls. For two days of summit meetings, this seems a little much, does it not? I mean, we are not trying to start a new world war- financial leaders are just coming over to discuss money, politics and things. Do they need the reception of...a demi-god from back in the day?
What tourist attraction costs $1.9 Million, when right across the street the real thing is right there? Is our Prime Minister even thinking? I know his skin is probably thick from all the insults he's accumulated over his short reign, but seriously dude! Take down the damn wall and use that money to fix up more community pools or something. The summer is here and you'll still have to face us once this is all over- you don't want to see us pissed.
Sure, Harper can argue that many cities before us, and those after us would try their best to sweep their mess underneath the carpet, but what city suddenly wakes up one morning and squanders everything it has to impress other people in attempt to...gain favor amongst them? Its pathetic if you ask me, and the fact still remains that no cheerleader ever got to be captain just because their mother baked cookies for the team.
People like Phil Brown, the General Manager of Shelter, Support and Housing talk of finding homes for the homeless when the actual truth of the matter is nothing is definite, or clear. He even said, "Since the middle of March, city outreach workers have been working more intensely in the area affected by G20. That includes homeless people and people who panhandle, in order to ensure that they have a safe palce to stay."
We give him credit for sighting the problem, but just how the solution will be administered, no one can be sure. In an article written by CBC News, a homeless man was actually interviewed and he told them that he was warned against being withing the G20 area during the summit days, or else he could face arrest. Talk about being two-faced! On the one hand the government has all the right people in the right places, saying all the right things to the public, but in reality the orders are in place and will be in effect the moment the G20 steps foot on our soil.
All things considered, and knowing that the summit will go on despite all the numerous protests and letters that we write, the reality will shine through: you can't impress your friends with money. From the pen of another commentator who is closely following the events, "It wont work; he will never be a leader of the same caliber as Obama, Sarkozy or the British guy." Its a pity Toronto has to pay the price for this lesson.
Yours truly,
Just Another Mad Torontonian
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