That the judgment took a one-sided look at the world is obvious. Of course, the lives of many people in Ottawa were altered and yes, they probably were inconvenienced by a fleet of semis hanging around downtown for some weeks.
That said, two points.
They should not have been surprised. An intelligent person living in Ottawa could have foreseen a desperate backlash forming against a government indifferent to destroying its citizens' ability to support their lives. Ottawa is the seat of power in this country, the rule-makers' den, the cesspool that takes my money and squanders it recklessly. Ya, they deserve a bit of backlash.
But further to what the judge did not consider, the protest would have halted even before reaching Ontario if our empty suit with 'nice hair' had had the gonads to speak to the people he was abusing and denying a livlyhood to.
How do we stay hopeful in such a hopeless environment? Ever since my right to visit my parents during COVID-19 was denied, I've lost hope. Like @occam mentions below, most people are apathetic and refuse to see that most of their Rights and Freedoms are slowly being diluted. These days, life is a chore. I love your reporting, it doesn't make me feel all alone in the world.
The smearing of the protesters is being used now in the Liberal campaign as they hope to be re-elected. Former Vancouver mayor, and Vancouver Fraserview-South Burnaby Liberal candidate is describing crowds that are showing up at stops in Pierre Pollievre's campaign as the same as the "Freedom Convoy protesters" (implying that the Conservative leader is a magnet for violent, homophobic, racist voters). Of course, as we know from the POEC testimony of police and intelligence officers, the protesters were peaceful etc. However, the Liberals and the legacy media feel free to train Canadians to remember the protesters as violent, and to view voters for the Conservatives (and by extension the People's Party of Canada) as part of an "unacceptable fringe minority." It seems it never ends. The message from Liberal and NDP campaigns at points is to be the friend of the average worker who carries a lunch bucket to their job. But this kind of friendship has its limits, as they expect in exchange for friendly rhetoric about the working class, the working class has one job between elections and that is to behave, or else you'll be charged with making mischief.
Trish, you note that civilian witness/victim impact statements will be part of the sentencing. I wish I could submit one as a civilian witness who felt less isolated because of those tremendous citizens who stood up and said no. I got to see bravery and grace at a time when I needed it.
It was amazing and healing to see, and it was effective. That protest actually changed things because there has been some daylight shining on important and previously hidden realities and more people are awakening or wondering. I feel like the convoy and the energy that went with it put a big kink in the trajectory we were on. I am beyond grateful to the truckers.
Sadly I have learned to save myself grief. I have learned to have “ no faith “ for any trial coming before the courts in Canada. No matter how sweet the Judge may present, or how “understanding “ he/she appears, it is always a ploy. The system is rigged. Laws change during the night and the stage is carefully set before the trial begins. This judicial system and its pawns are part of the take down of Canada.
I have been following you for quite awhile and six other Substack individual whom you know since I met them when I met you in Baddeck NS. We also met Jay Bhattacharyia (NIH). What a privilege, what thoughtful/thinking individuals. My point is you all were considered wrong on important issues (about the pandemic) including Jay, you, Chris and others. The Truckers were "right" about the Vaccine Mandates being "wrong" medically and likely even illegal which Brian Peckford tried to prove. If the people of Ottawa were as smart and knowledgable as you plus the others mentioned, the Truckers would have been greeted with open arms and noise of celebration.
I have no words……..which is exactly the government’s intent. The only thing left is to vote, and vote I will along with the rest who feel like the walking dead on our last leg of a quest to salvage what little hope there is left, of the Canada we once knew and loved. But I keep picturing the sad and wretched creature Gollum crawling on his belly in pursuit of the Ring…….and thinking that this is how the elite see the rest of us….something to despise and kick aside…..and that they are the heroes of the story….if only everyone would swallow their poison pill. How did everything get so turned around in so few short years? Keep writing Trish…as one crying in the wilderness. Don’t stop!
Complete aside but I love the clip from 1981. The interrupted program with the flirty hosts and even the news broadcast were so calming compared to the blaring, glaring productions today.
It's an interesting artifact. Sands would be considered a "terrorist" today but even violent struggle wasn't written off. He was wildly popular and even a folk hero to many even after doing some pretty violent things. Later -- IRA members shook hands with the Queen.
We are not alone! The Malaise extends across the entire West. This is from a German site - highly recommended - Eugyppius.
"Germany, the land of outstanding lawyers and judges! They sport highest moral standards in terms of unbreakable loyalty to their current authorities, even rushing ahead in demonstrating their zeal. No no, it's not just the eternal villain Roland Freisler, but also figures such as Hans Filbinger or Hilde Benjamin who come to my mind as prominent examples from recent history. And today we see how less prominent figures all lower courts do their best to equal the shining examples of their betters."
Thank you for the clarity of the point you made. So important!
I just read an unusually thoughtful piece by Dr. Naomi Wolf on the state of freedom in Europe, with a lengthy report on Canada. I thought your readers might appreciate the perspective of an outsider:
I can't seem to find the words needed to convey how deeply worrisome this verdict is as it shows my pessimism was warranted and our instiutions are no longer viable or trustworthy. It proves that this country is no longer run by the "rule of law", that our last hope of seeing justice prevail is lost. I am afraid my words are now a truth, being proven and shown openly to Canadian's who are paying attention. It means that regardless of who wins an election, there is little hope of change, as the rot is through out and within every institution in Canada. This upcoming election is the countries life, or its death, to which my pessimism is standing on guard. I fear Canada is no longer what it was, nor will it thrive again. I am so tainted, I believe that they are laying the foundation to a Liberal victory. Not because the people vote for it but because they have ordained themselves as the rulers over all. They will go to any and all lengths to stay in power and will do so with the aid of our now tainted institutions. Canada is no longer a democracy nor does it have the rule of law. Its no longer Canada and is truly the Globalist's first Post National State. Its so ironic that people are out their waving the Canadian flag as patriots to a country that no longer exists, and its toward their own demise, as they beg for reciprical tariffs. I would laugh at the irony, but I am far to ruined by reality.
Again; it is not the 1st time I have written to you; your common sense and caring personality shine through and through. I wish I could vote you into office and ask you to help our communities to make good and meaningful rules. I say ‘community” because we need to brake it down to suit our disparate groups. I will vote PPC after hearing your program. But really, I must say, living outside of Canada, like I do, is very much nicer than when I am in Canada!!! Sorry to say.
I think I'm just old school. Journalist prior to the internet and social media. We thought differently than the captured tribe who claim my profession today. Glassy eyed and ruled by the dubious anti-hate network to decide whose cause is just. Awful.
The decision is a great example of "legal realism", which is a philosophy of law which reflects how law seems to work, that it's not about normative rules, but about what the judges decide. It's a flawed philosophy, in that it ignores that there is a "correct" decision, objectively speaking, whatever a particular judge may decide, incorrectly, but it does recognize what seems to happen in cases like this, namely, a judge looks at the parties, the political climate, personal preference, what her friends and neighbours may think, and simple dislike of one party or another, and then decides who will win. The judge then "reasons backwards", using the "indeterminacy" inherent in language, case law and various cherry picked rules and principles, to get to the desired result. Then, in court, the reasons are read in reverse order to make it look like the judge worked from principle to result. It is typical of this kind of judgment to find flawed logic, strained interpretation of language and reliance on quaint case law that was originally used for some other purpose, or in which the facts were completely different. It is because of my studies in legal philosophy that I can generally (since Covid, invariably) predict the outcome in a hot political case, especially in a society like ours in which lawyers are trained "word quibblers", activists and believe the law and society should prioritize progressive/goal oriented results -- and not true jurists, as existed in the past, such as a Cicero or Lord Mansfield, who were trained not only to apply rules, but to protect custom, tradition and yes, justice. It will take a considerable overhaul of our society to make it possible for justice to occur in political cases such as this one, likely not in our lifetimes.
There has been a noticeable decline in the judiciary over last 20 years. They used to be "scary" confident and independent. Not all, but many. These were the kind of judges we read about, capable of standing up to power. There was a reason in the British tradition they were called "Lords" and "Ladies" as this reflected status that could not be removed. There is good and bad to that, but along with abolishing those "names" (they are just judges and justices now), you also lowered their status in face of the other branches of government, and I would argue made them mere clerks or administrators of state policy. Covid illustrated that decline in status very well. Most recently, judges aren't just picked from the top lawyers in the profession, but have to apply. They are then screened and their social media disclosed. Plato said the last ruler you want is one who wants to be rule. That also I think applies to judges. This system is screening out a lot of good judges and, if you don't see a lot of grey hair, you are invariable looking up at a judge with political views that mirror the government's, or at least our current ones.
I don't understand Trish, why will there not be any victim impact statements that represent those that this convoy saved??
That the judgment took a one-sided look at the world is obvious. Of course, the lives of many people in Ottawa were altered and yes, they probably were inconvenienced by a fleet of semis hanging around downtown for some weeks.
That said, two points.
They should not have been surprised. An intelligent person living in Ottawa could have foreseen a desperate backlash forming against a government indifferent to destroying its citizens' ability to support their lives. Ottawa is the seat of power in this country, the rule-makers' den, the cesspool that takes my money and squanders it recklessly. Ya, they deserve a bit of backlash.
But further to what the judge did not consider, the protest would have halted even before reaching Ontario if our empty suit with 'nice hair' had had the gonads to speak to the people he was abusing and denying a livlyhood to.
How do we stay hopeful in such a hopeless environment? Ever since my right to visit my parents during COVID-19 was denied, I've lost hope. Like @occam mentions below, most people are apathetic and refuse to see that most of their Rights and Freedoms are slowly being diluted. These days, life is a chore. I love your reporting, it doesn't make me feel all alone in the world.
The smearing of the protesters is being used now in the Liberal campaign as they hope to be re-elected. Former Vancouver mayor, and Vancouver Fraserview-South Burnaby Liberal candidate is describing crowds that are showing up at stops in Pierre Pollievre's campaign as the same as the "Freedom Convoy protesters" (implying that the Conservative leader is a magnet for violent, homophobic, racist voters). Of course, as we know from the POEC testimony of police and intelligence officers, the protesters were peaceful etc. However, the Liberals and the legacy media feel free to train Canadians to remember the protesters as violent, and to view voters for the Conservatives (and by extension the People's Party of Canada) as part of an "unacceptable fringe minority." It seems it never ends. The message from Liberal and NDP campaigns at points is to be the friend of the average worker who carries a lunch bucket to their job. But this kind of friendship has its limits, as they expect in exchange for friendly rhetoric about the working class, the working class has one job between elections and that is to behave, or else you'll be charged with making mischief.
Trish, you note that civilian witness/victim impact statements will be part of the sentencing. I wish I could submit one as a civilian witness who felt less isolated because of those tremendous citizens who stood up and said no. I got to see bravery and grace at a time when I needed it.
It was amazing and healing to see, and it was effective. That protest actually changed things because there has been some daylight shining on important and previously hidden realities and more people are awakening or wondering. I feel like the convoy and the energy that went with it put a big kink in the trajectory we were on. I am beyond grateful to the truckers.
Sadly I have learned to save myself grief. I have learned to have “ no faith “ for any trial coming before the courts in Canada. No matter how sweet the Judge may present, or how “understanding “ he/she appears, it is always a ploy. The system is rigged. Laws change during the night and the stage is carefully set before the trial begins. This judicial system and its pawns are part of the take down of Canada.
Political persecution, nothing less.
Shameful, and Canadians sit and do nothing but smoke more weed, watch more netflix and shop more amazon.
Just like they want us to do.
I have been following you for quite awhile and six other Substack individual whom you know since I met them when I met you in Baddeck NS. We also met Jay Bhattacharyia (NIH). What a privilege, what thoughtful/thinking individuals. My point is you all were considered wrong on important issues (about the pandemic) including Jay, you, Chris and others. The Truckers were "right" about the Vaccine Mandates being "wrong" medically and likely even illegal which Brian Peckford tried to prove. If the people of Ottawa were as smart and knowledgable as you plus the others mentioned, the Truckers would have been greeted with open arms and noise of celebration.
I have no words……..which is exactly the government’s intent. The only thing left is to vote, and vote I will along with the rest who feel like the walking dead on our last leg of a quest to salvage what little hope there is left, of the Canada we once knew and loved. But I keep picturing the sad and wretched creature Gollum crawling on his belly in pursuit of the Ring…….and thinking that this is how the elite see the rest of us….something to despise and kick aside…..and that they are the heroes of the story….if only everyone would swallow their poison pill. How did everything get so turned around in so few short years? Keep writing Trish…as one crying in the wilderness. Don’t stop!
Complete aside but I love the clip from 1981. The interrupted program with the flirty hosts and even the news broadcast were so calming compared to the blaring, glaring productions today.
It's an interesting artifact. Sands would be considered a "terrorist" today but even violent struggle wasn't written off. He was wildly popular and even a folk hero to many even after doing some pretty violent things. Later -- IRA members shook hands with the Queen.
They spit in our Canadian faces for months and we call it rain.
We are not alone! The Malaise extends across the entire West. This is from a German site - highly recommended - Eugyppius.
"Germany, the land of outstanding lawyers and judges! They sport highest moral standards in terms of unbreakable loyalty to their current authorities, even rushing ahead in demonstrating their zeal. No no, it's not just the eternal villain Roland Freisler, but also figures such as Hans Filbinger or Hilde Benjamin who come to my mind as prominent examples from recent history. And today we see how less prominent figures all lower courts do their best to equal the shining examples of their betters."
Thank you for the clarity of the point you made. So important!
I just read an unusually thoughtful piece by Dr. Naomi Wolf on the state of freedom in Europe, with a lengthy report on Canada. I thought your readers might appreciate the perspective of an outsider:
https://naomiwolf.substack.com/p/a-new-map-of-the-world
I get where Ann Nyn is coming from.
Regarding the decision of the learned judge p m - perfectly logical, if working backwards to come up the necessary verdicts,
I can't seem to find the words needed to convey how deeply worrisome this verdict is as it shows my pessimism was warranted and our instiutions are no longer viable or trustworthy. It proves that this country is no longer run by the "rule of law", that our last hope of seeing justice prevail is lost. I am afraid my words are now a truth, being proven and shown openly to Canadian's who are paying attention. It means that regardless of who wins an election, there is little hope of change, as the rot is through out and within every institution in Canada. This upcoming election is the countries life, or its death, to which my pessimism is standing on guard. I fear Canada is no longer what it was, nor will it thrive again. I am so tainted, I believe that they are laying the foundation to a Liberal victory. Not because the people vote for it but because they have ordained themselves as the rulers over all. They will go to any and all lengths to stay in power and will do so with the aid of our now tainted institutions. Canada is no longer a democracy nor does it have the rule of law. Its no longer Canada and is truly the Globalist's first Post National State. Its so ironic that people are out their waving the Canadian flag as patriots to a country that no longer exists, and its toward their own demise, as they beg for reciprical tariffs. I would laugh at the irony, but I am far to ruined by reality.
Again; it is not the 1st time I have written to you; your common sense and caring personality shine through and through. I wish I could vote you into office and ask you to help our communities to make good and meaningful rules. I say ‘community” because we need to brake it down to suit our disparate groups. I will vote PPC after hearing your program. But really, I must say, living outside of Canada, like I do, is very much nicer than when I am in Canada!!! Sorry to say.
I think I'm just old school. Journalist prior to the internet and social media. We thought differently than the captured tribe who claim my profession today. Glassy eyed and ruled by the dubious anti-hate network to decide whose cause is just. Awful.
The decision is a great example of "legal realism", which is a philosophy of law which reflects how law seems to work, that it's not about normative rules, but about what the judges decide. It's a flawed philosophy, in that it ignores that there is a "correct" decision, objectively speaking, whatever a particular judge may decide, incorrectly, but it does recognize what seems to happen in cases like this, namely, a judge looks at the parties, the political climate, personal preference, what her friends and neighbours may think, and simple dislike of one party or another, and then decides who will win. The judge then "reasons backwards", using the "indeterminacy" inherent in language, case law and various cherry picked rules and principles, to get to the desired result. Then, in court, the reasons are read in reverse order to make it look like the judge worked from principle to result. It is typical of this kind of judgment to find flawed logic, strained interpretation of language and reliance on quaint case law that was originally used for some other purpose, or in which the facts were completely different. It is because of my studies in legal philosophy that I can generally (since Covid, invariably) predict the outcome in a hot political case, especially in a society like ours in which lawyers are trained "word quibblers", activists and believe the law and society should prioritize progressive/goal oriented results -- and not true jurists, as existed in the past, such as a Cicero or Lord Mansfield, who were trained not only to apply rules, but to protect custom, tradition and yes, justice. It will take a considerable overhaul of our society to make it possible for justice to occur in political cases such as this one, likely not in our lifetimes.
Very good analysis here. She appeared furtive while speaking from the bench.
There has been a noticeable decline in the judiciary over last 20 years. They used to be "scary" confident and independent. Not all, but many. These were the kind of judges we read about, capable of standing up to power. There was a reason in the British tradition they were called "Lords" and "Ladies" as this reflected status that could not be removed. There is good and bad to that, but along with abolishing those "names" (they are just judges and justices now), you also lowered their status in face of the other branches of government, and I would argue made them mere clerks or administrators of state policy. Covid illustrated that decline in status very well. Most recently, judges aren't just picked from the top lawyers in the profession, but have to apply. They are then screened and their social media disclosed. Plato said the last ruler you want is one who wants to be rule. That also I think applies to judges. This system is screening out a lot of good judges and, if you don't see a lot of grey hair, you are invariable looking up at a judge with political views that mirror the government's, or at least our current ones.