Irresponsible: Michael Coren Gives Radicals a Platform to Smear Police

Suffice to say, I have been critical of Michael Coren’s opinion of police action during the G20 summit. Despite the evidence to the contrary, Coren believes that the police were downright incompetent and that they let the criminals get away while arresting innocent civilians. This version of events doesn’t match up with what we know about what happened. While many protesters might not have smashed store fronts and loot businesses, they certainly at least condoned, if not encourage this kind of nonsense. So when Coren announced that he would have an episode dedicated to the G20 summit, discussing the events of that weekend with protest organizers and people who were detained, I knew it wasn’t going to be balanced. Sure enough, thanks to SDAMatt2, I can give my modest readership a taste of just how blatantly biased and downright irresponsible yesterday’s show was.

For those who didn’t pay attention to the protesters at the G20 summit, John Clarke of the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP) was advocating for the use of violence to push a radical political message during the riots. While not only condoning, but encouraging what could easily be seen as terrorism (the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, especially for political purposes) would be enough to have this man blacklisted from most everyone’s television show, Coren gives this man a platform to push his radicalism. While Michael does question the validity in attacking franchised stores to push a political agenda, he lets much of what Clarke says go. This might come as a surprise to Coren, but seeing how this man is partly responsible for the violence and destruction that occurred in Toronto, not challenging his radical beliefs, let alone inviting him on your show to discuss said radical beliefs, validate them. Unless you send a strong message to these politically twisted individuals that this kind of activism is wrong, they will continue doing it.

Suffice to say, things only got worse. This next video is not only offensive and downright stupid, but it is ten minutes of uninterrupted and unquestioned dribble from someone who has a very loose grip on reality. Meet G20 detainee Tommy Taylor.

Where to begin? Firstly, I don’t believe that the police didn’t tell them to disperse. It is more likely that this twit didn’t hear what was being said by police because he either wasn’t paying attention (looks like this guy goes through life not paying attention) or it was drowned out by all the yelling and screaming protesters. It could be that he did hear the police order, but for the sake of the story, purposely omitted that detail. “Little Tommy” has every reason to lie about the circumstances of his arrest, especially if he is trying to portray himself as the victim. Anyone paying attention could see something was wrong with this story right from the start.

Suffice to say, “Little Tommy’s” story of his detention was greatly exaggerated. Thanks to Tim at blogTO, we can see exactly what it looked like in the G20 Eastern Avenue Detention Centre. The first thing I noticed when looking at these pictures was how small the cages were. I don’t think it is even physically possible to put forty people into one of these cells. Next, I find it hard to believe those being detained were denied food and drink with all the empty paper cups, the half-eaten sandwiches and fruit strewn all over the floor. It is obvious looking at the pictures that they were given the basics to eat, so it is ridiculous for these twits to keep denying it. Then we have “Little Tommy’s” collapse while being detained. Assuming he isn’t making this up as well (his story thus far is mostly fiction), the only reason he would collapse, aside from any serious medical condition, is not getting enough air. With twenty people in those cells, I would imagine those pushed into a corner would have trouble breathing, a far more believable story than the one Taylor gave. I used to work at EB Games in Place D’Orleans and during our Boxing Day sale, a child puked and passed out in one of the far corners of the store. With sixty to seventy people inside such a confined space, it had gotten difficult to breath and after this incident, we were forced to keep the amount of shoppers in the story to a minimum. It is hard to believe even this much would go unchallenged by Coren, but “Little Tommy’s” story is far from finished.

How could Michael Coren, a man born Jewish, allow this twit to compare the Toronto detention centres to Auschwitz? Sure Taylor excuses this comparison by saying a police officer at the detention centre said it, something I find hard to believe, but he repeats this comment so many times that it is harder to believe he himself doesn’t think this comment is entirely valid. Those detained were fed, not beaten and executed like those at the concentration camp, so let’s stop with the Nazi references. “Little Tommy” then says that some police officers broke down crying as they were unable to handle seeing the protesters being so poorly treated, while other more sadistic cops were enjoying abusing their prisoners. Excuse me? If I were Michael Coren, after listening to the twit compare the detention centres to Auschwitz, upon hearing this nonsense, I would have cut his mic and demanded that he leave. If anyone needed proof that this episode was a purposeful smear against the Toronto police, here it is. Allowing these claims to go unchallenged is by far the most irresponsible thing Coren could have done. Through his inaction, he gives this false story credit, a story which will encourage others twits to take to the streets in violent protest. These violent radicals already blew up a Canadian Forces recruitment centre in Trois-Riviere, Quebec because of this nonsense, so all this does is give them more reason to do it again. Didn’t think of that one did you Michael?

As I have stated before, Michael Coren exposes his less-than-conservative views once in a while in the name of “balance”. There was, however, not even a pretense of balance in yesterday’s show. With the absence of anyone with contrary beliefs, let’s not pretend that such commentary was anything but biased. Allowing such dribble to largely go unchallenged is downright irresponsible. No one benefits from this continued anti-establishment violence and giving voice to those who not only condone, but encourage it, makes matters worse. This is not the way to “raise the level of discourse” Michael.

Next time you want an in depth discussion on an issue, bring both sides to the table. While you might not agree with what one side says, you will actually have a balanced and unbiased debate, something far different from the irresponsible mess you had with yesterday’s show. Disgraceful…

Toronto Burns: The Black Bloc and the True Face of the G8/G20 Protests

For those who are determined to believe that the violence that has been occurring in Toronto over the G8/G20 summit is simply the acts of a few radicals, here’s video evidence to the contrary from SDAMatt2.

As SDAMatt2 points out, Sid Ryan’s group, Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), is marching alongside and encouraging the actions of the Black Bloc, a group of anarchists who have been going around, dressed fully in black, as per anarchists tactics, and committing acts of vandalism. It isn’t simply Sid Ryan’s group, but also John Clarke’s Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP) that is supporting these extremists. SDAMatt2 also provides video of Clarke’s “support” for the Black Bloc’s actions.

Now what is there to be said about this? Well, as Ryan had stated previously, his group would be adhering strictly to peaceful protesting practices. He even stated that they had themselves designated a protest zone where they would protest the G8/G20 summits and push their politics that way. Suffice to say, it was a lie. As the video above demonstrates, they abandoned their designated protest zones to clash with police. Not content with a peaceful demonstration, these groups have purposely sought confrontation with law enforcement in a desperate attempt to have their twisted political beliefs heard. I wonder whether or not Michael Coren will raise this next time Sid Ryan appears on his show. So much for “raising the level of discourse” eh?

While many Canadians are still angry at the amount of money spent on security for the G8/G20 summits, it is easy to see why it was needed. Even with the large security force in place in Toronto, violent protesters and their supporters are starting too many riots for these forces to keep up with. The burning of police cars, the complete destruction of store fronts (Starbucks, a typical liberal “intelligentsia” hangout, being one of the victims) and the other random acts of violence appear to be too much to handle, but that is the point isn’t it? While it is a far cry from the acts of al-Qaeda, this is very much domestic terrorism. As Clarke himself points out in the CityTV interview, they intend on terrorizing both the public and private sectors until their political goals are met. This is why a billion dollars in tax payer money was spent, to prevent these radicals from achieving this objective. Force can only be met with force, and while I applaud the security forces in Toronto for their restraint, the actions of these protesters should not be tolerated, but dealt with harshly. Arrest them, charge them, and imprison them. I don’t want to see those responsible for these actions released shortly after the summit is over.

Who is responsible? As I stated previously, both CUPE and OCAP have a hand in this, but there are many more people connected to this violence. Various student/political groups on the University of Toronto campus should be investigated for their support of the Black Bloc as well. Early this morning, after getting a tip, Toronto police raided the Koffler Student Centre and the Graduate Students’ Union and found various weapons of opportunity. In my opinion, University officials should immediately suspend funding to both groups and allow for a police investigation into their connection with the Black Bloc. It is bad enough that these individuals are being aided by various political groups, but when publicly funded school groups are also providing support, it adds insult to injury. Does anyone else see the irony in public funds being use to help a group which wants to tear down the government? It is dumbfounding.

I will honestly say I have had enough of this. Be it the Summit of the Americas in Quebec City in 2001, or these riots on the streets of Toronto, I am sick and tired of having to allow for this political radicalism. This isn’t about the exercising basic freedoms, especially since carrying weapons and committing random acts of vandalism aren’t protected rights for any individuals, no matter what side of the political spectrum they happen to be on. This is about not having to tolerate this nonsense, nor having to pay for the security needed to protect against it, let alone the clean up which follows. If these protesters were indeed peaceful as they so often like to claim, why is it that this happens every time they protest? If you want to protest peaceful, than stick to your designated protest zones as you promised you would. The rights of ordinary people and business owners are being pushed aside to accommodate these violent temper tantrums every time they want to push their twisted political message and it has to stop. Those who condone and encourage this behaviour should be publicly criticized, if not arrested and charged, to show the rest of society that this nonsense will no longer be tolerated. This especially applies to those who support, if not openly declare themselves to be anarchists. If you ask me, anarchist organizations should be treated like terrorist groups as they have the same objectives as al-Qaeda and other such organizations; the complete destruction of Western society.

A few random acts of violence? More like a few random acts of peaceful protest amongst a larger and considerably violent mob. As the first video demonstrates, this is the true face of the G8/G20 protests. Disgraceful…

UPDATE: Before anyone comments or corrects me on this, while the event happening in Toronto is the G20 summit (the G8 summit was in Huntsville, Ontario), these protests are in response to both summits. These people are anti-globalization, as well as anti-establishment, and they have been gathering in Toronto for the last week or so. Because of this, I take their actions to be against both summits, not simply the G20.

UPDATE: News reports coming in about the “mistreatment” of protesters by police. While there have been some questionable actions, I doubt it is as bad as it is being portrayed. Conflicting reports are coming in about whether these people were given a warning before they were arrested. Two reporters for the National Post, Brett Gundlock and Colin O’Connor, were detained for refusing to disperse, as well as being “amongst violent people.” Seeing how they don’t look particularly “professional” (they both look like soccer hooligans), it is easy to see how they could be mistaken for protesters and arrested, especially if they wouldn’t leave the area. In any event, unless these reporters have permission to be there, they shouldn’t be there. Same goes with the rest of these “innocent and peaceful protesters” who have been arrested (I doubt they were peaceful with some of them carrying hatchets, nail guns and body armour, among other things). After the riots yesterday, unless these people were looking for trouble, they shouldn’t be anywhere near the police, let alone out in the streets of Toronto.

As for these stories about protesters not getting the best treatment while detained, I couldn’t care less. Why should I? Once again, we have seen the videos of these rioters destroying store fronts, pictures of them attacking police, etc so why should anyone care how they are treated in custody? Let’s not forget that this is Canada, and our treatment of detainees is pretty good even in the worst of circumstances. Holding cells were crowded? Considering how many people were arrested, why wouldn’t they be? We are also hearing conflicting reports about whether or not they were given food, but seeing how many of those being released have have said they were given sandwiches to eat and water to drink, it is obvious that many of these individuals are trying to pass themselves off as “martyrs”. “Victims” who were just yesterday victimizing store owners and innocent Torontonians trying to get home after being let go early from work.

Michael Coren weighed in on this in his usual “moderate” way, saying that “the police are now acting with too much violence and towards innocent people.” Considering the various videos and pictures depicting the exact opposite, I wonder whether this isn’t simply another knee jerk reaction from someone who not only hasn’t been paying attention to the events, but is oblivious to even the most basic facts. Here’s the quote that sums this entire nonsensical post up.

There are thousands of them there and they have enough time and resources to do this job properly. But these are the same cops who obsess about small issues, arrest storekeepers protecting their own property, try to arrest soccer fans who are loud rather than violent and generally haven’t grown with the city and changed accordingly.

So the police are not only incompetent but abusive? Enough time and resources to do the job properly? Excuse me, but when even Mayor David Miller, a man known for his left-leaning views, is defending the actions of these officers, it should demonstrate just how wrong Coren is on this. These weren’t “a few middle-class morons” Michael, the Black Bloc is a large and organized group of relatively experienced agitators. If the arrests at the University of Toronto prove anything, it is that these anarchists have far more support then the usual violent twits. Aside from writing an offensive post, what do you do about this kind of nonsense? You legitimize it by inviting people like Sid Ryan on your show. Ask Ryan next time he in on about CUPE members marching with the Black Bloc. He lied to you about wanting a peaceful protest, so why not confront him on it? Prove to me you have the character to do at least that.

While the security forces haven’t been perfect, let’s not pretend that they are the villains in this ongoing drama. They are doing all they can to prevent further property damage and break up further riots, riots which were started by these so-called “peaceful protesters”. These hooligans are definitely not the “victims” many in the media would like us to believe they are. Downright disgraceful…

UPDATE: For you viewing pleasure, the G20 debate from ‘The Michael Coren Show’, courtesy of SDAMatt2.

Suffice to say, Coren himself comes off looking like a twit. StrictlyRight.com’s Andrew Lawton doesn’t appear particularly informed either, floating conspiracy theories about how the police let four vehicles get torched (this was upsetting because I actually like the guy). Think horse, not zebra! Obviously police left the car there as a sign of there presence in the area, not as a “clever trap” to catch protesters. I am actually surprised to see Tarek Fatah coming out of this looking like the voice of reason. While I don’t agree with him most of the time, he definitely knew the facts while the other panelists didn’t. It would have been nice if Coren let him finish his points instead of interrupting him with “moderate” dribble. Pathetic…

UPDATE: Finally there is some coverage from the other side of the border. Hot Air’s Allahpundit has a post up, and while I don’t agree with either his or Mark Steyn’s conclusions, I recommend my modest readership at least give the videos he has posted a look.

UPDATE: New video from ‘The Michael Coren Show’, courtesy of SDAMatt2.

Coren appears far more moderate in these videos, especially now having the facts on the incident. Even with all that was said, I still have a hard time blaming Police Chief Bill Blair for this. Violence was perpetrated by the rioters, and ONLY the rioters, and while the police definitely should have done more on Saturday, considering the end results (vandalism was fairly limited compared to other such incidents in the past, and no one was seriously injured or killed), I don’t see this as anywhere near a complete failure by law enforcement. Also, while innocent bystanders were arrested, let’s not pretend that most, if not all people (as some would like to believe) detained were “in the wrong place at the wrong time”. I still believe that the majority of people who were arrested on Sunday, considering the events Saturday, were out looking for trouble. Coren himself now even admits that many of these “accredited” reporters were not the innocent bystanders they claim to be.

If logic and common sense can’t prevail against this nonsensical narrative push by many in the media, than we have a problem. Mind-boggling…

UPDATE: There is no better way to end a story than wrapping it up with a poll taken by Angus Reid on public reaction to the events at the G20 summit. As Kelly McParland from the National Post reports, the news is definitely not good for the protesters.

Respondents were asked about their feelings about the demonstrations that took place in Toronto during the G20 summit. Two-thirds of Canadians (69%) are disgusted, 59% are ashamed, 57% are angry, and 54% are sad. In Toronto, the proportion of respondents who reported negative feelings was higher (Disgust 81%, Anger 74%, Sadness 65%, Shame 61%).

Left out by this story, public opinion as to police actions taken during the G20 summit. Across Canada, 66% of those polled believed that actions taken by law enforcement were at least moderately justified, with 41% believing they were completely justified. Even with all this media spin, the overwhelming majority of the public still viewed the police in the right, and the protesters/rioters in the wrong. Refreshing…