12 Comments
User's avatar
⭠ Return to thread
Richard's avatar

As a Canadian-American(Camerican?), I can tell you that the feeble response of our government to what many people refer to as more an occupation of our capital than a protest is a cause for public outrage. The trucker caravans have made it difficult for health care workers and people in need to access hospitals- counter demonstrations by health care workers and their supporters have led to angry confrontations in Toronto. The antivac truckers are a small but highly vocal minority among Canadian truckers 85% of whom are vaccinated. The only saving grace- no guns. I see this is a preview of what could happen in Canada if the US abandons the rule of law and goes full bore authoritarian. The threat to US democracy is a threat to all democracies.

Expand full comment
Hugh Spencer's avatar

Even in Vancouver there is great frustration (comments from my ex wife). Evidently there is a considerable contingent of US activists...

Expand full comment
Richard's avatar

Lots of US money and US right wing extremists fueling this- but they have some fertile ground in Canada to work with. And some members of our Conservative party have given them political cover. Some people here have forgotten that we choose our leaders through elections and not by intimidation and bullying.

Expand full comment
Linda K's avatar

I wondered about that.

Expand full comment
Christine (FL)'s avatar

Thank you for the insight, Richard. I do agree with your ending statement. The minority trucker contingent is perfect example.

Expand full comment
Barbara Mullen's avatar

And there are reports of Nazi flag waving. When you look at the fact that some strongly fascist leaning Republicans support these truckers this spells trouble. FOX is supporting the truckers. And now the truckers have advanced to the Detroit bridge.

Sending the best of wishes to the Canadians.

Expand full comment
Judith Swink (CA)'s avatar

I also heard, in one report, Confederate flags. Same report stated that there were many truckers/anti-vaxxers from the U.S. participating. I haven't heard this elsewhere yet however.

Expand full comment
Barbara Mullen's avatar

I also read where Canada declined Republican support. Go Canada.

Expand full comment
Judith Swink (CA)'s avatar

Republican support to do what?

Expand full comment
Barbara Mullen's avatar

Honestly. Who knows. FOX has been voicing their support of the truckers. I believe it stems from the anti everything concerning measures taken to fight covid in Canada.

Expand full comment
Just Sayin''s avatar

One trucker with an 18-wheeler can make a statement. 30 truckers in the same place can produce gridlock in a city's transportation arterials. Then the media piles on...

Expand full comment