When I was 15, I was a political powerhouse, obsessed with my rights, obsessed with injustice, and relentless in my pursuit of the truth.
Then I grew up, got a fancy education, got a fancy job, started paying taxes, sleeping with boys, and spending far too much time at local pubs. I burnt out on politics, and became something of a cynic. Even at 15 I had predicted the demise of my political self, though back then I thought it would be more around the age of 40 (when I would officially become “over the hill.”)
I spent Sunday evening in pouring rain, with 250 strangers, locked in a blockade, against our will. Yes, the G20 was in town, and certainly some of us were there protesting, but others were simply commuting home when they were caught up in the mayhem. I was working as a member of the press.
We were held for five hours. We were not given an explanation for why we were being held. When I inquired, I was told that, as a member of the media, I should have fled when I had the chance.
Funny thing about that; We were never given the chance. Moreover, in a free and civil society, I happen to think that’s the last thing the media should be doing.
The evening was long. I became severely hypothermic. We were eventually released without charge.
But I can’t remember the last night I was this charged up. I am disgusted at the blatant disregard for civil liberties. I am ashamed of my country and my government. Most importantly, I am ready to take up the fight again. I’ve been far to apathetic for far too long.
Those who are not willing to fight for their rights, don’t deserve to have them.
Kettle blockade at the corner of Queen and Spadina, Sunday June 27, 2010, during the G20 summit in Toronto, Canada
