As I’m sure most of you have heard or seen, the G20 “protesting” got ugly in Toronto yesterday. I wouldn’t even call what happened yesterday protesting. The destruction being caused is actually deafening the important messages those truly exercising their rights to protest in a peaceful manner are trying to share.
Though I watched most of the craziness on CP24 yesterday, when things appeared relatively calm, J and I headed down to some of the hot spots. It was heartbreaking to see the stores and business I frequent often (many are just a block from me) completely ruined and their windows shattered. I don’t even have the words to describe it. As I headed home, rather than hear the usual hustle and bustle of city life, all I heard was the sickening noise of glass being cleaned up. It was quite surreal.
I don’t wish to get into a debate about who’s right or wrong. But I will say that destroying the city and the businesses of innocent people is wrong. Taking “I was here” photos in front of vandalized stores mocking them is wrong. Committing acts of violence towards others is wrong. Deafening the voices of those trying to share their message peacefully is wrong.
This is NOT the Toronto I love or live in.
UPDATE: One of my photos (this one) ended up on blogTO. While I wish it had been under better circumstances, I’m honored for the include. Cheers blogTO.
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Great shots – good job!
Fiona Richards | June 27th, 2010Heart breaking indeed. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for business owners yesterday.
Great post, your pictures are chilling. Thank you for sharing them. Imagine what a wonderful world it would be if everyone knew the difference between right and WRONG.
Dee Brun | June 27th, 2010how sad. i have never understood this kind of destruction. so needless! your pictures are beautiful, adele, they gave me chills.
lesley [smidgebox] | June 27th, 2010So sad. Your post really put this in perspective… to view this in the eyes of someone who lives there made the madness really hit home for me. Thanks for sharing.
Stephanie | June 27th, 201010, 13 and 15 are my favorite shots — so powerful.
PJ | June 27th, 2010Insanity. Pure insanity. These photos are heartbreaking. None of those fools ever thought for a moment about the impact of their actions, the people (just like them!) who would have to clean up after their little rage-fest. It’s really unbelievable. And I’m so sorry this happened in your neighborhood!
Clementine Cassie | June 28th, 2010Its horribly sad what went down in Toronto this weekend.
Tara | June 28th, 2010Beautiful pictures to tell a story of such shameful behavior.
Nicole : Three By Sea | June 28th, 2010This is really sad. Your pictures bring it home. I like seeing the ones of the crowd…
C. Wade | June 29th, 2010[...] has been such a crazy few weeks in Toronto. First the earthquake, then tornado warnings, then the G20 which was followed by Pride Week (which when classed as crazy I mean in a fun sense) and now the [...]
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