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spacefreak · Nov 30, 2004, 11:31 AM

OTTAWA - Hopes for early mass protests in the streets of Ottawa on the eve of Tuesday's visit by US President George W. Bush fizzled out, as journalists outnumbered demonstrators.

A loose coalition of groups opposed to just about everything Bush supports had promised two demonstrations hours before Bush was due to jet into Ottawa Tuesday aboard Air Force One.

The first demonstration -- of Palestinians and sympathisers of the Palestinian cause opposed to Washington's support of Israel -- attracted less than 40 demonstrators.

According to a quick head count by journalists, the protest attracted 39 demonstrators, 42 journalists and television crew members and three police officers.

A second, ostensibly larger, demonstration scheduled for the midst of the evening rush hour -- was called by a group calling itself Students Against Bush.

Nobody turned up. Further protests however were expected on Tuesday.

Efforts to contact protest organizers were unsuccessful, with the phone numbers listed by organizers remaining unanswered.

I'm sure that, due to this embarrassing news, some sort of protest will be able to gather a crowd before Bush departs Canada.

For the sake of Canada's flailing protest industry, they should not only be granting immediate citizenship to liberal protest veterans from the US - they should be aggressively recruiting them as well.

Steve Bosell · Nov 30, 2004, 11:45 AM

its canada, who cares?

Abu Bakr · Nov 30, 2004, 11:48 AM

Originally posted by Steve Bosell:
its canada, who cares?

Apparently spacefreak cares.

johnny_hotrod · Nov 30, 2004, 12:26 PM

Here is a webcam view or Parliment Hill

Hill Cam

Millennium · Nov 30, 2004, 01:20 PM

I know there was a group of marijuana advocates who had something planned. Were they too stoned to show up?

Shaddim · Nov 30, 2004, 01:29 PM

Originally posted by Millennium:
I know there was a group of marijuana advocates who had something planned. Were they too stoned to show up?

They forgot.

angaq0k · Nov 30, 2004, 01:57 PM

The general mood here is one that has more to do with a "fed up" feeling with the whole thing.

If you walk in the streets and ask people around, you may get a lot of answers that would support the possition of the protesters.

It is true that the "protest industry" is not going well.

But it is not an industry, and the protest is handled at an individual level. If you look at the media, pretty much all of them have a mention regarding U.S. foreign policy taht is rather opposed to what is going on in Iraq.

No one will be opposed to the removal of Saddam Hussein though, has pretty much everyone wanted him out, except maybe a few industrialists who may have profited from it.

Nevertheless, this is not enough cause for laughs, because most of these groups are usually ad hoc organizations who often relate more to fringe student groups (like the marijuana supporting one). There is no organized protest movement in Canada against Bush.

It is closer to a state of mind. Of course, I cannot speak in the name of all my fellow of Quebec or Canada, but for myself.

rambo47 · Nov 30, 2004, 05:08 PM

Kind of reminds me of the protest at Bucknell University when Alexander Haig came to speak. His appearance was advertised all over campus, in the campus newspaper, and by the local media for more than 3 weeks prior to the event. When he came the protest was beyond lame. 2 people protested. TWO! One was the head of the Political Science department, and he was canned the next term. The applause for Haig was deafening and the two hapless protesters left in disgust.

Zimphire · Nov 30, 2004, 05:12 PM

Originally posted by Steve Bosell:
its canada, who cares?

I care. There are many Canadians I like and am friends with.

Truth be told, they don't care much about American politics.

They are just living their life.

Much like Americans.

TeknoTurd · Nov 30, 2004, 05:32 PM

http://www.amalgamatedlampblack.com/protpage2.html

Here's a photoblog showing the "mass movement" (LOL

) which seems to be made up mainly of presumably unemployed far lefties who spend their days and nights desperately trying to link Bush and Hitler, while at the same time saying we're controlled by the Israelies. Go Figure.

Zimphire · Nov 30, 2004, 05:38 PM

This explains a lot

Wiskedjak · Nov 30, 2004, 05:53 PM

Originally posted by Zimphire:
I care. There are many Canadians I like and am friends with.

Truth be told, they don't care much about American politics.

They are just living their life.

Much like Americans.

Precisely. In general, Canadians don't get worked up about too much. Just compare the G-8 summit in Calgary to the WTO conference in Seattle. Massive riot in Seattle; a few hundred people milling about in Calgary.

There's only a handful of us that are concerned about American politics.

typoon · Nov 30, 2004, 05:54 PM

Originally posted by TeknoTurd:
http://www.amalgamatedlampblack.com/protpage2.html

Here's a photoblog showing the "mass movement" (LOL ) which seems to be made up mainly of presumably unemployed far lefties who spend their days and nights desperately trying to link Bush and Hitler, while at the same time saying we're controlled by the Israelies. Go Figure.

Sounds like the Left in this country.

Spliffdaddy · Nov 30, 2004, 06:06 PM

A vocal minority of peacenik treehuggers who are outnumbered by courageous forward-thinking individuals. Just like in the USA.

SimpleLife · Nov 30, 2004, 07:33 PM

Originally posted by Spliffdaddy:
A vocal minority of peacenik treehuggers who are outnumbered by courageous forward-thinking individuals. Just like in the USA.

You must be a people-person.

TeknoTurd · Nov 30, 2004, 08:03 PM

You must be a people-person.

No, he's just wise beyond his years.

besson3c · Nov 30, 2004, 09:03 PM

Originally posted by Wiskedjak:
Precisely. In general, Canadians don't get worked up about too much. Just compare the G-8 summit in Calgary to the WTO conference in Seattle. Massive riot in Seattle; a few hundred people milling about in Calgary.

There's only a handful of us that are concerned about American politics.

I wonder why it is then that Canada also gets 60% or more voter turnout, where the US can only reel in 40% on a good day?

Not disputing you necessarily, just wondering what the connection/relationship is here...

villalobos · Nov 30, 2004, 10:54 PM

Originally posted by Zimphire:
I care. There are many Canadians I like and am friends with.

Truth be told, they don't care much about American politics.

They are just living their life.

Much like Americans.

You got that one right. Americans don't care much about American politics... unfortunately. That's why Bush got reelected I guess.

CD Hanks · Nov 30, 2004, 11:00 PM

Originally posted by villalobos:
You got that one right. Americans don't care much about American politics... unfortunately. That's why Bush got reelected I guess.

I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE! HA HA HA HA

Zimphire · Nov 30, 2004, 11:49 PM

Yeah dishonesty. The plight of the left.

Disgruntled Head of C-3PO · Dec 1, 2004, 12:42 AM

Originally posted by Abu Bakr:
Apparently spacefreak cares.

Don't forget Steve Bosell who always says the same thing in order to show that it doesn't bother him

Zimphire · Dec 1, 2004, 02:23 AM

From IRC.

A-Reece: bush is up here in canada right now.... trying to get the backing of our military... we offered both jeeps but he was not satisfied

And not all Candians hate Bush.

SabrYna`: I hope some peper doesnT shoot him :/

James L · Dec 1, 2004, 02:55 AM

Originally posted by Zimphire:
From IRC.

A-Reece: bush is up here in canada right now.... trying to get the backing of our military... we offered both jeeps but he was not satisfied

And not all Candians hate Bush.

SabrYna`: I hope some peper doesnT shoot him :/

We have two?

James L · Dec 1, 2004, 02:56 AM

Originally posted by Disgruntled Head of C-3PO:
Don't forget Steve Bosell who always says the same thing in order to show that it doesn't bother him

Yeah, but he probably talks out loud to hear the sound of his own voice too.

Disgruntled Head of C-3PO · Dec 1, 2004, 03:02 AM

Originally posted by James L:
Yeah, but he probably talks out loud to hear the sound of his own voice too.

Oh and Zimph cares, he has 4 posts here already.

Zimphire · Dec 1, 2004, 03:13 AM

Originally posted by Disgruntled Head of C-3PO:
Oh and Zimph cares, he has 4 posts here already.

Master of the obvious.

Zimphire · Dec 1, 2004, 03:14 AM

DP

Aiglos · Dec 1, 2004, 02:55 PM

Originally posted by spacefreak:
Early anti-Bush demos fizzle in CanadaI'm sure that, due to this embarrassing news, some sort of protest will be able to gather a crowd before Bush departs Canada.

For the sake of Canada's flailing protest industry, they should not only be granting immediate citizenship to liberal protest veterans from the US - they should be aggressively recruiting them as well.

I live in ottawa and we had a fairly large turnout to protest Bush, as indicated by the local news at 6 Pm Tuesday. But you have to understand. We Canadians don't give a sh*t about him and so he's not worth protesting for.

Bush comes to canada? Who cares, life goes on. I have too much work going on to care what he says....

"Now watch this drive..."

Zimphire · Dec 1, 2004, 03:19 PM

Originally posted by Aiglos:
But you have to understand. We Canadians don't give a sh*t about him and so he's not worth protesting for.

Bush comes to canada? Who cares, life goes on. I have too much work going on to care what he says....

"Now watch this drive..."

Exactly. That is the sentiment I have gotten from most Canadians.

typoon · Dec 1, 2004, 05:32 PM

Originally posted by villalobos:
You got that one right. Americans don't care much about American politics... unfortunately. That's why Bush got reelected I guess.

I would have to disagree. That is why John Kerry didn't get Elected beacuse we DO care about American Politics.

Abu Bakr · Dec 1, 2004, 05:41 PM

Originally posted by typoon:
I would have to disagree. That is why John Kerry didn't get Elected beacuse we DO care about American Politics.

What was the voter turnout?

Zimphire · Dec 1, 2004, 07:48 PM

Originally posted by Abu Bakr:
What was the voter turnout?

We had MORE voters this time around than last.

Looks like a lot of righties that didn't vote before wanted to make sure Kerry didn't get into office.

mikellanes · Dec 3, 2004, 01:24 PM

You missed these:
http://ottawa.indymedia.ca/en/2004/11/174.shtml

Shaddim · Dec 3, 2004, 02:28 PM

Originally posted by mikellanes:
You missed these:

No, I didn't miss them, I just don't really care that much.

CD Hanks · Dec 3, 2004, 03:18 PM

http://www.cmaq.net/upload/extra/ottawa2/DSC_0031.JPG
NO UR THE DUM DUMB LOL

http://www.cmaq.net/upload/extra/ottawa2/DSC_1063.JPG
I see Canada has followed the CIA's and MI's lead with experimenting on the population with LSD.

http://www.cmaq.net/upload/extra/ottawa2/DSC_1011.JPG
That's actually not a bad idea...

http://www.cmaq.net/upload/extra/ottawa2/DSC_0147.JPG
Yeah, you watch, it'll happen.

Lot of young white guys in the crowd. Reminds me of the WTO Seattle fiasco. Except with less explosions.

Severed Hand of Skywalker · Dec 3, 2004, 03:32 PM

Originally posted by Aiglos:

Bush comes to canada? Who cares, life goes on. I have too much work going on to care what he says....

"Now watch this drive..."

Exactly, he can come for a visit, say thanks and than go back to the US and **** things up even more.

Zimphire · Dec 3, 2004, 03:49 PM

Originally posted by Severed Hand of Skywalker:
Exactly, he can come for a visit, say thanks and than go back to the US and **** things up even more.

Actually that sounds like you care. You are making an effort to try to project him screwing things up.

Someone that didn't care would have never made that statement.

Spliffdaddy · Dec 3, 2004, 03:59 PM

87% of Americans cannot name the Canadian "President".

93% of Americans don't even care.

James L · Dec 3, 2004, 04:29 PM

Originally posted by Spliffdaddy:
87% of Americans cannot name the Canadian "President".

93% of Americans don't even care.

Wow, 93% of Americans are ignorant of the world around them? That is a pretty sad statistic really... and one I hope isn't true.

I wonder, if it is true, how those Americans enjoy their vehicles made of parts from overseas, obtaining credit cards from countries whose book keeping is done overseas. Lighting up their house with electricity bought from Canadian companies, building houses with Canadian wood, wearing clothing made in Mexico, typing on their Macintosh made in Taiwan.... I could go on. It is sad that 93% of all Americans, according to your statistics, are ignorant of the world all around them.

...that just can't be true.

But, as a Canadian, thanks for the billions of dollars in trade, the billions of dollars making movies up here, etc. Thanks for the billions that are spent in tourism too. We enjoy your money, as we enjoy interacting with the rest of the world in trade, commerce, travel, etc.

And to the other 7% of the American people I say bravo!

MATTRESS · Dec 3, 2004, 05:09 PM

Originally posted by Spliffdaddy:
87% of Americans cannot name the Canadian "President".

93% of Americans don't even care.

What is this Canada you talk about?

Severed Hand of Skywalker · Dec 3, 2004, 05:15 PM

Originally posted by Spliffdaddy:
87% of Americans cannot name the Canadian "President".

93% of Americans don't even care.

That's a wonderful educational system you got there

James L · Dec 3, 2004, 08:34 PM

Originally posted by Severed Hand of Skywalker:
That's a wonderful educational system you got there

lol!

Spliffdaddy · Dec 3, 2004, 10:57 PM

I make up statistics on the spot.

And canadians believe them.

And call Americans stupid.

Thanks for the laughs, guys.

James L · Dec 3, 2004, 11:37 PM

Originally posted by Spliffdaddy:
I make up statistics on the spot.

And canadians believe them.

And call Americans stupid.

Thanks for the laughs, guys.

Actually, I said a couple of times in my post that I didn't believe think the stats were true... shame you were too much of a dumbass to spot it.

The fact that you made them up only to egg someone on only serves to show that you are not only a dumbass, but a childish one at that.

Your country must be very proud... Childish AND ignorant.

Whatever... at least there are real Americans on this board to talk too. I will let you go know, as it must be time for your nap or bottle or something.

Spliffdaddy · Dec 4, 2004, 12:07 AM

I don't take advice from citizens of countries that are not #1.

PS, I'm 38 and I retired 2 weeks ago.

I love America.

besson3c · Dec 4, 2004, 12:19 AM

Originally posted by Spliffdaddy:
I don't take advice from citizens of countries that are not #1.

PS, I'm 38 and I retired 2 weeks ago.

I love America.

America vs. Other Country, no holds barred super sonic death match, yours for $4.99, only on Pay Per View!

Instead of positioning your country as the "best" as if it was a football team or something, can you not accept that other countries are "different", not better or worse?

Any benchmark you use (wealth, power, etc.) is not necessarily a universal benchmark we can all agree upon.

James L · Dec 4, 2004, 01:50 AM

Originally posted by Spliffdaddy:
I don't take advice from citizens of countries that are not #1.

PS, I'm 38 and I retired 2 weeks ago.

I love America.

What country exactly IS number 1 then? Please don't say you are arrogant enough to think it is your country (or any other for that matter)? If you truly did retire at 38 one would thinkn you to be intelligent... though you have attempted to prove otherwise.

Oh, and I love America too. I just don't have blinders on.

Spheric Harlot · Dec 4, 2004, 04:22 AM

Originally posted by Disgruntled Head of C-3PO:
Oh and Zimph cares, he has 4 posts here already.

Up to nine, now.

Must be a regular Canada FANBOY, that one.

SimpleLife · Dec 4, 2004, 06:19 PM

Originally posted by Spliffdaddy:
I don't take advice from citizens of countries that are not #1.

PS, I'm 38 and I retired 2 weeks ago.

I love America.

Retirement must be quite boring for you to still be posting here...

spacefreak · Dec 4, 2004, 08:32 PM

Originally posted by mikellanes:
You missed these:

Originally posted by spacefreak:
Early anti-Bush demos fizzle in Canada I'm sure that, due to this embarrassing news, some sort of protest will be able to gather a crowd before Bush departs Canada.

It's nice to see that they were able to muster up a few hundred souls to speak for their nation's anti-Bush passions.