In advance of the 2010 Winter Olympics, critics of the Games have been subjected to surveillance, harassment, along with other intimidation tactics. Voicing opposition to the Olympics appears to be all that is needed for one to be labeled as a security threat. There are concerns over the negative impacts associated with holding the Games, as well as concerted efforts to stifle anti-Olympic expression. As the Coca-Cola/RBC corporate torch relay nears its final destination, the opening ceremonies in Vancouver on February 12, 2010, more protests are expected. The Olympics are providing the perfect cover for many police state measures with ramifications that could leave a lasting legacy.
In a recent report, the Civil Liberties Advisory Committee (CLAC), an Olympic watchdog group issued a series of recommendations aimed at ensuring that rights and freedoms are respected during the Winter Games. The group strongly believes that protesters have a right to gather anywhere on public property, provided that they do not break the law. In regards to safe protest zones, CLAC favors that they be defined by painted lines on sidewalks or streets and not by fences or security barriers. This gives the perception that protesters are a threat. The watchdog group proposed that the Vancouver Police Department (VDP) be given the lead role in dealing with Olympic protests. This is due to concerns over mistrust of the RCMP in the province of BC as well as out of town police officers being, “unfamiliar with the groups and practices associated with peaceful protests here." CLAC also recommended that, “the Integrated Security Unit issue a public assurance that plain-clothes police officers or other plain-clothes agents will not actively participate in protests during the Olympics.” There are fears that police could infiltrate anti-Olympic groups, in order to stage events which would justify a crackdown during the 2010 Winter Games.
(go to website to read full article)
http://beyourownleader.blogspot.com/2009/12/police-state-canada-2010-and-olympic.html
Stumble It!
An anti-Olympic mural that was removed after the city deemed it graffiti once again adorns the facade of an art gallery in the Downtown Eastside.
Civil-rights watchdogs have pointed at the mural’s removal as proof of the threat to freedom of expression during the Games.
But a Vision councillor maintains that the removal order, while regrettable, was simply a case of staff acting in good faith after receiving complaints.
“I think, frankly, that it’s just a bit of a bureaucratic snafu, said Coun. Geoff Meggs yesterday.
“I’m sorry that it happened, but it’s not representative of how we want to protect civil rights during the Games. And we’ve been adamant that we do.”
http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver/local ... al-returns
Ed Deak.
When I see some of the worst junkfood pushers advertised on TV by so called "athletes", as "official sponsors of the games", it ain't no "games" no more.
There was a time when I had a good chance to compete in the Olympics, and I would have done and given anything to make it, but the war killed it. Today, I wouldn't cross the street with a paid for ticket in my pocket to see any of the showbiz events by paid performers.
Vancouver welcoming the world ? What world? The 1 billion people going hungry and the 30 million children starving to death every year?
Ed Deak.
Interestingly enough, I was listening to a CBC radio program that was playing hi-lights of yesteryear. And the one that stood out was the large increase in toy prices that happened in the 60's in conjuntion with Christsmas. The commentary that went with it was something like "how were the poor in Canada supposed to enjoy Christmas when their kids found out they couldn't have what they saw 'everyone else' having....."
I guess the "Games" are just one big Xmas party for some.