As I’m typing this, it’s early afternoon on a Sunday. I can hear cars and trucks honking in the distance. This has been the soundtrack to my weekend.
On YouTube, people have been live-streaming what’s happening on Parliament Hill, as well as on the streets nearby.
On social media, people are also live-streaming and sharing their outrage, both for and against the convoy. Also, people are tearing each other apart, and friendships are getting tossed out.
In the Centretown area and elsewhere, residents are either afraid to leave their homes or are simply choosing to avoid the traffic caused by the “freedom fighters.”
Over the last few days, my city, OUR city, has been put through the wringer by these protestors who forgot about something called civility.
This isn’t freedom. To be quite honest, I feel like a prisoner.
Full disclosure, I’m doing my best to avoid the news and social media today, and perhaps longer. Please forgive me if certain parts of this week’s column seem outdated.
As I mentioned above, people are tearing each other apart online, and I want nothing to do with it. As for the news, I think it’s self-explanatory as to why I’m trying to avoid it.
I’ve been living in Centretown since 1994. At this point, I’ve become quite used to vehicles honking, sirens blaring, and loud bangs that you hope aren’t gunshots or people dying for other reasons.
My biggest issue with the convoy was how easy it was for a group and several groups to take over our city. Yes, I support freedom of expression and the right to protest. However, I have issues with groups taking over our city while the police and politicians do nothing.
On Saturday, I watched an interview with Mayor Jim Watson. Based on the interview, he was hiding in his home, basically telling the truckers that they’ve had their fun and it’s time to leave.
That’s not a leader. To me, it’s similar to a neighbour telling kids to return home and be their parents' problem. Once again, a case of NIMBY, which seems to be an ongoing theme here in Ottawa.
To be fair, I’m not fully aware of what, if anything, can be legally done to stop the protests. As an outsider, I just feel that more needs to be done to regain control of our city.
The thing that put me over the edge were seeing pics of the Terry Fox statue and protesters dancing on the tomb of the unknown soldier. Later on Saturday, I found out that some protesters were harassing workers at the Shepherds Of Good Hope. In an effort to calm the situation, workers gave out food to the drivers & protesters.
For me, all three incidents hit me hard. I have friends and family members that have fought in wars, which includes Cancer. Cancer is also a battle. I also have friends who rely on the Shepherds Of Good Hope and their services.
When I found this out, I decided to donate money to SOGH, and I strongly encourage those who can, to do the same.
To make a donation online to the Shepherds Of Good Hope, please go to https://www.sghottawa.com/
It only takes a few moments, and your donation can change people’s lives.
As for me, things are ok, at least on the surface. All of my caregivers have been on time so far, which I’m grateful for. As far as my mental health goes, it’s not great.
Some of that is my fault, though. I spent way too much time on social media and YouTube on Saturday watching events unfolding, and also letting posts and tweets get to me.
That’s typically a big no-no for me.
Also, I’m feeling trapped. Trapped in my own home, and not just from this weekend. Between the fact that it’s Winter and Covid still exists. Speaking of Covid, I wouldn’t be surprised if case numbers increase due to the protest.
I also have no idea about how much longer the truckers will be here for, and the impact it’ll continue to have, especially to people with disabilities.
Depending on how bad it gets, it could greatly affect Para Transpo this week, as well as medical appointments. Traffic gridlocks could further affect caregivers getting to and from work. Not having caregivers can and often affects people with disabilities, including myself. PWD also rely on drugstores, and medical supply companies to deliver much-needed medications and equipment.
Those are just a few examples.
Before I end this, I want to say thank you. Thank you to the truckers who continue to work and help keep life rolling for everyone. You are truly a huge part of our lives. I fully realize that the protesters on Parliament Hill aren’t how most truckers are. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know several truckers, including through social media. Generally, they’re good people who work hard to deliver the items we all need.
As I’ve said in the past, it only takes a few people or less to make an entire group of people look bad.
Please stay safe out there.
Photo: @GoyerMel
