I’ve been following the “Freedom Convoy” over the weekend, and I’ve found myself getting increasingly frustrated with the use of the word “freedom” by those who are a part of it or support it.
First and foremost, I’m supportive of everyone’s right to protest against what they feel is wrong or unjust. It’s one of the many reasons this country is one of the most beautiful places to call home, and why I count my blessings for having been born here.
Second, I’ve come to the realization that not everyone is going to get the vaccine. I’ve heard outrageous claims by some who don’t want to get it, but I’ve also heard logical arguments from people I respect and call my friends. I’ve come to the conclusion that this is something I need to accept and respect, regardless of whether or not I agree with it.
Back to “freedom” though.
It’s a word that’s been used a lot in recent days, and it’s become abundantly evident that it means different things for different people.
Ask the little girl in Afghanistan who dared to go to school and is now in hiding for fear of her life what freedom is.
Ask the African man who was abducted and was forced into slavery on a plantation, thousands of miles away from his native land what freedom is.
Ask the women across the globe who are forced into selling their bodies multiple times a day what freedom is.
Ask Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. what freedom is as he organized marches and demonstrations to fight for basic human rights.
Ask Nelson Mandela what freedom is as he sat in a jail cell for 27 years for daring to oppose the evil of apartheid.
To state these protests are for freedom just isn’t right.
It’s a privilege to travel.
It’s a privilege to have the ability to eat at a restaurant.
It’s a privilege to go to a bar for drinks with friends.
We Canadians are arguably some of the freest of the free on this planet, which is why the use of the word “freedom” isn’t fitting. It’s not right to pretend as though we are oppressed and living in some sort of alternate universe that somehow compares to the examples listed above and so many more throughout the pages of human history when it comes to freedom.
To put it simply, to continue to use the word freedom to describe this protest is an insult to those who have fought for and died for it.
Speaking of which, I’ve found it indescribably disturbing to view images of swastikas and confederate flags at these protests. Regardless of which side of the fence you sit on with regards to the mandates the government has implemented, one would be hard pressed to justify why these symbols of hate were allowed and tolerated in a protest that was for freedom.
Also, the video of the woman standing on The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one that’s been seared into my mind. For those that don’t know, that tomb contains the remains of an unknown Canadian soldier who died fighting in WWI for the exact thing the person desecrating his grave claims to be fighting for….freedom.
Add the images of urine in the snow on the National War Memorial (a monument meant to honor those who died fighting for our freedoms) and you’ll begin to hopefully understand some of the frustration I’m so desperately trying to express.
I’m not even going to attempt to put into words my bewilderment at the fact that I’ve heard many of the organizers of this event are active members of various hate groups. How can people who hate me for the color of my skin and my religious beliefs claim to be fighting for my freedom?
It’s preposterous.
I’ve heard upwards of $7 million dollars has been raised to support this protest. There’s no doubt that’s impressive, but if those involved with this group truly believe this is about freedom, perhaps a substantial amount of that money should go towards figuring out who the perpetrators of the above mentioned acts of disgust were?
The bottom line is, if you’re truly passionate about these mandates and want them to be lifted, then all the power to you. Protest and express yourself – it’s your right as Canadians, but speak up when people like those mentioned above rear their hate-filled heads and use this as an opportunity to promote their agendas.
Use the millions you raised to oust the divisive scum who are so entrenched in your ranks.
Do what you need to do, but please, don’t refer to this as a protest for freedom, because that is a word which shouldn’t be used so lightly.
Picture: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Remembrance Day 2017) – Benoit Rochon
