I understand the frustration in some way. For many of us we, this has been a difficult 22 months. Rules about social distancing, wearing masks, who we can meet with, have all changed us. The introverted side of me has rejoiced that I have had ample alone time or time to spend just with Brian. The extroverted side of me wonders about dinner parties, going to theaters and concerts, and going out to visit friends socially. Twenty-two months is a long time. All of us want to get back to normal.
Most of us understand however, that these measures have been needed. By now most of us know of someone who has become ill from COVID, or we have become ill ourselves. And we are aware that are hospital system, which was already strained, is staggering to take care of all of its regular patients and COVID patients. Most of us accept the pandemic restrictions as things we need to do to keep our communities safe. We know the medicine might be better, but it might make us well.
This truck convoy though began as a rallying cry that some people have had enough. They did this for a number of reasons. They figure we are all going to catch the disease anyways so why not open up and get back to normal. Or they believe that COVID is not real or the vaccines don't work. Or they believe enough of us have been vaccinated so COVID is no longer an issue. Or they just don't like being told what to do. Or they just don't like the government. Or who knows. For whatever reason the convoy began.
The thing though is, that even though the convoy may have started with what is felt were noble intentions, others have joined the throng. Some of these are troublemakers. Neo nazis and white supremacists have joined the convoy. There are those in the group who either peacefully or violently want to get rid of the Prime Minister. There are racists who threw rocks at am ambulence because the driver was a person of colour. There were those who want to erase social measures that have become part of the Canadian millieu (anti-abortionists, anti-conversion therapy bans, anti-women's groups).
It should be noted that not all in the convoy think the way these extremists do. Many honestly believe in the cause of getting rid of masks and restrictions. But unfortunately they have become linked up with others who dilute their message. For me, I will always remember this protest for those protestors who urinated on the memorials of statues, for those who danced on the tomb of the unknown soldier and for those who desecrated the statue of Terry Fox. The message of should unvaccinated truckers be allowed to carry goods back and forth the US border (the original intent of the protest) has been lost. I just pray that this protest rolls away smoothly and peacefully and that no blood is shed. Blessings
