Demonstrators board buses to Ottawa to protest visit by U.S. president

[maddezmom]

TORONTO (CP) - About 400 Toronto peace activists boarded buses at the crack of dawn Tuesday, heading to Ottawa to join the thousands expected to demonstrate during U.S. President George W. Bush (news - web sites)'s first official visit to Canada.



The Toronto Coalition to Stop the War, one of many city-based groups heading to the capital, planned to roll out a so-called "unwelcome mat" for Bush - a giant carpet-turned-protest-sign.


Organizer Dylan Penner called Bush a "war criminal" and said the protesters oppose what they consider Canada's complicity in the U.S. president's policies.


"Over 100,000 people have been killed so far by the invasion and occupation of Iraq (news - web sites) and we're going to Ottawa to say that war criminals like Bush aren't welcome here," Penner said.

more: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1845&ncid=737&e=2&u=/cpress/20041130/ca_pr_on_na/bush_cda_protests

edited to add this link:

Canada in Anti-U.S. Mood for Bush Trip

WASHINGTON - President Bush (news - web sites)'s trip north of the border will be akin to a polite dance where he'll try to avoid missteps that could create more anti-Americanism in Canada. For his part, Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin will want to avoid looking as if he's bending to U.S. will on trade and security issues.



After years of bickering, Bush is hoping to patch up relations with Ottawa when he arrives Tuesday on the first official visit to Canada by a U.S. president in nearly 10 years. Relations between the Bush administration and Canada got off to a rocky start when Bush chose Mexico instead of Canada as the first country he'd visit. Trade disputes — a key topic of discussion — and the war in Iraq (news - web sites) further soured the friendship.


~snip~

"Under Chretien, relations were terrible," John Hulsman, research fellow in foreign policy at Heritage Foundation, said of the former prime minister whose aide called Bush a "moron" in November 2002. "It got so bad that in the Parliament one time they forgot to turn the mikes off and someone was calling Bush a bastard."


Bush will not make a customary speech at the House of Commons in Ottawa where the sometimes raucous Parliament has been known to heckle speakers. Bush's unpopularity is expected to be protested by demonstrators upset about trade issues and Iraq.


more: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=544&ncid=703&e=1&u=/ap/20041130/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_canada

[VivaKerry]

1. Go Canada!!!! n/t

[rodeodance]

7. CNN is awaiting his plane in Ottowa

[MaineDem]

10. Directv Channel 366 is CBC Newsworld

They're showing it live as well. And I trust them more than CNN.

[maddezmom]

13. hey thanks...didn't even know I got the channel

:)

[rodeodance]

15. no satillite-----tell us about it please

[Stephanie]

2. I thought Bush's DUI precluded his visiting Canada

Aren't they supposed to stop him at the border?

[MaineDem]

4. I read somewhere he has special dispensation

Figures...more people making special deals for Barbara's Little Darling.

[rodeodance]

5. most states wipe the driving recorded clean after some years

[Tyler Durden]

29. Actually, DUI is a civil crime, not a driving offense.

I believe most states list it as a Class "A" Misdemeanor at the very least; the sort of thing that sticks to your "permanent record."

That is, unless you're George Bush.

[BUSHOUT]

3. I hope there's violence. If it bleeds it leads. n/t

[rodeodance]

6. no, I do not want violence!! LOUD and Many protesters wil do just fine.

[ilovenicepeople]

35. NO VIOLENCE Thanks,it's bad enough that America hates us

for our freedoms.We will treat the anti-christ as politly as any one of his minions.:pals:

[goclark]

8. Keep us posted as soon as you hear a word nt

[rodeodance]

16. "canada is not the friend we think it is"--so says a preview announcer for

the upcoming Niel Coboda (sp?) Fox show today!!
uga uga!!:-(

[The Backlash Cometh]

22. Speak for yourself, Neil. They LOVE us.

[GliderGuider]

50. Yeah, we love YOU guys

It's those OTHER guys we can't stand.

[Bono71]

9. According to Yahoo...the protests were a bust :(

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20041130/wl_canada_afp/canada_us_bush

[CAN_for_Kerry]

11. Snuf

how can it be a bust, or is this the media again trying to keep people home (i.e.,from voting in the states) so they don't protest. Give me a break, his plane just landed, Canadian activists will not disappoint. Unfortuneatly they may be so far away from the bloody cameras you won't see any of it.

[Bono71]

14. I agree

[rodeodance]

20. Early anti-Bush demos fizzle in Canada (about 40 protesters) but more

protests to follow. Lets hope for a better turnout!!


http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20041130/wl_canada_afp/canada_us_bush


Early anti-Bush demos fizzle in Canada


2 hours, 14 minutes ago



OTTAWA (AFP) - Hopes for early mass protests in the streets of Ottawa on the eve of Tuesday's visit by US President George W. Bush (news - web sites) 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.

[maddezmom]

12. perhaps the "pre-visit" protests were a bust

but * just landed...so we'll have to see.

[rodeodance]

17. some reporter on cnn is saying they are suprized that Bush has so

many Hight level cabinate members with him (Powell and Rice) they said.

[maddezmom]

19. one last boondoogle for the old gang

on the taxpayer dime.

[zann725]

25. The "numbers" of protestors does NOT make sense at all...

particularly since "buses of protestors" (estimated at 400)...as noted in this thread...were reported as on the bus and heading toward the protest. Plus what about the thousands expected and waiting at Bush's arrival? I REFUSE to believe only 40 people showed up!!
Plus Canadians hate Bush. What is going on with our Media?:crazy:

[Spazito]

27. What media? The US 'media' died in 2000...

you now have infotainment and propaganda organs, imo.

[LakeCohoon]

40. What does Canada Have?

Oh yes, a bunch of government controlled TV stations and a government controlled satellite provider (Expressview). I suppose that’s why hacking Dish Network and Direct TV are so popular up there.

[Spazito]

45. We have CNN, CTV, CBC, Global, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC, ABC,

CBS, CPAC, etc, etc, etc.

The only 'government' owned outlet is CBC and it is a crown corporation separate from the government and very often a ferocious critic of our government.

We have much more access to your news than you have to ours. Is it because we actually have news that reports not news that is infotainment and propaganda? I suspect so.

[LakeCohoon]

54. Nonsense

If there is so much freedom, why are Dish Network and DTV banned?

[northamericancitizen]

63. I love the word "infotainment" is it from you? n/t

[Spazito]

64. LOL, I don't think so, I think I picked it up sometime in 2000...

to describe the US media. It certainly seems to fit!

[Spazito]

24. What crap!

This article is beyond ridiculous. The protest buses just left early this morning from Montreal, Toronto, etc. The baby bush route to Parliament Hill has not been made public so why would the protesters be out there on Monday or early Tuesday before bush even arrives.

[zann725]

26. Lies! Lies! Lies!

n/t

[tom II]

41. I agree also

That is what I read also. Where are the people?

[Kathy in Cambridge]

52. There's many more than you and Bono71 could have hoped for

sorry to burst your bubble...

[Vidar]

18. Bravo Canada. Je me souviens.

[insane_cratic_gal]

21. we want pictures!

MSM is avoiding the coverage of it atm

[TO Kid]

56. Here you go

The cam is at http://www.parliamenthill.gc.ca/text/hillcam_e.html

[Spazito]

65. Nice picture of Parliament Hill BEFORE the protest,...

Nice try, TO Kid, but here are some of the protest:





and more here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x2767881

Edited to add: Link to CBC site with a photo gallery and online diary:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/continentaldivide/moore.html

[Say_What]

72. Death Squad Democracy!!

Loved this one...

[maddezmom]

23. Bush arrives in Canada for first stage of world charm offensive - LOL!!

~snip~


Bush landed at Ottawa airport aboard Air Force 1 and received a red carpet welcome from Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson. Things were decidedly cooler downtown where protesters were gathering ahead of Bush's arrival on Parliament Hill for a meeting with Prime Minister Paul Martin.


Bush is in Canada for just over 24 hours to road test a message he will bring to Europe later about international co-operation in Iraq, Afghanistan (news - web sites) and other trouble spots.

~snip~

Bush is using the Canadian visit as a dry-run for a wider European charm offensive in the new year. He'll be making the pitch that it is in the global community's interest to find a way out of the quagmire in Iraq.


Gone is the so-called Pottery Barn foreign policy mentality that dictated if you broke it, you fix it.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1845&ncid=737&e=1&u=/cpress/20041130/ca_pr_on_na/bush_cda

[priller]

28. "Hey you, ferriners, clean up my mess!"

And thus, the cycle of life continues for BushBoy. He screws it up, others more competent clean up after him, he walks away unscathed.

[bvar22]

36. the bush* visit would go much better...

...if bush* could speak Canadian.

[Minstrel Boy]

30. For Torontonians like me who couldn't make the bus to Ottawa:

Candlelight Vigil in Solidarity with Demonstrations to Stop Bush
Tuesday Nov. 30, 6:00 pm
360 University Ave
(1 bl. south of Dundas St. West - opposite the U.S. Consulate)

This Vigil is in memory of the estimated 100 000 Iraqi dead from Bush's invasion and occupation of Iraq

Speakers include author and columnist Linda McQuaig.

[veggiemama]

31. http://ottawa.indymedia.org/

Some of y'all might want to monitor this site today. IndyMedia's usually great for covering "local" protests of the Chimperor:

http://ottawa.indymedia.org/

[Cadence]

33. Your right.

This says hundreds rallied yesterday to march in Ottawa but only 40 show up today?

Did I mention our talkshow media SUCKS!

http://ottawa.indymedia.org/en/2004/11/33.shtml

[warrens]

32. HAHAHA, an unwelcome mat

I love it.

[Inland]

34. Just make the MPs sign loyalty oaths as were required for Bush rallies

[bvar22]

37. For those "hungry" for protest news,

The link posted by Cadence to Ottawa IndyMedia is good.

http://ottawa.indymedia.org/en/2004/11/33.shtml

They (Indymedia) don't have any pics up yet. They do have a link to a camera posted on Parliament Hill, the proposed site of the protest where the bush* statue is supposed to fall.
Here is the current picture from the hill] site. Doesn't seem to be much happening now.



Link to Parliament Hill camera:
http://www.tdc.ca/parliamentwebcam.htm

[CAN_for_Kerry]

38. Look now on CSPAN or Newsworld or CBC

Protest have grown, they will not disappoint.

[Rzrbk]

39. News conference with PM Martin and President Bush on CNN

PM of Canada sounds like a reasonable guy ...

[CAN_for_Kerry]

42. cnn won't show protesters, cbc, cspan, and newsworld will

[TO Kid]

43. CBC says 200 protesters showed up

Given that the CBC routinely inflates numbers like that(their SOP is to have demonstrators crowd around the camera to make it look bigger), my guess would be 60 to 80.

[Minstrel Boy]

44. you still here?

CBC just said 5,000 on the Hill, building to the 5:00 demonstration.

Nice agenda you have there, kid. :eyes:

[GliderGuider]

48. I watched the march go by my office building

I had a great view from the 7th floor as it turned the corner in front of me. I'd estimate close to 10,000 marchers - it took a good half hour to go by.

It was totally peaceful. Banners, signs, lots of chanting, but nothing out of the ordinary. The few police I could see were in regular uniforms, not riot gear. Aside from a couple with videocams, most of them were on traffic duty - holding back cars at the intersections to let the march go through. There were no barriers or anything in this part of town (6 blocks from the Hill).

I spoke with my girlfriend by cellphone - she got to march while I worked, the lucky dog - and she confirmed my impressions. All high spirits and good vibes. We're going to the 5:00 pm vigil together.

I saw on the net that a pro-Bush demonstrator last night had a sing that read "The only mad cow is Carolyn Parrish" - I disagree, but it was still clever.

Buck Fush!

[TO Kid]

55. Just checked the Hill webcam

Nothing going on, the protesters are a few blocks away. CBC now saying 5,000 so it's probably about 1,000-1,500.

[Not a robought]

46. Don't believe your own lying eyes TO Kid

That's just ummm.... photoshop, ya.

[maddezmom]

49. looks like around 200 cops...donning gas masks

looks like they are going to start setting off some sort of gas :eyes:

[maddezmom]

47. CNN and FOX is showing live shots now

video coming from the WH pool photographer

[neohippie]

51. Ms-NBC showed live shots of riot police beating back the peaceful protest

There were cops in full riot gear hitting protesters flashing peace signs, a really large crowd, the announcer said 15-20,000 people turned out to protest Bush's visit.

[TankLV]

53. No - they didn't "forget to turn the mikes off" bunkerboy IS a BASTARD.

and a LIAR, THUG, IMBICILE, WAR CRIMINAL, IDIOT, etc.

[CAN_for_Kerry]

57. demonstrators rail against bush

OTTAWA (CP) - Protesters clashed with riot police Tuesday afternoon as a crowd tried to move across a bridge to go to the next venue to demonstrate against the visit of U.S. President George Bush.

Scuffles broke out as dozens of police in riot gear and gas masks used shields to hold back activists. The clash occurred outside the upscale Chateau Laurier Hotel, where some of the Bush entourage were staying. Protesters were knocked to the ground and at least one person was arrested and led away.

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2004/11/30/741817-cp.html

[frictionlessO]

58. starting to look like a crowd for the vigil!! on the hill...

[CitySky]

59. Indymedia now says 10,000

good story --> http://ottawa.indymedia.org/

Go Canada!

[CitySky]

60. And:

click on the picture in indymedia for a larger view -- or someone who knows how please upload it here; it's very heartening!

[u4ic]

61. This one?

[Minstrel Boy]

66. nice pic, thanks! n/t

[bin.dare]

70. is this photo real ?

what's with the Kerry-Edwards sign ?
and that red circle around the window in the middle building ?

[Iceburg]

71. Estimated crowd size 40,000 ++

The area in one the picture above ...(a snap of the "centre" crowd {left and right side are cut off}) covers minimally 500 * 700 feet. If each person occupies 3 feet squared, then 500*700/9 = 38,888 people.

That's a very conservative estimate. If we assume the dimensions 700x1000 ft (closer to reality), then the crowd size approaches 80,000.

More Pics & Video

Dozens of pics by DU'ers Cannabian and Iceburg
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1033969#1034044

100's of pics by Ottawa Independent Media posters
http://ottawa.indymedia.ca/en/2004/12/201.shtml

Quick Time Video at Ottawa Independent Media
http://ottawa.indymedia.org/media/2004/11/190.mov

Video of Police and Bush from CrooksandLiars.com
http://movies.ziaspace.com/Canada.wmv

[Say_What]

73. More Pics.... also some from Chile and Colombia last week

[mtnester]

62. Oh Canada...do us ALL a favor and...

never mind

[northamericancitizen]

67. I am looking for a picture I saw on SRC

which is CBC french-canadian equivalent.

Late afternoon they did an 1 hour special on all the protest happening across Canada.

There was a picture showing a big white truck leading one of the march. On it was written in huge black letters a message against Bush. I thought it was pretty effective. did anyone else saw it?

[insane_cratic_gal]

68. Just want to say thanks

Thanks guys, I know you didn't do it for us 57 million, but we sure appericate your efforts anyway.

I was gleefully watching it downstairs on Cnn last night, I was so very proud of you all.

[maddezmom]

69. something like BUSH Persona non Grata