Terrorist-def'n:"The unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives"
Mr.Brant and his small narrow minded band of thugs have said that they have guns and will use them if necessary. This group of stone age natives do not represent the majority of peaceful, hardworking native Canadians who strive hard to improve themselves daily. Poor water conditions,bad schools and a lack of affordable housing is common in all strata's of civilization. Natives are not the only ones who are angry at our governments for how they treat the underprivileged, so what gives the right for those are like minded to terrorists to feel they have the right to hold the innocent hostage?
This is the same type of atmosphere that permeated Ipperwash back in the mid-nineties - a splinter group of militant natives who threatened violence and were known to have access to guns. The rash actions of a woefully unprepared police force led to the unfortunate shooting of Dudley George. Two wrongs didn't make a right-the fact was, militant natives were conducting civil disobedience and flouting the rule of law and to demonstrate that the rule of law had to be respected, the Natives had to be cleared from the park. As we all learned, if a plan can't be executed properly things can quickly go bad. Since then, Fantino in an effort to save face in an election year, has decided to take the other approach and allow all sorts of civil disobedience with impunity - like Caledonia.
Our current government has taken some long-awaited steps to fast-tracking land claims. But we are far behind countries like New Zealand who have lived up to their part of the bargain and taken Native affairs more seriously. When the Canadian government and representatives from the Native people finally sit down and have meaningful dialogue, then, and only then, can we start returning to more respect for the rule of law. We all wish as humans to find resolve for the issues of land claims, safe water, Human Rights/Women Rights, Education, and Band/Police accountability.
As soon as we can reasonably prove by example that we are moving forward with priority and purpose, then guys like Shawn Brant and his thugs should be ashamed of their actions and live up too their word and turn themselves in and face their peers in court.
Later,
Kenaz
