Caledonia should say farewell to Fantino

Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino has a rather sinister track record, one that includes police brutality, racist policing, use of excessive force against protesters and bathhouse raids and other homophobic policing.

And now on the one year anniversary of the occupation of Caledonia by native activists protesting a housing development being built on what they claim is their land, the cries for Fantino to resign, once again rage with the ferocity of a banshee cry.

The latest storm of controversy to suck up the "Don of Commissioners" surrounds his bizarre e-mail sent warning the Haldimand County Mayor and councillors that he would hold them responsible for violence resulting from future anti occupation protests by a group known as "Caledonia Wake Up Call." The group is critical of the OPP's handling of the standoff with natives occupying a 40-hectare tract of land.

Fantino's e-mail rant was apparently triggered by one councillor's comments supporting the leader of that group, Gary McHale. The OPP boss then in true dictator fashion, took the sole initiative to villainize a man because he expresses a different opinion, calling him "a lightning rod for confrontation and potential violence."

The e-mail went on to say that if further violence resulted from a McHaleled protest, Commissioner Fantino would support any lawsuits filed by officers, would pass on the ensuing policing costs to the county and would recommend that the OPP not renew its contract with the county when it expires in September, 2008.

Caledonia tax payers need to wake up their city council and demand their voices be heard. Fantino needs to leave and a new police force brought in to restore public trust. The man is an out of control bully with way too much power, and before he does something completely stupid that could potentially cost lives he should be replaced.

Long live free speech.

Later,
Kenaz