| Toronto, my fair city, has been turned into an armed camp to allow for the leaders of the 8 and 20 wealthiest countries to meet and decide the economic fate of the rest of the world. Storm troopers wielding batons, canisters of pepper spray, guns that shoot rubber bullets, and vicious attack dogs, are in place to keep the unwashed at a goodly distance so the silk suits are kept unaware and won't have to see, hear or smell them. Police and military outnumber protesters and the city is encircled by miles of ugly chain link fence and concrete barriers. Helicopter gunships hover overhead and military jets circle the city, while armoured vehicles outfitted with water canons, sound canons designed to puncture ear drums, and tear gas nozzles roam the streets ready and itching for a fight. The host country's three levels of government claim to have spent 1 BILLION dollars (translation: 2 BILLION +) to create a green zone in the center of the city where government officials will congregate for two days of glad handing and back slapping. They'll decide how much more to donate to poverty stricken investment banks while deciding how much more to squeeze from those who can least afford to pay. I can't help but be cynical, as we've all seen this happen year after year. I wonder which country will get to host the party next year? |
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