Over 400 people were arrested protesting the G20 meeting in Toronto yesterday as 20,000 protesters showed up to heckle the leaders of the 20 richest countries in the world. Most of the protesters were totally nonviolent, but some marched in a black bloc, throwing projectiles at police, breaking bank and shop windows and setting things on fire. Four police cars were consumed in flames in different places, and police used the destruction to justify dispersal tactics like rubber bullets, tear gas and brute force against peaceful protesters. There are prominent reports of police brutality flooding out, including the beating of reporter, Jesse Rosenfeld.
In other news, Hands Across the Sands took place yesterday in over 800 cities across the United States, attracting thousands to hope in their SUVs and drive to the Gulf Coast (particularly Florida) in protest of offshore oil drilling. No government response yet . . .
And finally, thousands gathered in Detroit to march against dirty energy. The coalition rallied against incineration and heavy diesel traffic in particular with large banners and wooden sunflowers symbolizing “green” energy.
For one, the government must focus on moving truck traffic onto improved, safer and expedited rail service.